25 Healthy Snacks - Nutritious Snack Ideas
Healthy snacks are one of the keys to diet success. Snacking can keep you full, balance blood sugar levels, provide energy between meals, and even boost overall nutrient intake. However, what you select to eat as your daily snack and the quanity you eat during each snacking session can make all the difference to your overall health.
One study found that healthy snacking is associated with more nutrient-dense eating according to the USDA Healthy Eating Index 2005 scores. Another study found that women who reported two or more snacks per day had higher fruit and vegetable intakes compared to non-afternoon snackers.
But, let's face it: it can be difficult to find snacks that taste good and satisfy those hunger pangs while still acting as a wholesome part of your diet.
Fried foods, greasy chips, and other foods often dominate our snacking habits. So, how can you make sure that the food you choose to enjoy between meals is serving your best interests?
We've put together a monumentous resource center to help you determine the best snacks to meet your needs. Below, you can find a list of our top 25 healthy snacks for all occasions based on the popularity of their tastes and textures, their balanced macronutrients, and their provision of essential vitamins and minerals.
If you're seeking something specific, just scroll a bit further to find a variety of resources for special diets and circumstances. Don't let negative snacking habits hamper your health, check out the suggestions below and get snacking the healthy way today! You can also find our healthy office snacks here!
Top 25 Healthy Snacks
Our Health Nut and Registered Dietitian has sifted through our extensive assortment of healthy snacks and highlighted some of the healthiest picks! Each snack has about 160 calories or less, provides fiber or protein, and has less than 2 grams of saturated fat. Fiber and protein both help to fill you up, and fiber is linked to helping your heart health.
More Healthy Snack Ideas
Want more healthy snack ideas? We’ve curated lists of our favorite healthy snacks for any situation, because we know life can make staying healthy a challenge! Whether you’re going to the movies, preparing your kids for school, sitting at your desk at work, or headed to the gym, we’ve got your snacks covered. Find snacks for any situation with the articles below, or discover even more snack suggestions below!
Healthy Snack Recipes
These recipes offer the means needed to create healthy snacks from scratch, right in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy fresh snacks and serve up one of these tasty treats today!
No-Bake Granola Bars Recipe {gluten-free, vegan}
These scrumptious snacks are easy to make and make a great addition to your child’s lunchbox, your own personal picnic basket, and your healthy diet as a regular mid-morning snack!
Ingredients: Gluten-free rolled oats, peanut butter, dried tart cherries, pistachios, flaxseed meal, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, agave syrup. unsweetened applesauce, melted cacao nibs or dark chocolate.
Total Time: 15 minutes
| Yield: 8 - 10 servings
Pumpkin Granola Bars Recipe {gluten-free}
Packed with health benefits and flavor from real pumpkin, these gluten-free bars are a comforting treat anytime of year.
Ingredients: Gluten-free rolled oats, pumpkin puree, cashew butter, honey, maple syrup, dark chocolate chips, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin spice.
Total Time: 45 minutes
| Yield: 8 bars
Pecan Pie Recipe {gluten-free}
The classic Southern pie gets a healthy twist with all natural sweeteners and an almond flour crust.
Ingredients: Almond flour, coconut oil, honey, eggs, pecan halves, coconut sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, butter, salt.
Total Time: 1 hour
| Yield: 8 servings
Blueberry Chia Jam Bars Recipe {gluten-free, vegan}
There's no baking involved in these delectable and easy 3-layer bars. Just nutrients and delicious flavor in every bite!
Ingredients: Raw almonds, gluten-free rolled oats, chia seeds, maple syrup, water, vanilla or almond extract, blueberries, cacao powder, coconut oil.
Total Time: 30 minutes
| Yield: 16 mini bars
Our Registered Dietitian's Top Picks
Our Health Nut and Registered Dietitian has sifted through our extensive assortment of healthy snacks and highlighted some of the healthiest picks! Each snack has about 160 calories or less, provides fiber or protein, and has less than 2 grams of saturated fat. Fiber and protein both help to fill you up, and fiber is linked to helping your heart health.
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