Life is so busy that we often don’t have the chance to sit down for a proper meal. That’s where snacking comes in. Grabbing a quick snack gives us the energy and nutrients we need to stay energized throughout the day. It’s a wholesome behavior so long as we choose healthy snack options.

And that’s the problem — finding easy healthy snacks to eat on the go isn’t always easy. There are many choices at the grocery store, but we often reach for whatever’s convenient, which can lead to poor nutrition and unwanted weight gain. Finding healthy snack alternatives to junk food can be tricky. With so many options, it can be hard to know what to choose. 

To find the healthiest packaged snacks, look for ones that are high in protein and fiber and low in fats, sugars, carbohydrates, and sodium. Look for snacks with a satisfying serving size. You don’t want to eat a snack only to crave something else 15 minutes after eating. 

Let’s look at some of the best healthy snacks that’ll bust your cravings, fill you up, and get you through your day without causing a sugar crash.

1. Wonderful Shelled Roasted & Salted Pistachios

Snacking has come out of its shell. Wonderful Pistachios Roasted & Salted No Shells have the same delicious taste, but with a little less work for you. Full of flavor and packed with 6 grams of protein per serving, pistachios are the perfect healthy snack in between meals and on the go.

2. Three Dads Superfood Popcorn

Made with the finest organic popcorn and fortified nutritional yeast, Three Dads’ delicious Cheezy Superfood Popcorn is loaded with protein, fiber, vitamins, key minerals, and essential amino acids. Naturally popped by air instead of oil, this dairy-free "cheezy" popcorn is heart-healthy and contains 100% more protein and 30% less fat than other leading popcorn brands. It’s one tasty snack you won’t feel guilty about indulging in.

3. Rhythm Superfoods Zesty Nacho Kale Chips

Ready to kick it up a nacho? These zesty kale chips make your taste buds sing with a zing of “cheesy” flavor in every crunchy bite. These chips are made from whole foods and are nutrient-dense, plant-based snacks with a sharp, savory flavor you crave. They’re jam-packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants to fuel your life.

4. Chinook Seedery Original Sunflower Seeds

The Original flavor is anything but ordinary. Giant sunflower seeds are roasted and salted to perfection in small batches. A dash of organic cane sugar is added to the mix, and you've got a seeding experience unlike any other. Sunflower seeds are naturally gluten-free, and Chinook seeds are non-GMO and MSG-free, so there’s no reason not to indulge every day. Crack open and enjoy.

5. Biena Rockin’ Ranch Chickpea Snacks

Ranch lovers rejoice! Are you looking for a way to satisfy your craving while maintaining a healthy diet? This classic roasted chickpea snack is dusted with a rockin’ ranch seasoning that’s sure to leave your taste buds fulfilled. They’re high in fiber and packed with protein, making this the perfect plant-based snack, free of gluten, peanuts, tree nuts, grains, and dairy. Throw these in your travel bag, or keep some in your pantry whenever you need to nosh on something healthy.

6. Country Archer Mango Habanero Beef Jerky

Country Archer Mango Habanero Beef Jerky is what you crave when you want an easy, healthy snack that’s also a good source of protein — but with a flavor kick that’ll keep you on your toes. Habanero peppers and sweet mangoes add the right balance of heat and sweet to grass-fed beef jerky handcrafted without preservatives or nitrites. It’s muy caliente.

7. Rind Tropical Skin-On Dried Fruit Snacks

Rind Fruit Snacks are the perfect treat when your sweet tooth needs satisfaction. This deliciously tangy, juicy, and refreshing blend of organic pineapple, bittersweet orange, and tangy kiwi will transport you to warmer climates and sunnier times. This snack has all the benefits of fresh fruit, meaning you’re maximizing the nutritional value of these treats while minimizing food waste. It’s a win-win for your waistline and the planet.

8. Daily Crunch Golden Goodness Sprouted Almonds with Tumeric

Looking for a savory but clean and healthy snack? Look no further than our Golden Goodness sprouted almonds, bursting with flavor and a hint of sea salt and turmeric. This uniquely crunchy sprouted nut treat is clean and packed with protein, making for one filling snack.

9. PopCorners White Cheddar

What do you get when you mix popcorn with tortilla chips? A delicious, crispy yet never fried taste sensation that’s also a healthy gluten-free indulgence. PopCorners add just the right amount of sharp white cheddar flavor for a delicious cheesy snack as easy on the hips as they’re on your taste buds.

10. Second Nature Wholesome Medley Trail Mix

It’s been said that trail mix is nothing more than candy with obstacles. This couldn’t be further from the truth with Second Nature. Keep yourself fueled while you’re on the go with this medley of almonds, dark chocolate chips, peanuts, dried cranberries, cashews, and dried cherries — all sprinkled with a little sea salt to keep things interesting. It makes for a healthy, protein-rich snack that lets nothing come between you and great taste.

11. Outstanding Foods Hella Hot Pigless Pork Rinds

Sometimes, you just want something to crunch! Enter Outstanding Foods Pork Rinds to spice things up with Addictively Delicious Hella Hot flavor. These vegan treats are high-protein, packing a whopping 25 grams per bag. Baked, not fried, and free of gluten, GMOs, soy, and trans fats, these are the ideal treat for when you want your snack to go down in flames with a satisfying crunch.

12. Fat Snax Almond Flour Sea Salt Crackers

Say bye-bye to celery sticks and cottage cheese — these brand new Almond Flour Keto Crackers are the low-carb crunchy snack you’ve been waiting for. It's crunch time with only 2 to 3 net carbs, 11 grams of fats, and no added sugar. Fat Snax is dedicated to making the world's best-tasting snacks that are also good for you. Enjoy these snacks on their own, or pair them with a healthy spread. No matter how you eat them, Fat Snax has got your back.

13. Good Health Veggie Stix

A healthy alternative to potato chips, these Veggie Stix are positively snackable. With nutrients from tomatoes, spinach, beets, broccoli, and carrots, Veggie Stix is truly a delicious snack with an irresistible crunch, perfect for healthy snackers or anyone trying to sneak more vegetables into their diet.

FAQ

What are the healthiest snack foods?

Choosing a snack food is confusing. There are so many items on the market, each making health claims to entice consumers to eat them. It’s confusing. When it comes time to grab something to get you through running errands or ferrying the kids to their weekend activities, it’s best to remember a few things in your search for the best healthy snacks.

Whole foods. Try to choose snacks as close to their original form as possible. Otherwise, you could wind up eating sweeteners, fillers, and other unhealthy additives.

Bulk. Your snack should contain a high percentage of protein and fiber plus a reasonable amount of heart-healthy fat (30% of calories from fat). These nutrients will give your snack some heft, keeping your blood sugars stable and helping you feel satisfied longer. 

Calories. Your snack should provide enough energy to see you through to your next meal without blowing your dietary budget.

Serving size. What good is a snack if you can’t eat enough to deal with your hunger? Pick a snack that lets you consume enough to feel satisfied without sacrificing your nutritional goals.

It’s essential to take the time to read the labels on all packaged food, so you know exactly what you’re putting in your body. If you’re unsure, consult a health professional. They’ll be able to help you set goals, choose foods, and support you as you make changes to your eating lifestyle.

What can I snack on instead of junk food?

Eating healthier doesn’t mean sacrificing delicious snacks. Here are 10 pantry-friendly, tasty, healthy snack ideas to help tame your cravings.

Greek yogurt and mixed berries. Greek yogurt is high in protein and bone-building calcium, while berries provide vitamins and antioxidants.

Apple slices and peanut butter. Protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats all in one delicious and nutritious package. You can also mix it up and try pecan or almond butter instead of peanut for a change.

Hummus. This savory dip delivers plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids and is delicious with cucumber slices, pita chips, or pretzel sticks. 

Edamame. Steamed soybeans are delicious with just a sprinkling of sea salt and are a complete vegan protein that delivers a low net-carb count.

Protein smoothie. Combine fresh fruits, water, juice, or milk (dairy or vegan), with protein powder, Greek yogurt, nut butter, or silken tofu for a delicious, protein-rich, go-anywhere snack.

Hard-boiled egg. Eggs are a convenient protein-rich snack. Yes, we’ve all heard that they can be bad for your cholesterol levels, but consuming a moderate amount of eggs, 3 to 4 a week, is considered healthy.

Chia pudding. Rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant-based protein, chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse. Not very filling on their own, chia seeds are delicious when made into a pudding that you can eat on its own or with fresh fruit.

Roasted chickpeas. Another nutritional superstar, chickpeas are fiber and protein-rich and delicious when cooked with olive oil and other seasonings. Store-bought chickpea snacks are also great.

Beef Jerky. Jerky is a satisfying and portable high-protein snack but keep an eye on your labels. It can be high in sodium, so choose a brand with less than 300 milligrams of sodium per serving.

Popcorn. You might not think it, but popcorn is a low-carb, high-fiber, whole-grain snack. Use an air popper, then toss it with some brewers yeast, olive oil, and some parmesan cheese for a savory snack. There’re also commercially available popcorn snacks on the market that fit the nutritional bill.

Which snacks are good for weight loss?

You might think trying to lose weight means laying off the snacks. But in some cases, it’s the opposite. Healthy eating means incorporating nutritious, low-calorie, high nutritional value snacks into your diet. The best healthy snacks for weight loss are the ones that:

• Keep you from feeling hungry. Look for snacks high in protein and fiber combined with heart-healthy fats.

• Taste great, so you don’t feel deprived.

• Maintain your blood sugar levels to prevent overeating at mealtime.

• Fit with your diet plan, whether keto, low-carb, low-fat, or gluten-free.

Sit down with a nutritionist or dietitian to create an eating plan that incorporates tasty, healthy snacks into your diet. They can help you set realistic weight loss goals and targets that work within your lifestyle and encourage you on your path to better health.