38 Healthy Snacks That Actually Taste Good

Sensible snacking has gotten a bad reputation because many think of “healthy” as “sad.” The reality is a snack can be satisfying and nourishing. Snacks containing some protein, fiber, or healthy fat can assist with feeling full. The following suggestions utilize real food and can be customized based on what you have in your cupboard. Change them out often to keep things interesting.

1) Apples and Peanut Butter

Peanut butter provides healthy fats and some protein to help keep you fuller for longer, while fiber and crunch is provided by the apples. To reduce mess, spread a thin layer of peanut butter on each slice. A sprinkle of cinnamon gives a dessert-like flavor with no extra sugar. If you can choose unsweetened peanut butter, do so.

2) Greek Yogurt and Berries

When in doubt, Greek yogurt and berries is always a solid option for a snack. The Greek yogurt gives you a boost of protein, while the berries can help add flavor to the otherwise bland flavor of the yogurt, especially if you’re using plain yogurt. I’ll sometimes add a drizzle of honey if I want something slightly sweeter that day too.

3) Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is another great source of protein that is also easy to prepare. You can easily mix it up with pineapple for some additional flavor. If the pineapple is packed in juice, it is a good idea to drain some of that juice out so that your snack does not get too sweet. It may be best to pack the cottage cheese separately from the pineapple until you get to your snack to keep it more fresh.

Cottage cheese makes it simple to control your appetite. Eating something that is nutritious like protein helps you feel full longer. Using fresh pineapple is a great topping option. If that is not available, you can even get canned pineapple. Just remember to make sure you select the option that has pineapple in juice, not syrup. You can even add in a little toasted coconut for some extra flavor.

4) Hummus and Carrots

Crunchy carrots plus creamy hummus is a snack that’s satisfying and full of fiber. The hummus adds plant-based protein and healthy fats, while the carrots bring natural sweetness and crunch. For extra flavor, sprinkle the hummus with paprika or add a drizzle of olive oil.

5) Peppers and Guacamole

Since they are inherently crunchy and sweet, they are great for dipping. Guacamole adds more healthy fats and increases satiety. Store bought guacamole is perfectly fine, but a touch of fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt can improve it significantly. If you’re prepping it in advance, it can be stored in an airtight container to minimize browning.

6) Mixed Nuts

When talking about nuts as being nutrient dense, it merely highlights the fact that, given their unique makeup, only a small amount is required to get the same nutritional value as a far larger amount of other foods. Nuts combine healthy fats with a little bit of protein and certain minerals, like magnesium. A small handful from the bag is considered a reasonable amount for a snack. If you want to limit your sodium intake, go for the lightly salted or unsalted options.

7) Roasted Chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas make a great snack because they are crunchy like some snack chips and can be seasoned for added taste. They also provide similar benefits to small beans because they provide healthy nutrients such as fiber and plant protein, which are essential for the human body.

Some popular seasoning choices are smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, or chili. Roasted chickpeas are best enjoyed while still fresh; however, when storing them, keep the storage container covered loosely to prevent them from becoming too soft. If buying roasted chickpeas, try to buy those with little added sugar and oil.

8) Hard-Boiled Eggs

Protein snacks are very easy to prepare and are also very portable. If you wanted, you could pack them with salt and pepper to season them on the go. Meal prepping for the week can be done by making all of the meals at once and keeping them all in the fridge. For a better balanced option, include some fruit.

9) Edamame

Edamame is a healthy snack option, as they provide a good amount of protein. They can be bought frozen, and are a fun snack to eat. They take only a few minutes to prepare, as you can steam them, or pop them in the microwave. Simply add a little flaky salt to them, along with some chili flakes or a squeeze of lemon to enhance their flavor. If you want an even easier option, you can buy shelled edamame.

10) Avocado Grain Bowl

This can easily transition from a light snack to a full lunch. Whole grains add fiber while avocado adds some healthy fat. For a light dressing, toss with lemon juice and black pepper. If you want to add more protein, throw on some slices of hard-boiled eggs.

11) Banana and Almond Butter

Bananas are loaded with natural sugar and are an excellent source of quick energy. Plus, they help the snack stay more satisfying. Also, since most people consider it an easy snack to digest, it makes a great pre-workout snack. Try adding chopped almonds for crunch. Be sure to choose an almond butter that has low added sugar.

12) Crackers and Cheese

Cheese and crackers can be a healthy snack option as long as you choose good quality crackers and monitor your portion sizes. Whole grain crackers will provide some fiber and the cheese contributes protein and calcium. To add some crunch and nutrition, take along some grape tomatoes or sliced cucumbers. If you are monitoring your sodium intake, choose low salt crackers.

13) Turkey Roll-Ups

Turkey roll-ups are quick, protein-forward, and easy to customize. Take a slice of turkey and roll it around a stick of cucumber or a piece of bell pepper or a thin smear of hummus. If you are buying deli meat, buy low sodium options. This snack is especially good for busy afternoons, when you need something that will sustain you for a long time.

14) Tuna Salad Cups

You can load up on protein when eating tuna. One of the great things about tuna is that you can make many different recipes with it. A scrumptious tuna salad can be made with canned tuna, some plain Greek yogurt (or mayo), lemon juice, and some pepper. Tuna salads are often packed with tuna, so they can get heavy. You can pack your salad with some chopped, fresh cucumbers for some added crunch. Keep your salad cool and eat it within 1-2 days.

15) Chia Pudding

Chia seeds develop a pudding-like texture when they are mixed with liquid. When mixed with liquid, the seeds expand which, along with the seeds’ fiber content, can create a snack that assists with satiety. These seeds can be made with either standard dairy milk or a non-dairy milk alternative. Due to the snack’s ability to induce satiety, it’s recommended that only smaller portions be made.

16) Oatmeal

As long as you manage your portion size, oatmeal can be eaten any time of day. Oats are high in soluble fiber which helps to get us to that feeling of fullness. Cinnamon, berries, or a spoonful of nut butter make it taste comforting without adding much sugar. While instant oats are acceptable, plain oats are better because you have more control over the sweetness level.

17) Popcorn

Popcorn is a whole grain and air-popped popcorn can be a surprisingly healthy snack. Just watch out for the butter and sugary toppings. For a savory version, try a little olive oil, salt, and smoked paprika. It gives you a great option for a larger snack without the extra weight.

18) Dark Chocolate and Almonds

It is possible to have some sweets when you have a sweet craving. You can also try things that may have some calming effects. Take for example dark chocolate. It’s a great treat, and because it is a little more on the expensive side it is super indulgent. Almonds also add a nice crunch and contain fat that is good for you. The size of the chocolate bar is meant to be a snack, so try to limit yourself to a few squares. Although it may feel like you are having a dessert, that is not the case here.

19) Fresh Berries

If you are looking for something to snack on that is not boring, fresh berries may be a good option. People often like to eat berries in large amounts, so the fact that they are sweet and contain fiber may help. When trying to get the most value out of the berries shelf life, be sure to wash, dry, and store them properly. If you are trying to get more protein in, consider pairing the berries with yogurt.

20) Oranges and Pistachios

If you are looking for something to snack on to help break the afternoon slump, the combination of oranges and pistachios is a good option. Adding in pistachios, and especially the pre-shelled ones, helps to add protein and fat and makes the snack more balanced. The combination adds the perfect touch when you need something light and bright.

21) Smoothie

Smoothies can make a great snack option. Just make sure to keep your portion size smaller than a meal-sized blend. You could add Greek yogurt for protein, or, if you wish, a little bit of protein powder. Frozen fruit thickens the smoothie, and therefore, no juice is required. If you’re adding greens, a great option is spinach since it is mild and will blend easily.

22) Celery and Peanut Butter

Peanut butter and celery has been around for a long time, and for good reason. The combination of crunchiness from the celery and creaminess from the peanut butter is fantastic. To enhance sweetness, consider adding raisins. If you don’t like raisins, you can substitute them with chopped dates or even mini chocolate chips.

23) Trail Mix

Trail mix is definitely a better snack option than chips. Using nuts and seeds, a small amount of dried fruit (for sweetness) and a bit of dark chocolate, you can make your own customized and healthier version of trail mix. To keep portions controlled, you can store your trail mix in separate containers.

24) Pears and Walnuts

Softer and juicier than apples, pears offer a gentler crunch. The combination of the slightly bitter and rich flavor of walnuts with the juicy and sweet pears also presents a more balanced snack option. This snack offers a unique experience. If you would like to add a dessert touch, feel free to sprinkle some cinnamon over the top.

25) Tomato Mozzarella Bites

Tomatoes and mozzarella cheese are refreshing ingredients that complement each other well. If you don’t have any basil, you can substitute it with a pinch of salt and some dried oregano. A light drizzle of olive oil brings it to another level. It is a great option for a warm day when you don’t want to eat anything heavy.

26) Vegetable Soup

A great snack option that may surprise some is soup. Broth based soups with veggies are low calorie but provide filling and hydrating benefits. Leftover portions can be frozen and are also easy to heat and eat later. If you want more filling benefits, choose a soup with a lot of beans and veggies.

27) Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, high in fiber, and make excellent snack options. You can easily prep one beforehand and just heat it up and it can be topped with either brown sugar (or normal sugar) and cinnamon or if you’re feeling adventurous, add some warmth with a bit of cayenne! For a more savory profile, try some salt and black pepper.

28) Rice Cakes and Avocado

Rice cakes have a light, crunchy texture that goes perfectly with the creaminess of avocado. If you like more heaviness and substance in your snack, this is perfect! To add some extra flavor, you can top it with sliced tomatoes or some ‘everything’ seasoning. Just be careful to not overdo it on the avocado or it’ll turn into a meal!

29) Yogurt and Granola

Granola typically contains sugar but a small amount of sugar can enhance the granola’s crunchiness. Top plain yogurt with sweet toppings. Here, you can add sliced berries or bananas. When buying granola, look for less added sugar and fewer ingredients.

30) Cucumber Salad

Chilling this snack is also very refreshing with a taste that combines crispy and tangy. Its combination of dill and vinegar provides the sepulchral snap of a pickle without the long brining process. It is a light snack and even works well for a meal. If you need more protein, you can complement it with a hard-boiled egg.

31) Frozen Grapes

Frozen grapes could easily be the perfect snack for a sweet craving. They taste like mini sorbet cups (which are way harder and more time-consuming to prepare) and the best part is that they are stupid simple to prepare, you wash them, dry them, and freeze them, that is all you have to do! Since their texture is frozen, you actually eat them at a much slower rate than you do with normal grabable snacks.

This means that you can enjoy them for so much longer. Pro tip to make sure that you don’t end up with a giant fruit flush, use a small bowl for you grapes to keep your serving size small.

32) Yogurt Dip and Apples

When you use plain yogurt blended with peanut butter, the dip you create is super creamy with the added bonus of yogurt and protein. You can dip slices of apples, pieces of pears, or even strawberries. If you don’t want the yogurt to be very sweet, you can adjust the ratio so that it is lightly sweet.

33) Sardines and Crackers

Sardines are an excellent source of protein and Omega-3s and are cheaper than other varieties of fish. Whole grain crackers give a pleasant crunch and complete the snack board nicely. Lemon or hot sauce give a nice kick. If you are sensitive to sodium, choose low sodium options.

34) Stuffed Dates

Dates have a chewy and sweet taste which makes them a good substitute for candy! Adding nut butter provides more fat and a small dose of protein which gives a better nutritional balance. Because they are pretty sweet, you probably should only have one or two. Add a pinch of flaky salt on top for a little more depth to the flavor.

35) Kale Chips

If you like crunchy and slightly salty snacks, kale chips are a good choice. You can add a tiny bit of olive oil and salt while they cook. However, the crunchiness of kale chips can fade, so it’s best to eat them right after they’ve finished baking. When buying them at the store, be careful of extra oils and added sodium.

36) Chocolate Milk

As a post workout snack, chocolate milk is a nutritious choice because it contains carbohydrates and protein. Just be sure to control your portions and select one with minimal added sugar. If you want to make this snack more substantial, you can add a banana. It’s a nice choice if you don’t want to do much chewing.

37) Ricotta Toast

With herbed ricotta, you get the bonus of added protein, and the flavor is rich and creamy. This snack will be just the right amount of sweet since you can skip jam and just use a bit of honey. Then, the whole-grain toast will add heartiness and fullness to the snack. If you like, you can add lemon zest and berries for a nice bright flavor.

38) Veggies and Tzatziki

Crunchy vegetables and Tzatziki are a perfect match because the latter has a refreshing zesty flavor. Plus yogurt, which is a protein source, adds creaminess to the dip. This snack is perfect for making ahead of time, so if you want you can prepare it the night before. You can go as crazy as you want with the garlic and dill if you’re making it at home.