Stomach growling in the middle of the afternoon? Tide yourself over with one of these healthy snacks! They include granola bars, dips, and more.
If I don’t have a stockpile of healthy snacks on hand, I will, without fail, reach for a cookie at 3pm. Now, there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to something sweet in the afternoon, but if I’m working on a new cookie recipe, there’s a good chance that snacking on sweets will become less of a treat and more of a habit.
Over the years, I’ve learned that filling up on healthy snacks like veggies and dip, smoothies, or trail mix will only make those sweets more rewarding in the end. I’ll be more energized and focused throughout the day, my mood will be better, and any treats I eat will really taste like, well, treats.
Below, you’ll find 49 easy healthy snack ideas to satisfy any craving. Some are sweet and nutty, others are salty and crunchy, and still others are fresh and veggie-forward. They’ll give you the fuel you need to take on any day, whether you’re heading out the door or working from home, and best of all, they’ll taste delicious.
Bar and Ball Healthy Snacks
You can buy a million different bars these days, but I still prefer to make my own. It’s more cost-effective, and I know exactly what I’m snacking on: whole foods like oats, nuts, and seeds and not any additives or preservatives. Plus, these healthy snacks are easy to keep on hand – store them in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 2 months!
Homemade Granola Bars
These homemade granola bars taste better than any you’d find at the store. Made with peanut butter, honey, oats, and dark chocolate, they have a delicious chewy texture and sweet, nutty flavor.
Energy Balls
Sticky, sweet, and studded with chocolate chips, these energy balls taste like little balls of cookie dough. Still, they’re made with wholesome ingredients like almond butter, oats, and dates.
Pistachio Oat Squares
If you’re craving a sweet, nutty snack, you’re in luck! You only need 6 ingredients to make these oat squares, and they’ll be ready in under 30 minutes. The recipe is from my friend Jessica Murnane’s cookbook, One Part Plant.
No Bake Cookies
They’re vegan, gluten-free, and packed with good-for-you ingredients like oats and peanut butter. I call them cookies, but in my book, these guys totally pass as healthy snacks.
Carrot Cake Bliss Balls
We’re crazy for carrot cake, so naturally, these balls are one of our favorite healthy snacks! Made with sunflower seeds, they’re totally nut-free.
Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies
I love keeping a stash of these healthy cookies on hand for a quick, grab-and-go breakfast or snack! You only need 7 ingredients to make this easy vegan and gluten-free recipe.
Spreads and Dips
Packed with nutrients, fresh veggies are some of the best healthy snacks. But if you’re anything like me, they might not be the first thing you reach for when your stomach starts grumbling in the afternoon. So how do we make them more enticing? Keep a tasty dip in the fridge! It will make eating your veggies WAY more fun, but that’s not all. The dip itself will give your snack a boost of fiber, protein, and/or healthy fats.
Hummus
This nutty, velvety dip is so delicious that I could eat it straight off a spoon! Of course, it’s great with pita and veggies too.
Red Lentil Hummus
No chickpeas? No problem. Cooked red lentils blend into a protein-packed dip that’s every bit as creamy, bright, and flavorful as traditional hummus.
Baba Ganoush
I can never resist eating this silky, smoky dip straight out of the food processor, but that’s ok! Made with eggplant and tahini, it’s full of fiber and healthy fats.
Tzatziki
Greek yogurt and grated cucumber make up the base of this protein-rich Middle Eastern dip. Slather it onto pita or scoop it up with veggies for a refreshing spring or summer snack.
White Bean Dip
This creamy, lemony white bean dip is like a blank canvas. Put your personal spin on it by blending in roasted garlic or fresh herbs like basil, tarragon, or chives.
Homemade Peanut Butter
Slather it onto crusty bread, scoop it up with fruit, or enjoy it by the spoonful! If you don’t have peanuts on hand, homemade almond butter is a great snack, too.
Guacamole
Scoop it onto a tortilla with a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt for healthy snacking heaven.
Tomatillo Salsa Verde
Living in Austin got me hooked on homemade salsa, and this recipe will do the same for you. Serve it with tortilla chips for a spicy, zesty snack that you won’t be able to get enough of!
Quick Breads and Baked Goods
These baked goods are great fresh out of the oven, but they also freeze well. I always keep a stash on hand for days when I need a healthy snack to tide me over between meals.
Healthy Banana Bread
Almond flour doesn’t just make this banana bread healthy – it gives it an amazing moist texture too. You’ll be reaching for a second slice before you know it.
Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Craving chocolate? Do I have the healthy snack for you! This bread is super moist and fudgy, but it’s still made with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour and zucchini.
Healthy Zucchini Bread
Dark chocolate chips add a hint of indulgence to this healthy zucchini bread.
Pumpkin Bread
I especially love this pumpkin bread in the fall, but with its moist texture and spiced pumpkin flavor, I’d happily take a slice at any time of year.
Homemade Bagels
If you’re someone who craves savory snacks, you’ll love these homemade bagels! Devour them on their own, or slather them with cream cheese or hummus for extra staying power.
Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Cookies for breakfast (or a healthy snack)? Yes, please! Made with oat flour, almond flour, walnuts, and fresh berries, these hearty breakfast cookies are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
Quinoa Breakfast Cookies
I love to eat these carrot cake-inspired cookies for breakfast, but they’re also a filling snack. Along with other wholesome ingredients like nuts, seeds, and oats, quinoa makes them a great source of protein and fiber.
Muffin Healthy Snack Ideas
Like the baked goods above, these muffins freeze well, so make a big batch to keep on hand for easy healthy snacks. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge, or pop frozen muffins in the microwave for 30 seconds when you’re ready to eat.
Healthy Blueberry Muffins
These blueberry muffins are a far cry from the jumbo, cake-y ones that you’d find in a bakery display case. Instead, they’re moist, lightly sweet, and the perfect size for snacking.
Zucchini Muffins
One of my favorite healthy snacks to enjoy with an afternoon coffee or tea! Cinnamon and nutmeg fill these puffy muffins with warm and cozy flavor.
Healthy Banana Muffins
You won’t find any butter or refined sugar hiding inside these healthy banana muffins. Instead, their rich banana flavor and moist texture come from wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, ground flaxseed, and pure maple syrup.
Strawberry Muffins
A wonderful early summer treat! Mixing a little almond flour into the batter gives these muffins a perfect moist texture.
Chocolate Chip Muffins
Greek yogurt adds protein to these chocolate-studded whole wheat muffins.
Smoothie Healthy Snack Recipes
If you want to sneak a big serving of fruits and veggies into your day, making a smoothie is a great way to do it! For a heartier snack, amp it up with protein powder or a spoonful of nut butter.
Kale Smoothie
Frozen bananas and peaches give this creamy green smoothie an irresistible sweet and fruity flavor. Spike it with a little matcha powder for an extra antioxidant kick!
Berry Superfood Smoothie Bowl
Toppings like fresh or freeze-dried berries, hemp seeds, and toasted coconut flakes add delicious texture to this very berry smoothie bowl.
Strawberry Banana Smoothie
This smoothie is a humble blend of berries, bananas, and oat milk, but it’s chock-full of nutrients, and it tastes amazing, too!
Coffee Smoothie
This smoothie is one of the best healthy snacks for an afternoon energy boost! If you want to make it heartier, blend in a scoop of vanilla protein powder for a few extra grams of protein.
Creamy Avocado Smoothie
Thanks to frozen pineapple, banana, and lots of lime, this creamy, dreamy smoothie tastes like a refreshing sorbet. You’d never guess that there’s a big handful of spinach hiding inside it!
Blueberry Smoothie
A secret ingredient – frozen cauliflower! – gives this smoothie its thick, frosty texture.
Savory, Crunchy Healthy Snacks
If you’re craving something crunchy and salty, your snack options extend way beyond processed crackers and chips!
Crispy Roasted Chickpeas
Skip the potato chips, and reach for these crispy roasted chickpeas instead! Enjoy them with olive oil and salt, or dress them up with shawarma spices or everything bagel seasoning for a fun, flavorful twist.
Stovetop Popcorn
Toss it with butter, sea salt, and nutritional yeast to give it an addictive savory, cheesy flavor.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
The next time you cook a kabocha or butternut squash, save the seeds! Roasted with olive oil and salt, they’re a crave-worthy crunchy snack. To spice things up, toss them with a little chili powder or smoked paprika when they come out of the oven.
Homemade Crackers
These crispy, nutty crackers are so much better than store-bought ones! I make them with almond flour, brown rice flour, and a whole bunch of seeds, so they’re naturally gluten-free and high in protein.
Healthy Snacks with Eggs
Chock-full of protein and omega-3s, eggs are perfect easy healthy snacks. If you’re at home, you can simply scramble them or cook them sunny side up, but if you’re not, these 3 recipes are great on-the-go options.
Veggie Frittata Muffins
This recipe calls for cherry tomatoes and dill, but honestly, anything goes here. Roasted asparagus, sautéed mushrooms, roasted butternut squash, or nearly any herb would be fantastic in these little frittatas. Use what’s in season or what you have on hand!
Hard Boiled Eggs
Hard boiled eggs keep for up to 5 days in the fridge, so make a big batch over the weekend for healthy snacks all week!
Best Deviled Eggs
Greek yogurt adds extra protein to the creamy, tangy filling of these deviled eggs. Enjoy them plain, or top them with smoked paprika, celery seeds, or fresh chives for a delicious bite-sized snack!
On-the-Go Oats and Puddings
Whether you pack them in a Mason jar or a regular old container, these nourishing puddings and oats are perfect for making ahead and taking on the go.
Overnight Oats
These guys are all about the toppings. Not only will they punch up the flavor and texture of your oats, but they’ll also add nutrients like vitamins, antioxidants, protein, and healthy fats.
Chia Seed Pudding
Dressed up with fresh fruit, chopped walnuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup, this thick, creamy pudding tastes like dessert, but the chia seeds pack it with healthy omega-3s.
Homemade Granola
Packaged granola is often full of added sugars, so I like to make my own. Of course, I love that it’s healthier, but my favorite thing about making homemade granola is that I can customize it. Stir your favorite nuts, seeds, and/or dried fruit into this recipe to make it your own!
Toast, Wrap, and Roll Healthy Snack Ideas
If you’re someone who loves healthy snack ideas that are super fresh and flavorful, this section is the one for you. Here, you’ll find veggie-forward snack recipes that are great for enjoying at home or taking on the go.
Avocado Summer Rolls
Juicy summer peaches add a surprising sweet element to these tofu, herb, and veggie-filled rolls. If peaches aren’t in season, mango is a delicious substitute.
Fresh Spring Rolls
Noodles, tofu, avocado, and crisp veggies make these fresh rolls satisfying and flavorful. Serve them with peanut sauce on the side to take them over the top!
Homemade Taquitos
Whenever I make these taquitos, I double the recipe and freeze the extras. That way, I always have a supply of these crispy, zesty little guys around for snacking. If I’m lucky, I also have pico de gallo or cashew sour cream in the fridge to give them an extra pop of flavor.
Avocado Toast
Devour it plain, or try one of these 5 variations for a bold, fun, and flavorful snack!
Nori Wraps
If I’m thinking ahead, I make extra when I cook a pot of rice so that I can assemble these little nori wraps for easy healthy snacks throughout the week. They taste just like sushi, with no rolling required!
Shiitake Maki Sushi
Speaking of sushi, this brown rice roll is one of the best healthy snacks. A medley of veggies gives it a fun mix of textures, and roasted shiitakes pack it with umami flavor. Serve it with tamari on the side, or kick things up a notch with my tangy carrot-ginger dipping sauce.
Healthy Snacks: No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup unsalted natural creamy peanut butter*
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Heaping ½ teaspoon sea salt*
- 2½ cups whole rolled oats
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Add the oats and chocolate chips and stir until combined. Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough. Use your hands to form into balls and place on the baking sheet, then flatten into disks with your fingers (the disks will become more cohesive as they chill). Chill overnight to allow the cookies to firm up.
These taste delicious, but mine were super sticky and would not really form into an actual ball. What did I do wrong? I didn’t make any substitutions.
Hi Bekki, I’d let the mixture chill in the fridge for a bit and they should be easier to work with – it’s probably just humid since it’s summer.
Possible to share the nutritional value? The cookies are so flavorful!
Nice Recipe.!!
Great recipe thanks for sharing this
If I Substitute the maple syrup for honey how much honey what I use.
Hi Beth, you should be able to use the same amount, but I haven’t tried it so I can’t say for sure.
Very nice. Impossible ro eat just one square at a time.
These look great! I want to try them, but I’m not a coconut fan. Any ideas for a substitute?
Hi Laura, since they’re just for topping, you could increase the amount of pistachios instead.
these are great, I just think that it should be thicker.
These all look like fantastic recipes. Pining a few of them for later.
Really nice post. I really like it. Keep up the good work.