Whether you have children or not, snacks are probably one of those things that you both love and hate. You love how they taste but hate what they can do to your body. In moderation, there’s nothing wrong with snacks. Unfortunately, most store-bought snacks aren’t designed to be eaten in moderation.
Many snacks are filled with sugar or salt. About 75% of Americans reportedly eat too much sugar, and sugar addiction is a genuine health concern. But you can snack responsibly, especially if you make homemade healthy snacks.
Healthier Snack Ideas That Your Family Will Love
Below are snack ideas that your whole family can enjoy without loading up on unhealthy fats, excess sodium, or empty calories. Each one offers a nice balance of taste and nutrition, and they’re all easy to make at home!
Homemade Cookies
No, cookies aren’t healthy. But if you make them at home, you can control exactly what goes in them. That means that they probably won’t have the same amount of sugar as store-bought cookies, and they certainly won’t have the same preservatives, stabilizers, or added sugar. Not only that, you will taste the difference.
For example, homemade almond cookies often have more almonds than most store-bought versions, simply because the manufacturer would seek to save money by cutting down on the nuts. This means that your version has a higher nutritional value and a better, more almondy flavor and texture. They're more heart healthy too!
Some cookie recipes are designed to be healthier, using far less sugar but still filling that hole in your stomach.
Fruit and Nuts
It’s simple, classic, and maybe a little obvious, but fruit and nuts make a great switch from other snacks. If you fancy something sweet, reach for an apple or a banana rather than the cookie jar. Or if you want something savory, go for a handful of nuts instead of chips.
The best way to take advantage of this is to put a little bit of effort into it. Fruit is delicious on its own, but consider quickly blending up a nice smoothie or serving it with yogurt and honey. You can even sprinkle some nuts on for a little bit of texture. You still get the sweet, salty hit that you’re craving, but it isn’t empty calories.
Rather than buying pre-roasted and salted nuts, which usually have far too much salt on them, consider roasting and seasoning your own. Simply lay them onto a tray and roast with a little oil until slightly browned and fragrant, then add salt, pepper, and whatever spices you fancy. They will taste incredible and be far healthier than the store-bought version. You should still eat them in moderation, however, as nuts do contain fat.
Chips and Dip
Chips and dips aren’t healthy, I hear you cry. You’re right, they aren’t. Unless you make your own. One of the healthiest ways to do this is to either buy or make hummus and dip with vegetables, such as carrot sticks, sliced bell peppers, or cucumber.
This is genuinely delicious and very good for you, but sometimes you want something with a little more crunch. If this is the case, then use corn tortillas to make your chips. Cut them into triangles and roast in the oven until crispy. Season, then eat with hummus, salsa, or a homemade yogurt dip.
Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter
Rice cakes are light, low-calorie, and endlessly versatile. You can spread peanut butter on top for protein and healthy fats, then layer with sliced strawberries, bananas, or blueberries for a touch of sweetness. If you want a little crunch, sprinkle chia seeds or crushed nuts over the top of it.
This snack travels well, making it great for school lunch boxes or work snacks. Just watch your portion sizes with the peanut butter because a little goes a long way, and it’s easy to turn a 100 calories snack into something much bigger if you’re heavy-handed with it.
Cottage Cheese Bowls
Cottage cheese is a total protein powerhouse that works just as well in sweet dishes as it does savory. For a sweet bowl, top it with flavorful berries, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. For a savory twist, add some chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
Look for fat-free or low-fat cottage cheese if you’re keeping an eye on calories, but don’t be afraid of a little fat cheese every now and then. The richness can make the snack more satisfying, meaning you’re less likely to overeat later in the day.
Dried Fruit Mix
Dried fruit like apricots, cranberries, or dates makes a chewy, sweet base for homemade snack mixes. Add in almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and a few dark chocolate chips for a satisfying, nutrient-rich trail mix snack. Because dried fruit is calorie-dense and naturally high in sugar, portion it into small containers or snack bags ahead of time. This way, you get the sweet hit without overindulging or eating too much sugar,
Apple Slices with Cheese
Pairing apple slices with a slice of sharp cheddar (yes, fat cheese is fine) offers the perfect blend of sweet and savory. The protein and fat in the cheese help balance the natural sugars in the fruit, making it a snack that actually keeps you full and will stop you from searching for more food later. For variety, you can swap cheddar for brie, gouda, or even a more mild blue cheese. Add a handful of grain crackers on the side for a little something extra.
Veggie Wraps
Hear me out, veggie wraps are a super fun way to get more greens in your diet without feeling like you’re eating a salad. Spread hummus or mashed avocado over a wholegrain tortilla, then add spinach, cucumber slices, shredded carrot, and bell pepper strips. Roll it up tightly and slice into bite-sized pieces for an easy 100 calories-per-piece snack. They’re fresh, colorful, and perfect for making ahead of time for lunches or daily snacks.
Greek Yogurt Parfait
Greek yogurt layered with berries, granola, and honey makes a snack that feels indulgent but is full of protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Yes, it's ACTUALLY good for you! Check the nutrition facts on your granola to make sure it’s not hiding loads of added sugar. To make it more filling, you can sprinkle on some chia seeds or flaxseed for extra fiber.
Avo Toast
Wholegrain toast topped with smashed avocado, cherry tomatoes, and sea salt is a classic for a reason. It's yummy, creamy, flavorful, and loaded with healthy fats to fuel your body. For more texture and protein, add pumpkin seeds, feta, or a boiled egg on top. If you’re short on time, keep a ripe avocado at work and assemble the toast fresh for an easy midday snack.
Grain Crackers with Hummus
Grain crackers are a super great alternative to processed chips. Pair them with hummus, cottage cheese, or guacamole for a satisfying, protein-rich snack. The combination of crunch and creaminess makes it feel like a "naughty" meal, even though it’s loaded with nutrients.
Enjoy these healthy snack ideas with loved ones!
With a little creativity and some planning, you can make snacks that satisfy cravings while also being good for your mind, body, and soul. Keep an eye on portion sizes, aim for whole-food ingredients, and remember: snacks don’t have to be the enemy. They can be a tasty and healthy part of your day too! For more healthy snack ideas and everything in between, head to Our Good Life!
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