Have you ever picked up your favorite snack, turned it over, and found yourself puzzled by the ingredient list? You’re not alone. Snacking often gets a bad reputation, mainly because grocery shelves are lined with highly processed chips, crackers, and so-called “health bars,” filled with concerning additives, fat, sugar, salt, and calories.
Fortunately, there is a silver lining. Certain brands prioritize authenticity, providing consumers with healthier options made from simple, wholesome ingredients that don’t compromise on flavor. Whether you’re packing a lunch or looking for something to nibble on between meals, here are seven snack choices that deserve a place in your pantry.
Simple Mills Organic Seed Crackers, Original
Nutrition: per serving 9 crackers
Calories: 150
Fat: 8g (Saturated fat: 1g)
Sodium: 180mg
Carbs: 18g (Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 0g)
Protein: 2g
Renowned for their clean, nutrient-dense ingredients, all components of Simple Mills products are both healthy and identifiable. The Simple Mills Organic Seed Crackers are vegan and gluten-free, making them perfect for snacking, dipping, or enhancing a charcuterie board alongside your favorite cheese and fruit.
These crackers feature a blend of organic seed and seed flour (sunflower, pumpkin, flax), along with organic cassava flour, organic tapioca starch, organic sunflower oil, sea salt, organic carrots, and organic rosemary for an added touch of freshness.
Chomps Original Beef Sticks
Nutrition: per serving 1 stick
Calories: 100
Fat: 7g (Saturated fat: 3g)
Sodium: 380mg
Carbs: 0g (Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 0g)
Protein: 10g
For a protein-packed snack devoid of unnecessary additives, look no further than Chomps Original Beef Sticks. Made from 100% grass-fed beef, these sticks are free from sugar and carbs. Ingredients include only grass-fed beef, sea salt, black pepper, celery, red pepper, and garlic. Chomps Original Beef Sticks boast a 4.9 rating on Walmart, backed by over 3,000 reviews.
LesserEvil Himalayan Pink Popcorn
Nutrition: per serving 3 cups
Calories: 120
Fat: 6g (Saturated fat: 5g)
Sodium: 190mg
Carbs: 14g (Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 0g)
Protein: 2g
LesserEvil provides guilt-free snacking with popcorn that satisfies. Their Himalayan Pink Popcorn is crafted with organic popcorn, coconut oil, and Himalayan pink salt, ensuring a simple yet crunchy delight.
Beanitos Original Black Bean Chips
Nutrition: per serving 11 chips
Calories: 130
Fat: 7g (Saturated fat: 0.5g)
Sodium: 120mg
Carbs: 15g (Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 1g)
Protein: 4g
Satisfy your cravings with Beanitos Original Black Bean Chips. Made from black beans, rice, sunflower oil, and sea salt, these chips offer a protein-infused alternative to traditional snacks.
That’s It Apple + Blueberry Fruit Bars
Nutrition: per serving 1 bar
Calories: 100
Fat: 0g (Saturated fat: 0g)
Sodium: 25mg
Carbs: 26g (Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 19g)
Protein: 1g
For a fruit-based snack, That’s It offers bars made from just two ingredients. With no artificial sweeteners or additives, the That’s It Apple + Blueberry Fruit Bars consist of one apple and 20 blueberries in each bar, along with a variety of other flavors available.
Siete Lime Grain-Free Tortilla Chips
Nutrition: per serving 14 chips
Calories: 130
Fat: 7g (Saturated fat: 1g)
Sodium: 150mg
Carbs: 20g (Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 1g)
Protein: 1g
If you seek a cleaner chip with a zesty flavor, try Siete’s Lime Grain-Free Tortilla Chips. These chips are dairy-free, soy-free, and non-GMO, made with a blend of cassava, avocado oil, coconut flour, chia seeds, sea salt, and real lime oil. The ingredients are minimal, but the taste is anything but.
Lärabar Banana Bread
Nutrition: per serving 1 bar
Calories: 200
Fat: 10g (Saturated fat: 1g)
Sodium: 0mg
Carbs: 24g (Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 17g)
Protein: 5g
Lärabars have been delivering delightful snacks made with minimal, real ingredients for 20 years, long before clean eating became a trend. The Banana Bread flavor contains just three simple ingredients—bananas, dates, and almonds—forming a taste reminiscent of fresh banana bread!
Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. What makes these snacks healthier than traditional options?
- These snacks are made from clean, recognizable ingredients without added sugars, artificial preservatives, or unhealthy fats.
- 2. Are these snacks suitable for vegan diets?
- Many of the featured snacks, such as the Simple Mills Organic Seed Crackers and Chomps original beef sticks, offer vegan options. Always check the label for specific dietary requirements.
- 3. How can I incorporate these snacks into my daily diet?
- These snacks are perfect for on-the-go munching, as additions to lunch boxes, or as part of a balanced meal when combined with fruits and vegetables.
- 4. What are the protein sources in these snacks?
- Protein sources vary across products, with options like beef sticks, bean chips, and nut-based bars providing ample protein content.
- 5. Where can I buy these snacks?
- These snacks are widely available for purchase online and in most grocery stores. Check out specific links provided in the article for easier access.