49 Best Healthy Snacks - Love and Lemons (2024)

Stomach growling in the middle of the afternoon? Tide yourself over with one of these healthy snacks! They include granola bars, dips, and more.

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49 Best Healthy Snacks - Love and Lemons (1)

49 Best Healthy Snacks - Love and Lemons (2)

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 newcookie 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 areallabout 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.

49 Best Healthy Snacks - Love and Lemons (51)

49 Best Healthy Snacks - Love and Lemons (52)

Healthy Snacks: No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies

rate this recipe:

5 from 24 votes

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

chilling time: 12 hours hrs

Serves 24

Save RecipePrint Recipe

These no-bake cookies are one of my favorite healthy snacks!

Ingredients

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.

Notes

*If your peanut butter is salted, start with half the amount of salt and add more to taste. Be sure to use natural peanut butter that is smooth, not the chunky stuff that you sometimes find at the bottom of the jar.

49 Best Healthy Snacks - Love and Lemons (2024)

FAQs

What should I eat if I crave junk food? ›

Healthier Snacks to Satisfy Junk Food Cravings
  • Nuts. Thanks to their pleasing combo of saltiness and crunch, nuts calm your cravings for other salty snacks. ...
  • Dried Fruit. Skip the candy and choose chewy, sweet dried fruit when you need a sugar fix. ...
  • Roasted Chickpeas. ...
  • Hummus.
Dec 28, 2021

What is the best evening snack for weight loss? ›

  1. Mixed nuts. Nuts are an ideal nutritious snack, providing the perfect balance of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. ...
  2. Red bell pepper with guacamole. ...
  3. Greek yogurt and mixed berries. ...
  4. Apple slices with peanut butter. ...
  5. Cottage cheese and fruit. ...
  6. Celery sticks with cream cheese. ...
  7. Kale chips. ...
  8. Dark chocolate and almonds.
Nov 25, 2021

What is the healthiest snack? ›

Other simple, healthy snacks
  • Whole-grain toast with low-sodium peanut butter or other nut butter.
  • Fat-free/low-fat cheese.
  • Fat-free/low-fat plain with fruit.
  • Fruit and veggie smoothie.
  • Whole-grain crackers with canned very low sodium tuna or low-sodium salmon.
Oct 24, 2023

What is the best snack for weight loss? ›

Each snack is full of good-for-you nutrients, and will make you feel like your diet is about anything but deprivation.
  • Mediterranean Hummus Tray. ...
  • Oatmeal and Blueberries. ...
  • Rhythm Kale Chips. ...
  • Apple Slices and Cheese. ...
  • Cheerios and Soy Nuts. ...
  • Pear Slices with Almond Butter. ...
  • Turkey Rolls. ...
  • Hardboiled Egg. Getty Images / udra.
Mar 1, 2024

Which deficiency causes sugar cravings? ›

Magnesium

A magnesium deficiency can lead to sugar cravings, especially for chocolate, as chocolate is rich in magnesium. Moreover, magnesium deficiency can impact mood, leading to depression and anxiety, which can cause sugar cravings as a means of managing emotional distress.

What is the healthiest junk food to eat? ›

  • Oatmeal Cookies. ...
  • Cheese. ...
  • Popcorn. ...
  • Sweet Potato Chips. ...
  • Granola Bar. ...
  • Yogurt Pop. ...
  • Tortilla Chips. It's not just easy to prepare; it is also delicious and healthy for consumption. ...
  • Salsa. Vegetables are salsa's primary component, making it a healthy combination with chips.
Jun 23, 2022

What foods speed up female metabolism? ›

5 Foods That May Improve Metabolism
  • Protein. Protein takes more effort from the body to break down, explains Dr. ...
  • Legumes. Legumes are part of the protein and vegetable food groups, but may be in a class of their own when it comes to their unique nutrient combination and metabolism. ...
  • Tempeh. ...
  • Green Tea. ...
  • Herbs and Spices.
Oct 18, 2023

What foods burn fat at night? ›

Best Foods to Eat Before Bed for Weight Loss
  • Whey Protein Shake. First and foremost, protein is important for weight loss, whey protein included! ...
  • A Warm Bowl of Oatmeal. ...
  • Greek Yogurt with Berries or Cherries. ...
  • Half a Turkey Sandwich. ...
  • Egg Wrap. ...
  • Smoked Salmon Bagel. ...
  • Cottage Cheese and Fruit.
Aug 29, 2023

What should I do before bed to lose weight? ›

Sometimes people overeat at night because they're bored. If that's you, try to fit in some activities before bed. Walking, journaling, chatting with a friend, or reading a book can help distract you from binge eating.

What is the most unhealthiest snack in the world? ›

The 30 Unhealthiest Snacks on the Planet
  1. Cheetos Flamin' Hot Tangy Chili Fusion. Cheetos. ...
  2. Ritz Bits Cheese Sandwich Crackers. Target. ...
  3. Snyder's Hot Buffalo Wing Pretzel Pieces. ...
  4. Kellogg's Frosted Strawberry Poptarts. ...
  5. Doritos Nacho Cheese. ...
  6. Fritos Chili Cheese Corn Chips. ...
  7. Gushers. ...
  8. Little Debbie Double Decker Oatmeal Creme Pies.

Are graham crackers good for you? ›

Graham crackers can be healthy if you pair them with high quality sources of protein, fat, and fiber. They can also be high in sugar and low in fiber despite their high carb count, so it may be best to eat them in moderation. That's especially true for people living with diabetes.

What is a really filling snack? ›

Some of the most filling foods include boiled potatoes, oatmeal, eggs, fish, Greek yogurt, and popcorn.

What foods help drastic weight loss? ›

16 Foods To Support Weight Loss, According to Experts
  • Lean Protein. Lean protein sources like chicken, turkey and grass-fed lean beef help keep you full, decrease cravings and stabilize blood sugar, says Feit. ...
  • Eggs. ...
  • Vegetables. ...
  • Avocados. ...
  • Apples. ...
  • Berries. ...
  • Nuts and Seeds. ...
  • Salmon.
Jan 9, 2024

What food is best for losing belly fat? ›

What foods burn belly fat fast?
  • Olive oil.
  • Beans.
  • Legumes.
  • Nuts.
  • Seeds.
  • Plain yogurt.
  • Fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, anchovy, herring, sardines.
  • Eggs, skinless chicken, and lean meats.

What food should I eat everyday to lose weight? ›

12 Metabolism-Boosting Foods to Aid Weight Loss
  • Fish & Shellfish. Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Fish (salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel) are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein. ...
  • Legumes (Also known as beans) ...
  • Chili Peppers. ...
  • Lean Meats. ...
  • Low-Fat Milk. ...
  • Broccoli. ...
  • Lentils. ...
  • Oatmeal.

Why do I just crave junk food? ›

The brain is prone to craving junk food simply because it tastes good and makes the brain happy. This is especially true in people who are overweight or obese. You engage good feeling centers in your brain when you snack on the foods you enjoy, and this will prompt you to indulge even more.

Why does my body crave junk food? ›

The brain regions responsible for memory, pleasure, and reward play a role in food cravings. An imbalance of hormones, such as leptin and serotonin, could also lead to food cravings. Cravings also involve the appetite centers of the brain, even though they tend to be separate from hunger.

What are healthy snacks to replace junk food? ›

7 Healthy Snack Alternatives to Your Favorite Junk Food
  • Instead of potato chips, try kale chips. ...
  • Instead of candy, try dried fruit. ...
  • Instead of ice cream, try frozen yogurt. ...
  • Instead of soda, try sparkling water. ...
  • Instead of cookies, try homemade granola bars. ...
  • Instead of popcorn, try roasted chickpeas.
Apr 7, 2023

How do you detox from eating junk? ›

And there are some relatively painless ways to do it.
  1. Start slowly. ...
  2. Supplement your meals with fresh foods. ...
  3. Fewer sugar-sweetened beverages, more water. ...
  4. Stop adding salt to foods. ...
  5. Choose whole grains over processed grains. ...
  6. Limit or avoid processed meats. ...
  7. Plan ahead. ...
  8. Use substitutes for highly processed snacks and foods.
Oct 27, 2017

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