Are you a snacker? I’m less of one than I used to be but when I do want one, I want it to be quick, easy, satisfying, and satiating. Some snacks can be fun and flavorful but then crash my blood sugar making me even hungrier than when I started. So, when I am deciding which snacks to stock my pantry with to feed my family, I’m looking for something nutritious with some staying power.
Keeping a stash of healthy options in the pantry can help you save money by snacking at home, help keep you stay full without ruining your next meal, and make healthy decisions easier to commit to by having the good stuff stocked and ready to go. Today I’m sharing a round-up of some of my favorite healthy snacks to have in your pantry. Consider this a master list with a a large variety of healthy snacks kids love included!
And if you’re into snacks, you won’t want to miss these healthy snack ideas for kids (perfect for after practice) and snacks for Christmas during the holiday season!
Healthy Pantry Snacks
Beef Sticks
Beef sticks have come a long way since the Slim Jim of yesteryear. My favorite beef sticks are from Country Archer and PaleoValley. Both are made with grass-fed beef, simple spices, and nothing artificial. They provide protein which helps with satiety and most importantly, they are delicious!
Dave’s Killer Bread Bars
I know there are a million snack bars out there and we’ve tried a lot of them with varying degrees of success. One I continue to bring into our home are the Dave’s Killer Bread Bars. Kaitlyn (9) loves their Cocoa Brownie Blitz; it’s her favorite go-to snack. Made with organic ingredients and containing 6g fiber and 16g of whole grains, it will satisfy a chocolate craving when the mood strikes, making it a favorite at snack time!
Pistachios
Pistachios are my go-to family-friendly seed for snacking. They are nutritious, containing 6g protein and 13 g of satiating healthy fat per ounce. The kids like breaking them out of the slightly salted and roasted shell, but for a faster snack, I sometimes buy the shell-less so we can just grab a quick handful as we run out.
Nut Butter Packets
Nut Butter Packets make a delicious that will stick with you. Available in multiple flavors and varieties, including peanut butter, almond cutter, cashew butter, and more, these are easy to throw into a purse or backpack for snacking on the go.
Canned Tuna Salads
If you’re looking for a protein hero, check out the progress that has been made in the canned fish aisle! Premade tuna salads have really stepped it up. Wild Planet makes a tuna and bean salad, ready to go in an easy open can.
Protein Crackers or Chips
In the mood for something crunchy? Look in the cracker and chip aisle for options with a boost of protein. To make it an even more balanced snack, use that protein cracker or chip to scoop up some cottage cheese, hummus, or guacamole.
Granola Clusters
Granola clusters are a wholesome snack, loaded with fiber and protein that can help keep you full for longer periods. Easy to pack, they’re a convenient and perfect on-the-go option. Their crunchy texture combined with a touch of sweetness makes them not just a healthy choice, but a tasty one too!
My kids love the MadeGood granola clusters. Costco sells a giant box of the individual packages that come in both chocolate chip and wild berry flavor. They are easy to grab to eat in the car on a way to a practice that requires an extra burst of energy.
Roasted Chickpeas
Crunchy and satisfying, roasted chickpeas are great sources of fiber, protein, and other nutrients. You can roast them yourself or buy them from the store in a wide variety of flavors.
Parm Crisps
For the cheese lovers, these crispy, thin snacks are often made with only one ingredient- parmesan cheese! This makes them a tasty, low-carbohydrate (really, no-carbohydrate) option for those looking for a more unique snack option.
rX Bars
I love RX Bars for the simplicity of their ingredients and their inclusion of egg white protein, but I’ll be honest, the texture can be divisive. I have one child who loves them and one that can’t stand them. However, if you enjoy the texture, they make a wholesome, balanced snack to keep in your purse.
Bison Jerky
Or turkey jerky or chicken jerky… truly the jerky options these days are endless! It’s a fun way to add some diversity to your protein consumption and enjoy a tasty, chewy snack. Bison Jerky is a protein-packed snack that’s low in fat, and high in both flavor and essential vitamins and nutrients like B12. It’s easy to store and pack, making it an ideal grab-and-go snack for busy days or outdoor adventures. Its naturally smoky, slightly sweet taste is sure to satisfy your snack cravings, while filling you up with wholesome, healthful ingredients with staying power.
Popcorn
Whether you pop it yourself or buy the individual bags of the pre-popped option, popcorn provides a high fiber and fun snack that can easily be customized for your tastebud’s personal desire- salty, sweet, or even spicy!
Quinoa Rice Cakes
Or regular rice cakes, too! These thin, crispy snacks provide a satisfying crunch and come in different flavor options to fit your preferences. The crunchy texture and subtle nutty flavor provide a satisfying snack that can be enjoyed alone or paired with your favorite toppings, like guacamole, hummus, nut butter, cottage cheese, and many other delicious toppings for a more balanced snack.
Dry Roasted Edamame
Dry roasted edamame is one of the best snacking healthy options, packed with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins. It’s compact and easily portable, making it an excellent on-the-go snack. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and subtly nutty flavor of this healthy, veggie-packed powerhouse!
Terra Sweet Potato Chips
Terra Sweet Potato Chips are a delectable and healthier snack alternative and great sources of Vitamin A, fiber, and potassium. They’re easy to carry along for on-the-go snacking, and their delicious, natural sweetness mingled with a satisfying crunch will satiate your cravings.
Larabars
Larabars are an excellent snack choice because they are not only tasty but also packed with wholesome nutrients. Made from simple and minimal ingredients, they’re easy to take on the go, whether you’re off to work, the gym, or even traveling. Due to their high fiber content and good fats, they keep you satiated longer, making them an ideal option for weight management and overall health.
Oatmeal Cups
Oatmeal cups are a quick, convenient, and nutritious snack option. They’re rich in dietary fiber, which can support digestion and heart health, and come conveniently portioned in a portable cup for ease of on-the-go snacking. Plus, the diverse range of available flavors ensures a delightfully tasty treat anytime you desire. You can doctor them up if at home or eat them as is on the go.
Apple Sauce
Apple sauce is not just a delightful treat with its sweet, tangy flavor and smooth texture, it also offers numerous health benefits. Packed with vitamin C and fiber, it’s a heart-healthy snack choice that can aid in digestion. Plus, its convenient, portable packaging options (cups or pouches!) makes it easy for on-the-go snacking.
Trail Mix
Packed with a nutrient-dense mix of nuts, dried fruit, and occasional chocolate, trail mix serves as a high-energy balanced snack rich in fiber, healthy fats, and protein. It’s compact and easy to carry, making it the perfect on-the-go snack. Plus, its sweet and savory components combine to deliver a tasty boost at any time of the day!
Kale Chips
Kale chips make a surprisingly delicious and crunchy snack, packed with abundant nutrients like Vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, and iron. They’re a perfect on-the-go snack as they’re lightweight and easy to pack. The rich savory flavor and considerable health benefits make kale chips an excellent option for anyone looking for a tasty and healthy snack alternative. Just bring your toothpick, as these have a tendency to get all in your teeth!
Olive Packets
Olive packets are a heart-friendly snack option, packed with monounsaturated fats that help lower bad cholesterol levels. They’re also a compact and convenient snack, perfect for on-the-go munching without any mess. Plus, olives offer an explosion of tangy and savory flavor, making them an absolute treat for your taste buds with some staying power.
Fruit Rolls
Fruit Rolls are a source of vitamins and dietary fiber, essential for maintaining good health. They’re convenient and compact in size, making them the perfect on-the-go snack. With a variety of flavors to choose from, there’s a tasty treat for every palate. Look for the varieties that are made with dried fruit only, like the ones from BEAR Snacks (currently available at Costco). The kids will light over this option at snack time!
I hope these snack ideas have been helpful in giving you some new options to try out. It includes many of my favorite snacks and many balanced snack ideas that my kids enjoy, too. It’s fun to switch up textures (crispy! chewy!) and flavors (salty! sweet!) to get your kids to eat a wider variety of nutrients throughout the day. If I missed your favorite, please let me know what it is. I’m always on the look out for new ideas. Happy snacking!
