Let’s be honest: Snacking gets a bad rap. We hear “snack food” and immediately think of greasy chips, sugary treats, or empty calories. But not all snacks are junk. In fact, some of the tastiest ones out there are a lot better for you than they seem. I used to feel guilty every time I reached for a handful of crackers or a sweet treat after dinner, but then I started looking closer at what was actually in these foods, and I was pleasantly surprised. The following snacks aren’t just satisfying, but they have some real nutritional value, too. So next time you need something quick, tasty, and comforting, you can reach for one of these and feel good about it.
Note: The content of this article is not medical advice.
Ice Cream
It’s pretty exciting that ice cream can be considered nutritious. Ice cream has lots of calcium and protein, which are essential for keeping your body functioning properly. While you shouldn’t start eating a pint of ice cream a day (it still has a lot of sugar), you can feel good about enjoying a bowl of ice cream for dessert.
Gummy Snacks
Gone are the days when gummy bears were pure sugar! Many new brands of gummy bears are out there that contain vitamins, minerals, and natural fruits in every bite. Some gummy snacks are even completely organic and GMO-free! Enjoy those little packets of gummy snacks because they can be beneficial.
Tortilla Chips
Tortilla chips may be one of the healthiest kinds of chips in the grocery store. They are high in fiber and have natural whole grains. There are even some types of tortilla chips that are made with kale, seaweed, and other greens. Skip the greasy chips and enjoy a big bowl of tortilla chips instead.
Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is a pretty popular on-the-go snack that is surprisingly nutritious. Beef jerky is very high in protein and is usually made with very simple ingredients. No crazy chemicals or additives here! Beef jerky is also a great low-fat snack that you can enjoy every single day!
Pretzel M&M’s
Pretzels are a pretty healthy snack, and since pretzel M&Ms are mostly made with pretzels, they are much more nutritious than regular M&Ms. A serving of pretzel M&Ms has about 100 calories less than regular M&Ms. So, if you need a chocolate treat, this is a good option that can be considered a little bit healthy.
Popsicles
Popsicles do have sugar, but most are completely fat-free. Popsicles also can have real fruit added to the recipe, giving them lots of vitamins and minerals. Since popsicles are individually wrapped, you can rest assured that you consume just one serving and don’t overeat! Seems like a pretty great snack.
Fig Newtons
Fig Newtons are considered a cookie, but they are pretty healthy cookies. Fig Newtons are low in calories, and they are made with whole-grain flour. That means two of these little cookies will fill you up and give you a little bit of your daily required fiber.
Dark Chocolate
Who knew that chocolate could be considered healthy?! Well, dark chocolate definitely has its benefits. Dark chocolate typically has less sugar than milk chocolate or white chocolate. It also has lots of natural protein and fiber. A small amount of dark chocolate will satisfy your sweet tooth in a more nutritious way.
Popcorn
Popcorn slathered in butter may not be the healthiest food, but air-popped, seasoned popcorn is actually a pretty great snack. Real popcorn has fiber, a nutrient that your body needs to help you stay regular. While you should still skip the movie theater-style butter popcorn, you can enjoy as much whole-grain popcorn as you’d like!
Peanut Butter Cups
While we are talking about chocolate, let's discuss peanut butter cups. Dark chocolate peanut butter cups are a fantastic sweet treat that is healthier than you may think. The peanut butter filling has lots of protein and healthy fats. The dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and beneficial minerals. Peanut butter cups may be considered junk food, but it is junk food with benefits!
Salsa
Chips and salsa is a classic snack food that many people may think is unhealthy. But that little bowl of salsa can be quite nutritious! Salsa is made with tomatoes which are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Most salsa has peppers, onions, and even garlic, all healthy veggies. Just be sure to grab a jar of salsa that does not contain corn syrup or added sugar and you are good to go!
Cheese
Yes, cheese is typically high in fats, but it is also made of dairy. That means it has lots of protein that your body needs for every. Cheese made from grass-fed dairy is very high in vitamin K2, which is essential to bone health and helps promote healthy arteries. Sounds like we need to eat some more cheese ASAP!
Goldfish Crackers
Goldfish crackers are a favorite snack for many adults and kids. Those cheesy, salty crackers are completely irresistible! Luckily, they are also not so unhealthy, so you can snack on them all you'd like. Many flavors of goldfish are made with whole grains and natural food coloring, and some even have hidden veggies baked into every cracker. Grab another handful of Goldfish and enjoy!
Veggie Straws
Lots of people like to give veggie straws a hard time, saying that they barely contain any vegetables. While veggie straws are not the equivalent of munching on carrot sticks or real veggies, they are still better for you than regular potato chips. Veggie straws are made with vegetable powders which do give them a little bit of nutrition. You can feel good about your veggie straw snack!
Granola Bars
First, people thought granola bars were healthy. Then, everyone started talking about how they were full of sugar and a terrible snack. The truth is, granola bars fall somewhere in between. Yes, they do have sugar, but they also have healthy oats, added vitamins, and plant-based protein. Look for granola bars with less sugar, and you can enjoy this nutritious snack whenever you'd like.
Smoothies
Smoothies are sweet and delicious. Plus, they come in all different flavors, so you never grow tired of drinking them. The best part is that smoothies are also nutritious. They are typically full of fresh fruit with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. If you need a sweet treat, then you should drink a smoothie. It will satisfy your craving for a dessert, fill you up, and give you a nutritional boost.
Graham Crackers
Graham crackers taste like cookies but without the added frostings and fillings that most packaged cookies contain. The flat, sweet crackers are a good choice to satisfy your need for sweets without overdoing it. Look for Graham crackers seasoned with cinnamon, which will give you a little extra flavor.
This article was first published at Spatula Desserts.
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