When I’m working from home, I often get peckish towards the end of the workday. My default late-afternoon snack is crackers with peanut butter.
If I’m out and about, I tend to go for granola bars. They’re convenient when on the go, yet they’re individually wrapped and not as healthy as you might think.
Try some of these snacks instead! They’re healthy, low waste and vegan, and can save you money compared to buying prepared snacks. Where possible, buy the ingredients in bulk to reduce waste.
Mindful snacking can contribute to a healthy diet and help keep you satisfied between meals. Look for snacks that are rich in protein, fibre and nutrients and low in salt, sugar and saturated fats. Strive for whole foods as opposed to processed foods. Learn more about healthy snacks on this page from the Government of Canada.
Keep some healthy snacks prepared so that you have something easy to grab when you’re hungry or racing out the door!
Healthy snack ideas
Here are some healthy snacks you can make at home. There’s plenty of room to vary the ingredients depending on your preferences!
Crackers and dip
Crackers plus a dip or spread is a classic snack combination! Try a protein-rich dip like peanut butter or another nut butter, hummus, black bean dip or homemade cashew cheese. For more vegan dip inspiration, check out this round-up from Rainbow Plant Life.
Bonus points if you make your own crackers!
You can substitute the crackers for other carb-rich foods like toast or pita chips.
Fruit or vegetables
Fruit and vegetables are highly nutritious and often don’t need much preparation. You might want to snack on apple slices, bananas, dates, or chopped vegetables like broccoli or carrot sticks. Optionally, serve them with a dip like peanut butter, hummus or a vegan veggie dip.
This is a situation where meal prep comes in handy. You’ll be much more likely to reach for the veggies if you have some already chopped in the fridge!
Nuts or trail mix
There’s a reason we often reach for nuts as a snack—they’re crunchy, satisfying and full of protein! Try munching on your favourite nuts, like almonds, cashews or peanuts. Roasting nuts can help bring out their flavour.
You may also want to make your own trail mix, which allows you to choose the ingredients. Remember to buy the ingredients in bulk!
Popcorn
Though you may think of popcorn as being greasy and salty, it doesn’t have to be! Making your own popcorn on the stovetop allows you to control the amount of oil and salt. This is not movie theatre popcorn!
Add your favourite toppings like spices, nutritional yeast or a dash of melted vegan margarine. Buy the kernels in bulk to reduce waste.
Homemade granola bars
Making your own granola bars allows you to choose what goes inside them. There’s lots of flexibility to add your favourite ingredients like dried fruit, nuts or chocolate chips!
The other benefit is that you can transport the bars in a reusable container like a Tupperware or reusable snack bag. Say bye to the pesky wrappers!
Energy balls
Energy balls contain similar ingredients to granola bars—such as oats, nut butter and a sweetener—but they’re smaller, almost bite size. Like a healthy cookie!
Grab an energy ball when you need a little afternoon pick-me-up, or pack a couple to bring to class or the office!
Homemade baked goods
Baked goods may not be the healthiest item on this list, but making them yourself allows you to save money and control the ingredients. No more buying a cookie after work because you got a cookie craving!
Try making baked goods like muffins, cookies or scones to have around—you can freeze them to stop them from going bad. Vegan baking is an easy and fun way to eat fewer animal products.
Healthy, plant-based, low-waste snacks
The next time you’re craving a little something to eat, try one of these snack suggestions to keep things healthy for yourself and the planet! Even better if you have snacks already prepared so you don’t need to decide what to eat when you’re hungry.
I want to know: What’s your favourite healthy snack?
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At home, my go-to snack lately is crackers and a dip with protein, such as peanut butter, hummus, or a bean dip. Lately I have been making my own white bean dips and hummus, soaking dried beans or chickpeas in order to minimise salt. White beans are fairly neutral in flavour, and one can take them in several directions with spices and oils etc. Away from home, I used to do the granola bar thing, but am switching to dried fruit, see how that goes.
Crackers and dip are a classic! I will have to try white bean dip sometime. Good on you for soaking and cooking dried beans/chickpeas!