Last Updated on January 28, 2023 by Lori Geurin
Do you get cravings for snacks throughout the day? If so, you’re not alone! We all have times when we just want something to munch on. But if your go-to snacks are unhealthy and processed, consider switching it up with some healthier options.
You don’t have to sacrifice flavor or convenience to make better choices. In fact, there are plenty of delicious and easy recipes that can be prepared in minutes and provide essential nutrients as well. Here is a list of 20 healthy snack recipes that are quick and easy – perfect for busy days or when hunger strikes!
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These 20 nutritious snacks are ideal for everyone, from women to men to teens to toddlers to seniors to athletes. They’re flavorful, low in sugar, and enjoyable to eat!
Keep reading to discover how to boost your snacking game, feel more energy, and improve your health! Plus, they’re convenient and quick to grab and go if you’re in a hurry. Don’t worry about spending too much time in the kitchen because, on average, each of these snacks takes only 5 minutes or less to prepare.
- Healthy Snacks Meal Prep Video
- The 20 Best Healthy Snacks: Quick and Easy
- 1. Nut Butter
- 2. Cottage Cheese
- 3. Berries
- 4. Whey Protein Shakes
- 5. Eggs
- 6. Plain Greek Yogurt
- 7. Cheese
- 8. Jerky
- 9. Dark Chocolate and Pecans
- 10. Deli Rollups
- 11. Canned Salmon or Tuna
- 12. Veggies and Hummus
- 13. Protein Bars
- 14. A Piece Of Fruit
- 15. Seeds
- 16. Unsweetened Coconut
- 17. Olives
- 18. 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Bites
- 19. Frozen Grapes
- 20. Homemade Guacamole and Raw Veggies
- Final Word – 20 Best Healthy Snacks
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Healthy Snacks Meal Prep Video
Check out this quick video about meal prepping nutritious snacks from Downshiftology.

The 20 Best Healthy Snacks: Quick and Easy
1. Nut Butter
Peanut butter, peanut butter, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways…
But seriously, who can resist the creamy, nutty confection that is peanut butter? And don’t forget the lesser-known nut butters: hazelnut, cashew, almond, and walnut.
You can enjoy a scoop of peanut butter right off the spoon or spread it on a banana or apple slice.
According to the Harvard School of Public Health Nutrition Source, several large studies over the past few years “have shown a consistent 30 to 50 percent lower risk of heart attack, sudden cardiac death or cardiovascular disease associated with eating nuts several times a week.”
Plus, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter has 7 grams of protein and 180 mg of potassium. Just make sure to read the ingredient list and avoid added sweeteners and trans fats, especially the dreaded “partially hydrogenated oil.”
Also, don’t bother buying the “low-fat” nut butters. Manufacturers of these products simply replace fat with sugar.
If you’re looking for amazing natural almond butter, look no further than Justin’s Honey Peanut Butter. Or, you might enjoy Organic Raw Vegan Cashew Butter or Creamy Organic Almond Butter
RELATED: 20 Reasons Why Refined Sugar Is Bad For Your Health
2. Cottage Cheese
A summer favorite of mine is eating a sliced tomato straight from the garden, topped with cottage cheese and plenty of Himalayan Pink Sea Salt. It may sound weird, but it tastes delicious!
You might also enjoy cottage cheese with fresh pineapple or a diced apple with cinnamon (my hubby’s favorite). So yummy!
And, if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, many stores carry dairy-free cottage cheese. Of course, you could always make your own.
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3. Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cranberries, gooseberries, and elderberries just to name a few. They’re colorful, juicy, often sweet, and full of vitamins and antioxidants (*).
Enjoy a cup full of berries with a splash of cream for a decadent treat. They’re perfect in smoothies. Plus, if you’re watching your carbs they’re an exquisite fruit option.
RELATED: 5 Delicious Smoothie Recipes for Weight Loss
4. Whey Protein Shakes
Whey protein can help you gain muscle, lose fat, and increase strength (2). Sometimes I drink one as a meal replacement, and I’m amazed at how long it satisfies my hunger. You might try my favorite peanut butter protein shake for a simple, delicious recipe.
Many people tolerate regular whey protein concentrate, but if you have digestive symptoms, you might find that isolate or hydrolysate is better suited for you.
My favorite whey protein is Smirk Keto Shake. It’s not only delicious but low in sugar, keto-friendly, and mixes well with water. If you’d like to try it for yourself, be sure, and use my coupon code LORI10 to save 10%.
And, if you’re vegan, there are plenty of vegan protein powder options too, like pea protein, pumpkin protein, and brown rice protein.

5. Eggs
Eggs are highly nutritious.
They’re basically the perfect food – high in protein, healthy fats, and amino acids.
Yes, they’re also high in cholesterol, but despite what you may have heard in the past, eating high-cholesterol foods does not increase serum cholesterol in most people (*).
RELATED: Paleo Diet Quick Guide: What To Eat And What Not To Eat
6. Plain Greek Yogurt
It’s creamy and rich in protein and probiotics. Yogurt can also decrease your appetite and help with weight loss (*). If you’re sensitive to dairy, you might want to try coconut yogurt (my favorite!) or other dairy-free options.
You can add berries, chia seeds, other chopped fruit or nuts to raise the vitamin and fiber content. And you can even add locally grown honey or liquid stevia for sweetness. Here’s a high-quality organic Liquid Stevia we use.
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7. Cheese
Cheese has many vitamins and minerals, including calcium, zinc, and vitamin K2. Eating it can help prevent osteoporosis and heart disease (*). And the fat in cheese can help you feel full longer, preventing cravings and helping you make it to the next meal.
Plus, cheese is a low-carb, keto-friendly food if that’s something that is important to you.
Also, what’s a charcuterie board with cheese? Again, you can look for dairy-free options if you don’t do dairy.
RELATED: 12 Health Benefits Of Low-Carb And Ketogenic Diets

8. Jerky
Jerky is meat, such as veal, beef, turkey, or venison which is dried and cut into strips. It’s low in carbohydrates and high in protein.
The healthiest kind is made at home. Many of the jerkies you see at the grocery store have added preservatives and sugar, so please keep this in mind.
Thrive Market offers excellent Grass-Fed Beef Sticks that are keto and Paleo-friendly and oh, so delicious. Without any of the artificial stuff.
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9. Dark Chocolate and Pecans
Are you surprised chocolate made it to this list of healthy snacks? Chocolate is rich in antioxidants and makes a decadent snack (in small amounts). Especially when paired with a few savory pecans, almonds, or walnuts.
Studies have shown that dark chocolate eaters have a lower risk of heart disease (*). Eating chocolate can also improve brain function.
Choose dark chocolate with a minimum of 70-85% cocoa content. Any less, and you’re looking at a lot of sugar. You might want to try these yummy Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups.
10. Deli Rollups
Simply take a slice of (nitrate-free) meat, such as turkey, and a lettuce leaf or slice of cheese. Roll it up, and voila! You have the perfect grab-and-go snack.
Also, try spreading hummus or a little plain yogurt on the turkey and wrap it around a dill pickle or asparagus spear for a delicious treat. You can slice it lengthwise first or simply eat it as is.
These go even better with a warm cup of soup. You’ll love these 20 healthy and easy-to-make crockpot soup recipes! You can also shop for healthy soups from Kettle & Fire.
11. Canned Salmon or Tuna
Canned fish is another high-protein snack and a great choice if you’re on the go. Just be sure your office buddies are cool with the smell if you decide to pop open a can in the afternoon.

12. Veggies and Hummus
If you’ve never tried hummus give it a go. Some might say it’s an acquired taste, but it’s one of my favorite foods and I make my own at home.
I throw some white beans, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, and olive oil in the blender and it makes the most creamy and delicious hummus in no time.
13. Protein Bars
Homemade ones are best. (Like these no-bake protein bars). There are so many easy recipes for homemade protein bars using your favorite protein powder. But if you like having prepackaged ones on hand, I recommend trying one of the following:
- Built Bar comes in 9 amazing flavors (and actually tastes good).
- Bison Bacon Cranberry Bars, yum!
- Luna Bars
- Kind Bars
- Quest Nutrition Bars
Check out these 50 ways to energize conversations.
14. A Piece Of Fruit
Simply delicious fruit. You can grab it and go. It’s a healthy remedy for a sweet tooth.
There are so many options…bananas, pineapple, plums, kiwi, guava, and so many more. Hope you love making this Honey Lime Rainbow Fruit Salad as much as I do!
RELATED: Top 20 Healthiest Fruits You Can Eat
15. Seeds
Pumpkin, sunflower, hemp, flax, and chia seeds give you quick, long-lasting energy and satiety. They can be eaten alone or in smoothies, oatmeal, or granola. One serving of pumpkin seeds (pepitas) has 7 grams of protein.
Here are some delicious, high-quality, nutritious seeds to try:
- Chia seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Hemp seeds
- Sunflower seeds
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16. Unsweetened Coconut
The amazing coconut offers several healthy snack options. One of my favorites is dried, unsweetened coconut flakes.
But don’t forget coconut butter and coconut water too. Just make sure to read the labels, so you know exactly what’s going into the products.
RELATED: 81 Uses For Coconut Oil
17. Olives
Olives are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, including Vitamin E.
They’re a staple in the Mediterranean for a good reason. They’re not only delicious, but they may also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
18. 4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Bites
Liv over at Healthy-Liv.com posted this yummy recipe for peanut butter energy bites.
Our family loves them, and my daughter requests them before her sporting events. But let me warn you. It’s hard to eat just one. Enjoy!
RELATED: 15 Healthy Breakfast Foods To Start Your Morning Right
19. Frozen Grapes
The perfect sweet treat! Plus, the anthocyanins and resveratrol in grapes reduce inflammation and lower your risk for disease (*).
If you have sensitive teeth or just don’t like them frozen, eat them chilled instead.
20. Homemade Guacamole and Raw Veggies
My personal favorite. I can eat an entire bowl of freshly made guacamole…it’s that’s good!
Here’s my favorite recipe:
Quick And Easy Guacamole
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 medium avocados
- 1/4 to 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 to 2 firm tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- sea salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the avocados open lengthwise. Remove the pit with a large knife. Scoop out the flesh into a bowl.
- Mash the avocado flesh with a fork, to your liking.
- Chop and stir the other ingredients.
Notes
Enjoy the guacamole right away.
Store in the fridge, tightly covered with plastic wrap to help prevent browning (if you have any leftover)
Nutrition Facts
Quick And Easy Guacamole
Serves: 6 servings
Amount Per Serving: 1/4 cup
|
||
---|---|---|
Calories | 150 cal | |
% Daily Value* | ||
Total Fat 13.4 g | 20% | |
Saturated Fat 1.9 g | 5% | |
Trans Fat 0 g | ||
Cholesterol 0 mg | 0 | |
Sodium 89 mg | 3.7% | |
Total Carbohydrate 8.8 g | 2.7% | |
Dietary Fiber 6.3 g | 24% | |
Sugars 1 g | ||
Protein 2 g |
Vitamin A | Vitamin C | |
Calcium 15 mg | Iron 1 mg |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
LoriGeurin.com | Wellness For Life

Final Word – 20 Best Healthy Snacks
There are several delicious, nutritious snacks to select from, as you may see from the preceding list of healthy foods. The greatest choices are those that support your health and fitness goals by delivering a lot of nutrients with little sugar or preservatives. They’re also delicious and simple to grab and go, making them ideal for on-the-go snacking.
Many of these goodies are ideal if you’re watching your sugar intake or following a low-carb or keto diet. Snacks are a wonderful method to add nutrients to your diet while also boosting your energy levels.
As usual, paying attention to your body is critical. Make a habit of mindful eating. Snacks before and after exercise may help your muscles and recovery time. You can’t go wrong with nutrient-dense meals made from real food. The 20 snacks listed here are a terrific place to start.
Printable Weekly Meal Planner
A weekly meal planner can help you stay on track with your health goals. Our printable meal planners have a space to list your daily goals, plus breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack ideas for each day of the week.
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What are your favorite healthy snacks? Share below!
I love eating fresh fruit with cottage cheese. It’s such a good combination.
Hi Haley, So healthy too! The protein in the cottage cheese makes this such a great choice. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing these awesome snacks ideas as my son always demands different snacks after coming home from playing. So now I got various healthy snacks ideas that I can give him and vanish his hunger. Keep sharing such delicious recipes.
You are so welcome! I’m so happy you like the snack ideas and hope your son enjoys them too. Hope to see you back soon!
What a great list of healthy snacks! I didn’t think jerky was a healthy snack. Now I have an excuse to more of it. And, your easy guacamole recipe looks delicious. I pinned your post to make that guac later this weekend.
Thanks, Kim! Isn’t jerky the best?! I’d love to hear what you think about the guac…Have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
My kids really love to snack in between meals and sometimes I just don’t want to let them. These healthy ones will make me give in a little easier.
I hear you. My teenagers like to snack too. Maybe it’s a social thing? Or maybe it’s because they’re all taller than me now and growing overnight? At any rate I know they’re going to snack and so having healthy options is a must. Thanks!
I am always looking for new snack ideas for my kids. This list is so great!
Hey, thanks so much, Krystle. I hope it helps.
Glad to see seeds made the list. Seeds are one of the best snacks around and packed with protein and healthy fats.
So true…seeds are pretty awesome!
This is a great list. I am always looking for good healthy snacks, especially for my girls.
Thanks, Nailil! Hoping this gives you some good options.
I tried for a long time not to jump on the avocado craze, but I couldn’t resist. It is just so good and you can use it for so many things. Can’t wait to try out your recipe.
I know what you mean about the avocado craze…what’s up with avocado toast anyway? Just kidding, although I’ve actually never tried it.
I love avocados on everything and can literally eat a bowl of this fresh guac. Hope you love it as much as I do!
There really are a ton of snacks you can enjoy when you are trying to eat healthily. Not only do they taste good, but they also fuel you up for the day ahead.
I couldn’t agree more, Blythe!
These are amazing! I love healthy snacks and I’m just so happy that my kids love fruits just as much as I do. It’s really important for me to teach them to eat healthy and to get used to having fruits and veggies in their diets.
Thanks, AnnMarie! It really is nice when your kids enjoy healthy eating foods. Makes our parenting job a whole lot easier.
Most of my snack go tos are on your list, chips and guacamole are my absolute favorite. My healthy option is the whey protein shake with fruit, and my favorite healthy treat is dark chocolate.
I’m right there with you, Cecil!
Frozen grapes is one of my family’s favorite snacks! I should try some of these other ones.
Frozen grapes are delicious!
Yum! I love all these snack ideas! Nut butters – yum! But avocados and guacamole – ALL time favorites!
Yes! Thanks, Kimberly.
You have so many great snack ideas here. I think I will go for some dark chocolate first 🙂
Thanks, Robin! Dark chocolate is always a winner.
This is such a great list! And I totally agree with all of these especially dark chocolate because I love them! LOL!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
Hey thanks, Belle! Dark chocolate is a staple in our household.
Yummy list of healthy snacks! I love berries and smoothies! I add yogurt to my smoothies too!
Appreciate it, Jeanine! Smoothies rock.
Cottage Cheese topped with fruit (usually fresh) is my go to snack! I absolutely love it and it’s perfect for tieing me over until dinner!
Love that, Angela! Cottage cheese is full of protein and I agree…it keeps me satisfied a long time.