If it feels like you’re always on the go with no time to spare, you’re not alone. In fact, if we’re being totally transparent, finding time to meal prep while managing a busy schedule can be difficult. So yes, sometimes this means we head out the door empty-handed and hungry. Not ideal, but hey — we’re human. But, you’ll be happy to know it’s quite simple to stay on track — even if you’re out and about empty-handed. Enter: healthy store-bought snacks, our saving grace on busy days!
That’s right, aside from being tasty, these good-for-you snack options fuel us with the energy and nutrients we need to power through the day. From high-protein options to functional wellness treats to snacks that support gut health and women’s health, there are endless healthy choices to choose from! However, easier said than done, we get it! Knowing which snacks to choose in the sea of seemingly healthy options can feel overwhelming. But, that’s where we come in!
No need to add more stress to your plate — we’ve taken all the guesswork out for you. Ahead, we’re breaking down the healthiest store-bought snack foods. Your busy days are about to get a lot easier (and yummier)!
Is Snacking Healthy?
Good news — when you snack mindfully and reach for nutritious options, snacking can be a healthy addition to any eating plan.
The rise in intermittent fasting has given snacks a bad rap, but It’s important to remember a healthy eating plan looks different from person to person. If you’re a snack lover, it’s all about finding healthy options that support your health and fitness goals. Plus, healthy snacks are always there when you need them (think: mid-day hunger cravings, post-workout refuel, and late-night munchies).
Snacks can even help support weight loss goals by supporting blood sugar and preventing overeating. So, as long as you shop smart and listen to your body, store-bought snacks can keep you satiated, nourished, and be an integral part of a balanced diet!
What to Look For in Healthy Snacks
Shopping the grocery aisles for healthy snacks is no easy feat. So we’ll let you in on a secret — if you want to know how to find the healthiest store-bought snacks, start with the ingredient label. Marketing tactics are (concerningly) good at tricking consumers with labels, claims, and pretty packaging! But, the ingredient label will always reveal the truth about unhealthy or hidden ingredients!
Ingredients to Avoid
When searching for healthy store-bought snacks, avoid any artificial ingredients, processed foods, and fillers. Remember, these ingredients can be sneaky, with many different names! In fact, there are more than 50 names for sneaky sugars.
Here are some common additives and unhealthy ingredients to avoid:
- Hydrogenated oils or trans fats
- Artificial flavors and colorings
- Processed and inflammatory oils such as canola or corn oil
- Enriched wheat
Ingredients You Want
When it comes to healthy store-bought snacks, the fewer ingredients, the better. Look for ingredients that are in their most natural state — (i.e., real, whole foods!) As a rule of thumb, you should always be able to pronounce and recognize the ingredients on a label. If not, it’s probably not the healthiest store-bought snack.
If the ingredient list checks out, move on to the nutrition label! A balanced proportion of macronutrients is ideal. Look for foods higher in protein and fiber and lower in sugar. Clean carbs and healthy fats are great too! If your snack of choice does include sugar, make sure it’s made with natural sugars (such as fruit, honey, or maple syrup).
Luckily, there are plenty of brands with clean ingredients that make shopping for healthy store-bought snacks easy. Ahead, we’re sharing 16 healthy store-bought snacks broken down by snack categories.
Gut-Healthy Store-Bought Snacks
#1 Lil Bucks Clusterbucks Buckwheat Granola Bites
These sustainable and gut-healthy bites are a top trending snack item, according to the 2024 Whole Foods trend report. Made with a granola base of sprouted buckwheat seeds (as a grain-free granola alternative) they’re a good-for-you grain that supports both gut health and soil health. With 5 mouth-watering flavors to choose from (including Birthday Cake, Snickerdoodle, and Chocolate Sea Salt) enjoy them as a guilt-free snacking treat.
#2 Icelandic Provisions Skyr Yogurt
Different from regular flavored yogurt, Skyr-style yogurt contains more protein and less sugar while containing all of the probiotic-rich benefits. Icelandic Provisions offers a variety of flavors, including plant-based yogurts!
This high-protein snack can be enjoyed on its own or served up with satiating toppings for a sweet smoothie breakfast bowl.
#3 Forager Project Drinkable Cashew Milk Yogurt
In addition to their plant-based line of thick and creamy cashew milk yogurts, Forager Project makes dairy-free drinkable yogurts! Each bottle is filled with 9 active cultures for a probiotic-rich, gut-supporting snack. With just 120 calories per cup and 0 grams of sugar (in their unsweetened variety), this is a yummy grab-and-go option you can feel good about.
#4 Bare Bones Instant Ramen Bone Broth
Made with chicken bone broth and trending ramen flavor, these gut-healthy instant soup packets make on-the-go simple and nutritious. Simply add water, and sip smart!!
#5 A Dozen Cousins Meals Ready to Eat Beans
Craving something more satiating? These filling fiber-rich ready-to-eat curried chickpeas are a simple snack to keep close. In addition to chickpeas, they’re made with wholesome ingredients like avocado oil and anti-inflammatory spices such as turmeric and cinnamon. Simply warm them up and enjoy them over a pre-made salad or with your favorite flatbread or tortillas.
Brain-Boosting Snack Foods
#6 Brainiac Almond Butter Packets
Packed with protein, omega-3s, and choline, these brain-boosting nut butter packs will help you snack smarter. Available in Honey Almond and Chocolate Peanut for plant-based protein that tastes like a spreadable treat.
#7 Freestyle Snacks Extra Virgin Olive Oil Kalamata Olives
As one of the top Mediterranean diet staples, olives are a polyphenol-rich snack shown to support longevity and benefit brain health. Enjoy a handful as a snack or pair them with cottage cheese, veggies, or your favorite grain-free crackers.
#8 D’Vash Superfood Walnut Bites
Simply made with four wholesome ingredients (walnuts, coconut, chocolate, and dates), this brain-boosting sweet treat is a fiber-rich snack that’s totally guilt-free. With no added sugar or sneaky ingredients, it’s the perfect little treat when you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Snacks That Support Women’s Health
#9 RW Garcia 3-Seed Crackers
These seedy snacks are the perfect savory option for women looking to support their hormone health. Made with a blend of flax, sesame, and chia, they’re full of superfood seeds for women that are rich in various nutrients, including zinc, selenium, Omega-3s, fiber, and lignans.
#10 Elemental Superfood Bars
These organic and raw refrigerated superfood bars are full of good-for-you nutrients like buckwheat, flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, brazil nuts, and cacao nibs. Not only are they packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids needed for women’s health, but they’re just as tasty as they are nutritious. The perfect filling pick-me-up that will keep you satisfied for hours and won’t spike your blood sugar!
#11 Lark Ellen Farm Granola Bites
Made with sprouted nuts and seeds that are nutrient-rich and easier to digest, these grain-free granola chunks are a wholesome snack option that serve as an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. Particularly important for women, these nutrients help to support energy levels and maintain hormonal balance.
#12 GimMe Organic Roasted Seaweed Snacks
They’re crispy, salty, crunchy, and totally addictive. We’re talking about roasted Seaweed Snacks! Aside from containing a wide variety of nutrients like iodine, iron, and calcium – perfect for supporting women’s health – these savory snacks are extremely low-cal and incredibly healthy. They come in a variety of different flavors too — sea salt, teriyaki, or wasabi — yum! Enjoy them alone or alongside other foods. For a more satiating snack, try rolling them up with turkey breast and smashed avocado.
Breakfast-Style Store-Bought Snacks
#13 Mush Overnight Oats
When healthy snacking tastes like dessert, it’s a yes from us. A cup of Mush Overnight Oats is everything you’d want in a healthy store-bought snack, and then some. Minimal ingredients, no fillers or processed foods, and a perfect balance of macronutrients.
Oh, and did we mention they taste like dessert? Seriously. Flavors like Wild Blueberry, Coffee Coconut (our favorite), Honey-Nut Crunch, Dark Chocolate, and more. You’ll find this healthy store-bought snack in the refrigerated section (because no preservatives — just the way we like it).
#14 Alter Eco Granola
If you love cereal, granola, and chocolate, you’ll love this sustainably-made breakfast granola made with regenerative farming practices. With just 3 grams of sugar per serving and ingredients like organic oats, coconut oil, cashew butter, and cocoa powder, you’ll kick off the day in a naturally sweet way. Add a handful to your yogurt, enjoy with a splash of milk, or eat by the spoonful along with a side of fresh fruit.
#15 Over Easy Banana Nut Breakfast Bar
This breakfast bar is made with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about like oats, almond butter, egg whites, and bananas. With 9 grams of protein, 7 grams of fiber, and less than 250 calories, feel good about snacking for breakfast when mornings are too busy to prep something at home!
#16 Three Bridges Egg Bites
If you’re a savory snacker (and breakfast lover), these ready-to-enjoy egg bites are for you. Made with cottage cheese and cage-free eggs they’re packed with 20 grams of protein per serving and just one gram of sugar.
#17 Once Upon A Farm
Did you think we’d mention the healthiest store-bought snacks without keeping your little ones in mind? Have access to top-quality nutrition even on the busiest of days. Once Upon a Farm makes organic, cold-pressed fruit and veggie packs ranging from smoothies to drinkable overnight oats. All products are free from added sugars and made with the most nutritious ingredients for your mini-me’s.
Sustainable Snacks
#18 Blue Stripes Urban Cacao Water & Granola
Projected to be a top-trending food in 2024, cacao water (made from the upcycled cacao pod) is a superfood snack beverage that will satisfy both your taste and nutrient needs. According to Blue Stripes, cacao water contains more antioxidants than acai and green tea, is full of theobromine for long-lasting energy, and even contains more calcium than cow’s milk! Plus, it’s vegan, rich in fiber, and free from gluten and refined sugar. As for other trending snack items made from the whole cacao plant, whole cacao granola, trail mix, and even dried cacao fruit are tasty and nutritious options.
#19 Better With Buckwheat Maine Crisp Crackers
As a regenerative crop, buckwheat serves as the star ingredient in these sustainable and naturally gluten-free seed crackers. Paired with a side of fruit, a single-serve yogurt or cottage cheese cup, or enjoyed as a dipping vehicle for hummus or guac snack packs.
#20 Pulp Pantry Grain-Free Veggie Tortilla Chips
Made from the pulp of leftover fiber from cold-pressed veggie juice, these upcycled chips are grain-free, gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and contain 95% of the fiber from whole veggies. Available in four tasty flavors (including Salt & Vinegar, Jalapeno Lime, Spicy Barbecue, and Sea Salt. Yum!
#21 Pan’s Mushroom Jerky
Made with real Shiitake Mushrooms, this plant-based and paleo-friendly mushroom jerky will satisfy all your snacking needs. While the meaty texture delivers in flavor, the ingredients deliver in nutrient needs – it’s naturally sweetened, and made with real wholesome ingredients!
Energy Bars & Healthy Sweet Snacks
#22 Urban Remedy Plant Protein Bar
Low sugar, high protein, and made with real ingredients. What more could you ask for out of a protein bar? These satiating snacks are infused with superfoods like Matcha and Cacao and contain up to 11 grams of protein. Urban Remedy bars are paleo, plant-based, and free from any preservatives — you’ll find these protein-packed store-bought snacks in the fridge!
#23 Larabars
Most energy bars are filled with lengthy ingredient lists and artificial flavors, but not Larabars! These wholesome store-bought snacks are made from 100% real, plant-based ingredients — just fruit, nuts, and spices.
#24 Simple Mills Chocolate Chip Cookies
Think of these as the healthy store-bought version of Grandma’s homemade chocolate chip cookies. All the sweet flavor you love and crave but with the added benefits of convenience and health! Gluten-free, Non-GMO, and always made with 100% natural ingredients.
Plus, Simple Mills has both crunchy and soft-baked cookies. Say no more.
#25 Navitas Organics Power Snacks
These yummy energy bites are naturally sweetened with fiber-rich dates and filled with superfood ingredients like antioxidant-rich goji berries and cacao. Enjoy a burst of flavor and nutrients with every mouthful! They’re perfectly sweet, 100% plant-based, completely guilt-free.
Find them in a variety of flavors like Coffee Cacao, Cacao Goji, or Blueberry Hemp.
#26 Thunderbird Bars
When you’re looking for clean energy without the added sugar and additives, look no further!
Thunderbird Bars are whole-food bars that are plant-based, paleo, and packed with superfood nutrients. Unlike most bars filled with artificial ingredients, these bars are made from energizing nutrients like dates, nuts, and seeds, and superfood extracts like maca. What’s more? There are 10 yummy flavors — like Hazelnut Coffee Maca, Pecan Goji Pistachio, and Cashew Fig Carrot to choose from.
#27 Love and Chew Superfood Chocolate Chia Cookie
When your cookie is simply made with a handful of wholesome ingredients like chia seeds, dates, almonds, and almond butter, it’s more of a healthy snack than a dessert! Especially when it’s full of 7 grams of plant-based protein and 5 grams of fiber. Yum.
#28 Truvani The Only Bar
Gluten-free, dairy-free, and fully plant-based, this dessert-tasting protein bar is a good-for-you option that is so delicious it’s hard to believe it’s healthy. It’s naturally sweetened and full of healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based protein.
#29 Nelly’s Organic Bars
If you’re craving candy without the processed sugar, these organic snack bars will satisfy your dessert cravings in a healthy way. From chocolate covered coconut and peanut butter bars to caramel nougat bars, enjoy your favorite treats made from raw, whole-food, plant-based ingredients.
#30 Simple Mills Spiced Carrot Cake Soft Baked Almond Flour Bars
Tasting like freshly-baked homemade baked goods, these soft-baked carrot cake bars are a healthy and tasty snack option that will satisfy all your needs. Not only are they made with nutrient-dense ingredients like almonds, flax, chia, carrots, and almond butter, but they’re also grain-free, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly.
Healthy Chips & Crackers
#31 Siete Foods Grain-Free Tortilla Chips
If you’re a savory snacker, here’s one of the healthiest ways to get your chip fix. Siete Foods makes the most delicious grain-free tortilla chips. They’re made with simple ingredients like coconut flour and avocado oil and come in a variety of flavors (such as Chipotle BBQ, Nacho, and Ranch). The best part? They’re 100% plant-based and free from gluten, dairy, soy, and grains!
#32 Lesser Evil Organic Himalayan Pink Salt Popcorn
“Shouldn’t a handful of popcorn only have a handful of ingredients?” Why yes, yes it should. We fully support this Lesser Evil marketing pitch along with their delicious popcorn that lives up to their claims. Made with just three ingredients (coconut oil, organic popcorn, and Himalayan pink salt), this Organic Himalayan Pink Salt Popcorn is one of the tastiest and healthiest store-bought snack foods!
#33 Rhythm Kale Chips
If you never thought you’d develop a kale addiction, wait until you try Rhythm’s Kale Chips. These nutrient-dense veggie chips are organic, flavorful, and made with a few simple ingredients. Plus, they’re dehydrated! This means they retain all of their plant-filled nutrients while offering a delicious crunch.
While Kale Chips are Rhythm’s OG product, Rhythm makes other fruit and veggie-based snacks (such as one-ingredient savory Beet and Carrot chips, and sweet and chewy dehydrated Watermelon slices!)
#34 Mary’s Gone Crackers
Speaking of seedy snacks, Mary’s Gone Crackers are one of our favorite nutritious store-bought snacks! These crunchy bites are full of heart-healthy Omega 3’s (such as pumpkin, flax, and chia seeds), are packed with fiber (up to 3 grams per serving), and even have mineral-rich seaweed mixed into some of their varieties.
Dip them in guac or crush them on top of your favorite salad for a nutritious crunch!
Savory & Protein-Rich Snacks
#35 Go Raw Sprouted Organic Mixed Seeds
Skip the sugary trail mix for this sprouted super seedy blend. Go Raw encourages better snacking with a line of organic, sprouted nuts and seeds. Why sprouted, you ask? The sprouting process helps increase the nutritional value of these heart-healthy nuts and seeds by reducing phytic acid and making their nutrients easier to absorb. Try the Go Raw Mixed Seeds blend made with Pumpkin, Sunflower, and Watermelon Seeds when you want a high protein, antioxidant-rich, healthy store-bought snack.
#36 Wonderful Pistachio Packs
While nuts are one of the healthiest snacks, there’s no denying they come with a high caloric caveat. Thanks to their delicious and addictive nature, it’s easy to mindlessly munch on nuts and wind up overindulging. That’s one of the reasons why Wonderful Pistachios packs are one of the healthiest store-bought snacks. They take longer to eat (removing their tedious shell), helping prevent an accidental splurge! Plus, pistachios are high in antioxidants and protein while low in calories!
#37 Vital Farms Hard Boiled Eggs
If you’re looking for a satiating, low-cal snack, look no further. These pre-cooked eggs are packed with 6 grams of protein per egg and free from artificial ingredients or preservatives. Plus, they’re pasture-raised, making them both healthy and humane.
To make this protein-rich snack more complete, combine it with mashed avocado or hummus and enjoy it on top of a rice cake!
#38 Hu Kitchen Grain-Free Crackers
Nobody does grain-free better than Hu Kitchen. While they’re notorious for their healthy chocolate bars (one of our other favorite store-bought snacks), Hu’s simple-ingredient crackers are — dare we say — better than the real deal. The base is made with coconut, cassava, and almond flour, making them paleo-friendly, gluten and grain-free snacks.
#39 Chomps Grass-Fed Beef Stick
When you want a protein-rich snack made from pure, unprocessed ingredients, look no further. Chomps Beef Sticks are made with grass-fed beef, meaning you’re getting the highest quality meat, free from any hormones or additives. While these snacks contain an impressive 9 grams of protein, they’re under 100 calories and on the lighter side. To stay satiated, enjoy this protein-packed snack alongside fiber-rich fruit such as sliced apple!
#40 Brami Lupini Snacking Beans
Looking for a protein-packed alternative to nuts or seeds? Give this Mediterranean-inspired snack a try! Lupini beans are a lightly pickled legume that boasts more protein and fewer calories per gram than both almonds and avocados. In fact, you’ll get a shocking 12 grams of plant-based protein per 100 calories! With just a handful of simple ingredients and a variety of flavors (such as Chili & Lime, Salt & Vinegar, and Garlic & Rosemary), satisfy your cravings as you snack away the healthy way.
Packaged Snacks You’ll Feel Good About
Thanks to these nutritious store-bought snacks, snacking on the go can be healthy and simple! Now that you know the healthiest packaged foods, navigate the grocery aisles with ease and stay sustained and energized with these healthy foods. Keep this healthy shopping guide near during your next grocery run!
