Did you know that 91% of people admit to snacking at least once a day? One in five people snack three or four times each day, and many people even replace meals with their favorite snacks.
Not surprisingly, chips, chocolate, and cheese are the three most popular snacks in America. But these are far from the only options for different types of snack food.
Are you tired of the same old boring snacks you always eat? Looking to jazz things up and get excited about snacking again? Keep reading for our best snack food ideas to keep you feeling great all day long!
1. Mozzarella & Cherry Tomatoes
Many would argue that cheese is America's favorite food item, and we're happy to go along with that argument. Although some types of cheese are filled with fat and calories, there are plenty of healthy cheese options out there too.
For example, try pairing two ounces of mozzarella cheese (broken into bite-sized pieces) with a cup of fresh cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with salt and pepper and a dash of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, if you like. This satisfying snack is loaded with antioxidants, protein, and calcium while still coming in at under 200 calories.
2. Ants on a Log
No, we're not suggesting you eat ants — although they are a popular food source in many cultures! The name of these popular snacks comes from their appearance once you put the ingredients together.
Chop celery into four-inch sections and slather them with nut butter. Peanut butter is the traditional choice, but feel free to use almond butter, cashew butter, or another personal favorite.
For the "ants," place a few raisins on top of your celery "logs" and enjoy! If you're craving something crunchy, salty, and just a bit sweet, this is definitely the best food for snacking.
3. Healthy Jerky
There's a lot more to beef jerky than the low-quality bags you find at the gas station. Some brands are full of sugar, preservatives, and other questionable ingredients, but there are plenty of healthier options too.
Look for jerky or sticks made from grass-fed beef or wild game (venison, elk, etc). You can find healthy beef jerky brands that sell O.G Hickory jerky, Habanero Escobar jerky, and even vegetarian and vegan jerky. Also, they use as few added ingredients as possible and let the flavor of the meat shine.
If you're hoping to add more protein to your diet, this is the best snack food for you. One ounce packs about seven grams of protein!
4. Edamame
Craving something crunchy and salty? There's a reason edamame keeps popping up in snack boxes like the ones here — they're absolutely delicious.
The packaged version is great, but you can also steam the fresh unripened soybeans at home. They're loaded with iron, vitamins, and protein and can even help with weight loss and blood sugar regulation.
5. Sliced Pear & Ricotta Cheese
Sweet, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying, this snack will have you running to the fridge for more. Chop a small pear and pair it (pun intended) with three ounces of ricotta cheese. If you prefer, you could use cottage cheese instead.
Not only is it delicious, but it's super healthy. Pears have wonderful anti-inflammatory properties while ricotta cheese can boost your strength and muscle mass.
6. Turkey-Cheese Roll-Ups
This snack may take you back to your elementary school days — in a good way! Skip the bread and instead make a turkey and cheese "sandwich" using cucumbers or pickles.
Spread out four slices of turkey breast and slather them with cream cheese. Top each one with a thinly-sliced pickle or cucumber and roll up into bite-sized snacks. These delicious and nutritious snacks are loaded with protein and guaranteed to keep you feeling full for hours.
7. Spicy Avocado Toast
If you Google "best snack food," you're sure to see many variations of avocado toast. And why not? Avocados are some of the tastiest and most nutritious foods on the entire planet!
There are a million ways to make avocado toast, but we like this spicy version with a dash of salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Smear half an avocado across a piece of toasted bread, season it, and finish with some freshly chopped cilantro or basil. Yum!
8. Proscuitto & Melon
Can't decide whether you want something salty or sweet? This fantastic snack combines your two favorite flavors into one and — bonus — it's good for you too!
Slice up a fresh cantaloupe or honeydew melon. Wrap each piece with a thin slice of Italian prosciutto, Spanish jamon, or your favorite cured meat. It may sound strange to pair fruit with cured ham, but trust us: it's magical.
9. DIY Protein Box
The best snack food is tasty, satisfying, and keeps you going between meals. That's exactly what you'll get with a protein box, which is why you're seeing them pop up everywhere from gas stations to Starbucks.
Skip the storebought version and make your own by combining any of the following ingredients:
- Hardboiled eggs
- Cheese cubes or slices
- Shredded chicken or tuna
- Fresh veggie slices (cucumbers, peppers, carrots)
- Olives
- Fresh berries or grapes
- Raw almonds, walnuts, or pecans
- Baked crackers or chips
Keep each item in a separate compartment and snack as desired. Whether you want something crunchy, salty, sweet, or savory, everything you want is inside your protein box!
Discover the Best Snack Food for You
With so many different types of snack food out there, you never have to settle for the same boring items. Bookmark this article and take it with you the next time you're at the store buying snacks.
Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. The best snack food for you could be something you've never tried before!
The best food for snacking isn't the only topic we're discussing today. Our site is full of articles about food, travel, home decor, and much more, so stay right here and continue to browse!
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