Whether you are a vegan or not, reaching into your bag during a break at the office can conjure up a happy feeling whilst stuck indoors all day. Sometimes, however, we want to ditch the sugar and additives found in snacks for something a little healthier.
When you would like something that is more than just a piece of fruit, a ready-made snack is an answer. As a vegan, however, it can be difficult to really know what actually is a healthy snack. Many of the products available are loaded with added sugar and preservatives.
Also, with so many to choose from, how do you know what is what when it comes to picking the one suitable for the job?
Fear not, we are here to help. With food as our forte, we know a thing or two when it comes to snacks – especially vegan snacks. At first, looking for a healthy snack can seem daunting, but we are here to do the work for you so you do not have to. Lucky you, ey?
Read on to find a number of delicious snacks amongst the 20 we have chosen to show you in this handy article. We have also included a helpful buyer’s guide at the bottom so you can use the knowledge to buy a healthy vegan snack.
Ivan’s Valley Apple Chips Natural Crisps Pouches
Okay, so we mentioned before about wanting to eat more than just plain fruit, but the apple chips are like fruit pieces that are dressed up with somewhere to go – ya know, they are going out out.
If you are after simple, then these apple chips are it. The only ingredients are organic apples that have been baked to keep their deliciousness and health benefits. Apples are a great source of fiber too, so eating them as a mid-morning snack is great for the digestive system.
The apple snack is also separately bagged meaning that each bag is easy to transport – so no having to find something to keep them fresh whilst attempting to avoid them going stale. Also, having them in separate bags means you can take into account portion control. We have all been there – one minute you have opened a share bag and the next minute all the food has gone.
The only downer is the fact that the apple flavor may in itself becomeboring after a while. However, as with most snacks, you are not going to be eating the same snack day in and day out, so changing it up should avoid this problem.
Pros
- One ingredient – just apples
- Bagged – easier to snack
Cons
- One flavor – may become tiresome
SkinnyPop Original Popcorn Snack Size Bags
Popcorn has a bad rep for being unhealthy. We usually think of it as the go-to snack when watching a movie and having it dripping in toffee and salt. SkinnyPop is far from that and is a great option if you really want some popcorn, but do not want the same ingredients.
Not only that, popcorn is a great way to move away from chips. Okay, they are not the same but are very similar and that is why a lot of people eat these to stop their chip craving.
The SkinnyPop range is one of the best when it comes to popcorn as a snack. This lightly salted version is perfect for when you are wanting something healthy but with a slight kick of saltness. Even though salt is added, it is 2% of your daily recommended amount.
The popcorn is also a low fat option at 100 calories per bag which may be something of interest to you if you are wanting to know your daily calorie intake.
Pros
- Allergy friendly – suitable for almost everyone
- Low calorie – 100 calories
Cons
- Contains salt – but still low
PLANTERS Roasted Pecans
Normally when we think of something roasted, it is peanuts. How about roasted pecans? Not only is this a tasty snack, but you can also add them to ice cream and put them into brownies.
Naturally vegan, they are high in sodium due to them being roasted. If eaten in moderation they can be enjoyed as part of a healthy balanced diet.
Due to the nature of the product they will not be suitable for children however, so if you plan to share them, be mindful of this.
Pros
- Versatile – can be used on meals
- Simple ingredients – easier to understand
Cons
- High in salt – they are roasted, afterall
Good! Snacks Protein Bars
A lot of people associate protein bars with those who like to workout, but eating one is not like joining a members-only exclusive club at the gym. They can be eaten as an on-the-go snack if you are too busy to eat lunch (though let’s not make a habit of that, alright?), and are just a tasty alternative to a candy bar.
Being low in sugar is a must if you want to snack healthily, and this is one of those food items that makes sure to keep that sugar low. It is also high in protein, in fact it has 15g worth.
When it comes to protein, an adult is recommended to eat around 0.36 grams per pound of bodyweight. So for an adult female that is around 46 grams and for a male that is around 56 grams.
As we know, protein is important for muscles, bones, skin and the cartilage, so it is good to see that the protein bar is a good chunk of the recommended amount without being too much.
It is highly rated as a snack to eat for a busy lifestyle, so is a great option if you like to hike at the weekend or want something tasty during a fast paced job.
There are also different flavors but not all are as healthy as each other, so do the research on them before purchasing.
Pros
- Low sugar – a must if you want to eat healthily
- High in protein – 15g of protein
Cons
- Not all are healthy – variety of flavors, but not all healthy
Seapoint Farms Dry Roasted Sea Salt Edamame
Edamame is delicious – fact – but what even is it? It is a soybean that has been harvested before it has reached maturity. Now you know!
They are perfect if you are looking for a different kind of healthy snack. High in fiber, iron and calcium, the edamame also have great benefits to those who choose to eat them. This snack is a good alternative to fresh edamame as well, as it only includes two ingredients – the edamame itself and sea salt.
Even though it has added sea salt, some have described these as barely tasting of salt, so it may be worth adding your own seasoning which could be fun to create different flavors.
It does come in a jar as well which means there is no portion control. The recommended serving amount is 25, so the easiest thing to do is calculate that from the weight of the jar and weigh each serving out every time. A faff, but doable!
Pros
- Two ingredients – soybeans and sea salt
- Nutritious – protein, iron and fiber
Cons
- No portion control – can overeat
Lenny & Larry’s The Complete Cookie
When it comes to cookies, it is difficult to find somebody who does not like them. The Lenny & Larry’s Complete Cookie is a guilt free cookie full of fiber and plant-based goodness.
There are many flavors to choose from and the best part is that they are all vegan. However, they do include sugar which some people may find unsuitable.
Even so, they will be great as a treat when you want to eat something a little more sweet, whether that includes sugar or not.
Pros
- Includes plant-based proteins – healthier option
- Chewy – just like non-vegan cookies
- Variety – lots of flavors
Cons
- Added sugar – not suitable for low sugar diets
Power Up Trail Mix
You could always choose the old school route and buy a trail mix. Most of the time you know exactly what you are eating because it is just dried fruit and nuts, but often there can be hidden ingredients.
The Power Up trail mix has a mixture of almonds, cherries, raisins, pumpkin seeds, peanuts and cashews. There is also a different bag that includes mangos and cranberries, but these have added sugar in them to make them sweeter – though it is not necessary.
The snack is high in protein meaning it is a really good source pre or post-workout. Though, it does not have to be before the gym, they are basically a great way to naturally get some protein in a fun and tasty way..
They are highly versatile as well and can be added to a number of different meals or snacks, such as yoghurt or even oatmeal. This is a good option if you want to mix it up how you eat them, because sometimes a portion of trail mix can become a little bit boring after a week has gone by.
The dried fruit will naturally be high in sugar, so if you want to avoid all types of sugars then either give the fruit away or use it in baking.
Pros
- No added ingredients – nuts, seeds and raisins
- High in protein – natural source
- Versatile – can be mixed with other food
Cons
- High in natural sugar – due to the dried fruit
Mariani Probiotic Pitted Prunes
When it comes to healthy snacks, one that helps the digestive system is a good go-to. The Mariani probiotic pitted prunes include the bacillus coagulans GBI-30 6086, a spore forming strain to support the digestive system. Apparently the prunes by Mariani have 10X more than the amount found in yoghurt.
Speaking of the digestive system, if you do not find that you are regular, then adding prunes to your diet on a daily basis should help with that. Also, as reviews have stated, those who suffer from constipation in pregnancy, or just generally, have found that the strain of live cultures in these prunes have helped relieve them of their trouble.
The prunes are naturally highly nutritious. They include vitamins B6, B12 and E, as well as iron which is beneficial to the blood. Along with a balanced diet, prunes are a fantastic option for a tasty snack.
However, they have been noted as not tasting quite like the prunes that we have probably tasted before, though it could be to do with the adding of the probiotic. This is not a bad thing, it could just be because of being used to a different brand’s taste.
Pros
- Nutritious – high in vitamins
- Active cultures – for gut and digestive system
- Resealable bag – can store it
Cons
- Taste – different to other brands
Real Food From the Ground Up Cauliflower Pretzels
This might sound a little odd at first, but it is actually really tasty. The cauliflower pretzels do not actually taste like the vegetable, which is probably for the best, but does give a great alternative to the original.
Even though there is completely no added sugar, there is quite a bit of sodium added which may not be suitable for everyone, so keep this in mind when you are looking to buy this and need something a little less salty.
Mind you, eaten in moderation, it is a completely healthy and tasty snack!
Pros
- No added sugar – healthy option
- Healthy ingredients – that you do not need to research
Cons
- High in salt – 330g of sodium per serving
NOKA Superfood Smoothie Pouches
As we have stated before, fruit (and even veggies) are a great snack for the vegan. Even though it is great and rather useful to make your own, it can become a hassle having to prepare snacks and buy all the stuff needed for it.
That is where NOKA comes in. The superfood smoothie pouches are packed full of goodies such as sweet potato, bananas, flax seeds and apples. There are so many good things in there that yes, you can eat (or drink) it as a meal replacement if you do not have time on the move.
There are absolutely no added ingredients, with all the sugar coming directly from the fruit and vegetables themselves. However, as much as this may seem super healthy, just be cautious that naturally fruit and veggies can have a high sugar content. So have the smoothies within a generally balanced diet.
Also, no need to refrigerate the pouches because they do not need to be put in a cold environment. This means you are able to take this around with you all day and still be able to have it later on.
Pros
- No added sugar – all natural
- No need for refrigeration – can be left out
- Variety – plant-based, fruit and veggies
Cons
- High in natural sugars – still not as bad as real sugar
YES Bar In Dark Chocolate Chip
Originally made by a mom who created a paleo cookie for her food sensitive son, it is now also a refined cookie for adults too who enjoy them just as much.
They look just like ‘real’ cookies and include dark chocolate to help you get that satisfying sweet hit. Another way of producing a sweeter taste is by using Vermont maple syrup. Whilst some people may not be happy eating syrup as a healthier alternative, it sure beats regular old sugar.
The chewy bite and the flavor is second to none with many people saying that they just cannot get enough with how moreish the cookies are.
As we stated, it is also good for food sensitivities like gluten free and dairy free, so it is a fantastic option if you are also vegan but need something that will not give you an upset digestive system. However, it is not suitable for those with a nut allergy.
Pros
- No refined sugar – yet still sweet
- Food sensitivities – good for gluten free
Cons
- Not as healthy as others – better than non-vegan cookies
Mariani Pitted Dates
As you can probably see by now, the ‘basic’ snacks, as in the ones which are not man-made snacks, are just as tasty as other snacks. We have looked at tasty prunes, now it is the dates’ turn.
Pitted dates are delicious. Not only are they extra tasty and sweet, but also they contain some amazing natural benefits such as vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B5, but also contain a whole lotta fiber, calcium and potassium – that nurtiant you find in bananas.
With a general serving of 6-7 dates, it will keep your taste buds satisfied till dinner, as well as give you nutritional benefits to your body. The resealable packaging means you can keep them fresh and sticky.
There is also no added sugar – in fact, no added ingredients whatsoever. It is nice to know that you are eating something that is just what it is. No hidden nasties or ingredients to unnecessarily sweeten.
Even though there are no added ingredients, they are packaged in a factory that handles tree nuts, milk and soy, so they are not suitable for those who have allergies.
Pros
- Nutritious – high in vitamins
- No added sugar – and no added ingredients
- 28 servings per bag (6-7 dates) – good value for money
Cons
- Not good for allergies – packaged in the same place as milk, soy and tree nuts
HIPPEAS Organic Chickpea Puffs
When we think of chickpeas, we usually think of hummus, but if that is just not your thing, do not worry, these delicious HIPPEAS taste nothing like it.
If you really miss eating chips and also want something a little more healthier, then these are a great option, especially if you are craving cheese. As you know, as a vegan you cannot eat cheese, but luckily for you, there are many great vegan alternatives out there, these being one of those.
They are also full of protein and are low calorie which is great if you are counting the calories. The only downside is they are higher in salt than other snacks, however, probably still lower than a regular bag of chips.
Pros
- Full of protein – good for the muscle
- Vegan cheese – what is not to love
- Low calorie – low calorie diet suitable
Cons
- High in salt – 11% of your daily intake of sodium
PigOut Pigless Pork Rinds in Salt and Vinegar
As a vegan, pork rinds are probably the last thing on your mind, but if you are the type of vegan who used to enjoy meat, then you might be craving pork rinds still. Fear not, there is a vegan alternative out there!
The PigOut Pigless Pork Rinds are a much healthier version too, and look and taste like the real thing without the oiliness and guilt – oh, and unhealthiness. There is 75% less sodium in the vegan version compared to a traditional bag of pork rinds.
Also, for peace of mind, everything in the vegan rinds are made from completely natural ingredients that have been derived from vegan sources.
The bag is great for if you want to share it with others, but you may find you will need an airtight container to keep the rest in due to the bag not being able to be resealed. Also, you might find you eat more due to not knowing the portion size.
Pros
- No added sugar – no added sweetness
- High in protein – 25g in each bag
- Less sodium than traditional pork rinds – meatless version has 75% less sodium
- Natural ingredients – all derived from vegan sources
Cons
- Share bag – that you cannot reseal
Annie’s Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks
Candy is not healthy, but when it comes in a sweet gummy form suitable for vegans, then why not? Sometimes it is just too difficult to stop ourselves wanting to try sweet treats!
The Annie’s Organic Bunnies are healthier than the usual gummies you find at the store and they are vegan. Each leaping bunny contains high levels of vitamin C, with a full portion being your full recommended vitamin C intake.
Because it contains real fruit juice, there are no artificial flavorings. The organic ingredients have been sourced from organic and sustainable farms, so this will give peace of mind if it is something that matters to you when knowing where your food is coming from.
Due to it including natural fruit juices, it is naturally high in sugar. If you are on a low sugar diet then this should be taken into account.
Pros
- Contains high vitamin C – 100% of daily intake
- Contains real fruit juice – rather than artificial flavoring
- Individually packaged – portion control
- Organic – sourced ingredients from sustainable farms
Cons
- High sugar content – naturally occurring sugars
LIEBERS Dark Chocolate Rice Cakes
Rice cakes are not normally a tasty go-to, but once they are topped with dark chocolate like LIEBERS, then it is a whole different story.
They are so versatile that not only can you eat them as is, but you might want to try them with peanut butter and fruit. They are also a low GI food due to being made with whole grain brown rice.
There are not that many in a pack, so if you are being budget conscious, keep that in mind. Though, no doubt you will be buying several packets anyway!
Pros
- Versatile – can be made into tastier snacks
- Sweet hit – dark chocolate
- Whole grain brown rice – low GI
Cons
- Limited amount – may need to buy several packets
Bella Sun Luci Plant-Based Tomato Jerky in Teriyaki and Cracked Pepper
When it comes to the jerky, it is great to find a vegan alternative. Though it does not actually taste like the real thing, it is a great option.
Proud to be women owned, it is a good choice if you want to support a female created brand – though even looking past this, the product itself is delicious.
Low in sugar and salt, it is a healthier option compared to real jerky. It also includes the health benefits of a tomato.
Pros
- Low in sugar and salt – healthier option
- Women owned – supporting female business
- Nutritious – benefits of a tomato
Cons
- Not meat-like – so do not expect a similar flavor
Harvest Snaps Green Pea Snacks Crisps
When it comes to the humble pea, once put into snack form they are even tastier. The Harvest crisps are perfect for a lightly salted hit without overdoing on the sodium. Plus the individual bags help with portion control.
These tasty crisps – well the peas – are a natural fertilizer due to being filled with nitrogen. This helps to replenish the soil and also cover the crop to protect against erosion. Amazing!
However, even though it is lower in salt, it is still added and this may not be suitable for everyone’s diet.
Pros
- Individual bags – easy to save
- Doing good – the peas are a natural fertilizer
- Low in salt – low sodium intake
Cons
- Still added salt – which is not suitable for everyone
Gourmet Keto Snacks Edible Cookie Dough
Did you really think we would make a list and not add some form of cookie dough? This delicious jar of goodness is the kind of snack you will probably buy yourself as a treat.
The birthday cake version, which yes, is also vegan, even has sprinkles included and is made with an almond butter base. Not only can you eat it directly from the jar with a spoon, it is also ready to go in the oven if you want to bake cookies.
No added sugar and no hidden nasties, though it is high in saturated fat so it may not be suitable for everyone. But still, as a treat, enjoy it!
Pros
- No added sugar – healthy alternative
- Can bake cookies – eat it raw or bake with it
- Natural food – no hidden nasties
Cons
- High in Saturated fat – not suitable for all
Nature’s Bakery Whole Wheat Fig Bars
When it comes to convenience, sometimes a bar is all you need. Easy to travel with and eat, plus no mess. Nature’s Bakery fig bars are not only delicious but also contain no hidden nasties.
They do, however, have a high sugar content compared to other snacks due to cane sugar being an added ingredient. As a one-off snack here and there, there is no problem with that. Just eat in moderation – they are tasty!
Pros
- Nutritious – includes figs
- Convenience – come in bars
- Plant-based – no hidden nasties
Cons
- Added sugar – high content
Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to looking for the perfect healthy vegan snack, knowing what to look for will help to tackle those taste buds ASAP. Here is a handy guide when seeking and high and low for the ultimate snack.
Sugar Content
Looking at snacks and their sugar content is enough to put you off snacking altogether! However, sugar is not always the enemy it is made out to be.
Yes, you should be trying to avoid added sugar. There is no need to drown a snack in sugar, unless you are after a really sweet sugar rush – though food can be sweet in many other ways without the need for added sugar.
Low sugar forms of food are also readily available, and these should not be ignored. Yes, they have sugar added, but in lower quantities. Or, low sugar could mean from naturally occurring sources such as fruit.
Unless you have a dietary reason to avoid sugar altogether, low forms of sugar are fine. Look for low sugar snacks or ones that say ‘no added sugar’. Again, they may include naturally occurring sugars and that is fine.
Salt Content
Just like with the sugar, avoiding salt is probably higher up the list. Sodium is another ingredient added for flavor, and you may have already seen that a lot of vegan food has high levels of sodium.
Even though the majority of Americans eat on average around 3,400 mg of sodium, the recommended limit is actually 2,300 mg. That equals to around a teaspoon of salt a day. It is not actually that much when you put it like that.
The risks associated with high salt levels over a long period of time are high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. So limiting your intake is always a good idea.
Packaging
It can be tempting to buy a share bag of something, but then you will have to factor in how you will eat it. Okay, we are not judging if you want to take the share bag with you to eat by yourself, just you might not want to.
When this is the case, you might need to think of alternative ways to transport food around with you where it will not become affected by the air. So think airtight containers or a food bag – anything that will keep it in tip-top condition.
A lot of snacks come in snack sizes, so will also be packaged into small bags for example. A lot do not though, so just keep this in mind if you are on a budget. However, plenty of us have food storage containers and the like in our kitchens somewhere, so it should not be a problem.
Portion Control
Along with packaging comes portion control. It can be super easy to munch your way through a bag of something or other forgetting that the bag was made for three people to eat – woops!
When this is the case, avoid it by portioning out some of the food to eat, rather than grabbing the full bag and having at it (we know it is tempting). Also, another way to make this even easier is to find snacks that are already packaged. These are handy because they already have the correct portion size for you to eat.
Each portion size will have been calculated on nutritional benefits and how much a person should eat when it comes to snack time. There is no need to get hung up on the correct portion size, however, just try not to eat the full bag!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good vegan snacks to buy?
There are many good vegan snacks to try, with the main being to look for something that does not include a lot of added ingredients like sugar and salt. You may notice that a lot of vegan food includes a big amount of sodium for flavor. Whilst this is okay in moderation, if you are going to be snacking every day, look at snacks that will benefit your body rather than not be good for it.
Try these snacks: LIEBERS Dark Chocolate Rice Cakes, Ivan’s Valley Apple Chips Natural Crisps Pouches and Seapoint Farms Dry Roasted Sea Salt Edamame.
What junk food can vegans eat?
There are many alternatives to a healthy vegan diet – and that is junk food and sweet treats. It is not uncommon, or necessarily bad, to eat junk food from time-to-time. This can include fast food as well as sugared and salty items. Here are some options:
Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, S’mores Granola Bites, and Siete Salt & Vinegar Kettle Chips
