Healthy packaged snacks

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When you’re busy, having healthy packaged snacks on hand can make it easier to stick to your nutritional goals. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of nutritious packaged snack options. These snacks are convenient, delicious, and packed with essential nutrients, making them perfect for on-the-go snacking or quick bites between meals. Whether you’re at work, school, or traveling, these healthy packaged snacks will help you stay energized and satisfied without compromising on health.

Snacks list

Nuts

Nuts are a healthy packaged snack that offers a rich source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.^[1] They are convenient and portable, making them an excellent choice for on-the-go snacking. Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and pistachios provide heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats,^[2] which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular health.^[3][4] Nuts contain antioxidants and other bioactive compounds that contribute to overall health.^[5][6] While they are calorie-dense,^[4] enjoying a moderate portion of nuts can help keep you full and energized. Nuts are a nutritious and satisfying option for those without nut allergies, providing a wholesome snack that supports a balanced diet.

1. Nuts and seeds – Better Health Channel
2. Are nuts a healthy snack? – Ask the expert – British Health Foundation
3. Why Nuts are Great for Heart Health – Stony Brook Medicine
4. Nuts and your heart: Eating nuts for heart health – Mayo Clinic
5. Health benefits of nuts: potential role of antioxidants – National Institutes of Health (.gov)
6. Composition of Nuts and Their Potential Health Benefits—An Overview – MDPI

Jerky

Jerky is a healthy packaged snack that provides a convenient and high-protein option, ideal for on-the-go snacking. Made from lean cuts of meat,^[1] such as beef, turkey, or chicken, jerky is rich in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.^[2] It is low in fat and, due to its protein content, can help keep you feeling full and satisfied between meals. It’s important to enjoy jerky in moderation, as many commercial varieties can be high in sodium and preservatives. Choosing lower-sodium options^[3][4][5] and consuming jerky as part of a balanced diet can make it a nutritious and enjoyable snack.

1. Is Beef Jerky Healthy? The Answer Is Complicated – Taste of Home
2. Is Beef Jerky Good for You? – Healthline
3. Top 15 Healthiest Beef Jerky Brands: Nutritious Snacking – JerkyGent
4. Healthy Beef Jerky: The 10 Best Low-Sodium, Low-Sugar Jerky Brands – Men’s Journal
5. 11 Best & Worst Beef Jerky Brands, According to Dietitians – Eat This Not That

Popcorn

Popcorn is a healthy packaged snack that offers a satisfying crunch and is a great alternative to traditional high-calorie snacks. When air-popped and lightly seasoned, popcorn is low in calories and fat while still providing fiber,^[1][2] which aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full longer. It’s also a whole grain, offering important nutrients like vitamins B and E, as well as minerals like magnesium and zinc.^[3][4] It’s important to choose plain or lightly seasoned varieties and avoid those with excessive added butter, salt, or sugar. Enjoying popcorn in moderation as part of a balanced diet makes it a nutritious and delicious snack option for any occasion.

1. Popcorn as a snack: Healthy hit or dietary horror show? – American Heart Association
2. Which Way to Make Popcorn Is Healthiest? – Verywell Health
3. Popcorn Nutrition Facts – Eat This Much
4. Popcorn Nutrition Facts: A Healthy, Low-Calorie Snack? – Healthline

Also read: Pre-workout snacks

Granola bar

Granola bars are a healthy packaged snack option that can provide a convenient and nutritious boost of energy. Made from wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits,^[1][2] granola bars offer a good source of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. They are portable and perfect for on-the-go snacking, making them a popular choice for busy lifestyles. It is important to choose granola bars that are low in added sugars and artificial ingredients.^[3][4] Reading labels carefully to select options with natural sweeteners and whole food ingredients can ensure you are getting a healthier snack. When chosen wisely and enjoyed in moderation, granola bars can be a delicious and balanced addition to your snack routine.

1. Healthy Granola Bars: Fact or Fiction? – Healthline
2. Are Granola Bars Healthy? Here’s What a Dietitian Has to Say – EatingWell
3. The Best Granola Brands, According to Bon Appétit Editors – Bon Appétit
4. The Healthiest Granolas on Grocery Shelves, Say Dietitians – Eat This Not That

Rice cake

Rice cakes can be considered a healthy packaged snack option. Made primarily from puffed rice, they are low in calories and fat,^[1] making them a light and convenient snack. Rice cakes are naturally gluten-free and nut-free,^[2] making them suitable for individuals with specific dietary restrictions or allergies. They can be enjoyed on their own^[3] or topped with healthy options such as avocado, hummus, or cottage cheese^[4][5] to add more flavor and nutrients. Choosing whole grain rice cakes can provide additional fiber, enhancing their nutritional value. While rice cakes are generally a healthy snack, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes and avoid varieties with excessive added sugars or artificial flavors.

1. Are Rice Cakes a Healthy Snack? Nutrition, Calories, and More – Healthline
2. Are Rice Cakes Healthy? Here’s What a Dietitian Says – EatingWell
3. 10-Minute Rice Cakes Recipe – Allrecipes
4. Rice Cakes with Hummus and Roasted Tomatoes – Happy Foods Tube
5. Puffed Rice Cakes Snacks – Healthy Recipes – Jordo’s World

Trail mix

Trail mix is a healthy packaged snack that combines a variety of nutritious ingredients, typically including nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and sometimes whole grains like granola. This mix offers a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals,^[1][2] providing sustained energy and satiety. Trail mix is portable and convenient, making it an excellent option for on-the-go snacking, hiking, or as a quick pick-me-up during busy days. It’s important to enjoy trail mix in moderation,^[3][4] as it can be calorie-dense, especially if it contains added sugars or chocolate. Choosing a mix with minimal added sugars and focusing on natural ingredients can ensure you are getting a healthy and satisfying snack.

1. Is Trail Mix Healthy? Benefits and Downsides – Healthline
2. What is Trail Mix? And why is it good for you? – The Nut Market
3. How Much Trail Mix Per Day Is Too Much? – TexasRealFood
4. Is Trail Mix Healthy? 5 Reasons We Absolutely Think So! – Country Life Natural Foods

Also read: Post-workout snacks

Vegetable chip

Vegetable chips can be considered a healthy packaged snack option, depending on their preparation and ingredients.^[1][2][3] Made from a variety of vegetables such as kale, sweet potatoes, beets, or carrots, vegetable chips can provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, it’s important to choose vegetable chips that are baked or air-fried rather than deep-fried to keep the fat content lower. Selecting options with minimal added salt and no artificial additives can make them a healthier choice. When enjoyed in moderation,^[4] vegetable chips can be a tasty and nutritious alternative to traditional potato chips, offering a crunchy and satisfying snack that fits into a balanced diet.

1. Veggie Chips: Are They Healthy? – Food Network
2. Are Veggie Straws and Chips Healthier Than Potato Chips? – EatingWell
3. Are Veggie Chips Healthy? Everything You Need to Know + Recipes – The Nut Market
4. Are Veggie Chips Healthy? – BetterMe

Seaweed

Seaweed snacks are a nutritious and flavorful option for a healthy packaged snack. These snacks are typically low in calories and offer a natural source of vitamins and minerals like iodine, calcium, and vitamins A and C.^[1][2] Seaweed snacks are often available in convenient, pre-packaged sheets,^[3][4] making them easy to enjoy on the go. They provide a unique umami flavor and a satisfying crunch, making them a great alternative to traditional snacks like chips. Seaweed snacks are also naturally gluten-free and nut-free,^[5] making them suitable for individuals with specific dietary restrictions.

1. 7 Surprising Health Benefits of Eating Seaweed – Healthline
2. Health Benefits of Seaweed – WebMD
3. Nori Glory: It’s the 9 Best Seaweed Snacks – Sporked
4. The Best Sushi Seaweeds of 2024 – Cuisine at Home
5. FAQ: Seaweed – Little Jasmine Food

Fruit chip

Fruit chips can be a healthy and flavorful packaged snack option, providing a convenient way to enjoy the natural sweetness of fruits in a crispy, chip-like form. Made from thinly sliced fruits like apples, bananas, or strawberries, fruit chips retain many of the vitamins, minerals, and fiber found in fresh fruit. They are often baked or dehydrated, preserving their nutritional value while creating a satisfying crunch. Fruit chips are typically free from added sugars or preservatives,^[1][2] making them a wholesome snack choice. It’s essential to check the ingredient list to ensure that no additional sugars or oils have been added during the preparation process. When enjoyed in moderation, fruit chips can be a delicious and nutritious option for satisfying your snack cravings.

1. Are Fruit Chips Healthy – Smart Yums
2. Dried Fruit Chips | Fruit Crisps | Fruit Snacks – Mariani Premium Dried Fruit

Also read: Healthy snacks for diabetics

Chickpea

Chickpeas, whether roasted or in other forms, offer a versatile and nutritious packaged snack option. Bursting with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients,^[1][2][3] chickpeas provide a satisfying crunch and a sustained energy boost. Conveniently available in pre-packaged bags or containers,^[4][5][6] they cater to both on-the-go snacking and leisurely home enjoyment. It’s crucial to scrutinize the ingredients list to avoid excessive added oils, sugars, or artificial additives. When carefully selected, chickpea snacks provide a delightful and nourishing treat suitable for any time of the day.

1. Are roasted chickpeas good for me? – The Happy Snack Company
2. 10 Health and Nutrition Benefits of Chickpeas – Healthline
3. Are Chickpeas Healthy? Here’s What a Dietitian Says – EatingWell
4. Roasted Chickpeas – Amazon
5. Crunchy Chickpeas, Variety Pack, (6 Pack) 6 oz Resealable Bag – The Good Bean
6. Crunchy Chickpeas | Certified Gluten-Free – World Cuisine | Saffron Road

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More snacks

• Pre-workout snacks
• Post-workout snacks
• Healthy snacks for diabetics
• Healthy snacks for toddlers
• Healthy snacks for work