18 Healthy Snacks to Help You Bid Farewell to Hanger for Good

Make it through the midday slump with something other than a candy bar.

By

and

Updated on January 16, 2025

Medically reviewed by

Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN

Fact checked by

nutritious-snack — Credit: Getty Images

Real talk: Getting from breakfast to lunch to dinner without having a nosh or two in between is nearly impossible. The good news is that there's no reason to restrict yourself—having a healthy snack to tide you over is absolutely encouraged by medical pros and dietitians alike.

We've rounded up nutritious snacks and recipes that won't compromise on flavor. After all, rule number one for sticking to a smart meal plan is to not get bored, and these healthy, tasty snacks will keep you on your toes. Plus, each pick is healthy, satisfying, and relatively easy to whip up or make ahead for the week―what's not to love?

01 of 18

Nutty Superfood Breakfast Bites

Superfood Bars — Credit: Grace Elkus

These make-ahead energy bars are filled with nuts and seeds, which provide fiber and lasting protein. They also have several types of berries, which are great sources of vitamin C and other antioxidants. When you make these, split them into individual portion sizes so it's easier to grab and go.

02 of 18

Chimichurri Yogurt Dip

Chimichurri Yogurt Dip — Credit: Victor Protasio

For a quick, no-fuss snack, top low-fat Greek yogurt with chopped walnuts and honey. If you have time to make something ahead, mix that same yogurt with red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and oregano to make this flavorful chimichurri yogurt dip. Prep your favorite veggies so you have a healthy snack all week long.

03 of 18

Hard Boiled Eggs

Hard boiled eggs on a turquoise plate with sprinkled salt — Credit:
mg7/Getty Images

A hard boiled egg with freshly ground black pepper or sea salt makes a quick, protein-packed, healthy snack. Fortunately, there are several ways you can make them, whether boiling on the stove or in the air fryer. Unpeeled, hard boiled eggs will last up to seven days in the fridge.

04 of 18

Popcorn Bars

Popcorn Bars Recipe — Credit: Jennifer Causey

Three cups of air-popped popcorn sprinkled with dark chocolate shavings make a quick, delicious, healthy snack. For a little upgrade, these popcorn bars are almost as fast and easy—done in about 40 minutes with only 10 minutes of prep time. This delicious snack mixes the saltiness and crunch of popcorn and pretzels with the sweetness and mush of the marshmallows that keep them together.

05 of 18

Green Smoothie

Good Morning Green Smoothie — Credit: Caitlin Bensel

With a bit of prep work, smoothies make a healthy breakfast every morning—and an equally nutritious mid-day snack option. This green smoothie features spinach, cucumber, apple, and pineapple mixed with hemp milk (or your milk of choice). Wash, chop, and freeze all ingredients in "smoothie packs" or baggies pre-measured for just one smoothie.

06 of 18

Beet and Goat Cheese Dip

Beet And Goat Cheese Dip — Credit:
Fred Hardy

Two to four tablespoons of store-bought hummus with crudités is a fresh snack option when you don't have extra time. To take your hummus to the next level, make it from scratch with a can of cannellini beans, a couple of beets, and some goat cheese for extra protein. Serve with a rainbow of veggies.

07 of 18

Cantaloupe and Cucumber Salad

Cantaloupe-and-Cucumber-Salad-0723fea — Credit:
Victor Protasio

Sliced cucumbers with a wedge of your favorite brined feta cheese make a quick, healthy snack. Take that snack a little further by adding some chopped cantaloupe, olives, mint, and olive oil; you can thank us later.

08 of 18

Mango-Turmeric Smoothie

This Mango Turmeric Smoothie is so much healthier than it tastes. — Credit: Caitlin Bensel

This healthy snack idea can also double as a quick, on-the-go breakfast when needed. Like the other morning smoothie, customize based on what's in your fridge or freezer. If you don't have mango, frozen peaches and pineapple have a similar flavor and texture. For a richer finish, use your milk of choice in place of water.

09 of 18

Dehydrated Apple Chips

Dehydrated apple chips — Credit:
Carson Downing, Props: Lexi Juhl, Food: Kelsey Moylan

Apple slices dipped in a tablespoon of almond butter make for a great snack that will tide you over until your next meal. If you're craving potato chips, transform those same apples into some crisp, satisfying apple chips. The process takes about 30 minutes, and you won't have any of the preservatives you might find in store-bought brands.

10 of 18

Vegan Creamy Tomato Soup

Vegan Creamy Tomato Soup — Credit: Greg DuPree

Tomato soup for a snack? Hear us out. A small bowl of pureed tomato soup with a dollop of low-fat sour cream is an excellent snack choice that packs a vitamin punch. Make the soup ahead, then reheat and have a small bowl between meals.

11 of 18

No-Bake Breakfast Bars with Fruits and Nuts

No-Bake-Fruit-Nut-Bars — Credit:
Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Food Stylist: Claire Spollen

When hunger pangs hit, try an energy bar containing at least four grams of protein. Remember, it's more important to eat when hungry than it is to eat homemade, whole foods. If a store-bought energy bar is your snack of choice, that's great. If you want to prepare some bars instead, try this no-bake option with nuts, dried fruit, and your favorite nut butter.

12 of 18

Many-Cheese Cheese Ball

Many Cheese Cheese Ball — Credit: Victor Protasio

Hungry? Grab a one-inch cube of hard cheese (like aged Gouda), plus four to six dried apricot halves. If you need your protein-packed snack to feed a crowd, blend your favorite types of cheese into this chive- and parsley-covered ball. After rolling the cheese and before coating it, it needs to chill in the fridge for at least four hours, but you can make it up to three days ahead.

13 of 18

Savory S'mores

Savory S'mores idea with crackers, meat, and cheese — Credit:
bhofack2/Getty Images

Two slices of low-sodium deli turkey and a handful of grapes will make a toothsome treat, but don't stop there. Come up with several "savory s'mores" options to have on-hand for snack time. Each s'more should have a protein (meat or cheese) paired with a carb (fruit or crackers).

14 of 18

Apple-Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal

Apple-Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal — Credit:
Fred Hardy

A small bowl of plain oatmeal topped with fresh berries and a splash of skim milk can make for a great, nutritious snack, not just a breakfast. Likewise, baked oatmeal comes through any time hanger takes over. Slice this recipe into small bars and individually wrap them so they're ready for the week. If you're sick of apples, try pears or blueberries.

15 of 18

Oven-Baked Chips

homemade potato chips — Credit: Lauren Simpson

Replace greasy, fried potato chips with a healthier alternative, made by slicing potatoes and baking them in the oven. A drizzle of olive oil helps them crisp, and a topping of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper adds flavor. Serve alongside beet and goat cheese hummus or chimichurri yogurt dip.

16 of 18

Pomegranate-Almond Toast

pomegranate and almond butter toast — Credit: Caitlin Bensel

There are so many ways to make toast a nutritious snack. One popular pairing is rye melba toast, low-fat cream cheese, and dried cranberries. In this version, whole grain toast is topped with almond butter, pomegranate arils, pumpkin seeds, and an optional drizzle of maple syrup.

17 of 18

Maple-Roasted Spiced Nuts

Maple Roasted Spiced Nuts — Credit:
Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Grab a small handful of nuts straight from the store or season them to your liking. In this recipe, unsalted nuts are coated with pure maple syrup, rosemary, five-spice, cayenne, and pepper, and then baked until golden brown. The sweet-salty-spicy blend and crunch are everything you want from a flavor-packed bite.

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Almonds and Dried Berries

Almonds with dried tart cherries — Credit: Sang An

Try a handful of protein-packed almonds mixed with dried tart cherries, cranberries, or blueberries.

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