20 Healthy Whole Food Snacks

When you make the decision to eat healthy and practice mindful nutrition, it’s not realistic to cut all snacks altogether. Your urge might be to reduce your food intake as much as possible and get rid of snacks, but you don’t need to do that! :) 

Snacks themselves aren’t the bad guys. It’s just that the snack options we usually have in our pantry and fridge aren’t helping you get to your goals. Thankfully, there are plenty of healthy, whole-food snacks that will fill you up and satisfy your cravings—totally guilt-free! 

Today, I’m sharing with you my top whole-food snack ideas that have tons of health benefits and they won’t keep you from your nutrition goals. Here are some snacks that you can use to fill your fridge (and your stomach): 

20 Healthy Whole Food Snacks

Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is a great way to get your sweet fix in a healthy way. Fruit, of course, has natural sugar, but it’s not the kind of processed sugar we’re too worried about when looking for healthy snacks. What’s also great about dried fruit is that you can buy it as a healthy prepackaged snack, so there’s no required prep work (though you could make your own if you have a dehydrator!) I like the dried mango and pineapple slices from the Whole Foods brand! 

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Eggs of any kind are awesome whole-food snacks. Hard-boiled eggs are nice because you can make a bunch at once, and then keep them in the fridge to eat as a quick breakfast, a protein-rich snack, or a yummy salad topping. 

Kale Chips

Okay . . . I know what you’re thinking, but hear me out. Kale chips are actually delicious! Brad’s Raw Organic has the best kale chips in my opinion (they have lots of flavors too, including garlic.). They’re the perfect way to satiate a craving for salty goods without going for the Doritos.  

Apple Slices and Peanut Butter

This childhood treat is actually really good for you! Chop up an apple, and dip the slices in a high-quality organic peanut butter like this one. If you like other nut butter, those also pair well with apples for a healthy snack.  

Whole-Wheat Banana Nut Muffins

I love this whole-wheat banana nut muffin recipe. It’s versatile for snack time or breakfast, which means less meal prep! Just bake a double batch, seal them, put them in the fridge, and take them out when you’re ready to enjoy. 

Vegetables and Hummus or Guacamole

Raw vegetables have always been a favorite snack of mine! I love the crunch and fresh flavors. However, instead of dipping my bell peppers, baby carrots, and cucumber sticks in ranch dip or blue cheese for snack time, I’m dipping them in hummus or guacamole. 

365 has amazing roasted red pepper hummus and traditional guacamole. Yum! I recommend you pre-make snack kits for the week using meal prep containers like these. If you have kids, they’ll love these too! 

Trail Mix

Trail mix is another snack you can make in bulk and enjoy for days or weeks, even. All you need is a resealable bag and a few of your favorite healthy ingredients, including dried fruit, seeds, nuts, plain popcorn, pretzels, and maybe even a little bit of dark chocolate. Put them in individual reusable baggies for an easy on-the-go nutritious snack. 

Zucchini Bread

If starch is something you crave often, zucchini bread can help satisfy your cravings in a healthier way! Here’s one of my favorite zucchini bread recipes. 

Greek Yogurt and Berries

Plain Greek yogurt is often on healthy snack lists because it has a lot more protein than regular yogurt (which is already good for you.) Plain Greek yogurt doesn’t have a lot of flavor, but adding fruit and berries makes a big difference! 

Whole Grain Toast and Nut Butter

Though you don’t want to go overboard on starch, a piece of toast here and there is not going to ruin your food goals. Choose whole grain toast and your favorite nut butter for a treat that’s healthy and tasty. I like this RXBAR Almond Butter on my toast!

String Cheese

String cheese is low-calorie and high-protein. It’s delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with fruit, vegetables, crackers, and deli meat. You’ll also love that it’s an inexpensive healthy snack too! Here are more tips for eating healthy on a budget if you need more cost-effective snack and meal ideas. :)

Plain Air-Popped Popcorn

Microwave butter popcorn isn’t a super healthy choice for a whole-food snack, but plain popcorn popped in an air popper isn’t a bad option! It takes a little getting used to if you’re used to salty, buttery popcorn, but you’ll grow to love it! If you don’t like it by itself, add it to your trial mix. 

Caprese Salad 

Caprese salad is simply grape tomatoes and mozzarella. (For a quick and easy version, just chop up mozzarella string cheese.) It’s a refreshing salad that has enough protein to actually keep you full until mealtime. 

Green Smoothies

“Green smoothies” are basically just smoothies that include leafy greens. Things like spinach, kale, and arugula are really good for you, but they’re not everyone’s favorite to eat on their own. Luckily, in a green smoothie, these greens barely have flavor, so the fruit, milk, and spices you add are what make the smoothie tasty. 

Chia Pudding

Chia seeds are super good for you since they’re packed with omega-3 fatty acids. Chia pudding on its own is just a base for other flavors. Add nut butter, fruit, coconut shavings, cinnamon, vanilla, or whatever else you like for a healthy dessert snack. 

Mixed Nuts

There are lots of vitamins and nutrients in nuts and a great source of healthy fats. A variety of nuts as a snack will give you a flavorful, salty snack that’s also good for you. I like these Healthy Earth Mixed Nuts! 

Cheese and Crackers

Here’s another classic you don’t have to get up! Instead of salty, buttery chips, go with these tasty veggie pita crackers and organic cheese. (Slice it yourself, if you can. Less processed is always better.)

Beef Sticks

Beef sticks are high in protein, zinc, and iron. They can be a bit pricey, but they're a snack you don’t have to feel guilty about grabbing! I recommend CHOMPS Beef Sticks. I like that they’re individually packaged, which makes them easy to take on-the-go or pack into your work lunches. 

Oatmeal

Oatmeal, like chia pudding, is the perfect healthy base for whatever you’re craving. Nut butter, Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, cinnamon, maple syrup, honey, shaved dark chocolate, or milk will satisfy your sweet tooth without pumping you full of sugar and trans fats. It’s the perfect healthy, whole-food breakfast or snack food. 

Turkey Roll-Ups

Turkey roll-ups are like a sandwich without the starch. Just take a few pieces of organic sliced deli meat and cheese, and roll them together for a high-protein, whole-food snack. Love it!

With these snack options, you don’t have to feel guilty about your afternoon fix!

Snacking isn’t the enemy of good nutrition. In fact, if you’re more mindful of your snacking choices, you’ll find that you stay fuller longer, snack less, and feel more energized throughout the day. Just stock your fridge and pantry with some of these whole-food snack options and start reaching your nutrition goals! 

For more healthy eating advice, head to my blog. As a nutrition coach, I have lots of thoughts on practical nutrition and would love to help you on your journey. If you need accountability and a more personalized approach to nutrition, start my nutrition coaching! You won’t regret investing in your health. I can’t wait to meet you!