10 healthy plant-based snack ideas

When hunger kicks in, it can be hard to consider healthy snack options. In those moments, you naturally reach out for the closest to you and easiest to consume. To avoid grabbing the high-sugar, processed snacks that will leave you feeling unsatisfied and blah, here are ten healthy plant-based snack ideas that will satisfy you and hold you over until your next meal.

1-) Chia Pudding
Chia seeds are an excellent snack because they are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These unsaturated fats play many vital roles in hormone production, cognitive functioning, mood and energy levels. Just mix chia seeds in almond milk and let it sit. You can make it the night before, so it has time to absorb. Then add whatever toppings you like. Some fresh berries are always my favourite along with a dollop of maple syrup.

2-) Apple Slices with Nut Butter
Apples are high in fibre and water content, so they will fill you up without being too dense in the calorie department. When you add any nut butter (such as almond butter or peanut butter) on top, you’re adding healthy fats which will also keep you full and satisfied for longer. Make sure not to peel the skin of the apple because this is where the majority of the fibre and vitamins are found.

3-) Hummus with Veggies
If you prefer savoury snacks, just wash and cut up some vegetables and serve them with a dollop of hummus. Capsicums, carrots, celery, broccoli and cucumber are just some of the vegetables that taste great raw. This is a very low-calorie, low-carb snack. Vegetables provide you with loads of vitamins, minerals, hummus on the other hand is a great source of protein and calcium.

4-) Homemade Granola
Store-bought granola can be unnecessarily expensive and contain sneaky ingredients such as added sugars. It’s easy to make a batch of homemade granola that is a cheaper, healthier alternative to those store-bought granolas. Simply roast some oats in the oven with some maple syrup (or your choice of natural sweetener) and add toppings like dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and even dark chocolate. Try Cranberry & Pistachio Granola.

5-) Roasted chickpeas
This might be surprising but roasted, seasoned chickpeas are as tasty as a bag of chips! This is another snack that costs a fortune in the store but is extremely inexpensive to make at home (and you know there are no nasty preservatives or additives). Simply roast some drained, canned chickpeas in the oven and season them with whatever you like— smoked paprika, garlic or simple salt and pepper are all great ideas. I personally prefer Cajun or harissa spice mixture.

6-) Coconut Yogurt and Berries
Coconut yogurt provides you with healthy fats that will keep you satisfied until your next meal. It is also a probiotic-rich food which can improve the health of your gastrointestinal microbiome. Have coconut yogurt with mixed berries (or any other fruit) and add some or home-made granola for extra crunch.

7-) Home-Made Kale Chips
As we all know it: kale is incredibly healthy. It’s packed with fibre and antioxidants like quercetin and kaempferol. These compounds work wonders in our body such as decreasing blood pressure and reducing your risk of colon cancer. You can find the recipe for Kale Chips here.

8 -) Mixed Nuts
Nuts contain healthy fats and lots of protein. Try to avoid pre-packaged trail mix and make your own instead. Simply mix your favourite nuts and place them in a jar. Or simply pick your ingredients such as almonds, pecans, peanuts or macadamia nuts, season them, drizzle with olive oil and bake for 15 minutes.

9-) Edamame
Edamame is a dish of steamed unripened (green) soybeans. It’s rich in the antioxidant kaempferol, iron, manganese, magnesium and folate. I buy frozen edamame from my local supermarket, thaw them in room temperature and eat them with a little bit of salt on.

10-) Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a rich, satisfying and portable snack. It’s also vegan. Dark chocolate is loaded with iron, flavanols and magnesium.

What’s your typical go-to snack when you’re on the go? In my home, our typical snacks consist of cucumbers dipped in plant-based mayo, mixed nuts with goji berries and hummus with celery sticks.