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Skip the potato chips, cookies, fruit snacks, graham crackers, and candy. If you’re in a rut, here are some quick “real food” snack ideas for inspiration! Perfect for running out the door, the afternoon slump, after-school, or anytime hunger strikes.
Sticking with simple wholesome ingredients keeps snack time easy and fun. Most of these ideas can also be used for healthy breakfasts, too! If you have kids, have them go through this list with you so they can pick out their favorite snack food (don't miss my Printable List of Snack Ideas so you can have them circle their favorites).
Whether it’s fiber rich healthy snacks to fill you up or protein packed bites to give you the energy to power through your day, you’ll be able to enjoy these recipes without sacrificing on taste!
Simple Go-To Snacks to Have in the House
I like to have a variety of different kinds of healthy snacks on hand to cover any situation.
- Fresh cut up fruit and veggies
- Baked goods (fresh and in the freezer)
- Homemade snacks
- Store-bought healthy snacks
- Healthy packaged snacks (for grab and go convenience)
The "Healthy Snack Ideas 'Recipe'" below lists some of the more popular staples at my house, so is a great place to start.
90 Healthy Snack Ideas
Ingredients
Freezer
- Whole-wheat Zucchini Bread (see recipe, sliced or made into muffins)
- Whole-wheat Banana Nut Muffins (see recipe)
- Frozen fruit (like pineapple and mango, for smoothies)
- Frozen peas (for snacking)
Fridge
- Power Balls (see recipe)
- Deviled eggs (see recipe)
- Smoothies (see recipes)
- Plain whole-milk yogurt
- Hummus (clean store-bought or homemade)
- Cheese (sliced)
- Raw veggies (like broccoli, bell pepper, carrots, celery)
- Fresh fruit (like apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, melon, mango)
- Fresh berries (like blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries)
Pantry
- Lara Bars (store-bought or homemade)
- Homemade granola bars (see recipe)
- Whole-grain pretzels
- Popcorn
- Whole grain crackers (like Ak-Mak or Triscuits)
- Brown rice cakes
- Trail mix
- Peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter)
- Snacking nuts (like peanuts, cashews, or almonds)
Instructions
- Choose your snacks — I've pulled some favorites we keep on hand for this Snack Ideas "Recipe," but I encourage you to browse the entire post and replace them with any ideas that sound good to you. The end goal is to have a variety of snack types on hand to last through the week (or more) for any occasion.
- Buy ingredients — Once you've got your snack list, add all the ingredients and packaged items to your grocery list. Fortunately if you stick to my suggestions, you'll avoid highly-processed food, including artificial ingredients and dyes (no thanks!).
- Prep for the week — Make your baked goods first... I highly recommend making double batches and freezing extra for later. If there are any other homemade items on your list, make those as well and store for easy access. Cut up the fresh fruit and veggies and place them in containers. Convenience is key!
- Share and enjoy — Don't keep your snacks a secret...tell your family what is available so everyone can grab a snack and enjoy when hunger strikes! And bonus, you don't have to feel guilty with these healthy options.
Notes
27 Homemade Snack Recipes
I like to keep my freezer stocked with muffins for my girls—it’s one of their favorite snacks, so this makes it super convenient for them to pull some out for a quick afternoon snack on their own. Most of these homemade recipes are so quick and easy to make, that even the kids can help out! Check out our Healthy Snack Ideas too!
2. Whole-Wheat Toaster Pastries (a.k.a. Pop Tarts!)
These homemade toaster pastries are for the kid in all of us! (Except, they're a great alternative for those of us who want some healthy snacks homemade). Check out the recipe to see how to make these whole-wheat Pop Tarts that are cheaper and packed with nutritious ingredients!
SNACK TIP: Making easy, freezer-friendly recipes like these helps you stock up on healthy options when you're craving something you won't have to feel guilty for indulging in!
3. Easy Slow Cooker Boiled Peanuts
Bring some homestyle Southern flavor into your daily snacking with this delightful slow cooker boiled peanuts recipe! You can make these ahead of time if you prefer, and take them on-the-go for something satisfying during the workday.
4. Smoothies or Smoothie Pops
Depending on how you choose to make these super customizable smoothies they can be a quick snack or a meal to-go. As far as healthy ideas for snacks go, you can't go wrong with something that uses up any extra fresh greens you've got in the fridge.
Go to Recipe or learn how to make Smoothie Pops
6. Homemade Granola Bars
Granola bars are a healthy tasty snack almost anyone can enjoy, but more often than not they're big bucks at the store! Know what goes into your snacks, and feel good about enjoying these all natural home made granola bars you can make ahead of time.
7. Homemade "Larabars"
For a healthy tasty snack, these taste even better than the packaged snack itself! Whip up a batch of these chewy, satisfying and incredibly nutritious bars to grad on-the-go, or whenever the craving hits.
12. Whole-Wheat Berry Muffins
If you're still iffy on whole wheat when looking for ideas for a healthy snack, might I recommend these berry muffins? They're a great way to incorporate some natural sugars into your diet to satisfy your midday cravings and sneak some important nutrients in, too!
SNACK TIP: Frozen fruit like berries are excellent for baking snacks ahead of time. They're more nutrient-dense compared to their fresh counterparts, and relatively cheap, too!
14. Kale Chips
Kale chips are probably one you've heard of before, but these ones definitely live up to the hype! Make your homemade snacks healthy by starting out with easy recipes like this one that you can grab right out of the pantry when the mood strikes.
SNACK TIP: Keeping crunchy, salty and healthy alternatives on-hand will make it easier to avoid pre packaged potato chips and replace them with something nutritious!
16. Buttermilk Cheese Biscuits
Don't be ready to write-off carbs for a healthy tasty snack idea just yet! These buttermilk cheese biscuits stow away into your lunch box perfectly to give you a balanced snack that fills you up with satisfying nutrients and whole food ingredients.
17. Whole-Wheat “Baked” Donuts
If you've ever had a hard time resisting the temptation of take-out donuts, (you're not alone, trust me!) This recipe for whole wheat baked donuts is a gamechanger! Besides being an absolute hit in our house, they're easy to make ahead of time and freeze to grab when you're in the mood for something sweet on-the-go.
18. Cinnamon Raisin Yogurt Biscuits
The sweet and crave-able flavor of these biscuits is made possible using all whole food ingredients. They're an excellent healthy snack idea choice, but they're also perfect for a quick breakfast with coffee!
19. Pumpkin Oat Scones
If you don't consider yourself much of a baker, don't worry! These pumpkin oat scones go together quickly and easily, plus they're a great way to enjoy a nutritious and filling whole wheat snack that's also freezer-friendly.
20. Apple Walnut Muffins
This recipe for apple walnut muffins checks the box for sweet snack lovers, but did you know they're totally whole food? Made naturally sweet by the fruit itself and a little maple syrup, these muffins are a healthful way to enjoy a snack any time of day.
22. 6-Ingredient Cereal Bars
It only takes 6 ingredients to make this healthy snack idea that's great as a breakfast with your morning coffee, or something to tide you over in the evening hours. Plus, they're a much healthier alternative to the pre packaged variety!
23. Roasted Eggplant Chips
Chips are back on the menu with this crunchy and delicious snack idea that goes well with just about anything! You can whip them up in as little as 15 minutes, and believe it or not, they're only made with 3 natural ingredients.
24. Roasted Spiced Chickpeas
These make for an excellent spicy snack option for anyone looking to replace the sodium content of their usual snack foods! They're easy to make, and seriously flavorful as a healthy snack idea you can easily make ahead.
25. Homemade Snack Bars (Dairy-Free)
If dairy-free snack ideas are a must for you, we've got you covered! These snack bars aren't just homemade, but they're totally dairy-free for lactose-sensitive snackers, and packed with healthful ingredients to help with the 'crunch' craving we're all looking for between the lunch and dinner hours.
27 Fruit Snack Ideas
Sometimes a piece of fruit can satisfy your sweet tooth without needing to grab a candy bar loaded with added sugar. Plus, having it out on the counter or cut up in containers makes it much more accessible and likely that your family will grab some.
- Apple (good with peanut butter, or almond butter)
- Applesauce
- Avocado (good with soy sauce and brown rice)
- Banana (good with peanut butter, or almond butter)
- Blueberries (good with regular or Greek yogurt)
- Canned Fruit like Mandarin Oranges (Native Forest brand does not use sugary syrups in their cans)
- Cantaloupe
- Cherries
- Dried Apple Rings or Pineapple Rings
- Figs (good with goat cheese)
- Freeze Dried Fruit (like mango, banana, blueberries or strawberries)
- Fruit Leathers
- Grapefruit Grapes
- Honeydew Melon
- Kiwi
- Mango
- Oranges
- Papaya
- Peaches (good with regular or Greek yogurt)
- Pear
- Pineapple
- Plums
- Raspberries (good with regular or Greek yogurt)
- Star Fruit
- Strawberries (good with regular or Greek yogurt)
- Unsweetened Raisins
- Watermelon
16 Vegetable Snack Ideas
This is a great way to ensure your family is getting an extra dose of veggies in their diet. I like to have raw veggies cut up and easily accessible for my kids, making it even easier for them to grab a healthy snack any time of the day. If you have a picky eater, try serving your veggies with creamy dips (what kid doesn’t love dipping their food?).
Raw
- Broccoli (good with ranch dip)
- Carrots (good with hummus or ranch dip)
- Cauliflower
- Celery Sticks (good with peanut butter and raisins a.k.a. “Ants on a Log”)
- Cherry Tomatoes (good with ranch dip)
- Cucumber Slices (good with ranch dip)
- Edamame (good with soy sauce, or drizzle with a little olive oil + kosher salt)
- Frozen Peas (frozen…no cooking necessary!)
- Jicama (cut into matchsticks)
- Olives
- Sugar Snap Peas (good with hummus)
- Sliced Bell Peppers (good with hummus or ranch dip)
Cooked
- Frozen Peas (frozen…no cooking necessary!)
- Green Beans
- Mashed Sweet Potato (good with butter and cinnamon)
- Snow Peas
9 Whole-Grain Snack Ideas
There are a lot of great store-bought snack ideas here with whole grains and only a handful of ingredients listed. If you can’t find any at your local grocery store, scroll down to see some homemade healthy snack recipes.
- Brown Rice Cakes - check out my post with rice cake topping ideas
- Cooked Whole-Grain Noodles (small pasta shapes varieties like rigatoni, penne, farfalle, etc.)
- Oatmeal (served warm in a Thermos if sending to school)
- Popcorn (make it using “The Popcorn Trick”)
- Puffed Whole Grain Cereal (corn, brown rice, wheat or millet variety, we like Arrowhead Mills brand)
- Shredded Wheat (look for brands that contain 1-ingredient)
- Whole Grain Crackers (like Triscuits, Multi-Seed, Ak-Mak, Whole-Wheat Matzos, Brown Rice Crackers/Snaps, or Whole-Grain Rye Crackers) topped with cheese, peanut butter, almond butter, other nut butter, or cream cheese and jelly combo
- Whole-Grain Toast
- Whole-Wheat Pretzels
11 Nut and Seed Snack Ideas
Have the kids pick their favorite nuts to create their very own trail mix! Nuts and seeds make great filling snacks full of flavor that can hold them over till their next meal. Best part is that you can pack them in a baggy and easily take them with you on the go.
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Larabars
- Nut Trail Mix including Dried Fruit
- Peanuts
- Pecans
- Pine Nuts (they are good lightly toasted)
- Pistachios
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Sesame Seeds
- Walnuts
Printable List of Snack Ideas
Many readers have requested a printable version of snack ideas, so we added one to our free resource area! Simply click the image below and follow the instructions for instant access to this and many other real food resources.
Helpful Tips: Healthy Snack Ideas
- Combine some of the suggestions in this post in creative ways (for example, combine some fruit with yogurt to make a yogurt parfait, or make a fruit salad and drizzle some honey on top).
- Some of the listed fruits are also great frozen. Ever blended up frozen bananas to make “ice cream”? Try it!
- If you’re looking for school lunch ideas, any of these would be great in a school lunch box!
- If you have a picky eater, combining several of these snacks onto a plate—tapas style!—could make a well-rounded lunch or easy breakfast, or help introduce new foods in a low-key way.
Please share your snack ideas with us in the comments below!
Angela says
Do you have a printer-friendly version of this list? I would love to print it and bring to shopping with me...
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Molly. Great question and one I've often asked too. You will see conflicting opinions on this. I buy local if I can and if I can ask, like you have, how they treat their food. So, even if they're not certified organic farmers, many times they follow those rules so I'm fine with it and would prefer local. But, like you said, if they are treating it with pesticides, I'll usually pick organic over local. Jill
Erin says
Have you tried Wasa brand crisp bread? It is delicious! Especially the "whole grain" version, which has only whole grain rye flour, water, yeast, and salt. I like it with cream cheese and jam :)
Charlee says
I just got these I hope they taste good. I am trying to change up my son's lunch this year
Kristen says
Bless you for writing this blog! I do so well for a while feeding my family non-processed foods and then we all get bored with our bland options and fall off the wagon. This blog is exactly what I need because if I feed my children one more ounce of grilled chicken, brown rice or fruit smoothies they have made it known that there will be a major mutiny going on at my house and I am the one they will throw overboard:)
Charlee says
I should mention do you have a Yonanas maker? You take fruit that you can purchase frozen or you can freeze yourself like beginning with bananas, then another fruit then more banana's its all fruit and is almost like a fruity soft serve. I use bananas we freeze, and fruit leftovers get frozen then I use those and sometimes I take almond milk freeze it in an ice cube tray and use that too. Yu can see the maker at http://www.yonanas.com
michelle says
I sprinkled cinnamon on a sliced peach for a snack. It marinated all day, so when it was time to eat, it was SO tasty! It was like eating the inside of a peach pie!
Love the list!
Kimberlee says
What brand of peanut butter do you use? I can't find a natural one that is low in the bad fats (i.e. saturated and trans fats).
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Kimberlee. I just use Earthfare brand organic, unsalted. Jill
April says
Hi Lisa! I have a huge dilemma and I would love your input. My family and I just started our switch to real food this summer. We are super excited and it is going great! A little challenging at times in our culture as u know, but we're getting the hang of it. I just left the orientation for my sons preschool and because the school is state funded, they mandate you to pay 80.00/month and require you to eat lunch and 2 snacks at school. No outside for is permitted unless your child has a milk allergy. I am very disappointed as I was really looking forward to providing his lunch daily according to the real food rules. I checked out the sample menu and it includes things like pop tarts, refined flour biscuits, ravioli, etc. there are a few healthy additions but overall the food is processed. They do cook in their own kitchen which is a plus but I really feel strongly that I should have a say in what goes into my sons body. :( how do I get around this? Thank u in advance for your response.
addie says
Find a diffretent preschool!
Charlee says
if its a headstart you can't get around it in CA as far as I know. I teach at a preschool but trained with a headstart and they don't let you out of the food rules unless its an extreme allergy. You can try to speak with the director and try to see if they will allow you do so. But honestly part of the state run programs is to get what they consider to be good meals into children who may not get them. I personally don't see them as good either but when the program is free sometimes you may have to follow the school's rules and then whole real foods at home. Its hard to get around the states rules in a state run program. They can't change the menu either its kind of created off a list of approved foods that they get from the state. They have to serve so many fruits, veggies, proteins, and dairy a week.
Jenifer says
Federal food rules suck. Having worked as an Admin Assistant for the Food Services Dept in a school district I would see stuff that made my blood boil. We had vegitarians & vegans whose children had to just eat what was served or throw it away because it's a "lifestyle choice" and not a medical problem. And believe me, just because they have their own kitchen doesn't make the food choices better. The District I worked in boasted that they cooked their own food.... that meant that they baked the frozen chicken nuggets, warmed up the Chef Boyardi ravioli, and used Uncrustables. The Federal regulations are insane on what is considered "healthy"..... every day the kids have a choice for breakfast of Lucky Charms or Cocoa Puffs... because these meet a calorie/sugar/grain ratio per serving they pass the "healthy for our kids" test. Total BS.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi April. I saw some other readers gave you some good information. I think the only thing you can try and do is speak to the school and see if they'll allow you an exception in terms of providing your son's food. Best of luck. Jill
Leah says
Any chance a doctor might write a note and fake the allergy? Just throwing it out there;)
I'll be damned if a school is going to tell me how to feed my kids. That makes me angry for you! Maybe faking it is morally questionable but you're the parent, you get to make the rules for your kids.
Just my 2c
Leigh says
Great list!!! Thanks for posting!! :)
Victoria@Snailpacetransformations says
Love these ideas. One I like for when I have a sweet tooth craving is the banana ice-cream you can whip up in mere minutes in the food processor using frozen banana slices and adding in some natural peanut butter and a bit of milk. I live using chocolate coconut milk so that I fill my need for chocolate too.
CrazyMama says
Where did you find that wood divided snack plate (the one with the cubed cheese, apples and bowl of olives)? I love it. Thanks for posting this list, along with photos of your kids' beautiful real food lunches.
One of my favorite snacks of all time is fresh figs with goat cheese. We make ants on a log with either cream cheese or goat cheese when my kids' peanut-allergic friends come to play.
Lisa says
Thank you! I've had that serving platter forever, but I am pretty sure I got it at World Market. Unfortunately their stuff changes quite a bit so I doubt they still have the same one.
Martsi says
What are your thoughts on protein shakes for adults and children
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Martsi. I've never had them personally, so I can't comment. I would just be certain to check the ingredients very closely. Jill
Twinkle Teacher says
Per usual, all looks great. Thanks for sharing. I love this site. I first heard about from a cook chick who follows my blog and it's been AWESOME having you as a resource and inspiration. So pumped to pack my first lunches this year for school with your "help!"
Jocelyn says
I like to make "yogurt cheese" as a snack. I take homemade yogurt (you could use store-bought plain yogurt too) and strain it to make it thicker (i.e. Greek yogurt). I strain mine by putting a couple of coffee filters in a strainer over a bowl, pouring in the yogurt, covering it, and sticking it in the fridge over night. You could also use cheesecloth. When the yogurt is a little thicker, I chop up some of whatever fresh herbs I have on hand. This summer, it's been lots of basil and dill. Add a pinch of salt if desired. This is a great dip for veggies or whole grain crackers or pita. I love having it in my lunch with some hummus and fruit.
I also love to make homemade black bean dip. Very easy, very tasty.
Robin says
I have a friend who likes to dip his carrots in peanut butter. It is his "take to work" snack. Take the whole jar, take whole bag of carrots, toss in refrigerator.
I like to take an avocado, slice in half, take half that doesn't contain pit, add salt and pepper. Fill cavity where pit was with apple cider vinegar, eat out of shell with spoon. The simplest and best tasting way to eat an avocado IMO.
Beth says
I notice you say it's 100 days of real food, as in a diet consisting of unprocessed food, but your "whole grain" section, with the exception of perhaps the oatmeal (if it's made from whole oats) and maybe the popcorn (if it's made from corn and oil in a pot yourself), but otherwise, is ALL PROCESSED food and the grain category is the most notorious for us not making it ourselves from real whole food ingredients at home! Supposed "whole grain" products bought pre-made and packaged in the store, ARE NOT real, whole foods! Otherwise I like the concept and a lot of the ideas. It's important to me for people to realize that in order to have a real, whole food diet, ALL the food must be made ourselves, in other words "processed" ourselves at home. No pre-made noodles or pasta, even if labeled "whole grain" and no crackers, pretzels, cereals and cakes! Grains, until about 100 years ago, were sprouted and fermented before we ate them and modern commercial grain products are not, so many people have problems digesting them and we call it gluten intolerance. For some, it's chronic and severe.
Kristy says
I noticed that as well and was a bit confused, but it's a start for some to just avoid white flours, so all hope is not lost. No one is perfect and in our society it is almost unrealistic to expect everyone to make everything, so compromises are made.
pip says
If "whole" or "raw" food was meant, I'm sure it would have been said. You're putting words in the mouths. What I'm sure is meant by "real food" is avoiding fast food and the other *heavily* processed garbage. I gather this site is about things that you can make at home, for cheap, with the ability to read the box and know what is going through your food hole.
pip says
Also, gluten intolerance and celiac disease is a mostly misunderstood disorder that only a very, very, small percentage of the population have. Due to it being commonly misdiagnosed due to "whole foodies" not knowing the difference, it gained popularity and became a fad. Though the placebo effect does help many that believe they are suffering from everyday ailments of a modern lifestyle, there are very few that actually have celiac (the wheat/barley/rye) or are gluten intolerant (the above, including corn/rice/sorghum). Consuming gluten from "sprouted and fermented" sources does not change the proteins for the intolerant few.
Jenifer says
Beth... have you actually read any on her site. I suggest you look at her rules on how she defines "real" food. Her list works for her rules. :shrug:
Lisa says
When it comes to packaged food we define "real food" as having 5 or less whole ingredients. A whole ingredient can be something like 100% whole-wheat. Here are the full list of rules: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/real-food-defined-a-k-a-the-rules/
Megan says
I love this list, especially the figs and goat cheese - that's my new favorite snack!
Robin says
I just tried stuffing a Medjool date with goat cheese. Lovely!
pip says
I mean... you said snacks in the title. I assumed you meant snack ideas. Not just naming "grapes" as a snack. Of course it's a snack. Anything that's not an entree is a snack. This list is just "stuff to not have as a main course for dinner."
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Pip. I find that sometimes we forget the simple things so it helps to serve as a reminder. And, of course, whole food snacks often take no preparation since they are things we can find in their natural state, so, while this seems simple, that may well be the reason. Hope you enjoy maybe finding a few things on the list you had not thought of before. Jill
Tonia says
Pip,I agree when I saw snacks for kids I was hoping for something a little more interesting. I have to admit that I am really trying hard to convert my family (who believes its not a lunch without potato chips) to a new way of eating. I am getting a lot of resistance and was hoping for some creative and or fun ways to get my son looking forward to his snack and not trying to trade it off to his friends. I like the reader suggestion of a fruit kabob. Any other suggestions on making it look more interesting/appetizing?
sara says
Agreed, Tonia and Pip! When I saw all the individually listed fruits on this list I was like, "Seriously?" I used to check this blog frequently but after this post I took a long break. :/
Laura J says
I think it is a refreshing reminder that whole foods ARE foods and make great snacks without a lot of effort. Why buy "fruit snacks" when you can just eat fruit? :-)
Chrissy says
Thanks so much. I am excited to add some new ones to our days.
IdaBaker says
It's funny you should mention frozen peas. When my kids were small, they loved frozen peas, and wouldn't eat them cooked.
The same with beans, except the beans were fresh. Raw, not cooked.
Kristy says
most beans are actually very bad for you raw, or were these canned beans? those are actually precooked.
Save the planet says
I think IdaBaker was referring to green beans (bush beans, pole beans) - not dried beans (pinto, black, etc).
Kate says
Thanks for this list! I discovered this blog about a week ago and I have immediately started moving away from highly processed foods, and snacks seem to be difficult for me to come up with ideas for. This will also help me with making side dishes for meals as well.
Charlee says
Thank you for this it helps when working on our snack calendar for myself and for the preschool I work at. I have to do more nut free and in some cases gluten free for school, but this is a great list.
I will say ants on a log can be done savory style. Like celery with a spreadable cheese and raisins, craisins or another small item to use as ants. We also do home made granola since most packaged items have nuts its a great snack item. Jicama sticks is another one. We use cut veggies from our garden as well since we have a garden at the preschool.
Stephanie Anderson says
Thank you, Thank you for this list. I am always looking for yummy and healthy snack ideas and the best I seem to come up with are sliced apples and peanut butter or celery sticks and ranch dip - all things she likes but that can get boring fast. One day I'm going to get brave and try those homemade poptarts. With a little effort, I can't believe how easy it is to replace many of the processed foods we eat with a healthier homemade version. Thanks for your site and the recipes.
kailie says
Thanks for the list, am pinning now! I eat apples and peanut butter just about everyday. Also, peanut butter, honey and sliced bananas on whole wheat tortillas are great! Also a BIG spinach smoothie fan :)
BetsyD says
Aren't we glad peanut butter is a nutritional food we can put on other things! (all in moderation...)
Callie says
Fantastic list! We do pita and hummus, kale chips, and plain yogurt a lot; have been making our own kefir and flavoring it with a bit of maple syrup and vanilla for a yummy, healthy drinkable yogurt. Just FYI, googled "The Popcorn Trick" and came up with something quite other than what I think you were going for . . . would love to know your version.
Amy says
Oh no, I'm afraid to Google it . . . :-)
https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/06/17/recipe-the-popcorn-trick/
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Callie. Here is the post on the popcorn trick...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/06/17/recipe-the-popcorn-trick/. Jill
Bri says
What a great list! I forget about the varieties of delicious snacks out there and get stuck in a rut. Thanks for reminding me that there are so many more options.
andrea says
Great list...but I have one objection. The canned fruit. Yuck! I don't trust canned 'anything!' The process of heating the cans up and the risk of BPA leaching out is simply not worth it to me or my family.
Susan says
I would be hard pressed to eat anything canned too, Andrea! I also wouldn't eat edamame dipped in soy sauce. Its a double soy whammy!! With all I've read about soy, I say no way in my house!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Andrea. I agree with your concern about the BPA cans, but, there are many companies now using BPA free cans (Eden Organic and Native Forest for example). You could always seek out those companies if the fruit is a snack option you enjoy, or, just skip it all together. Jill
Kellie says
What kind of fruit leathers do you eat? Do you buy them or make your own. I noticed the stretch island brand is made only from concentrate fruits and I believe the the process of making it "concentrate" takes out most of the nutrients? I also notice another brand I found at whole foods has the same type of ingredients.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Kellie. Here is a post Lisa did that shows the fruit leathers. https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/07/04/for-convenience-the-best-store-bought-snacks/. You are correct on the ingredients and, as she notes, they are definitely "treats" for her kids. Jill
Kim says
I think I just figured it out... figs with goat cheese?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Yes. YUM! Jill
Kim says
The snack tray looks wonderful! What is in the center... between the cheese cubes and the cashews? Looks delish!
Francine says
Thinly sliced kohlrabi marinated in olive oil, rice wine vinegar, salt and pepper. Satisfies the salty/crunchy cravings.
Chuck says
Beware of products that just say "Whole grains" That is often a ruse. The ingredients should list each item as 'whole' or the label should say "100%"
Jennifer says
What about pickles? Are there certain brands better than others?
Charlee says
I have friends who make pickles at home!
Kristin says
Yes, homemade pickles are the best! I have a refrigerator recipe that cures in 2 days and lasts for 2 weeks (cucumbers, fresh dill, vinegar, garlic and water). Since, I make them myself, I can control the level of salt. We make them in summer when cucumbers and dill are available at the farmer's market. My daughter knows not to ask for pickles out of season :)
Jennifer says
Will you share your recipe? I haven't found one without alot of sugar and other ingredients I don't want. Thank you!!
Robin says
I make these too. I like to add onions, salt, and pepper. You DON'T need to add sugar though.
Kristy says
homemade fermented pickles are really the best for you. They have live cultures in them. Hooray for probiotics. There's also a fermenting group on Facebook that I'm a part of where you can find recipes and tips. They're so easy to make, no vinegar needed. :)
This one is for sharing cultures: https://www.facebook.com/groups/290350194354532/
and this one is strictly on fermenation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/63032745368/
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Jennifer. I know one reader suggested making them. I usually just buy the Earthfare organic brand, but, I'm sure making them might yield ones with less salt. Jill
Sharee says
Amazing list!!!
My kids *love* grated cheese... fruit kabobs...graham creams with cream cheese... homemade fruit puree popsicles... :)
lori b. says
Love the list! We forget that just single items can be food and we don't always have to make up a full recipe. :)
Less Sugar Naturally says
Mmm! Yummy! Great list. I'm gonna print out for next time the kids ask me "what is there to eat?"
Janell says
Excellent list!!!! Printing this out, you just made grocery shopping a little easier! ;) end also love home made granola and fruit nut bars homemade! So yummy!!
Aileen says
Do you recommend unsalted nuts or are salted ok?
Btw- i love your site and all the great ideas you have! It's really inspiring.
Save the planet says
Personally, I generally prefer unsalted, raw nuts. Overall those tend to be better for you anyway. However, I do love my sunflower seeds roasted and salted. You should try raw asnd unsalted varietyies, eat the ones you like and go for the salted ones for the others.
Robin says
I like raw unsalted walnuts, but for most others, I prefer them roasted and salted. Unless I'm shelling them myself of course. I also like to take raw unsalted Almonds, marinate them in Tamari sauce and them roast them myself.
Jocelyn says
Trader Joe's has some good half-salted roasted almonds that I like. A little taste of salty, but not nearly as overkill as many other brands of salted, roasted nuts. You can actually taste and enjoy the flavor of almond.
Erin CF says
I sometimes mix salted nuts with an unsalted one (ie. I really like roasted almond, but cashews I am fine with raw so I'll mix the two so the saltiness gets spread between the two)
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
I usually eat them raw, but, it's really your preference. Some people say they mix the raw with some salted for just a little bit of salt. Glad you are enjoying the blog. Jill
Caitlin says
Wow, awesome list! Makes me hungry for some real food just reading it! ;)
Hatsuho says
This is a really great list!!! Thank you for putting it together. My kids love to snack on edamame and dried seaweed too.