Snack ideas

We may earn commission from snack ideas on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Get your sugar fix with wholesome, naturally sweet treats. The good news: You can indulge in the sweeter things in life without totally abandoning your healthy-ish lifestyle.

Rather than reaching for highly-processed, sugar-loaded foods every time you crave something sweet, update your snacks arsenal. Schedule in sweet snacks: Ideally, snacks bridge the gap between meals, keeping your blood sugar in check and your energy and mood up all day long. Beth Auguste, a Philadelphia-based registered dietitian and women’s fitness specialist. That means for every 100 calories, there should be about 3 grams of fat, 8 to 10 grams of protein, and 8 to 10 grams of carbohydrates. Consider your calorie count: Depending on your lifestyle and size, a reasonable calorie range for snacks is around 200 to 300 calories. A simple rule of thumb: 100 calories will sustain you for about 1 hour, says Wyosnick. Tame your sweet tooth: Sugar can be addictive as more sweet-tasting foods might fuel cravings for more, per a recent review in Frontiers and Psychology.

Next time your sweet tooth calls, reach for a wholesome snack that’s naturally sweet and satiating. If you’re craving chocolate, there’s no need to avoid the candy aisle. For a quick and nutritious treat you can enjoy just about anywhere, reach for a Mason jar and layer in your favorite granola, Greek yogurt with a swirl of honey, and chunks of kiwi, suggests Koskinen. C, which helps support a strong immune system. Next time you’re craving chocolate chip cookie dough, reach for the perfect 190-calorie bite of carbs, protein, and healthy fats, suggests Danielle Allen, a Massachusetts-based registered dietitian. Refrigerate them for about 15 to 30 minutes, roll them up, and they’re good for up to a week in the fridge. Slice an apple and serve it with your favorite cheese for a satisfyingly sweet and savory bite, suggests Koskinen.

Don’t bother peeling the apple, either—much of its filling fiber is found in the peel. Another classic but slightly more luxurious combo: figs with goat cheese. Wash and slice fresh figs, cut them in half, smear them with goat cheese, and drizzle with honey. Tiny little powerhouses, chia seeds are packed with fiber and provide some protein as well. Let it chill for about 20 minutes or soak overnight, then enjoy. Mix it up with different fruit and nut toppings, like mixed berries and walnuts or apricots and almonds.

Made with heavy cream, whipped cream, and a load of added sugar, traditional chocolate mousse is sure to weigh you down and spike your blood sugar, says Wyosnick. 2 tablespoons of unsweetened almond milk, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Top it off with fresh berries and a sprinkle of nuts. In the healthy snacks department, trail mix often gets a bad rep as it can be high in calories, especially if you’re grazing on a mix with yogurt-covered nuts and seeds or candy. However, if you stick to a small handful with fruits, nuts, and seeds, trail mix can make for a satiating, salty-sweet snack.