Instead of the typical bag of crisps, packet of biscuits or bar of chocolate, we have ideas for healthier snacks that:
- taste great
- help keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer
- and are better for your health in the long run
How much time do you have?
> Ready in 5 minutes or less
> 5-10 minutes snacks
> 15 minutes or more
We know that time is often short. You reach for the easy option without thinking – and that’s often the ‘junk’ option.
With that in mind, no matter how much time you have, we’ve got ideas that will work for you and your lifestyle.
Ready in 5 minutes or less
These snacks are ready almost instantly – perfect for busy schedules – and healthy too.
- A handful of fresh or dried fruit
- A handful of unsalted nuts and seeds
- A small bowl of plain low-fat natural yoghurt with fruit (fresh, frozen or tinned)
- Make your own plain stovetop popcorn – add pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano or cinnamon for a flavour boost
Quick 5–10 minute snacks
These snacks require a little bit more time but are still relatively quick to prepare.
A homemade smoothie
Technically, this is a drink, but smoothies are so filling you’ll feel as if you’ve eaten a snack.
> Try our apple and carrot smoothie
> Make our filling fruit smoothie
Wholemeal crackers with low-fat cheese and tomato
The crunch of the cracker, the savoury taste of the cheese and sweetness of tomatoes: a perfect combination.
Cut-up vegetable sticks/pitta chips with dips
Toast some wholemeal pitta breads and cut into wedges, or cut up carrots, celery or red pepper and try one of our tasty dips
Oatcakes with banana and peanut butter
Make sure your peanut butter is the variety with no added salt, sugar or oil. These are surprisingly filling and could become your new favourite snack.
Snacks in 15 minutes or more
If you have time at the weekend, or while something’s in the oven in the evening, then these will be ideal.
They take longer to make but can be made in bulk to freeze or keep in airtight containers for the week.
Oat and berry breakfast bars
Forget shop-bought snack bars – these are much healthier and tastier. And you can produce a batch in under an hour.
Roasted chickpeas
Toss a drained tin of chickpeas with 1tsp of oil and a couple of teaspoons of spices, such as smoked paprika, cumin or coriander and salt and pepper. Then spread out on a roasting tray and bake at 180°C fan for around 30 minutes.
Homemade muffins
These apple, date and walnut muffins take just 30 minutes to conjure up.
Homemade baked vegetable crisps
Slice a large carrot, parsnip and/or potato as thin as you can and then toss with a couple of teaspoons of oil. Bake in an oven at 200°C for around 10-15 minutes.
Watch them closely as the thinner you slice them, the quicker they cook.
Healthy vegetable samosas
These take around 35 minutes and are great fun to make if you’ve got little ones who want to get involved in the kitchen.
Vegan sausage rolls
Packed with tasty mushrooms and lentils and wrapped in vegan filo, these are a great option if you’re craving a savoury treat. Ready in just 45 minutes.
Chocolate and orange frozen yoghurt bar
If anything can be a substitute for a chocolate bar, then this may well be it. Just 15 minutes to mix together, and then a couple of hours of chilling time. Super tasty once they’re ready!
Keep trying
Changing your snacking habits can improve your health in the long run. You don’t need to give up all your favourite snacks – just enjoy them occasionally and in moderation.
Mostly, choose healthier options and try the recipes in this blog for tasty and nutritious snacks. You might find some new favourites!
