Top 10 Healthy Snacks In 2023
Plant-Based Protein Bars
Plant-based diets have exploded in popularity in recent years. Searches for the term “vegan” increased by 33% from 2021 to 2022. Protein bars made from nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains are about to dominate the market with the increasing interest in vegetarianism and veganism. The bars provide essential nutrients like protein, fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals. They are easy to pack for on-the-go snacking and cater to gluten-free, vegan, and paleo dietary preferences. A few top brands to look out for include NuGo Slim, Perfect Bar, and GoMacro.
Seaweed Snacks
Seaweed snacks are poised to become a top salty snack choice in 2023. Low calories packed with vitamins and minerals like iodine, seaweed chips, and crisps provide ample nutrition and a satisfying crunch. Seaweed-based snacks are rising in popularity due to their health benefits like improved digestion, weight management, and immune support, with the global seaweed market estimated to reach $9.1 billion by 2026. Top brands include Annie Chun's, Ocean's Halo, and SeaSnax.
Amaranth Puffs
As a naturally gluten-free ancient grain, antioxidant-rich amaranth is increasing in popularity. Amaranth puffs, made by popping the tiny grain, are expected to become a top snack choice in 2023. The puffs have a light, crispy texture, and slightly nutty flavor. They are rich in nutrients like protein, fiber, magnesium, and iron. Amaranth is high in lysine, an amino acid absent in many other grains. Companies like Plocky and Que Pasa offer a variety of flavors of the wholesome, popcorn-like snack.
Fruit Jerky
Fruit jerky provides a tasty option in 2023 for people seeking a healthier alternative to traditional jerky. Fruit jerky offers the satisfying chewiness of jerky with all the natural flavors and nutrition of dehydrated fruits. High in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, fruit leathers and jerkies make for a sweet and nutritious snack. Popular flavors include strawberry, mango, apple, banana, and pineapple. The top brands are Stretch Island, Bare, and Made In Nature.
Cauliflower Chips
As vegetables increasingly substitute traditional snack staples, cauliflower chips will dominate the market in 2023. Cauliflower florets are sliced thin, seasoned, and baked into crunchy chip form. C, vitamin K, and fiber are high in nutrients, so cauliflower chips make for a delicious and guilt-free snack. The popular brands include Califlour Foods, From The Ground Up, and Elevate.
Chickpea Puffs
Chickpea puffs are poised to be a top pantry staple in 2023. Rich in plant-based protein and fiber, chickpea puffs have a satisfying crunch reminiscent of puffed corn snacks. They pack more nutrition with fewer calories. Companies like Hippeas, Moonshot Snacks, and Philly Puffs offer various savory and sweet flavors of chickpea puffs. Their high protein and fiber content and crunchy texture make them the perfect healthy snack.
Vegetable Crisps
Once dominated by fried potato chips, the crisp category diversifies with vegetable-based options. Crisps made from vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, kale, and jicama offer more nutrition and a wider range of flavors. Companies like Rhythm Superfoods, Vegan Rob's, and Off the Eaten Path are meeting the demand for wholesome veggie crisps. The crisps create a satisfying crunch with more vitamins, minerals, and fiber than regular chips.
Probiotic Snacks
The probiotics market is predicted to grow to $78.42 billion by 2030, highlighting the growing interest in gut health. Companies are meeting the demand with probiotic snacks like kombucha, yogurt, and fermented vegetable options. Such functional snacks provide a tasty delivery of live cultures to support digestive and immune health. Top probiotic snack brands include Farmhouse Culture, Yogourmet, and Cultured Fresh.
Almond Flour Crackers
Almond flour crackers provide a tasty, nutrient-packed snack option 2023 for people avoiding gluten. Almonds are a great source of protein, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin E. Almond flour gives the crackers a crisp, flaky texture. It allows for creative flavor combinations like everything bagel and rosemary sea salt. The top almond flour cracker brands are Simple Mills, Sport Kitchen, and Absolutely Gluten Free.
Vegetable Protein Chips
The expanding vegan snack market means that vegetable protein chips made from peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans are disrupting the snacking space. Companies like Off the Eaten Path, Vegan Rob's, and Good Food For Good offer nutritious and sustainable chips made from vegetable protein. The chips have a satisfying crunch and come in unique flavors like buffalo ranch lentil, vegan cheddar, and sour cream.
In 2023 and beyond, the healthy snack market continues to grow as more brands innovate with nutritious plant-based ingredients. Consumers seek convenience and nutrition from snacks that align with their dietary preferences and values. The top 10 list shows the delicious and wholesome snack options expected to dominate in the coming year.
FAQs
What are some tips for choosing the healthiest snacks?
Look for options that are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats while being low in added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat when choosing healthy snacks. Prioritize snacks with whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and plant-based proteins. Check labels and choose options with short ingredient lists.
Which snacks are best for weight loss?
The best weight-loss snacks include plain Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, hard-boiled eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, air-popped popcorn, apple slices with nut butter, and homemade trail mixes with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
What are some kid-friendly healthy snack ideas?
Great healthy snack options for kids include fresh fruits like apple slices, banana halves, grapes or blueberries, sliced bell peppers with hummus or guacamole, homemade fruit, and veggie smoothies, whole grain crackers or rice cakes with nut butter, and homemade energy bites or muffins made with oats, nut butter, and dried fruit.
How can I snack healthier at work?
Keep a stash of shelf-stable healthy snacks at work, like single-serve packages of nuts, nut butter packets, dried fruit, cut vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, grain-free crackers or granola bars, and single-serve Greek yogurt cups. Meal prep a few servings of snacks like homemade trail mix or energy bites each week to grab and go.
Which snacks provide lasting energy?
Snacks that combine protein, fiber, and healthy fats provide sustained energy. Examples are an apple with peanut butter, carrots and hummus, mixed nuts, Greek yogurt with chia seeds, avocado toast, or edamame. The combination of nutrients stabilizes blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling fuller longer.
How can I snack more sustainably?
Opt for package-free snacks like whole fruits and fresh veggies whenever necessary. Choose plant-based protein snacks like chickpea puffs over animal-based options. Seek out certified organic, non-GMO, and fair trade snacks. Support sustainable brands that use eco-friendly packaging. Buy snacks in bulk to reduce packaging waste.