Grab-and-Go Snacks: Ideas that are Easy, Healthy & Plant-Based 

Need healthy plant-based snacks on the go? We’ve all been there – you worked through lunch, ran errands all morning, or just got super focused on a project. Suddenly, it hits you like a tornado – the dizzying combo of fatigue, irritability, and an intense craving for FOOD. When hunger strikes with that vengeance, it’s all too easy to go overboard on whatever unhealthy, processed foods are around. Avoid getting “hangry” and fuel up the right way with these 14 sweet and savory vegan snack ideas instead!

The Importance of Healthy Snacks to Avoid Getting “Hangry”

When you let yourself get overly hungry, it can zap your energy, make you irritable and lead to mindless overeating of unhealthy foods. Having nourishing snacks on hand provides a steady supply of nutrients to keep you satisfied, energized and clear-headed all day long. Well-timed snacks can also prevent overeating at larger meals. In other words, snacking smart helps you avoid getting “hangry”!

7 Savory, Plant-Based Grab-and-Go Snacks

1. Microwave Popcorn in a Snap: Is there anything more satisfying than the salty crunch of popcorn? This is my personal favorite and even part of my regular lunch! This whole grain treat is the perfect portable snack. Pop up a batch by placing 2 Tbsp popcorn kernels in a microwave-safe glass bowl with tight lid or ceramic plate, and nuke for 3-7 minutes until popping slows (the first time you make this, watch carefully to determine exact time for your microwave … otherwise you may end up with that dreaded burned popcorn smell that permeates the entire house). A sprinkle of nutritional yeast adds a little cheesy flavor, or just add a little salt or other favorite dried spices.
2. Trail Mix Remix: Most store-bought trail mixes are a sugar and sodium bomb. Make your own version with a rotating mix of unsalted raw nuts like pecans, almonds, and cashews along with pepita and sunflower seeds, chewy goji berries, and a few dairy-free dark chocolate chips for good measure. We always make this for traveling or hiking trips! 
3. Tortilla Chip Dippers: Make your own “chili lime tortilla chips” by brushing or spritzing corn tortillas with a little lime juice, adding a dash of chili powder and salt, and baking or air frying until crisp and golden. Dunk into fresh or store-bought salsa.
4. Avocado Toast To-Go: Smashed avocado on toast is a trendy breakfast, but it’s healthy fats and fiber make it a perfect snack, too. Mash an avocado with simple seasonings and spread over toasted sourdough or sprouted whole grain bread. Top with extras like sprouts, tomatoes, hemp seeds or just keep it simple for a buttery-tasting treat. 
5. Nature’s Nosh Board: Graze boardstyle with a quick assembly of fresh or lightly toasted sourdough or whole grain bread or pita along with an array of veggies like grape tomatoes, cucumber slices and fresh herbs like mint or basil. Add olives, some jarred roasted red peppers, and walnuts for Mediterranean flair. 
6. Hummus Among Us: Scoop up store-bought creamy hummus (look for oil-free) with veggie sticks or whole wheat pita for a simple, protein-packed snack. Or whip up a batch of homemade hummus in five minutes to go with whatever dippers you have on hand.
7. Nori, You’re a Classic: These roasted seaweed snacks aren’t just for sushi! Nori sheets have a rich, savory flavor and are low-cal and loaded with minerals. (Note: Some nori products use non-vegan processing aids, so check labels. Also, they can be high in sodium so eat in moderation.)

7 Sweet, Plant-Based Grab-and-Go Snack Delights

1. Stuffed Dates > Candy: Remove pits and fill sticky medjool dates with nut or seed butter and vegan dark chocolate chips. These sweet superfoods provide energy, fiber and antioxidants. 
2. Frosty Frozen Grapes: The sugary-sweetness of grapes just magnifies when you freeze them! Rinse and freeze grapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a container for refreshing, fruity mini-popsicles.  
3. Nice Banana: Slice bananas and freeze on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid. They turn deliciously creamy, like healthy nice cream, when defrosted slightly! 
4. Dried Fruit Galore: This is my go-to substitute for my favorite kind of candies like jelly beans, gummy bears and Starburst. Look for unsweetened dried fruits like apricots, figs, mangoes and prunes. Full of fiber and chewy deliciousness. 
5. Peanut Butter Apple Dipper: Slather crisp apple slices or celery with nut or seed butter for classic salty-sweet flavor.
6. Chia Pudding Cups: In a jar, blend 1 cup plant-milk with 3-4 Tbsp chia seeds. Let thicken 10 mins, sweeten with 1 tsp maple or date syrup, and refrigerate for a few hours. Top with fruit!
7. Larabars – Fun-Sized Nutrition Bombs: While many snack bars are highly processed, Larabars keep their ingredient lists short and sweet. Creative flavors like peanut butter cookie and apple pie contain just fruits, nuts and spices.

With a little planning, you can skip the hangry meltdowns and unhealthy vending machine snacks. Having these healthy plant-based snacks on the go makes it easy to stay satisfied and energized! Many of these snacks require virtually no prep work at all. Simply portion out things like fresh fruit, veggie sticks, hummus, trail mixes and bars into portable containers. For snacks like the frozen grapes or chia puddings, the prep is still super quick and easy. The best part? You’ll feel energized and proud of yourself for fueling your body right with nutrient-dense, plant-based snacks. No more settling for processed vending machine treats when you can enjoy the bright, fresh flavors of fruits, veggies, whole grains and plant proteins. Your mind and body will thank you!

For more ideas to get you started on your plant-forward adventure, download our free guide “Plant-Powered Meal Planning 101: A 6-Step Guide” . This checklist will walk you through creating delicious, satisfying plant-forward meals that are easy to prepare.