14 Healthy Snack Ideas For Work Or School
It’s easy to find yourself at the vending machine when snack time rolls around at work or school. But if you are looking for healthier options, chances are you won’t often find those in a vending machine, no matter where it’s located. Vending machine food just doesn’t equal healthier eating. So, if healthy snacks are your goal, these thirteen recipes are great ideas to make ahead and pack with your lunch.
They were chosen because they do three things. They travel well, taste great, and will actually fill you up instead of leaving you wanting more to snack on. Because none of us have time to eat all day long.
1. Date and Oat Energy Balls
These date and oat energy balls are a great midday snack option. They are soft, chewy, portable, and require no refrigeration throughout the day (although you’ll want to store them in the fridge overnight). Make a big batch and store them in the freezer so you can grab a few to pack in your lunch whenever you want a few.
2. Chocolate Chip Protein Bars
These Chocolate Chip Protein Bars are a fantastic snack you can make at home. The recipe uses simple ingredients and is easy to make. You can even customize your protein bar to include ingredients you like. Plus, it’s cheaper than buying a single bar at the store that could be packed with processed sugar.
3. Cornbread Muffins
These easy cornbread muffins are perfect for any time of year. They are filled with the goodness of a homemade snack, making them a great option for a healthy work snack or school snack. You can enjoy them alone or warm them up in a microwave, cut them, and add a pat of butter or even a little schmere of jam or honey. These are great to make in big batches to stock your freezer with for future snacks.
4. Homemade Granola Bark
It’s portable, sweet, and filled with whole-grain goodness. For a healthy work snack, look no further than this homemade granola bark. Break the pieces up as small as you need to fill whatever snack container you have. This travels incredibly well and won’t need to be returned to the fridge until the end of the day. But chances are, you won’t have any leftovers to return to the fridge.
5. Chocolate Covered Chickpeas
If you love a small, crunchy snack that you can pop in your mouth quickly and easily, these chocolate-covered chickpeas make a quick, simple, sweet treat or dessert. They can be made vegan and are a higher-fiber, healthy snack. Because they are so portable, they are a perfect choice for a quick snack at your desk. Make them as individual chickpeas, or use the chocolate to make clusters.
6. Spicy Roasted Almonds
Spicy roasted almonds are a healthy, grab-n-go, low-carb snack. These spicy almonds will put a little pep in your step and don’t require any time in the fridge during your work or school day. Keep a bag of these in your purse, briefcase, or backpack for an accessible snack any time of day.
7. No-Bake Coconut Balls
Similar to energy balls, these coconut balls make a perfect appetizer, snack, or healthy dessert. If you love coconut, try these easy, no-bake coconut balls. You can make them as large or small as you want. Consider the size of the container you’ll pack them in for work or school to determine how large or small you should make them.
8. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
If you love sweet potato fries, you’ll seriously flip over these air fryer sweet potato fries. While this recipe is a basic recipe, it’s all you need to bring out the delicious flavors of this type of French fry. They pair well with ranch dressing or ketchup, and they are low in fat thanks to the humble air fryer. You can even reheat these in your air fryer if they get too cold for you. They are easy to pack for a quick snack; just don’t forget the dip.
9. No Bake Oatmeal Cookies
These healthy no-bake cookies are a wonderful snack for kids and adults alike. You don’t even have to turn on the oven. You can make a big batch and have enough to take to work for the week. They store really well in the freezer, so you can enjoy these as make-ahead snacks that kids and adults of all ages will enjoy.
10. Energy Balls
Enjoy the perfect take-along snack with energy balls. Store them in the fridge and pack them in a small bag. They can be kept in the fridge or in your desk drawer all day long. While you will want to return them to the fridge at the end of the day, chances are, there won’t be any left to store. These are yummy.
11. Cherry Pie Lara Bars
This cherry pie bars recipe is a wonderful, homemade version of these delicious, store-bought bars. This recipe uses all-natural ingredients, which makes them a great option for snacking. It’s cheaper to make your own than to buy them, and they give you some great nutrition while also satisfying that sweet tooth that keeps screaming at you in the late afternoon.
12. No-Bake Pumpkin Protein Bars
These healthy pumpkin protein bars are chock full of protein and flavor, and you can make them with less than 20 minutes of active prep. No-Bake Pumpkin Protein Bars combine the delicious flavor of pumpkin and chocolate with a protein boost from protein powder.
13. Raisins And Soaked Walnuts
For snacks on the go, you can’t beat this amazing powerhouse of nutrition – Raisins And Soaked Walnuts. Walnuts are a superfood, and the fats they contain are very healthy. Soaking them takes away the bitterness as well as the enzyme that makes them difficult to digest. Add some raisins to the mix, and you’ve got a healthy snack you just can’t beat.
More From The Gracious Pantry
Need more snack ideas? Give one of these delicious ideas a try. Whether you are making a snack tray to enjoy all day long, or need some ideas for snacks that won’t ruin dinner, these ideas can help.
This originally appeared on The Gracious Pantry.
