Clean Eating Snacks

Snacking wisely between meals is a great way to ensure that you’re getting the proper nutrients needed throughout the day, while keeping hunger in check between meals. These 12 clean snacks give you plenty of healthy protein and carbohydrate options and are packed with good-for-you ingredients that taste delicious.

First up, these delicious apple chips really satisfy your sweet tooth at snack time. Not in the mood for pumpkin or chai spice? Stick to cinnamon, or enjoy them alone.

95 CALORIES per serving (1 apple made into chips)

3 tablespoons hummus + 10 baby carrots

110 Calories

Smoothies are a quick way to kick-start your day with extra fruits, vegetables, and fiber. Avoid juices and powders with added sugars; instead choose whole ripe fruit to add a sweet touch naturally. Dairy-free option: Use a (5.3-ounce) container dairy-free soy yogurt alternative.

These bars fit snugly into snack-size zip-top plastic bags but also divide easily into squares. Store in an airtight container up to three days.

To achieve maximum nuttiness, you have to toast nuts. This coaxes out flavorful, aromatic oils for a deep, rich taste and pulls out some of the nut's moisture for satisfying crunch with each bite. Our go-to-method for toasting nuts is a slow oven roast at a relatively low temperature (300°F) in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, stirring occasionally until lightly browned and crisp. That allows hot air to circulate around each nut to gently cook it. Don't blast them in a hot 400°F oven for a few minutes until they've darkened—not a good thing for a nut—because that high heat can bring out bitter flavors. Only using a handful? You can also roast nuts in a pan on the stovetop over medium-low heat or on a plate in the microwave for a minute or so at HIGH.

3 Tbsp. hummus with 1/2 cup cucumber slices and 1 medium apple

Here's our take on Paula Wolfert’s daily “gritty”—the opposite of a smoothie thanks to all the nuts, seeds, and spices. The walnut-flaxseed combination adds 2,000mg omega-3s to this satisfying sip, along with a pleasantly nutty balance to the sweet mango and bright citrus. Yogurt lends tangy good-for-the-gut probiotics, and fresh turmeric adds a bright, peppery zing. Some researchers say the curcumin in fresh turmeric is more bioavailable than dried, as some essential oils and pungency are lost in the drying process. We love it for its brighter, livelier flavor. If you can’t find fresh root (a close relative to gingerroot), substitute 1⁄2 teaspoon dried turmeric.

Enjoy a favorite bar snack at home in a matter of minutes. Salty and satisfying, edamame is a nutrient-dense, between-meals bite you can feel good about. Look for whole edamame pods in the freezer section of your grocery store.

1 medium pear or apple with 1 1/2 Tbsp. almond butter

This protein-packed snack is a handy way to fuel up while you're on the go. Pack individual bags of ham and avocado, and grab one as you head out the door for work, the gym, or the market.

You can’t get much healthier, easier, and delicious than avocado toast. It’s simple, quick, and will hold you over until your next meal. Look for clean whole-grain bread options, such as 7 Sprouted Grains Bread, in the freezer aisle at the supermarket, or shop at your favorite local bakery that uses clean ingredients to make their bread.

Mash 1/4 of an avocado on 1 slice of toasted clean bread. Sprinkle with kosher salt, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
150 CALORIES

Nix the pre-flavored Greek yogurts at the store and stir in flavors from nature such as honey, cinnamon, fresh blueberries, or even a touch of all-natural nut butter. After you make the switch, you'll never want to go back to the sugary options you were eating before.

½ cup of plain, 0% or nonfat Greek yogurt + ¼ cup fresh sliced strawberries + 1 teaspoon organic raw honey + ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
152 CALORIES

Slightly sweet and tart with a ton of delicious crunch, apples are the perfect clean eating solution for snack time.

Pair one small, fresh apple with 1 tablespoon of homemade almond butter or peanut butter for a boost of protein.

196 CALORIES

Make a batch of hard-boiled eggs on Sunday to have on hand throughout the week. They’re easy to eat, tasty, and filling. 

80 CALORIES 

Swap out the peanut butter crackers from the snack machine with more than 15 ingredients, for a clean and simple two-ingredient snack.

Spread 1 tablespoon of homemade or all-natural peanut butter evenly onto 3 celery sticks.

96 CALORIES

Chips and guacamole are a classic combination. Try swapping out the chip for a lighter, fresher option such as endive or celery sticks.

Combine 2 tablespoons chopped onion, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1 medium chopped avocado in a food processor; pulse 8 times or until combined. Yield: Serves 4 (serving size: about 3 tablespoons guacamole)

65 CALORIES