Who doesn’t love a tasty treat? Snacks are great to keep you from feeling hungry throughout the day and to make sure you don’t overeat during your regular meals. Experts generally recommend reaching for something healthy like a piece of fresh fruit, but a savory or sweet treat is all right from time to time. Our experts have rounded up some of the best snack picks that are available on-line in our guide below!
Buying Guide
There are endless considerations to take into account when you are purchasing snacks. These include, but are not limited to: who is eating them, what is the nutritional value and how much they cost. When buying in bulk, you want to take the time to figure out how much you’re paying per ounce or gram. Simply take the price and divide it by the unit of measurement you usually eat or the number of servings and this will reveal how much you will be spending per serving. A few coins here and there may not make a huge difference in your overhead, but if you have a large family, or are on a limited budget this information can be very helpful.
In addition to price, most of us are interested in the nutritional value of the products we consume. Nutritionists typically have several tips when it comes to our snack choices and habits. First and foremost, you should avoid eating snacks out of habit or boredom because you may consume calories you don’t need or even want. One expert suggests putting your snack on a small plate because it may result in you feeling more satisfied than emptying a plastic package. Generally speaking, you want a well-rounded snack that hits between 150 and 250 calories, and includes nutrients like 3 grams of fiber, 5 grams of protein and no more than 12 grams of fat. If you eat a snack that is high in fiber and low in protein early in the day, try to make up for the differences or overage it in your next snack.
If you are hosting a kids party, chips, cookies and crackers might be the popular choice, but you can include nuts, fruit, vegetables and other healthier options as well. Lots of people adhere to dietary restrictions due to health reasons or personal choice these days, so If you’re having a large group, or serving kids you don’t know very well, be sure to inquire about allergies and preferences. Fortunately, despite the fact that there are so many dietary needs and preferences these days, there’s a snack for everyone. Our guide features some of the more popular and recognizable brands that are known and loved!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some basic guidelines for children and nutrition?
When it comes to kids and nutrition, the rules are essentially the same as those for adults. The amounts of nutrients needed throughout life may change from time to time as kids grow, but you want to make sure that they are getting a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins and fat. You’ll want to include a good mix of fruits and vegetables, grains, dairy products and proteins like lean meat, fish, seafood and poultry. You should limit things like added sugar (brown sugar, corn sweetener and corn syrup), as well as saturated and trans fats that come from animal sources. Healthier fats can be found in foods like olives, nuts and avocados. The average diet tends to contain too much sodium, so you want to keep an eye on that as well. Finally, avoidance of partially hydrogenated oil is also recommended.
How do I avoid binging on unhealthy snacks?
Indulging in the occasional unhealthy snack is fine, but you want to make sure that this is more often the exception than the rule. When choosing a less healthy snack, make sure to take note of the calories as well as how many servings are included in the package. Oftentimes, a package may contain several servings, which can result in consuming more calories than you intended. If a package has more than one serving, you can also portion it out and save the rest for another time. Pairing a snack with a protein is going to result in you feeling fuller for longer, so consider having an apple and some cheese, or crackers with peanut butter. Finally, consider putting snacks in an area that is more challenging to access like a high shelf or cabinet.
Which foods have the healthiest fats?
Several foods contain fats that are good for you. For starters, avocados, which are almost 80% fat, are also a great source of potassium and antioxidants. Studies have shown that daily consumption of avocados can result in improved cholesterol numbers. Nuts are a great source of plant-based protein. They contain healthy fats and are high in fiber. Eating them can also help lower the risk of heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes. Extra virgin olive oil is another great source of natural fats. It is also high in oleic, a type of fatty acid and contains anti-inflammatory properties.
Frito-Lay Snacks Variety Pack
Best Overall
A Name You Can Trust
This package contains 35 single serve packs featuring classics like SmartFood White Cheddar Popcorn, Cheetos Crunchy, Sun Chips Harvest Cheddar, Lay’s Classic Potato Chips, Doritos Nacho Cheese and Doritos Cool Ranch.
Pros:
- Frustration free packaging
- Six classic varieties
Cons:
- Relatively short shelf life
These packs have freshness dates stamped on them so you will know how long you have to use them. This is a great option for school lunches, after sports activities and poolside gatherings.
Sahale Snacks Glazed Nuts Mix
Healthiest Choice
Packed with Unique Flavor Profiles
This 12 pack of nut varieties features several different flavors and textures, including Maple Pecans, Pomegranate Flavored Pistachios, Honey Almonds and Pomegranate Vanilla Flavored Cashews.
Pros:
- Gluten free
- Non GMO
Cons:
- Beware of nut allergies
These unique flavors are a hallmark of the Sahale brand. These packs are great for a grab-and-go snack or to add to your charcuterie board.
Cravebox Snack Box Variety Pack
Most Variety
Something for Everyone
This massive 45 pack includes candy, crackers, cookies and more. Everyone will find something they like in this box.
Pros:
- Sweet and savory options are included
- Great price point
Cons:
- Only singles of several products
This selection will work for those who crave a salty snack and for those who have a sweet tooth. This is a great choice for a kids party or a college dorm room stash.
Welch’s Fruit Snacks
Most Vitamins
Fruity Deliciousness in Every Bite
This box features 40 snacks with several fruity flavors including, orange, strawberry, blueberry and grape.
Pros:
- Gluten free
- Fruit is the first ingredient
Cons:
- Contains 11 grams of sugar
This product has a good shelf and will appeal to kids who like gummy-style candy.
Pringles Potato Crisps
Most Popular
Lots of Great Flavors
This 27 pack comes with several of the popular crisp’s most delicious flavors. These include sour cream and onion, cheddar cheese, barbeque, pizza, cheddar cheese and sour cream and original flavor.
Pros:
- Convenient
- Original is pareve and all are Kosher dairy
Cons:
- Lots of plastic waste
This is the perfect size to keep you from eating the entire can. Several flavors allow you to mix and match to make customised flavor stacks.
Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers
Best for Kids
A Perennial Favorite
This 30 pack includes a variety of Goldfish Crackers including, Colors, cheddar flavor and pretzels.
Pros:
- Very kid friendly
- Fun fish shapes
Cons:
- Contains wheat
These are a terrific choice for smaller kids. They are user friendly for tiny hands and come in cute fish shapes. These products are baked, not fried.
