12 Healthy Picks Our Editors Love

“Where should the snack drawer go?” was the most important question my mom asked when I was a kid and we renovated the kitchen. Back then, snacks had to be readily available whenever hunger struck, whether it was a granola bar after school or a bag of Goldfish before basketball practice. Fast-forward to today, and the snack shelf in my apartment is in a prominent location, always stocked with my favorite bites—and I’m not alone in my snacking habits.

According to a 2024 survey, 91% of global consumers enjoy a snack at least once a day. Snacking is an easy way to quell hunger between meals or help you reach your daily nutrition goals. While you could whip up a healthy, homemade snack, packaged ones are typically more convenient if you’re on the go or pressed for time. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to decipher the snack winners versus the ones to leave on the shelf. That’s why EatingWell is excited to introduce our inaugural Healthy Snack Awards, so you can shop smarter, not harder. 

How We Chose Our Snack Picks

First, EatingWell’s snacksperts, who include registered dietitians and food editors, nominated perennial faves—items that make a regular appearance in our office snack stash, our kids’ lunch boxes and at home. Then, we scoured grocery stores for recently released snacks, looking for newer products that caught our eye. We put all of those snacks to the test, and after lots of tasting, conversation and label reading to make sure products closely aligned with our nutrition parameters (about 250 calories and 360 milligrams of sodium per serving), we settled on these winning picks. Whether you’re looking for a product that supports your nutritional goals or need something lunch box–friendly, here are the 12 snacks that we come back to again and again.

Best High-Protein: Siggi’s Icelandic Yogurt Blueberry Pomegranate Protein Pack

Step aside cottage cheese—there’s another dairy aisle find that’s earned our high-protein spot, and it’s skyr, an Icelandic yogurt that is thick, creamy and absolutely delicious. Siggi’s Icelandic Yogurt recently launched a new flavor of its popular yogurt pouches, blueberry pomegranate. “If you ever get jealous of your kid’s yogurt pouches, this is for you,” recommends Associate News and Trending Editor Dani DeAngelis. The yogurt is “perfectly sweet and tart,” and each pouch offers 11 grams of protein to help you stay satiated. Bonus: It also contains live and active cultures to support your microbiome. 

Nutrition info for Siggi’s Icelandic Yogurt Blueberry Pomegranate Protein Pack, per 1-pouch serving: 110 calories, 2 g total fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 15 mg cholesterol, 55 mg sodium, 11 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 9 g total sugar, 5 g added sugar, 11 g protein

Best Dipper: Cactus Crunch Tortilla Chips Jalapeño

Made with nopal flour (which comes from cactus), corn, spinach and flaxseed, Cactus Crunch’s Tortilla Chips are the ideal dipper for any spread. The jalapeño flavor is Assistant General Manager Penelope Wall’s favorite. She loves how light and crispy the chips are and says the dusting of lime and jalapeño is “just the right amount of spice and salt for snacking—not too spicy and not too salty.” Grab a bag of these tortilla chips, and enjoy them with your favorite dip, spread or salsa. 

Nutrition info for Cactus Crunch Tortilla Chips Jalapeño, per 13-chip serving: 130 calories, 7 g total fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 180 mg sodium, 14 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 1 g total sugar, 0 g added sugar, 2 g protein

Best Dip: Oko Cauliflower Lemon Blend

The recently launched Oko dips made our editors fall in love at first bite—and were co-created by fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg (Furstenberg’s husband, Barry Diller, is the chairperson of IAC, the parent company of Dotdash Meredith, which publishes EatingWell). Megan Ginsberg, EatingWell’s senior food editor, likes all of the flavors, from the vibrant Beet Ginger Blend to the warming Carrot Turmeric Blend. But it’s the Cauliflower Lemon Blend, which gets its creamy texture from cashews, that stands out the most. “It has a bright flavor that makes it great for dipping, but it would also make a nice accompaniment for roasted chicken and vegetables on a dinner plate,” says Ginsberg. Associate Editorial Director Carolyn Malcoun echoes the sentiment and thinks the super-lemony cauliflower dip is the perfect pairing with some fresh veggies. You can buy all three flavors in a variety pack to see which dip will be your top choice.

Nutrition info for Oko Cauliflower Lemon Blend, per 2-Tbsp. serving: 40 calories, 3 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 115 mg sodium, 3 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 1 g total sugar, 0 g added sugar, 1 g protein

Best Anti-Inflammatory: Trader Joe’s Roasted & Salted Rosemary Marcona Almonds

The next time you’re at Trader Joe’s, grab a bag of the Roasted & Salted Rosemary Marcona Almonds for a healthy, anti-inflammatory snack. One ounce of almonds offers about 66% of your daily needs for vitamin E, an antioxidant that has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body. Plus, rosemary contains polyphenols, which work to keep inflammation-supporting compounds in check.

Not only are these nuts good for you, but they also taste excellent and are loved by multiple editors. The almonds have a “rich, buttery texture and delicate crunch, qualities that set Marcona almonds apart from other varieties,” says Alysia Bebel, EatingWell’s social media editor. “The hit of rosemary adds a cozy, herby twist that makes them feel extra fancy and deeply satisfying.” Enjoy them by the handful straight out of the bag, or follow Wall’s lead and pour them into a bowl when you need a last-minute party snack. 

Nutrition info for Trader Joe’s Roasted & Salted Rosemary Marcona Almonds, per ¼-cup serving: 170 calories, 15 g total fat, 1 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 190 mg sodium, 6 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber, 1 g total sugar, 0 g added sugar, 6 g protein

Best Gut Health: B-Sides Ranch Crunch Puffs

B-Sides Ranch Crunch Puffs use a combination of upcycled corn and oat protein along with pea protein to create a crunchy, gut-friendly snack. Oats, which are a whole grain, contain prebiotic fiber that feed the good bacteria found in your gut. In turn, a healthy gut microbiome supports your body’s immune system, digestion and more. 

These puffs are crunchy, savory and perfect for noshing on in the afternoon. Wall enjoys these puffs because they’re denser, and thus more satisfying, than typical puffed snacks. Meanwhile, Malcoun appreciates the brand’s effort to reduce food waste by creating their product from oats that are left over from making oat milk. So by eating a bag of these puffs, you’re supporting your overall health, practicing sustainability and enjoying a flavor-packed snack—talk about a win-win-win!

Nutrition info for B-Sides Ranch Crunch Puffs, per 28-gram serving: 120 calories, 4 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 280 mg sodium, 16 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 1 g total sugar, 0 g added sugar, 5 g protein

Best Salty: Snyder’s of Hanover Jalapeño Ranch Twisted Pretzel Sticks

Pretzels are the ultimate salty snack, and I’ve been buying Snyder’s of Hanover pretzels for years. So when I saw they launched a seasoned jalapeño ranch pretzel stick, I grabbed a bag immediately—and promptly proceeded to eat the whole thing in a matter of days. The jalapeño flavor comes through nicely, delivering a mild heat that is well balanced by the cooling notes of herbaceous ranch. The twisted shape of the pretzel stick adds a fun element and is reminiscent of a classic soft pretzel. These pretzel sticks are higher in sodium due to the seasoning blend, so if you’re watching your sodium intake, we recommend enjoying them in moderation or opting for the brand’s regular pretzel sticks, which are equally delicious and lower in sodium.

Nutrition info for Snyder’s of Hanover Jalapeño Ranch Twisted Pretzel Sticks, per 28-gram serving: 130 calories, 5 g total fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 490 mg sodium, 18 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 1 g total sugar, 1 g added sugar, 2 g protein

Best Chocolate: Hu Cashew Butter + Pure Vanilla Bean Dark Chocolate Bites

When DeAngelis saw that her favorite Hu chocolate bar was now available in bite-size form, she was instantly sold. “My favorite bar is the Hu Cashew Butter and Pure Vanilla Bean Dark Chocolate, so having it available in a smaller size makes it the ideal midnight bite,” says DeAngelis. Each piece is composed of a dark chocolate exterior and a creamy cashew and vanilla interior. The balance between the two makes for a simple snack that DeAngelis says is “just sweet enough for chocolate lovers.”

Nutrition info for Hu Cashew Butter + Pure Vanilla Bean Dark Chocolate Bites, per 1-bite serving:  80 calories, 6 g total fat, 3 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 10 mg sodium, 6 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 4 g total sugar, 3 g added sugar, 1 g protein

Best Weight Loss: Lesser Evil Himalayan Pink Salt Organic Popcorn

Popcorn is a healthy snack to keep on hand to support your weight-loss goals. Not only is it a whole grain, but it’s a good source of fiber and protein, two nutrients that work together to help you feel full for longer. Popcorn is also low in calories, so you can enjoy a large portion of our go-to pick: Lesser Evil’s Himalayan Pink Salt Organic Popcorn. 

“I have a bag of this almost every day,” says Jessica Ball, M.S., RD, senior nutrition editor. “It’s perfect for when I want something crunchy and satisfying if I’m not too hungry but want something to munch on between meals,” she explains. Ball isn’t alone in her five-star review—News, Trending and Updates Editor Abigail Abesamis Demarest also keeps the snack stocked in her pantry and says, “It tastes so fresh and has just the right amount of salt.” Grab a bag of this popcorn and enjoy it during your next movie night. 

Nutrition info for Lesser Evil Himalayan Pink Salt Organic Popcorn, per 3-cup serving: 120 calories, 6 g total fat, 5 g saturated fat, 0 g cholesterol, 190 mg sodium, 14 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 0 g total sugar, 0 g added sugar, 2 g protein

Best Snack Bar: Once Upon a Farm Refrigerated Protein Bar Cinnamon Roll

Head to the refrigerator aisle for our favorite snack bar, Once Upon a Farm’s Refrigerated Protein Bar Cinnamon Roll. While the company (actor and foodie Jennifer Garner is a co-founder!) markets these bars toward kids, we think people of all ages will enjoy them as much as we did. While one might expect something cinnamon roll–flavored to be packed with added sugar, these oat-based bars aren’t—instead, they rely on fruits and vegetables, including pear, apple, date and sweet potato for natural sweetness. Compared to other snack bars that often contain added sugars (products we’ve seen in the supermarket can have as much as 13 grams per serving), the Once Upon a Farm bar is one that DeAngelis says is “gorgeously sweet”—without any added sugar. The convenient bar form is perfect for packing in a lunch box or grabbing before rushing out the door. 

Nutrition info for Once Upon a Farm Refrigerated Protein Bar Cinnamon Roll, per 1-bar serving: 240 calories, 8 g total fat, 4.5 g saturated fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 75 mg sodium, 19 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 10 g total sugar, 0 g added sugar, 8 g protein

Best No-Added-Sugar: Solely Organic Mango Fruit Jerky

Every time DeAngelis is at the grocery store, she grabs a handful of the Solely Organic Mango Fruit Jerky. Each jerky is made from one whole organic mango, so the fruity, tropical flavor really shines. And since mango is the lone ingredient, there’s no need for excess added sugar, and any sweetness you taste is from the fruit itself—a factor that makes Solely stand out compared to other fruit snacks, which are typically high in added sugars. These fruit bars are also convenient for taking on the go. Just ask Malcoun, who states, “I almost always have one in my purse for emergency snack attacks.” Whether it’s her, her husband or their daughter in need of a sweet bite ASAP, the whole family is a fan of the mango flavor. 

Nutrition info for Solely Organic Mango Fruit Jerky, per 1-strip serving: 80 calories, 0 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 15 mg sodium, 19 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 12 g total sugar, 0 g added sugar, 1 g protein

Best Lunch Box: MadeGood Berry Vanilla Organic Baked Oat Cups

Finding a snack that your kids will like can be a challenge, but for Wall and her family, MadeGood is a regular lunch box favorite. So when she noticed MadeGood’s new Berry Vanilla Organic Baked Oat Cups, Wall was excited to give them a try. “These oat cups have fast become a favorite of ours. My daughter’s fave is the banana chocolate, while I love the fruity berry vanilla with specks of white chocolate,” says Wall. The oat-based cups are the perfect size for lunch boxes and can also be enjoyed in the car on a road trip. Bonus: If you have to be cautious of food allergies, you can have peace of mind as the product is free of the top nine allergens. 

Nutrition info for MadeGood Berry Vanilla Organic Baked Oat Cups, per 1-oat cup serving: 140 calories, 6 g total fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 110 mg sodium, 21 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 9 g total sugar, 4 g added sugar, 2 g protein

Best Office Favorite: Heavenly Hunks Oatmeal Chocolate Chip

At the EatingWell office, we take our snacks seriously (we have an entire bookcase full of them), so picking our favorite was tough. Ultimately, we landed on Heavenly Hunks Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, a snack we love so much that we buy it in bulk at Costco. These tiny hunks are essentially mini cookies packed with oats and chocolate chips. Wall says, “They are the perfect little bite-size snack when you want something sweet and satisfying,” while Malcoun has been buying them at home for years. Perhaps the most ringing endorsement, though, comes from Michelle Edelbaum, EatingWell’s senior vice president, who raves, “The hunks are the highlight of my day.”

Nutrition info for Heavenly Hunks Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, per 1-hunk serving: 120 calories, 6 g total fat, 3.5 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 30 mg sodium, 17 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 7 g total sugar, 7 g added sugar, 1 g protein

The Bottom Line

The next time your snack drawer needs refilling, look for our expert-recommended healthy snack picks. These snacks are sure to satisfy, from the fruity mango bar that’s perfect for the whole family to a popcorn that may help support your weight-loss goals. Whatever snack you choose, we know you’ll love it just as much as our registered dietitians and food editors do!