30+ Healthy Snacks for Every Craving

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These easy, healthy snacks will help to power you through the day. With a little planning and meal prep, you can make energy balls, granola bars, sweet treats, dips and more. Whether you’re craving something sweet, salty, or both, I’ve got you covered.

Several healthy snacks and ideas on separate plates on a table.

We’ve all been there. Its 3pm and the munchies kick in. So you end up grabbing the most convenient thing in your pantry. And while it’s okay to splurge once in awhile, there’s much healthier snack options that can be made right at home. Ones that are wholesome and will help to keep you energized throughout the day.

I’ve rounded up 30+ healthy snack ideas that are easy to make and won’t compromise on flavor. You’ll find things that are rich and creamy, sweet and nutty, or crispy and salty – basically anything your heart desires. And if timing is an issue, many of these items can be prepped in advanced or made in under 10 minutes.

Healthy Smoothies

Looking for an easy way to sneak in your fruits and veggies for the day? Smoothies are your answer. And if you’ve got protein powder or additional superfoods laying around, toss them in. It’ll give you the extra boost you need!

Green smoothie recipe in a glass.

Best Green Smoothie

The green smoothie of your dreams! It’s made from wholesome ingredients such as apples, spinach, bananas, and avocados. It’ll fuel your mornings or provide a mid day pick-me-up.

Blueberry smoothie in a glass with straw.

Blueberry Smoothie

Not only is this one deliciously sweet and creamy. But, it’s loaded with vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants. Yep, I’d say this smoothie is the best of both worlds.

Two glasses of strawberry banana smoothie.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

This classic combination continues to be an all time favorite. Made with just four simple ingredients, it’s creamy, fresh, and all around healthy. Plus, I guarantee your kids will love it.

A delicious peach smoothie that makes for a healthy, breakfast smoothie when blended with yogurt and chia seeds. Make this with dairy or dairy-free.

Peach Breakfast Smoothie

Come peach season, this smoothie is a must. Fresh peaches, yogurt, chia seeds, and a few spices are blended together for delicious, fill-you-up breakfast smoothie.

This persimmon smoothie is the perfect smoothie for fall. Made with persimmons, banana, ginger, cinnamon and cloves, it's slightly spiced and deliciously sweet. 

Spiced Persimmon Smoothie

There’s not better way to ring in fall than with this persimmon delight. And with the help of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, it makes for the ultimate cozy drink and immune booster.

Almond orange smoothie. A great dairy-free, breakfast smoothie.

Almond Orange Smoothie

If oranges are your jam, this one’s for you. Citrus notes pair perfectly with warm vanilla and banana flavors. Resulting in a delicious, creamsicle like smoothie.

Healthy Dips And Spreads

Move over ranch, these creamy dips and spreads are about to be your new favorites. They’re filled with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Plus, they’ll make eating fresh veggies or crackers way more fun.

Hummus recipe on a plate.

The Best Hummus Recipe

This homemade hummus recipe will beat store-bought versions any day. It’s perfectly creamy, ultra fresh, and comes together in less than three minutes.

Roasted red pepper hummus is incredibly easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. It's creamy, smooth, slightly smoky and full of flavor - a great healthy snack recipe!

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Roasted red peppers kick a classic hummus recipe up a notch. Not only is it smooth and creamy, but is quite flavorful with a hint of smokiness.

Baba ganoush in a bowl with garnish.

Baba Ganoush

This dip has an irresistible smoky flavor – all thanks to the method of charring eggplants on a grill. Which makes it perfect for pairing with cooling cucumber slices.

Tzatziki in a bowl surrounded by sliced cucumber and cherry tomatoes.

Tzatziki

This creamy, yogurt-based sauce will surely brighten up any summer snack plate. It’s got cooled cucumber bits, fresh dill, zesty lemon juice, and tons of garlic-y goodness.

Mango salsa in a bowl next to ships and a white napkin.

Mango Salsa

This recipe is a no brainer once mango season hits. It’s bright, chunky, sweet, and has a little spice kick.

Guacamole in a bowl surrounded by chips. One chip in the guacamole.

Best Ever Guacamole

A bowl of homemade guacamole never fails as a snack. With just a few fresh and simple ingredients, this recipe is guaranteed to be more flavorful than anything store-bought.

A spoonful of chia seed jam with toast in the background.

Chia Seed Jam

Aside from chia pudding, turn your chia seeds into an all-natural jam. It’s rich, sweet, and uses fresh ingredients that you won’t feel guilty about.

Almond Butter

Roasted almonds are key to making the perfect batch of almond butter. It becomes ridiculously creamy, extra nutty, and great for dipping or spreading.

Easy and Healthy Baked Goods

These breads are made for those times where you just want a cozy and warm bite. They’re perfect for making ahead of time and freeze well. All you need to do is warm them up for one minute and voila.

Paleo banana bread in a loaf pan.

Paleo Banana Bread

This paleo banana bread is super moist, flavorful, and super easy to make. There’s a reason it’s been a reader favorite for years.

Paleo banana nut muffins are easy to make, delicious and gluten-free and dairy-free. The perfect healthy breakfast recipe and snack!

Paleo Banana Nut Muffins

These muffins make for one healthy treat. They’re fluffy, moist, and filled with all sorts of delicious banana bread flavors and textures. Plus, they’re great for on-the-go.

Falafel flatbread with different toppings.

Falafel Flatbread

If you’ve got some hummus or tzatziki on hand, this flatbread is your new best friend. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and made from a fresh and savory blend of herbs, vegetables, and chickpeas.

Three paleo blueberry muffins stacked on top of each other.

Paleo Blueberry Muffins

These muffins are great for when you’re craving something sweet and cozy. They’re moist, fluffy, and have a burst of fresh blueberries with every bite.

Paleo zucchini bread on a table with two slices from the loaf.

Paleo Zucchini Bread

Dive into zucchini season with this healthier version that’s gluten-free and dairy-free. It’s deliciously moist, flavorful, and perfect for a quick afternoon snack.

For Your Savory Healthy Snack Cravings

Surpass the potato chip temptation with these make-ahead savory bites. They’re filled with nutrients and protein, and will keep you full for much longer. And for things like meatballs, you can even prep those for a delicious lunch or dinner.

Tuna meatballs on a plate with tzatziki sauce and micro greens.

Tuna Meatballs

This recipe turns canned tuna into the perfect low-carb snack bite. They’re light in flavor, but just as juicy, tender and filling as your typical meatball. Plus they taste great dipped in homemade tzatziki sauce!

Flax seed crackers are a crunchy, flavorful, homemade cracker recipe that's naturally gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, paleo and vegan. Made from flax seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds, they're super easy to make and great for snacking.

Ultimate Seed Crackers

Made from a blend of healthy seeds, these crackers will surely satisfy your crunchy cravings. Eat a few on their own or with any of the dips above!

Trail mix bars cut into individual bars next to a knife.

Trail Mix Granola Bars

These delicious nut and seed bars are chewy, sweet, nutty, and are filled with clean ingredients. Plus, they’re versatile (just switch up your nuts and seeds) and so easy to whip up!

Chewy chocolate granola bars stacked on a table

Chewy Granola Bars

If you’re looking for a chewier granola bar texture – this one is it. It’s perfectly sweet and salty, won’t fall apart, and a great on-the-go snack.

Microwave popcorn in a glass bowl on a table.

Microwave Popcorn

You can’t beat fresh popcorn for a super easy, low-carb snack. There’s many ways to make it at home, but I’ll show you how to microwave it – 3 ways!

A plate of falafel drizzled with tahini sauce.

Falafel

These balls of chickpea and herb goodness are the perfect savory bite. And if you have time, whip up a quick tahini sauce to drizzle over them. The combination is pretty irresistible.

(gluten-free, grain-free) Crispy socca with pear and arugula salad. Made with chickpea flour, this crispy socca becomes the perfect base for a delicious and healthy salad.

Crispy Socca

This naturally gluten-free flatbread is served up warm and smelling all sorts of delicious and nutty. Spread some hummus on it or top it with a fresh salad mix.

Egg-citing Healthy Snacks

The beauty of eggs are that they can turn into a full meal or a simple snack. So when you’re not making poached eggs, any of these recipes are perfect for a quick and easy option. Not to mention, eggs are filled with protein, vitamins, and omega-3’s.

Hard boiled eggs on the counter.

Hard Boiled Eggs

This may be one of the best and easiest ways to get your protein all in one bite. They’re delicious with just a pinch of salt and are a great low-carb snack option.

Three egg muffins stacked on top of each other.

Breakfast Egg Muffins

Prep a batch of these on a Sunday night and you’re golden for the week. These muffins are filling, low-carb, and perfect for an on-the-go healthy snack.

Deviled eggs on a white plate.

Classic Deviled Eggs

Aside from being an appetizer favorite, deviled eggs make for a deliciously healthy snack. They’re easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.

Close up photo of hand holding avocado deviled eggs.

Avocado Deviled Eggs

These deviled eggs put a fun and healthy twist on the recipe above. The avocado filling is fresh and zesty with ingredients like red onion and lime juice.

Sweet, But Healthy Snacks

Of course I had to save the best for last: guilt-free sweet treats! Not only do these snacks boast tons of nutrients, they’re much healthier than your average candy bar. And yes, chocolate is included in some of these recipes.

A stack of energy balls on a white plate.

Banana Bread Energy Balls

These energy balls make for a deliciously sweet yet healthy snack. They’re filled with nutritious, good-for-you ingredients, and are easy to make. Plus, they taste like mini bites of banana bread heaven!

Chia pudding meal prepped into glass containers.

Chia Seed Pudding

This is no doubt a Downshiftology favorite. Chia seeds magically turn into a delicious gel-like pudding. And when you top it off with fresh fruits, it’s such a refreshing and perfectly sweet snack.

Chocolate chia pudding in a dessert glass with frozen, frosted raspberries on top.

Chocolate Chia Pudding

If you’re craving chocolate, you won’t have to feel guilty when eating this chocolate pudding. It’s creamy, indulgent and yet, loaded with nutrients.

Frozen chocolate banana bites on a plate next to bowls of chocolate and almond butter.

Chocolate Almond Butter Banana Bites

Chocolate, almond butter, and banana is a dreamy and delicious combo. Similar to chocolate covered bananas, they’re the perfect frozen treat on a hot day – in bite-size form.

(gluten-free, grain-free) Chai Spiced Granola

Chia Spiced Granola

A variety of nuts, seeds, and warming chai spices make for a cozy granola blend. Nibble on its own or crumble on top of a yogurt bowl.

Healthy Snacks Recipe Video

Want to prep some of these snacks in advance? Watch me make several of these healthy recipes to meal prep for the week!

Several energy balls on a counter next to a cookie scoop.

30+ Healthy Snacks For Every Craving: Banana Bread Energy Balls

5 from 14 votes
Prep: 15 minutes
Freeze Time: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Author: Lisa Bryan

Description

Banana bread energy balls are an easy, healthy snack that taste like your favorite banana bread recipe. Whip up a batch to enjoy throughout the week!

Video

Ingredients 
 

Instructions 

  • Add all the ingredients to a food processor and pulse the mixture for 10 seconds. Scrape down the sides, then blend again until the mixture is fairly smooth, with a slight bit of texture. The dough will likely start to roll around the food processor when it's blended enough.
  • Scoop a ball using a medium cookie scoop and roll it in between your hands. Continue this process until you've used up all the dough.
  • Enjoy the balls right away or place in a storage container. You can leave them at room temperature for softer balls or place in the fridge if you'd like them chilled and a bit firmer.

Lisa’s Tips

  • If the balls don’t hold together, it’s likely the texture is too big. Just put it back in the food processor and pulse for a finer texture.
  • The balls will be a little soft when you first roll them, but they’ll firm up as the oats absorb the maple syrup. 

Nutrition

Calories: 106kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 38mg | Potassium: 117mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Banana Bread Bliss Balls, Bliss Ball Recipe, Bliss Balls, Energy Balls
Did you make this recipe?Mention @downshiftology or tag #downshiftology!

About the author

Lisa Bryan

Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.

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Recipe Rating




40 Comments

  1. I added Chia seeds on to mine and they taste Great! Thank you this has saved me from making overnight oats for every meal in the morning.

  2. Thank you for sharing this awesome list. I am always on a hunt for tasty snacks that can be prepared at home with fresh ingredients. You have provided me with lots of amazing ideas. Thank you.

  3. Thank you so much for providing all of these wonderful recipes . What a blessing! I’m excited to try many of these.5 stars

  4. Hi,
    Thank you so much for sharing this very easy but wonderful recipe!
    I already made the banana balls – they are delicious!!!5 stars

  5. Hi Lisa,

    Just wanted to say that I love so many of your recipes! My husband says he’s always hungry, so I set out on a mission to have healthy snacks on hand to prevent him going for the crisps etc.

    I’ve made a few of your recipes over the last couple of weeks, including the tuna meatballs, falafels, banana bread balls and granola and we loved them all!

    Excited to try more – thank you!5 stars

  6. Hi Lisa,
    I just discovered you and I love the recipes. I am vegetarian due to health reasons. I have struggled finding meals that I can make with everyday recognizable pantry/kitchen staples. This has been a blessing.
    I wanted to ask if you had dorm recipes for students that live on campus. It doesn’t have to be vegetarian/vegan. I have remember how hard it was to try to eat good meals when the campus lunch hall was closed and it was late/early morning and you didn’t want to leave.

    1. Happy to hear you discovered Downshiftology as well! Hope you enjoy all the vegetarian recipes across the site :)

  7. Hi, I really enjoy your video, tips and recipes.
    I would like to know more about supplements, what do you think about them and which supplement you recommend.
    I turn 46 and I’m very interesting about healthy food and life.
    Thank you very much for your advices!
    Lisa5 stars

    1. I will keep that in mind for a potential Youtube or Instagram video! I do sometimes share on Instagram stories though about what I use, so be sure to peek at my stories from time to time :)

  8. I absolutely LOVE your recipes and so does my entire family! I was wondering if you can show some healthy travel foods. Things you can prepare ahead of time that can last for an entire week of travel, especially for little ones ages 1 and 3. Sometimes going out to eat isn’t an option and/or can’t find anything fast and healthy enough for the kids while traveling and staying in a hotel with no kitchen, in the car ride or on the plane and airport. This can be a whole segment that I’m sure lots of parents would appreciate!!! Thanks so much for considering!

    Best,
    Ester5 stars

    1. Hi Ester – Happy to hear you and your family are enjoying all my recipes so far! I will be sure to keep travel foods in mind for future recipes :)

  9. Hi Lisa, so happy I came across your recipes. You make everything look so easy. Going to invest in a Vitamix so I can make all your recipes. Can you suggest which kind?

    1. Hi Toni – I actually have a post and video explaining the different types of Vitamixes! You can find it on my website or Youtube channel.

  10. Hello Lisa, thank you so much for the amazing healthy recipes. I feel blessed I came across your videos. Just wanted to say please keep them coming!!

    Stay beautiful!

  11. These are so good! A very satisfying treat. Didn’t have any maple syrup so I used honey. These have lots of flavor and texture for a great treat! Thanks for the recipe!5 stars

    1. Lisa, did you have an oatmeal blueberry almond nut muffin recipe? I thought a friend made one from your site? But I am unable to find one…

      1. Hi Nancy- I have a paleo blueberry muffin recipe on the website :) But you can always add in nuts to it if you’d like!

  12. I love this list list of all the delicious snacks! My favorite ones are the ones with veggies in them.5 stars

    1. Hi Biana- It’s always great to have fresh veggies for snacks along with a healthy dip!

  13. This is an excellent assortment of healthy snacks. I’m going to go for those Banana Bread Energy Balls first!5 stars

  14. All these recipes sound so delicious and healthy! I can’t wait to make them throughout the week! Thanks for sharing these healthy snacks! 5 stars

  15. This is such a great collection of snacks!! Bookmarking and will start working through them from the top.5 stars