Making vegan-friendly snacks can be challenging to a beginner or even to someone who has been a vegan for years. But there are several healthy vegan snack ideas that you can try using ingredients that are commonly found in grocery stores, and the best part is that they are not just filling, you’ll find these snacks delicious, too!
1. Trail mix
Perhaps the easiest plant-based snack, trail mix is a great snack to munch on. Trail mix is a mix of different varieties of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Some trail mixes also include dark chocolate, grains, and even coconut. A serving of trail mix is a good source of protein and healthy fats, as well as fiber and other nutrients that are beneficial to the body. There are several brands of trail mixes that are readily available, but you can also create your own trail mix based on your preference.
2. Guacamole and crackers
Guacamole is a healthy mix of mashed avocado mixed with garlic, onion, and lime juice. Avocado is an excellent protein source and healthy fats, as well as fiber and potassium which are all good for the heart. Meanwhile, whole-grain crackers are full of fiber that is good for the digestive system.
3. Hummus
Hummus is a Middle Eastern delicacy commonly used as a dip for bread and vegetables. It is made of chickpeas with oil, lemon juice, garlic, and tahini, or sesame seed paste. Chickpeas are rich in healthy fats and fiber, while the zest of lemon is full of immune-boosting vitamin C. Aside from these, hummus contains B vitamins and anti-inflammatory properties. Pair your hummus with falafel, carrot sticks, or use as a substitute for sour cream when eating mashed potatoes.
4. Fruit and vegetable smoothies
Fruits and vegetable smoothies are great flexible options that are easy to make. You can combine your favorite fruits in season or vegetables and pair them with plant-based milk substitutes such as almond or soy milk or just plain water. These smoothies are full of vitamins and minerals that can boost the immune system, clear acne, and help with digestion. You may opt to add flax or chia seeds to your smoothies to up its healthy fats content.
5. Oatmeal cookies
Oats are a great source of fiber. For your vegan snack, you may oatmeal on its own or paired with fruits like berries and bananas, or you may change things up and turn them to vegan oatmeal cookies. You can use almond oil or coconut oil as substitutes and mix peanuts, pecans, or walnuts for an added crunch.
6. Veggie chips
If you love to snack on chips, then veggie chips are perfect for you. These chips can be made from a variety of vegetables, including potatoes and beets, and are baked at low temperatures or dehydrated. There are several options for veggie chips out in the market or can make your own at home. When baking veggie chips at home, just make sure that the vegetables are thinly sliced and are baked at 200-250℉, anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. Pair your veggie chips with hummus or guacamole and you’re ready for a movie night.
7. Plain popcorn
Speaking of movie night, popcorn is another keto vegan snacks gem. Popcorn is made from corn kernels and is perfectly vegan. You can buy uncooked corn kernels from the store and just cook them at home using a pan. However, when buying cooked popcorn, make sure that it does not contain any flavoring such as butter or cheese. You may use salt to add some flavor to your vegan popcorn.
8. Seaweed crisps
Seaweed crisps are sheets of dried seaweed seasoned with salt. This is a good low-carb, vegan option when you’re craving something salty to snack on. Seaweed crisps are rich in iodine and folate, as well as fiber. It also contains vitamins and anti-oxidant properties. Moreover, seaweed crisps are beneficial to the thyroid glands and the heart.
9.Granola bars
Granola bars typically contain oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. There are several vegan brands available in the market. However, store-bought granola bars can be full of sugar, so if you’re watching your carb intake, these might not be suited for you. Good thing granola bars are easy to make at home. Just mix old-fashioned oats with almonds, pumpkin or flax seeds, some raisins, and then a little bit of cinnamon for flavor and pop in the oven at low heat for 30 to 40 minutes.
10. Dark chocolates
Vegans can eat chocolates, too! Dark chocolate is a great vegan dessert option. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals and is full of antioxidants as well. Eating dark chocolates can also help in lowering blood sugar levels and can increase blood flow to the heart. However, when buying dark chocolates, be mindful of the fine print, as some dark chocolates still contain milk or animal fat. The good news is that there are dark chocolate brands that are certified vegan-friendly, such as Gutsii Dark Swiss Prebiotic bars, which are also full of prebiotics that are good for your digestion.
Vegan snacking doesn’t have to be boring. With so many available snacks in the market, as well as traditional vegan options, you’ll never run out of healthy vegan snack ideas.
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