We’ve all been there: Hanger sets in and you raid your pantry for the first store-bought grub you can find (looking at you, box of cookies). But whether it’s the mid-afternoon work slump or a case of the late-night munchies, you don’t have to sacrifice healthy eating or feel lethargic and sick to get your tasty, satisfying snack fix. From cereal and chips to candy and pizza, there’s a healthier alternative that doesn’t disappoint or skimp on flavor. Ahead, a round-up of better-for-you snacks that are just as satisfying as their counterparts. So whether your goal is to eat healthier or feel better, look no further. We’ve got all the dupes for your OG go-to sweet or salty bites.
Before we dive into it, a brief disclaimer: There’s room for all foods in a healthy–foods that check off the nutritious box, and those that simply taste good and bring you joy. These suggestions are not meant to villainize any foods. Instead, we’re dishing out alternatives that are similar to your favorites but beef up the nutritional value so you can satisfy your cravings without the all-too-familiar sugar crash. But if nothing hits the spot like that Lucky Charms or Cheetos, intentionally indulge totally guilt-free. This list is not intended to encourage you to avoid any foods, but rather to provide you with options if you’re jonesing for something to munch on that’s crunchy, salty, or sweet but want to lean on the healthier side. Warning: If you’re not already hungry, you’re about to be.
Cereal
While we may not be parking it in front of the TV for our Saturday morning cartoons anymore, there’s something about the breakfast staple (cereal, ICYMI) that still brings comfort in adulthood. Unlike its colorful neighbors that line the shelves of the cereal aisle, Lovebird Cereal is made with organic, nutrient-dense cassava and coconut, and sweetened with honey and coconut sugar. In other words, you won’t find any artificial filler ingredients here. Plus, their offerings are full of prebiotic fiber to help support gut health. Breakfast for dinner, anyone?
Available in four flavors.
Pizza Bites
Your classic childhood fave (read: a slice of cheese ‘za) has been reimagined into ooey-gooey, bite-sized goodness. Loaded with organic veggies, grass-fed cheeses, and olive oil all wrapped in a grain-free golden crust, each satisfying, nutrient-dense (hello, protein and fiber) nibble lives up to the reminiscent cheesy bliss with no pesticides, fillers, or added sugars. With meat lovers and vegetarian varieties, consider the Snow Days Pizza Bites your conventional pizza stand-in. Your taste buds and body will thank you.
Available in four flavors.
Dark Chocolate Peanut Gems
Step aside, M&M’S. There’s another chocolate treat in town, except the Unreal Snacks assortment uses up to 51% less sugar than the leading brand. Sans corn syrup, sugar alcohols, artificial additives, and chemical dyes, these poppable morsels may taste unreal, but there’s nothing fake about them. Reach for their Dark Chocolate Peanut Gems, Milk Chocolate Gems, or Crispy Quinoa Gems to get that equal parts chocolatey and crunchy gratification.
Available in multiple varieties.
Kettle Cooked Potato Chips
The expression “Often replicated, never duplicated” may apply in most cases, but not here. These Siete Potato Chips serve up the perfect crunchy-salty combo you’d expect from the traditional potato chip with one major difference: Instead of the typical refined and genetically-modified vegetable oil (think: canola or soybean oil) you’d find on the label, these gems are cooked with heart-healthy, antioxidant-packed avocado oil. What’s more, you can get your hands on all the usual suspects in their flavor line-up—salt and vinegar, BBQ, and cheese, just to name a few. Did I mention the brand also has a Doritos dupe that can’t be beat (come at me)?
Available in six flavors.
Paleo Puffs
Fellow lactose-intolerant peeps, rejoice! Trade in the artificially-flavored and dyed Cheetos for these almost too-good-to-be-true Paleo Puffs that give Chester Cheetah a run for his money and then some. Expect the cheese factor (literally), but without the dairy (yes, you read that correctly). Instead, they use organic, non-dairy seasoning to pack in the flavor. Oh, and they’re also gluten-free and made with organic, immune-boosting coconut oil. The only downside? Try stopping at just a handful.
Available in three flavors.
Farmhouse Cheddar Crackers
Why mess with a classic like Cheeze-Its? For starters, these cleaner crackers get an “A” for the nutrient boost they deliver on, thanks to their flour blend of almonds, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds. And with organic cheese in their arsenal, you get a winning combo of carbs, protein, and fat. Nosh on them alone or with a black bean dip or hummus for an additional helping of protein and fiber.
Available in five flavors.
Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookie
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill packaged confection by a long shot. With 10 grams of protein, eights grams of fiber, and a healthy dose of carbs and fats, you won’t regret subbing in this plant-based, gluten-free cookie as a mid-day or post-workout snack. It doesn’t hurt that it checks all the boxes for a foolproof dessert either. And the wholesomeness doesn’t stop there—add adaptogens like lion’s mane that can reduce mild symptoms of anxiety and depression to its list of superfood ingredients. Talk about keeping it real.
Available in two flavors.
Gelato
The crème de la crème of beloved snacks: ice cream. While it gets a bad rap for its usual sugar-laden contents, Sacred Serve’s pints prove otherwise. Here’s the inside scoop: Sure, it’s technically vegan, but the rich, creamy texture will leave you wanting more. Made with potent superfoods, adaptogenic herbs, and medicinal mushrooms, not to mention naturally sweetened with coconut sugar, you can rest assured that there won’t be digestive drama. Happy gut, happy life, am I right?
Available in five flavors.
Cauliflower Pretzel Twists
Pretzels may take a backseat to some of the aforementioned eats, but don’t get it twisted (pun intended): These aren’t your typical pretzels. Packed with a vegetable blend of spinach, broccoli, carrot, tomato, beet, and mushrooms (that you can’t taste), you’ve got salty-crunchy deliciousness with a side of fiber.
Donuts
They look, smell, taste, and feel like donuts, but even better and without the added sugars and artificial flavor. With an ingredient list you don’t have to think twice about, you’re left with “the feeling of eating a donut without the feeling you get after eating a donut.” Now that’s what we call a major “glow”-up.
Available in five flavors.
