Looking for the best vegan snacks? Whether you’re searching for healthy vegan snacks to make at home or convenient store-bought vegan snacks, this comprehensive guide covers everything from nutritious packaged options to simple DIY recipes. We’ll explore the healthiest vegan snacks available in stores and share expert tips for making your own good vegan snacks that satisfy any craving.
Why Good Vegan Snacks Matter (Besides Not Being Hangry)
Let’s face it – finding healthy vegan snacks can feel like a treasure hunt sometimes. You’re standing in the grocery store, reading labels like you’re decoding ancient manuscripts, trying to find something that’s both vegan AND actually tastes good. Been there, done that, bought the overpriced kale chips.
Fun fact: When I first went vegan, I thought my snacking days were over. Then I discovered the wonderful world of plant-based treats, and now my only problem is trying not to eat all my homemade energy balls in one sitting. (Spoiler alert: I failed.)
Best Store-Bought Vegan Snacks for 2024
Top Packaged Vegan Snacks You Need in Your Life
When you need good vegan snacks but don’t have time to channel your inner chef, these store-bought options are your new best friends:
- The “I’m Adulting Today” Options
- Hippeas Chickpea Puffs (The vegan answer to cheese puffs, and yes, they’re actually good)
- Louisville Vegan Jerky (For when you miss gas station beef jerky but not the weird ingredients)
- Bare Apple Chips (Because sometimes you want chips but also vitamins)
- The “It’s Been That Kind of Day” Treats
- Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups (Better than Reese’s – I will die on this hill)
- Oreos (Accidentally vegan and surprisingly perfect for dunking in oat milk)
- Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy Ice Cream (For when you need to eat your feelings)
Healthiest Store-Bought Vegan Snacks
For those times when you want to snack but also want your nutritionist to be proud:
- Dried fruit and nut mixes (Check for sneaky honey!)
- Seaweed snacks (Fancy AND healthy)
- Rhythm Superfoods Kale Chips (Way better than my failed homemade attempts)
DIY Healthy Vegan Snacks: No Chef’s Hat Required
Energy Balls (AKA Little Spheres of Joy)
True story: I once brought these to a work meeting and had three people ask for the recipe. The fourth person just stole the container. They’re that good.
Basic Recipe:
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup nut butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Mix-ins of choice (chia seeds, cacao nibs, dried fruit)
Just mix, roll, refrigerate. Congratulations, you’re now a snack wizard.
The Hummus Situation
Let’s talk about hummus, the unofficial mascot of vegan snacking. Making your own is cheaper than those tiny store-bought containers that somehow cost as much as your monthly streaming subscriptions combined.
Basic Recipe:
- 1 can chickpeas (liquid reserved)
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 cloves garlic
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt to taste
Pro tip: Add roasted red peppers, and suddenly you’re a gourmet chef.
Where to Buy Good Vegan Snacks
- Trader Joe’s (Their snack game is strong)
- Whole Foods (If your wallet can handle it)
- Target (Surprisingly great vegan options)
- Local health food stores (Support small businesses!)
Best Vegan Snacks by Category
Sweet Treats
- Dried mango (Nature’s candy)
- Dark chocolate-covered almonds
- Vegan cookie dough bites
Savory Snacks
- Roasted chickpeas (Make them yourself – trust me)
- Vegan cheese crackers
- Seasoned nuts
Protein-Packed Options
- Homemade trail mix
- Protein bars (check those labels!)
- Roasted edamame
Pro Tips for Vegan Snack Success
- Always read labels (Companies are sneakier than my cat trying to steal tofu)
- Keep emergency snacks everywhere (Car, desk, gym bag, secret snack drawer)
- Don’t be afraid to experiment (Except that time I tried to make vegan cheese. We don’t talk about that.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Snacks
Q: What are the healthiest vegan snacks to buy?
A: Look for minimally processed options like nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and veggie-based snacks. Check those ingredient lists!
Q: Where can I find good vegan snacks near me?
A: Most major grocery stores now carry vegan options. Health food stores, Target, and Trader Joe’s are goldmines for plant-based snacks.
Q: What are the best packaged vegan snacks for travel?
A: Energy bars, dried fruit and nut mixes, and individual hummus cups with pretzels are perfect travel companions.
Q: Are store-bought vegan snacks healthy?
A: Like any packaged food, it depends on the ingredients. Many vegan snacks are healthier than traditional options, but always check the nutrition facts.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just snack-curious, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of plant-based treats. From healthy store-bought vegan snacks to homemade goodies, the options are endless. Just remember: the best vegan snack is the one that makes you happy (and doesn’t make your nutritionist cry).
Now go forth and snack your heart out! And if anyone says vegan snacks are boring, feel free to show them this guide – right after you finish that handful of dark chocolate-covered almonds. Because let’s be real, sharing is caring, but some snacks are too good to share.
Want more vegan snack adventures? Follow along for more plant-based tips, kitchen experiments, and the occasional cautionary tale about what happens when you try to make your own vegan cheese (spoiler: sometimes science experiments belong in labs, not kitchens).