Plus, tips on how to buy the healthiest snacks.
They canboost energy levels, curb cravings, and tie us over until the next meal.
However, only nutrient-dense packaged snacks will provide these benefits.
Photo:MirageC/Getty Images
These includesodium, sugar, unhealthy fat, preservatives, andartificial ingredients.
What Makes Packaged Snacks More or Less Healthy?
Snack foods, especially those marketed to kids, tend to be high in added sugar.
This is primarily due to the added sugars pronounced pro-inflammatory impacts on the body.
Look for snacks with less than five grams of added sugar per serving.
Transand saturated fatsare also common finds in many packaged snacks.
Aim for options with zero grams of trans fat and less than three grams of saturated fat per serving.
Many snack foods have high amounts of salt, for both taste and shelf stability.
To avoid overconsuming this mineral, opt for snack foods with less than 200 milligrams of sodium per serving.
The healthiest snacks will be free from, or very low in, ingredients you dont recognize.
On the other side of the coin, there are plenty of nutrients wewantto see in a healthy snack.
At least three grams of unsaturated fat per serving of a packaged snack is a major added health bonus.
Whole food snack options tend to check all of these boxes.
Choosing a whole-food snack is a great way to support long-term health, Brown concurs.
Nuts
Nutsandnut buttercontain unsaturated fats, as well as fiber and protein.
Brown agrees, explaining, These tiny powerhouses contain everything needed to jump-start life!
Blue Diamond has several unsalted and low salt varieties, Rosales adds.
Yogurtis such a great snack due to its combination of protein and carbohydrates.
The calcium content of yogurt is an added bonus, says Rosales.
Hummus
As a classic snack grab,hummusjust so happens to be a super healthy option.
Plant-based dips like hummus have healthy fats and fiber, which target elevated cholesterol levels, says Brown.
I dont think hummus gets as much love as it deserves in the snack category.
Plus, individually-sized packs of hummus make snacking on-the-go even easier.
Summer Fresh Hummus and Sabra Singles are two options filled with recognizable ingredients.
This is thanks to the nutrient density of theseedsthese crackers are made withtiny bonafide superfoods in and of themselves!
Marys Gone Crackers, Flackers, and Simple Mills are all delicious brands to look for.
Dont forget about grab-and-go options like the Regular Roasted Edamame by Go Beanz!, Brown adds.
Kind and The Only Bean also make tasty ready-to-eat edamame snacks.
Popcorn is an underrated source of fiber!
But there are plenty of popcorn options at the supermarket that are free from these concerning nutrients.
Some health professionals refer to them as glorified candy bars, Rosales agrees.
The better-for-you options take some label reading to find, but plenty are available.
