This article was originally published on June 5, 2017.
If you are constantly on the go, you’ve likely experienced unwanted hunger pangs at an inconvenient time. Whether you’re strapped to your desk or sitting in traffic, sometimes a blood sugar crash is inevitable. If you want to stay focused, energized, and avoid overeating later, it’s important to be prepared with vegan snacks when hangry feelings arise. Unfortunately, most store-bought convenience foods are synonymous with artificial junk and nutritionally empty ingredients. Additionally, it can be tough to find portable snacking options that don’t contain animal ingredients, making it even more frustrating when hunger hits. And while smoothie bowls and hummus plates are delicious plant-based snacks, it’s not exactly practical to throw them in your purse in the middle of a busy day. To keep hunger at bay on even your busiest days, prepare these delicious and healthy vegan snacks ahead of time and take them with you next time you’re on the run.
6 Healthy Vegan Snacks
1. Kale Chips
If you love savory snacks with plenty of crunch, you likely battle cravings for unhealthy convenience store staples like potato chips. If you want something salty to munch on that still offers nutritional benefits, homemade kale chips are an excellent choice. This recipe for “everything bagel” kale chips doesn’t require a dehydrator and is surprisingly simple to make! These are a perfect vegan snack to prepare ahead of time and throw in your bag when you know you’ll be out running errands.
2. Granola Bars
Frequently marketed as a health food, store-bought granola bars can be deceptively unhealthy. More often than not, they are packed with loads of sugar and unnatural preservatives, setting you up for a sugar crash rather than an energy boost. Fortunately, vegan granola bars are actually quite simple and cheap to make at home, with plenty of versatility to experiment with new ingredients that you have around the kitchen. We love this gluten-free recipe that contains no added sugar and plenty of nutritional punch. The cherry and coconut are a delightful pairing, and the nuts add hearty flavor that’s wonderfully satisfying.
3. Energy Bites
When your blood sugar is dropping and you need sustenance ASAP, homemade energy bites are a lifesaver. These vegan snacks only take 10 minutes to prepare, offering a breezy snack solution for even the busiest of schedules. They are also suitable for a raw vegan diet, and a quick Pinterest search will prove that the recipe options are endless, which makes this a great “go-to” snack that will never get boring. These lemon lavender bites are fantastic for bright flavors that suit the summer season.
4. Popcorn
While plain popcorn is actually pretty healthy, most commercially prepared varieties are covered with oil, butter, and artificial flavoring, giving this simple snack a bad reputation. Give your old-school movie theater popcorn a wholesome makeover by making it at home with clean ingredients. Keep it classic with just a touch of salt, or play with flavor by adding exciting seasonings to suit your mood. We’re particularly obsessed with this “cheesy” recipe that packs an added boost of protein, which is awesome if you’re looking for a light pick-me-up on the way to the gym.
5. Cauliflower “Popcorn”
For the ultimate health nut who loves to snack on veggies but needs to eat on the go, this cauliflower popcorn recipe is a winner. This creative, flavorful vegan snack can be prepared either in a dehydrator or in the oven and contains plenty of wholesome and natural ingredients to keep you energized until your next meal. The spicy buffalo sauce is wonderfully addictive, and you’ll definitely want to make this recipe again and again.
6. Roasted Chickpeas
Filled with protein, fiber, and a delightful texture, chickpeas are truly a plant-based staple. If you need a cheap and easy-to-prepare snack, there is perhaps nothing better than roasted chickpeas. The versatile flavor lends itself to recipes that are savory, sweet, spicy, and everything in between. They are extremely portable and easy to eat, no matter where you are. Try this Cheez It chickpea recipe for a nutritious snack that tastes like a guilty pleasure. If you’re craving some Eastern flair, try these Indian-spiced roasted chickpeas.
What are your favorite vegan snacks to eat on-the-go?
Also by Ashley: Delish Vegan Fast Food From Popular Chains (Never Go Hungry Wherever You Are)
Related: Top 10 Vegan Snacks to Fuel Your Workouts
7 Paleo Vegan Snacks that Taste like Heaven
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Photo: Molly Lansdowne, Alexandra Kudukis, Lauren Kirchmaier, Jessica Riley-Norton, Peaceful Dumpling
