21 healthy plant-based snacks
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Whether you are looking for snack ideas for at home, work, school or on-the-go, we’ve got a list that will surely satisfy your cravings while being nutritious and delicious.
Snacks help get you between meals. They keep you energized, provide important nutrients and support good health... as long as you snack smart!
Here are some simple plant-based snacks that you need to try next time you need a quick pick-me-up!
1. Hummus and veggie sticks:
Carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, celery... whatever veggies you like with a side of hummus. Or serve this classic Middle Eastern chickpea dip with warm whole-wheat pita bread. 🥕
2. DIY trail mix:
Throw together your own trail mix by combining your favourite nuts, seeds and dried fruit! Makes for a perfect snack by the handful.
3. Baked vegetable pakoras:
These traditional Indian fritters are made with chickpea flour and a variety of vegetables and spices. These tasty treats are perfect served with a chutney.
4. Smoothie:
Get creative and blend your favourite fruits, a handful of spinach or kale, and a plant-based milk together for a tasty and nutritious smoothie.
5. Chia pudding:
Chia seeds soaked in almond milk, topped with your choice of fresh berries. Tip: add a drizzle of maple syrup if you like it sweet!
6. Roasted chickpeas:
Seasoned with spices like paprika, cumin and garlic powder, then roasted until crispy. Perfect to be enjoyed as a crunchy snack or tossed into a salad!
7. Nut butter and apple slices:
A snack classic! There is nothing better than slices of a juicy apple slathered with almond butter or peanut butter. 🍎
8. Edamame:
Steamed or roasted edamame sprinkled with sea salt.
9. Energy balls:
Made with dates, nuts, seeds and a bit of cocoa powder or shredded coconut. Looking for extra power? Add in your favourite protein powder.
10. Granola bars:
Homemade or store-bought, made with oats, nuts, seeds and dried fruit – this classic snack will give you the energy burst you need!
11. Veggie chips:
Baked kale chips, sweet potato chips, beetroot chips or zucchini chips. You can find these prepackaged in most grocery stores or try making them at home yourself with simple ingredients!
12. Fresh spring rolls:
Vietnamese rice paper (or lettuce) rolls filled with fresh veggies and tofu. Try served with peanut sauce.
13. “Nooch” popcorn:
Air-popped and lightly seasoned with nutritional yeast. If you haven’t tried this yet, what are you waiting for? 🍿
14. Overnight oats:
Rolled oats soaked in plant-based milk with chia seeds, topped with your choice of fruits and nuts. Soak overnight for the perfect morning meal!
15. Açaí bowls:
Brazilian blended açaí berries topped with granola, coconut flakes and fresh fruits. This snack will make you feel like you’re on a tropical island!
16. Frozen grapes:
Have you tried these before? Simply freeze grapes for a cool, refreshing snack! 🍇
17. Maple roasted nuts:
Nuts roasted with a light drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet and savoury snack.
18. Banana ice cream:
Healthy + ice-cream? Yes. Try this: blend frozen bananas for a tasty ice cream-like experience. 🍌🍦
19. Vegetable samosas:
These delicious Indian baked pastries come filled with a savoury filing of spiced potatoes and vegetables. Dip it in your chutney of choice for the perfect filling snack.
20. Orange popsicles:
Blend whole peeled oranges until smooth and then freeze in popsicle molds for a simple, healthy frozen treat full of vitamin C! 🍊
21. Homemade fruit leather:
Pureed fruit spread thin and dried in the oven or dehydrator for a chewy, fruity snack.
What’s your favourite plant-based snack?
Advocating for healthy eating
Canada’s Food Guide should be used as an advocacy tool. It serves as a standard that can drive efforts to ensure all Canadians have for equal access to healthy foods and to promote healthy whole food diets that includes more plant-based foods and healthy snacking options.
Together with Member of Parliament Laurel Collins, we have launched a petition to the Government of Canada asking them to:
- Educate Canadians on the benefits of eating less meat, dairy, eggs and more plant-based foods in keeping with Canada’s Food Guide.
- Require federal institutions and federally funded food programs (for example, the National School Food Program) to procure more plant-based foods.
- Limit growth of industrial animal agriculture (factory farming) and support small-scale farmers using resilient, humane, and sustainable farming practices.
Join us in asking the Government of Canada to support healthier, more sustainable eating habits, including healthy snacking options, for all Canadians.
Already signed? Let us know with our report back form!
*Note: The link above will take you to a Parliament of Canada website and requires you to validate your identity through an emailed link. While this is one extra step, your support is very important to the success of this petition.