Snack Shopping Guide: What to Get at the Grocery Store

Originally posted on December 24, 2023 @ 3:01 am

When it comes to finding healthy snacks at the grocery store, it can be challenging to navigate through all the options. With the abundance of super-processed snack foods, it’s important to know what to look for to make smart choices. In this snack shopping guide, we’ll provide tips for selecting healthy store-bought snacks and offer a variety of snack ideas for different dietary needs and preferences.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

Choose snacks with fewer ingredients and avoid those with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Opt for snacks made with whole grains and high in fiber.
Be cautious of added sugars, even in savory snacks.

Consider seasoned roasted seaweed, crispy freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and no-sugar-added dried fruit as healthy snack options.
Consult registered dietitians, food editors, and bloggers for expert snack recommendations.

Tips for Choosing Healthy Store-Bought Snacks

When shopping for store-bought snacks, it’s important to be mindful of the ingredients and nutritional value. Here are some tips to help you choose healthier options:

Read the ingredient list and nutrition facts label – Pay attention to the calories, saturated fat, sugar, salt, and fiber content. Look for snacks that are lower in these categories to make healthier choices.
Look for snacks with fewer ingredients – Foods with shorter ingredient lists tend to be less processed. Avoid snacks with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, as they are often associated with unhealthy options.

Opt for snacks made with whole grains and high in fiber – Whole grains are a good source of fiber and provide more nutrients compared to refined grains. Look for whole grain snacks like whole grain crackers or granola bars.
Be cautious of added sugars, even in savory snacks – Many savory snacks can also be high in sugar. Take a moment to check the sugar content on the nutrition facts label for both sweet and savory snacks.
Browse the bulk bins for unsweetened dried fruits and nuts – Buying in bulk can be a cost-effective way to enjoy wholesome snacks. Look for unsweetened options to avoid added sugars.

Use resources like Fooducate to find healthier store-bought snack options – Utilize apps and websites like Fooducate to help you discover healthier snack choices that align with your dietary preferences and needs.

Types of Snacks	Benefits
Raw nuts and seeds	High in healthy fats, protein, and fiber
Fresh fruits and vegetables	Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Greek yogurt	Rich in protein and calcium
Hummus and veggies	A good source of fiber and plant-based protein
Whole grain crackers	Provide sustained energy and fiber
Seaweed snacks	Low in calories and high in minerals

Snack Ideas for Kids and Adults

Whether you’re looking for snack ideas for your kids or for yourself, there are plenty of healthy options available at the grocery store. Here are some snack ideas to consider:

Seasoned roasted seaweed
Crispy freeze-dried fruits and vegetables
Nuts and seeds

No-sugar-added dried fruit
Ice pops and frozen fruits
Kale chips and veggie chips

Whole-grain pretzels and pita chips
Popcorn made with natural ingredients
Low-sugar, whole-grain cereals

Crispy roasted chickpeas
Single-serve cheese
Healthier chips made from lentils or black beans

Plain or lower-sugar fruit yogurt
Graham crackers spread with nut butter
Lightly salted rice cakes and soy rice crisps

Granola bars with low added sugar
Whole-grain or nut/seed crackers
Dark chocolate and chocolate chips

These snack ideas offer a variety of options to satisfy different taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for something savory, sweet, or crunchy, there’s a nutritious snack option for everyone. Incorporating fresh produce as snacks, such as kale chips or freeze-dried fruits, can also provide a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.

When considering packaged snacks, be sure to read the nutrition labels and choose options that are low in added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium. Look for snacks made with whole grains, natural ingredients, and minimal processing. These choices can help ensure you’re getting the most nutritional value out of your snacks.

Remember, healthy snacking is about balance and moderation. It’s important to listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues and choose snacks that align with your overall dietary goals. By making mindful choices at the grocery store, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious snacks for both kids and adults.

Grocery Store Snack Recommendations from Experts

To provide you with expert recommendations for grocery store snacks, we consulted registered dietitians, food editors, and bloggers. Let’s take a look at their top picks:

Snack	Brand
Frigo String Cheese	Frigo
Siggi’s Kids Yogurt Pouches	Siggi’s
Cheerios	General Mills
Kids Zbars	Clif Kid
Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars	Nature’s Bakery
Lärabar Kids	Lärabar
Pirate’s Booty	Pirate Brands
Pepperidge Farm Goldfish	Pepperidge Farm
Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies	Annie’s Homegrown
Smartfood Popcorn	Smartfood
Quaker Cheddar Rice Crisps	Quaker
Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs	Hippeas
Bamboo Lane Crunchy Rice Rollers	Bamboo Lane
Lesser Evil Egg White Curls	Lesser Evil
Trader Joe’s Animal Crackers	Trader Joe’s
Rold Gold Tiny Twists Pretzels	Rold Gold
Honey Maid Graham Crackers	Honey Maid
Dr. Praeger’s Sweet Potato Littles	Dr. Praeger’s
GoGo SqueeZ Applesauce Pouches	GoGo SqueeZ
Joolies Organic Medjool Dates	Joolies
Bare Baked Crunchy Fruit Chips	Bare
Harvest Snaps	Calbee
Peeled Snacks Dried Mango	Peeled Snacks
From the Ground Up Butternut Squash Crackers	From the Ground Up
Terra Chips	Terra
Wonderful No-Shell Honey Roasted Pistachios	Wonderful Pistachios
Sensible Portions Veggie Straws	Sensible Portions

These expert-recommended snacks offer a variety of flavors and options to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a protein-packed snack, a crunchy treat, or a convenient option for on-the-go, there’s something for everyone on this list. These snacks have been carefully selected by experts who understand the importance of nutrition and flavor in a balanced diet.

Stay tuned for more snack recommendations tailored to different dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free, and weight loss-friendly options.

More Snack Recommendations for Different Dietary Needs

For those with specific dietary needs, we have curated a list of snack recommendations that cater to various requirements. Whether you follow a vegan diet, avoid gluten, prefer keto-friendly options, or require high-protein snacks, we’ve got you covered.

Vegan Snack Options

If you’re following a vegan lifestyle, here are some delicious and satisfying plant-based snack options:

Vegansmart Plant Based Vegan Protein Powder
RXBAR Protein Bars

Quest Nutrition Tortilla Style Protein Chips
CHOMPS Grass Fed Beef Jerky Snack Sticks

Gluten-Free Snacks

For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, here are some gluten-free snack recommendations:

Kar’s Nuts Original Sweet ‘N Salty Trail Mix
Pipcorn Heirloom Sea Salt Mini Popcorn
The Only Bean Crunchy Roasted Edamame Beans

Wonderful Pistachios Variety Pack

Keto-Friendly Snacks

If you’re following a keto diet, these low-carb, high-fat snacks are perfect for you:

Kodiak Cakes Bear Bites Graham Crackers

Quaker Rice Crisps
Bada Bean Bada Boom Crunchy Broad Beans
GoMacro Macrobar Organic Vegan Protein Bars

High-Protein Snacks

For those looking to increase their protein intake, these snacks provide a protein-packed punch:

SkinnyDipped Almonds
Scandinavian Fiber Crispbread

Whisps Cheese Crisps
Rip Van Wafels Snickerdoodle Stroopwafels

With these snack recommendations, you can enjoy delicious and satisfying options that align with your dietary needs. Remember to always check the labels and ingredients to ensure they meet your specific requirements. Happy snacking!

Healthy Snack Recommendations for Weight Loss

If you’re looking for snacks that can support your weight loss goals, we’ve got you covered with these delicious and nutritious options:

Kodiak Cakes Bear Bites Graham Crackers

Smartfood Popcorn
Quest Nutrition Tortilla Style Protein Chips
Bada Bean Bada Boom Crunchy Broad Beans

Quaker Rice Crisps
SkinnyDipped Almonds
Peeled Snacks Dried Mango

Bamboo Lane Crunchy Rice Rollers
Annie’s Organic Berry Patch Bunny Fruit Snacks
Sensible Portions Veggie Straws

Lärabar Kids
The Only Bean Crunchy Roasted Edamame Beans
Lärabar Kids

Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars
GoGo SqueeZ Applesauce Pouches

These weight loss-friendly snacks are low in calories and portion-controlled, making them a great choice for satisfying your cravings without derailing your progress.

And remember:

Healthy snacking is all about balance and moderation. Incorporating these snacks into a well-rounded diet can help support your weight loss journey.

Try these options and discover how delicious and satisfying healthy snacking can be!

Budget-Friendly Snack Recommendations

Snacking on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on quality. Here are some affordable snack options that won’t break the bank:

Snack	Price Range
Quaker Cheddar Rice Crisps	$2.50 – $3.50
Pirate’s Booty	$2.00 – $3.00
Pepperidge Farm Goldfish	$1.50 – $2.50
Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies	$2.50 – $3.50
Rold Gold Tiny Twists Pretzels	$1.50 – $2.50
Honey Maid Graham Crackers	$2.00 – $3.00
Harvest Snaps	$2.50 – $3.50
GoGo SqueeZ Applesauce Pouches	$3.00 – $4.00
Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs	$3.00 – $4.00
Smartfood Popcorn	$2.50 – $3.50
Terra Chips	$3.50 – $4.50
Kar’s Nuts Original Sweet ‘N Salty Trail Mix	$2.50 – $3.50

These budget-friendly grocery store snacks offer a combination of taste, quality, and affordability. Enjoy satisfying your cravings without straining your wallet!

Quick and Easy Snack Recommendations

If you need snacks that are quick and easy to grab on the go, consider these options:

Siggi’s Kids Yogurt Pouches
Kids Zbars

Lärabar Kids
Pirate’s Booty
Rold Gold Tiny Twists Pretzels

GoGo SqueeZ Applesauce Pouches
Annie’s Organic Berry Patch Bunny Fruit Snacks
Bare Baked Crunchy Fruit Chips

Sensible Portions Veggie Straws
Quaker Rice Crisps
Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs

Emeral Nuts Variety Pack
Pipcorn Heirloom Sea Salt Mini Popcorn

Snack On The Go!

When you’re constantly on the move, it’s important to have easy grab-and-go snacks that keep you fueled and satisfied. These quick snack recommendations are perfect for those busy days when you need something convenient and delicious:

“I always have a stash of GoGo SqueeZ Applesauce Pouches in my bag. They’re the perfect quick and healthy snack when I’m on the go.” – Jessica, busy mom

Whether you’re running errands, heading to work, or taking a road trip, these snacks are sure to keep hunger at bay without sacrificing nutrition. From portable fruit snacks to crunchy pretzels and protein-packed bars, there’s something for everyone.

Conclusion

Finding healthy snacks at the grocery store doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right tips and recommendations, you can choose snacks that are both nutritious and delicious.

Whether you’re looking for snacks for yourself, your kids, or for specific dietary needs, there are plenty of options available. Remember to read labels, prioritize whole ingredients, and make choices that align with your goals and preferences.

By being mindful of what you buy and incorporating wholesome snacks into your routine, you can enjoy tasty treats while still nourishing your body. So, the next time you’re shopping, explore the aisles for nutritious snacks that meet your needs.

Happy snacking!

FAQ

What should I look for when choosing healthy store-bought snacks?

When choosing healthy store-bought snacks, it’s important to read the ingredient list and nutrition facts label. Look for snacks with fewer ingredients, avoid those with artificial colors and flavors, and opt for snacks made with whole grains and high in fiber. Be cautious of added sugars and consider browsing the bulk bins for unsweetened dried fruits and nuts.

What are some snack ideas for kids and adults?

For kids and adults, there are plenty of healthy snack options. Consider seasoned roasted seaweed, crispy freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, no-sugar-added dried fruit, ice pops and frozen fruits, kale chips and veggie chips, whole-grain pretzels and pita chips, popcorn made with natural ingredients, low-sugar, whole-grain cereals, crispy roasted chickpeas, single-serve cheese, healthier chips made from lentils or black beans, plain or lower-sugar fruit yogurt, graham crackers spread with nut butter, lightly salted rice cakes and soy rice crisps, granola bars with low added sugar, whole-grain or nut/seed crackers, and dark chocolate and chocolate chips.

What are some grocery store snack recommendations from experts?

Experts recommend Frigo String Cheese, Siggi’s Kids Yogurt Pouches, Cheerios, Kids Zbars, Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars, Lärabar Kids, Pirate’s Booty, Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies, Smartfood Popcorn, Quaker Cheddar Rice Crisps, Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs, Bamboo Lane Crunchy Rice Rollers, Lesser Evil Egg White Curls, Trader Joe’s Animal Crackers, Rold Gold Tiny Twists Pretzels, Honey Maid Graham Crackers, Dr. Praeger’s Sweet Potato Littles, GoGo SqueeZ Applesauce Pouches, Joolies Organic Medjool Dates, Bare Baked Crunchy Fruit Chips, Harvest Snaps, Peeled Snacks Dried Mango, From the Ground Up Butternut Squash Crackers, Terra Chips, and Wonderful No-Shell Honey Roasted Pistachios.

What are some snack recommendations for different dietary needs?

For different dietary needs, some snack recommendations include Vegansmart Plant Based Vegan Protein Powder, RXBAR Protein Bars, Quest Nutrition Tortilla Style Protein Chips, CHOMPS Grass Fed Beef Jerky Snack Sticks, Kar’s Nuts Original Sweet ‘N Salty Trail Mix, Pipcorn Heirloom Sea Salt Mini Popcorn, The Only Bean Crunchy Roasted Edamame Beans, Wonderful Pistachios Variety Pack, Kodiak Cakes Bear Bites Graham Crackers, Quaker Rice Crisps, Bada Bean Bada Boom Crunchy Broad Beans, GoMacro Macrobar Organic Vegan Protein Bars, SkinnyDipped Almonds, Scandinavian Fiber Crispbread, Whisps Cheese Crisps, Rip Van Wafels Snickerdoodle Stroopwafels, and Emerald Nuts Variety Pack.

What are some healthy snack recommendations for weight loss?

For those looking for snacks that support weight loss goals, consider Kodiak Cakes Bear Bites Graham Crackers, Smartfood Popcorn, Quest Nutrition Tortilla Style Protein Chips, Bada Bean Bada Boom Crunchy Broad Beans, Quaker Rice Crisps, SkinnyDipped Almonds, Peeled Snacks Dried Mango, Bamboo Lane Crunchy Rice Rollers, Annie’s Organic Berry Patch Bunny Fruit Snacks, Sensible Portions Veggie Straws, Lärabar Kids, Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars, and GoGo SqueeZ Applesauce Pouches.

What are some budget-friendly snack recommendations?

If you’re on a budget, some affordable snack options include Quaker Cheddar Rice Crisps, Pirate’s Booty, Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies, Rold Gold Tiny Twists Pretzels, Honey Maid Graham Crackers, Harvest Snaps, GoGo SqueeZ Applesauce Pouches, Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs, Smartfood Popcorn, Terra Chips, and Kar’s Nuts Original Sweet ‘N Salty Trail Mix.

What are some quick and easy snack recommendations?

For snacks that are quick and easy to grab on the go, consider Siggi’s Kids Yogurt Pouches, Kids Zbars, Lärabar Kids, Pirate’s Booty, Rold Gold Tiny Twists Pretzels, GoGo SqueeZ Applesauce Pouches, Annie’s Organic Berry Patch Bunny Fruit Snacks, Bare Baked Crunchy Fruit Chips, Sensible Portions Veggie Straws, Quaker Rice Crisps, Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs, Emeral Nuts Variety Pack, and Pipcorn Heirloom Sea Salt Mini Popcorn.