Where would we all be without snacks? They are the highlight of our day, especially when combined with a good read and a cup of coffee. But unfortunately, most easy to enter options on the shelves are ultra-processed, which means they are not always the best for our health. Luckily, it’s easy to make healthy vegan snacks at home. Yes, you don’t need a culinary degree or all the time in the world to prepare a delicious and nutritious morsel. Below, we’ve compiled some of our favorite vegan snack recipes as proof.
Are ultra-processed snacks bad for your health?
Research suggests that diets high in ultra-processed snacks, such as chips, candy, cakes and granola bars, could be harming our health. For example, they are linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease.
Recently, a study from the University of Bristol also linked high consumption of ultra-processed foods to an increased risk of mouth and throat cancer. And in February 2023, another study from the Imperial School of Public Health linked it to a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
“Our bodies may not respond the same way to these ultra-processed ingredients and additives as they do to minimally processed, fresh, nutritious foods,” said Kiara Chang, PhD, first author of the School’s study. Imperial Public Health.
“However, ultra-processed foods are everywhere and highly commercialized, with cheap prices and attractive packaging to promote consumption,” she added. “This shows that our food environment needs urgent reform to protect people from ultra-processed foods. »
13 Healthy Vegan Snack Ideas
Unless you settle for simple fruits or vegetables (to be honest, you can’t go wrong with simple carrot sticks), it’s not always easy to find interesting, healthy and complete snack options on the shelves. . But they’re relatively easy to make from home if you have the time and energy. To help you out, we’ve compiled some of our go-to healthy snack options below.
1 Vegan Oatmeal Pecan Cinnamon Banana Bars
Made with whole plant-based ingredients like ripe bananas, rolled oats, pecans and cinnamon, these delicious snack bars are packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals. They are a very healthy choice for a quick breakfast or a light afternoon snack.
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2 Easy Vegan Banana Flapjack Bars
Filled with nutrient-rich ingredients like ripe bananas, mixed nuts, seeds, oats, maple syrup and coconut oil, these delicious, easy-to-make flapjack bars offer a combination of healthy fats, complex carbohydrates and natural sweetness. Because they provide sustained energy, they make a particularly great pre- or post-workout treat.
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3 Healthy Vegan Green Goddess Dip
Fresh vegetables and a green goddess sauce made with raw cashews, kale, spinach and other healthy ingredients combine to create this nutritious and flavorful dip. Pair it with crunchy veggies, crackers, or pita bread for a satisfying vegan snack option.
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4 No-Bake Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Made with wholesome ingredients like brown rice syrup, coconut butter, rolled oats, oat flour and brown rice crispy cereal, these allergen-free bars are a tasty snack choice. and healthy. For a touch of sweetness, don’t skip the vegan chocolate chips.
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Dreena Burton
5 Simple Vegan Hummus with Avocado and Edamame
Nutrient-rich ingredients like edamame, green peas, avocado, lemon juice and fresh basil form the base of this fresh, tangy and flavorful hummus dip. Serve with carrot sticks or celery for a quick and healthy midday pick-me-up.
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6 Healthy Vegan Strawberry Chia Oat Bites
These oat bites are the perfect blend of satisfying, sweet and healthy, thanks to nutrient-rich ingredients like mashed bananas, applesauce, rolled oats, slivered almonds, chia seeds and strawberries.
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7 Baked Vegan Eggplant and Zucchini Crisps
If you’re craving something savory, these eggplant and zucchini chips are the perfect alternative to standard processed potato chips. Using slices of baked eggplant and zucchini coated in vegan mayonnaise and herbed panko breadcrumbs, the snack still gives a satisfying crunch, without the need for a deep fryer.
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8 Crunchy Vegan Flambéed Chickpeas
These crunchy and spicy chickpeas, seasoned with cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper and smoked salt, are packed with protein and plant fiber. They’re also baked for an even more satisfying crunch.
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9 Vegan Fruity Frozen Yogurt Bark
Sure, yogurt is tasty on its own, but you can take your snacking game to the next level by freezing it. Make this refreshing, fruity snack, perfect for the summer months, with frozen soy yogurt, maple syrup, bananas, kiwis, cranberries and coconut.
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ten Healthy Vegan Lemon Quinoa Bites
Made with a blend of quinoa, dates, almonds, lemon juice and oats, these tasty little bites are perfect as is. Alternatively, you can roll them in hemp hearts for added protein and texture.
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11 Healthy Vegan Mango Fruit Rolls
Looking for a fruity, delicious, kid-friendly snack idea? You found it. These three-ingredient roll-ups, made with dried mango, maple syrup and lemon juice, make a healthy, nostalgic snack perfect for lunch boxes.
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12 Vegan Matcha Chocolate Coconut Balls
Made with Medjool dates, cashews, shredded coconut, cocoa powder and matcha powder, these delicious coconut balls make a delicious and quick on-the-go snack. They can also be adapted with additional ingredients like freeze-dried berries, chocolate chips, or nuts, depending on your preference.
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13 Roasted almonds with cocoa spices
Made with raw almonds, cocoa powder, cinnamon, chili powder, stevia, and coconut oil, these sweet and spicy roasted nuts check all the boxes. They are the perfect blend of crunchy, flavorful, satisfying and nutritious.
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