Prevention’s 2020 Healthy Snack Awards: The Best Snacks for Every Craving
Discover Prevention’s top real-ingredient snacks for guilt-free munching, from sweet bars to savory crunchers, all picked for health and taste.
Prevention’s 2020 Healthy Snack Awards
Looking for snacks that are both healthy and delicious? The Prevention Test Kitchen, together with a panel of expert taste testers, sampled over a hundred snack options in search of the healthiest, most satisfying choices available. From chewy granola bars to crunchy crackers and refreshing drinks, we’ve highlighted the 12 snacks that rise above the rest, all meeting stringent nutritional standards and flavor benchmarks.
Strict, Sensible Criteria
- Real, recognizable ingredients—No artificial fillers or obscure additives.
- Zero trans fats or hydrogenated oils—Only heart-healthy fats allowed.
- Less than 10 grams of added sugars per serving—Satisfies sweet cravings without derailing your diet.
- Reasonable sodium—Snacks that don’t contribute to excess salt intake.
What resulted is a roundup of pantry staples you’ll feel good about, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite on the go or seeking a flavorful pick-me-up.
Best Granola Bar: Purely Elizabeth Chocolate Sea Salt + Probiotics Ancient Grain Granola Bars
These bars win top honors for combining great taste and wholesome nutrition. Features include:
- Coconut sugar for subtle sweetness.
- Chunks of fair-trade chocolate blended with hearty ancient grains.
- Sea salt for balancing flavor and a hint of crunch.
- Probiotics to support gut health.
This is a treat you can throw in your bag and feel great about eating anywhere.
Best Fruit & Nut Mix: Blue Diamond Almonds & Fruit Sea Salt Almonds & Whole Blueberry
If you love a classic trail mix but crave something elevated, this snack hits the spot:
- Chewy dried blueberries paired with crunchy sea salt-coated almonds.
- Perfect for road trips, hikes, or cozy nights on the couch.
- Simple ingredient list with no added nonsense.
Best Savory Crisp: HIPPEAS Organic Chickpea Puffs
For those who need a satisfying crunch, HIPPEAS delivers with:
- Smoky, zesty seasoning and a crispy texture from organic chickpeas.
- Plant-based protein and fiber to curb hunger.
- Snacking that supports a wholesome, balanced diet.
Best Crackers: Mary’s Gone Crackers Super Seed Classic Crackers
When only a sturdy, flavor-packed cracker will satisfy:
- Loaded with seeds (flax, chia, and sesame) for crunch and nutrition.
- Gluten-free and organic, made only with ingredients you can pronounce.
- Delicious plain, with cheese, or as a base for dips.
Best Fruit Snack: Bare Baked Crunchy Apple Chips
What others are reading
Snacking on fruit doesn’t have to mean sticky fingers or soggy textures. These apple chips offer:
- 100% real apples, simply baked for crunch and sweetness.
- No oil, no preservatives, and no added sugar.
- The crunchiest way to satisfy fruit cravings in a portable, no-mess package.
Best Chips: Beanitos Restaurant Style Bean Chips
If you miss the great flavor of traditional tortilla chips, these deliver with a nutritional twist:
- Made primarily from whole beans—extra protein and fiber in every bite.
- Authentic restaurant-style crunch without the guilt.
- Pairs perfectly with salsa or guacamole.
Best Cheese Snack: Good Culture Cottage Cheese Cups
Need protein on the go? These cottage cheese cups tick all the boxes:
- No-gimmicks ingredient list: just cultured skim milk, cream, and a touch of salt.
- High in protein, rich in probiotics.
- Toss in berries or nuts or enjoy as-is.
Best Yogurt: siggi’s 0% Strained Non-Fat Yogurt
Yogurt lovers rejoice—siggi’s stands out with:
- Thick, creamy texture you can’t get enough of.
- Simple, low-sugar flavors that are never too sweet.
- High protein content keeps you fuller, longer.
Best Sweet Treat: Hu Kitchen Dark Chocolate Bar
When chocolate cravings strike, this is your healthiest fix:
- Simple ingredients: cacao, coconut sugar, cocoa butter.
- No soy or refined sugars—just pure dark chocolate flavor.
- Paleo friendly and vegan, for chocolate lovers of all kinds.
Best Portable Protein: Epic Venison Sea Salt & Pepper Bar
Meat snack bars don’t have to mean artificial flavors and mystery ingredients. The Epic bar offers:
- Lean, grass-fed venison as the star protein.
- Seasoned simply with sea salt and black pepper.
- Gluten-free, paleo, and easy to stash in any bag for hunger emergencies.
Best Ready-to-Sip: Health-Ade Organic Kombucha (Pink Lady Apple)
Fermented, fizzy, and flavorful—meet your new favorite not-quite-soda:
- Organic apples lend natural sweetness to each bottle.
- Live probiotics for digestive and immune support.
- Refreshing with no artificial colors or flavors.
Best Newcomer: Cosmic Crisp Apple
The Cosmic Crisp apple, featured as a best new snack, is a product of decades of research and delivers:
- Unique balance of sweetness and tartness that appeals to all ages.
- Firm texture—stays crispy for longer, whether snacked raw or baked.
- Rich in fiber and vitamin C—an ideal on-the-go healthy option.
Snack Comparison Table
| Snack | Type | Main Health Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Purely Elizabeth Granola Bar | Granola Bar | Probiotics, ancient grains, low sugar |
| Blue Diamond Almonds & Fruit | Trail Mix | Antioxidants, healthy fats |
| HIPPEAS Chickpea Puffs | Crunchy Snack | Plant protein, fiber |
| Mary’s Gone Crackers | Cracker | Seed-based fiber, gluten free |
| Bare Apple Chips | Fruit Snack | Whole fruit, no added sugar |
| Beanitos Bean Chips | Chips | Legume protein, fiber |
| Good Culture Cottage Cheese | Dairy snack | High protein, probiotics |
| siggi’s Yogurt | Yogurt | Protein, low sugar |
| Hu Kitchen Chocolate | Dark Chocolate | Antioxidants, clean ingredients |
| Epic Venison Bar | Meat Snack | Lean protein, iron |
| Health-Ade Kombucha | Beverage | Probiotics, antioxidants |
| Cosmic Crisp Apple | Fresh Fruit | Vitamin C, fiber |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What were the selection criteria for these snacks?
All snacks chosen for the 2020 Healthy Snack Awards were required to use real, recognizable ingredients, contain no trans fats, less than 10g added sugars per serving, and keep sodium levels reasonable. Taste and nutritional value were both prioritized.
Q: Can these snacks help with weight management?
Yes, because they offer a balance of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, many of these snacks can keep you feeling fuller longer and help prevent overeating at meals.
Q: Are these snacks suitable for children?
Most of the winners—especially fruit-based and whole-grain choices—are appropriate for both kids and adults. However, always check for allergens and serving sizes as per age recommendations.
Q: What sets the Cosmic Crisp apple apart from other apples?
The Cosmic Crisp stands out for its unique flavor balance, exceptional crispness, and lengthy freshness. It is also packed with fiber and vitamin C, supporting overall nutrition.
Q: Where can I find more recipes featuring these snacks?
Many brand websites offer recipe inspiration. For Cosmic Crisp apples, visit their official site for creative ideas—everything from snacks to baked desserts.
Smart Snacking Tips
- Pair protein with carbs—like yogurt and fruit or chips with nut butter—to help stabilize blood sugar and boost satiety.
- Portion mindfully—use small bowls or snack packs to avoid overeating straight from the package.
- Read ingredient lists—choose snacks with short, recognizable ingredient lists and minimal processing.
- Hydrate—sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger; reach for water or seltzer before grabbing another snack.
Editor’s Picks and Shopping Tips
- For sweet cravings: Choose fruit-based or dark chocolate snacks with minimal added sugar.
- For crunch: Seed or legume-based snacks offer nutrition plus extra crunch.
- On the go: Portable bars and high-protein cups make travel and busy schedules easier.
- For kids: Opt for baked apple chips or simple cottage cheese packs with no added flavorings.
Conclusion: Snacking Well in 2020 and Beyond
Healthy snacking no longer means tasteless, boring choices. Each of these award-winning snacks delivers on flavor, nutrition, and ingredient integrity, letting you graze confidently all day long. Always read labels, enjoy in moderation, and let your taste buds guide you toward new, wholesome favorites.
References
- https://quality.cosmiccrisp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Cosmic-Crisp-Earns-Prevention-Magazine-2020-Healthy-Food-Award-41401.pdf
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mens-health-again-honors-egglands-best-with-2020-best-snack-award-301160225.html
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/g34125610/healthy-snack-awards-2020/
- https://healthawards.com/2020winners/2020hiawinners.pdf
- https://www.wasa.com/en-us/news-detail/preventions-healthy-snack-awards-2020/
- https://snacklins.com/pages/press
- https://www.cheesefolios.com/stories/prevention-healthy-food-award-winner,170
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