2025 Healthy Snack Awards: The Best Nutritious Snacks for Every Craving

A selection of crave-worthy snacks that prove healthy choices can still be delicious.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 23, 2025

A selection of crave-worthy snacks that prove healthy choices can still be delicious.

Snacking has never been more flavorful—or health-driven. Good Housekeeping’s highly anticipated 2025 Healthy Snack Awards are here, celebrating the most delicious, nutritious, and innovative snacks on the market. From crunchy bars and protein-packed bites to chips, crackers, and unique new discoveries, these expert-tested winners prove that taste and nutrition can go hand in hand.
Our rigorous evaluation ensures that each winner upholds the highest standards in both quality and flavor, making healthy choices easier (and tastier) than ever before.

How We Tested: The Good Housekeeping Snack Awards Criteria

Good Housekeeping’s team takes snacking seriously. For this sixth annual Snack Awards, registered dietitians and culinary professionals partnered with over 1,000 at-home testers to sample and scrutinize thousands of snacks. Products were evaluated for:

Flavor and texture: Only truly craveable snacks advanced.
Nutrition: Each snack met tough health standards—including limits on calories, sugar, sodium, and requiring real-food ingredients.
Ingredient transparency: Winners feature familiar, easy-to-pronounce ingredients.
Packaging and innovation: We spotlighted eco-friendly and creative packaging, as well as exciting new offerings.
Convenience and appeal: We prioritized snacks that fit real-world lifestyles, pleasing kids, adults, and busy families alike.

Our evaluation included strict nutritional benchmarks:

300 calories or less per serving
10g or less added sugar per serving
400mg or less sodium per serving
Free from trans fats and partially hydrogenated oils
Zero artificial flavors or colors
Fiber and protein-rich whenever possible

Meet the Panel of Snack Experts

The panel for the 2025 Snack Awards included registered dietitians, chefs, authors, and food influencers—all bringing a blend of nutritional rigor and broad culinary experience. Notably, Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition & Fitness Lab, led the charge, ensuring evidence-based analysis backed every selection. Valerie Agyeman, R.D.N., L.D.N., contributed women’s health expertise and a deep understanding of accessible, real-food nutrition. Together, this expert panel highlighted snacks that balance both health impact and eating enjoyment.

2025 Snack Award Winners by Category

The awards cover a wide array of snacks, each classified to help you find your next favorite indulgence, whether you’re craving a bar, some crunchy chips, or a new functional food discovery.

Bars and Bites

Best Crunchy Bar: Tosi Cashew Coconut Crunchy Snack Bar
Best Protein Bar: Aloha Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Protein Bar
Best Date Bar: Realsy Almond Butter Dates
Best Low-Carb Bar: Blueprint White Cocoa Butter Macadamia Protein Bar
Best Granola Bars: Junkless Chewy Granola Bars
Best Refrigerated Bar: Mush Double Chocolate Chip Protein Bar
Best Mini Bar: Perfect Bar PB&J Mini
Best Superfood Bite: Defi Dark Chocolate Pink Himalayan Sea Salt Crispy Superfood Bite
Best Functional Bar: Step One Foods Lemon Almond Bar
Best High-Fiber Bar: Be Free Bar Blondie Coffee and Blueberry Burst

Spotlight: Step One Foods Lemon Almond Bar

Step One’s Lemon Almond Bar, recognized as the Best Functional Bar, leads the category thanks to its clinically driven formula that helps block cholesterol absorption. Testers lauded its real citrus flavor and clean ingredient list, making it both a healthful and enjoyable snack option. Step One’s foods are designed for measurable heart health benefits, providing meaningful levels of fiber, plant sterols, antioxidants, and omega-3s.
“The bar’s craveable taste and real food formulation set it apart for anyone seeking functional wellness benefits,” shares Stefani Sassos.

Chips, Puffs, and Crackers

Best Flavored Chips: Jackson’s Wavy Cheddar & Sour Cream Flavored Sweet Potato Chips in Avocado Oil
Best Classic Chips: Jackson’s Wavy Sea Salt Sweet Potato Chips in Avocado Oil
Best Veggie Puffs: (Awarded to an innovative puff with recognizable veggies—see winners in the full list)
Best Gluten-Free Crackers: (A top-rated gluten-free option)
Best Seed Cracker: (A creative, fiber-packed thin cracker)

Jackson’s stands out for its commitment to quality, using only premium avocado oil and real sweet potatoes. These chips are not only flavorful but also avoid unnecessary additives or hydrogenated oils.

Dried Fruit and Nut Snacks

Best Dried Fruit Blend: (A balanced fruit snack mix)
Best Spicy Nut Mix: (A protein-rich nut blend with a hint of heat)
Best Trail Mix Alternative: (A creative, portion-controlled bag mix)

Yogurt and Refrigerated Snacks

Best Protein Yogurt: (A rich, low-sugar yogurt option)
Best Dairy-Free Yogurt: (Plant-based, lower-sugar pick)
Best Protein-Packed Mini Snack: (A grab-and-go refrigerated bite)

Kids’ Snacks

Best School-Friendly Snack: (Nut-free, portable, kid-approved)
Best Real Fruit Snack: (Real fruit, no added sugar)
Best Bento Snack Kit: (A snackable variety kit with protein and produce)

Sweet Treats and Dessert-Inspired Snacks

Best Low-Sugar Cookie: (Less than 5g sugar, high in whole grains)
Best Chocolate Bite: (Dark chocolate, functional add-ins)
Best Dessert Bar: (Tastes like a treat, made with real, simple ingredients)

Why These Snacks Won: What Sets the Winners Apart?

Focused on whole foods: The bulk of each snack is made from recognizable, nutrient-dense ingredients like fruits, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Fiber and protein-forward: Most winners are naturally rich in fiber and/or protein, helping you stay full and energized between meals.
Responsible portion sizes: Snacks offer satisfying serving sizes—without excess sugar, salt, or calories.
No artificial colors or flavors: Each pick skips artificial dyes and dubious additives.
Innovative, practical packaging: Many winners use eco-friendly or resealable packaging for on-the-go families and busy professionals.

How to Choose the Healthiest Snack for You

While all winners pass Good Housekeeping’s rigorous criteria, it’s smart to tailor your snack grab to your specific needs. Here are some expert tips for picking the best snack for your lifestyle:

On-the-go fuel: Reach for protein-rich bars or nut mixes that keep you satisfied between meals.
Kid-friendly options: Look for real fruit snacks or nut-free bars that are easy to pack and meet school guidelines.
Sweet cravings: A lower-sugar chocolate or dessert-inspired bar can satisfy your desire for treats in a more healthful way.
Salty & crunchy: Swap classic potato chips with baked or air-popped veggie chips or whole-grain crackers to reduce sodium and boost nutrients.
Allergen-aware snacking: Many winners are gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free, making it easy to avoid common food allergens.

Behind the Scenes: The Good Housekeeping Testing Process

Every entry is subjected to a meticulous judging process. First, registered dietitians and nutritionists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab examined nutrition labels and ingredient lists. They looked for:

Whole foods (like nuts, seeds, oats, fruits) as first ingredients
A short, pronounceable ingredient list
Products free from any artificial dyes or flavors

Next, culinary pros taste-tested each entrant for flavor satisfaction and uniqueness. Finally, 1,000+ real consumers submitted at-home feedback for convenience and day-to-day appeal, yielding a comprehensive assessment of each snack’s real-world value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the key nutritional standards for winning snacks?

Each snack must offer 300 calories or less per serving, with limits of 10g added sugar and 400mg sodium. All picks use real, simple ingredients—no trans fats, artificial colors, or dyes.

Who judges the Good Housekeeping Snack Awards?

A diverse team of dietitians, chefs, and food writers, led by nutrition director Stefani Sassos, partners with thousands of consumer testers to ensure each winner is objectively evaluated for nutrition, taste, and real-world convenience.

How can I incorporate these snacks into a balanced diet?

Use award-winning snacks to bridge the gap between meals, curb cravings, or as portable meal additions. Pair protein bars with fresh fruit, or enjoy veggie chips with hummus for a balanced, satisfying mini-meal.

Where can I find these award-winning snacks?

Most winners are available at major grocery stores and online retailers. Look for the “Good Housekeeping Snack Award Winner” badge on packaging or visit the brands’ official websites for more information.

Are there snack options for special diets (gluten-free, vegan, allergy-friendly)?

Yes—many winners cater to dietary needs, offering gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, or vegan choices. Always check individual packaging for allergen statements.

The Future of Snacking: What’s Next?

Snacking in 2025 is all about real food, balanced nutrition, and culinary creativity. As snack makers continue to innovate—reducing sugar, harnessing ancient grains, and boosting plant protein—expect to see even more exciting, healthful options dominating store shelves.Stay tuned for Good Housekeeping’s continued guidance, helping you snack smarter and feel your best every day.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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