2025 Healthy Snack Awards: Best Nutritious Snacks for Every Craving
Taste, ingredients, and ease come together to create curated bites for hungry days.
Snacking has evolved beyond simply satisfying hunger between meals. Today’s most celebrated snacks do double duty: they delight taste buds while nourishing bodies. Each year, Good Housekeeping’s Snack Awards highlight the top healthy snacks available—chosen after rigorous testing by expert dietitians, culinary pros, and at-home families. For 2025, our winning snacks excel in flavor, ingredient quality, convenience, and nutritional integrity, offering crave-worthy options for every palate and lifestyle.
Our Rigorous Snack Selection Process
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, our registered dietitians methodically analyzed thousands of snacks. Each product was scrutinized for:
- Flavor: Must be delicious, crowd-pleasing, and satisfying.
- Nutrition: Focus on protein, fiber, and healthy fat sources.
- Ingredients: Real, recognizable, and pronounceable components.
- No trans fats or partially hydrogenated oils.
- No artificial flavors or food dyes.
- Per serving: 300 calories or less, 10g added sugar or less, 400mg sodium or less.
- Convenient and innovative packaging.
Testing involved registered dietitians, food scientists, chefs, cookbook authors, and more than 1,000 family testers—plural perspectives that ensure snacks are wholesome and appealing to all ages.
Meet the Expert Panel
- Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N.: Nutrition & Fitness Lab Director and lead judge, bringing evidence-based food choices to readers.
- Valerie Agyeman, R.D.N., L.D.N.: Women’s health dietitian, known for covering vital nutrition topics in women’s health and public wellness.
- Dietitians, chefs, cookbook authors, and home testers whose collective feedback shapes final award selections.
How We Choose Snack Award Winners
Our judging process blends detailed nutrition analysis with real-life taste trials:
| Evaluation Criteria | Snack Must… |
|---|---|
| Ingredient Quality | Feature real, whole foods as the first ingredient |
| Nutritional Value | Highlight sources of fiber and high-quality protein |
| Calorie Control | Offer 300 calories or less per serving |
| Added Sugar | Contain 10g or less of added sugar per serving |
| Sodium Content | Contain no more than 400mg sodium per serving |
| No Artificial Additives | Be free from artificial flavors, colors, dyes, or partially hydrogenated oils |
| Flavor Appeal | Deliver crave-worthy taste and satisfying texture |
| Convenience | Be easy to pack, reseal, and eat on the go |
2025 Healthy Snack Award Categories
This year’s awards spotlight excellence across diverse snack types, from plant-based bites to protein-packed bars and crunchy chips. Here are the snack categories we celebrated, with examples of winning standouts:
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Best Bars & Bites
- Best Crunchy Bar: Tosi Cashew Coconut Crunchy Snack Bar—Rich and crispy with a wholesome nutty profile.
- Best Protein Bar: Aloha Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Protein Bar—Plant-based, protein-dense, and satisfying for workouts or busy days.
- Best Date Bar: Realsy Almond Butter Dates—Naturally sweet, chewy, and a fiber-filled pick-me-up.
- Best Low-Carb Bar: Blueprint White Cocoa Butter Macadamia Protein Bar—Creamy yet low-sugar for carb-conscious snackers.
- Best Granola Bars: Junkless Chewy Granola Bars—Simple, kid-friendly ingredients and minimal added sugar.
- Best Refrigerated Bar: Mush Double Chocolate Chip Protein Bar—Fresh, chocolatey, and protein-rich from the fridge.
- Best Mini Bar: Perfect Bar PB&J Mini—Classic flavors in bite-sized nutrition.
- Best Superfood Bite: Defi Dark Chocolate Pink Himalayan Sea Salt Crispy Superfood Bite—An elevated antioxidant-packed treat.
- Best Functional Bar: Step One Foods Lemon Almond Bar—Clinically designed to promote heart health, notably recognized by cardiologists for its beneficial nutrient composition.
- Best High-Fiber Bar: Be Free Bar Blondie Coffee and Blueberry Burst—Fusion of flavor and gut-friendly fiber.
Winners in this group excel at balancing nutrition with flavor, and many are designed to deliver functional ingredients that support heart health, satiety, or special dietary needs.
Best Chips, Crisps & Puffs
- Best Potato Alternative: Jackson’s Wavy Cheddar & Sour Cream Sweet Potato Chips in Avocado Oil—Crispy, rich, and made with premium avocado oil for healthier fats. The brand has won multiple awards for its uncompromising ingredient quality.
- Best Classic Chip: Wavy Sea Salt Sweet Potato Chips—Simple, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned with mineral-rich sea salt.
- Best Veggie Puff: Plant-based snacks that blend vegetables into puffy, baked lightness for guilt-free crunch.
- Best Ancient Grain Cracker: Wholesome crackers that balance hearty crunch with a nutrient-dense grain blend (e.g., quinoa, millet, sorghum).
Crunchy snacks were judged as much for their texture as for their ability to deliver flavor punch without excessive salt or processed ingredients.
Best Refrigerated & Fresh Snacks
- Best Portable Fruit Snack: Single-serve, pre-portioned fruit cups or packs using only whole, ripe fruit with no syrup or extra sweeteners.
- Top Fresh Protein Snack: Greek yogurt cups, dairy-free dips, or cheese sticks made with minimal ingredients and smart portion control.
- Best Dippable Snack: Sliced veggies with hummus, guacamole, or tzatziki for a fiber, vitamin, and healthy fat boost.
Refrigerated options are perfect for those looking for freshly prepared, minimally processed, and protein-rich snacks to power their day.
Most Indulgent & Creative Treats
- Best Dark Chocolate Inclusion: Bars or bites featuring antioxidant-rich dark chocolate for a satisfying sweet treat that still meets health guidelines.
- Best Grown-Up Sweet: Snacks that blend seeds, nuts, spices, or dried fruit into exciting confections without excess sugar.
- Best Birthday Cake Flavor: Confections that evoke nostalgia but prioritize whole grains and natural sweeteners.
These picks show you don’t have to compromise flavor or fun to snack smart—it’s possible to treat yourself while sticking to healthful standards.
Top Savory Snacks: Crackers, Popcorn & More
- Best Whole Grain Cracker: Made using 100% whole or ancient grains, offering fiber, crunch, and lightly seasoned flavor.
- Best Popcorn Innovation: Bags that surprise with bold, creative seasonings (think: chili lime, herb blends, or truffle).
- Best Gluten-Free Option: Snacks that satisfy dietary sensitivities without sacrificing texture or taste.
Savory snacks are evaluated for their ability to deliver bold flavors, crunch, and simple, wholesome ingredient lists in convenient packaging.
What Makes a Snack a Winner?
- Ingredient Integrity: Recognizable, whole-food-based ingredients free from artificial additives.
- Balanced Nutrition: Offers a smart blend of protein, fiber, and healthy fats while controlling calories, sugar, and sodium.
- Convenience: Portable, easy for busy lifestyles, often with innovative resealable or temperature-stable packaging.
- Appeal for All Ages: Kid-friendly flavors and textures, but sophisticated enough for adults seeking better options.
- Diet-Inclusive: Wide variety accommodates gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, and other dietary preferences.
Meet the Judges
Winners are chosen by our multidisciplinary panel, blending nutrition science with culinary know-how and real-world feedback:
- Registered Dietitians: Scrutinize labels for nutrient balance, additive avoidance, and functional benefits.
- Culinary Pros: Ensure products deliver robust flavor, craveable texture, and kitchen credibility.
- Family Testers: At-home samplers, including picky eaters, confirm overall appeal and convenience.
Smart Snack Shopping Tips
- Always seek out real, whole-food ingredients high on the list—avoid snacks with cryptic or artificial-sounding names.
- Watch serving size: A single “serving” often differs from a whole package—always check nutrition based on your actual portion.
- Prioritize snacks with fiber (at least 3g) and protein (at least 5g) for staying power.
- Pounce on innovative packaging—look for snacks that are easy to reseal, recycle, or take on the go.
- If you need allergy-friendly snacks, look for clear labelling and third-party certifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Healthy Snacking
How can I tell if a snack is genuinely healthy?
Focus on short, simple ingredient lists and check nutrition facts for saturated fat, sugar, and sodium. Look for high fiber, adequate protein, and calories per serving that fit your needs.
Are all plant-based snacks healthier than regular snacks?
Not always. While plant-based snacks can be nutrient-dense, they should still be evaluated for added sugars, sodium, and ultra-processed ingredients.
What are some portable snack ideas for busy days?
Try bars with whole grains and protein, roasted chickpeas, veggie chips, trail mix, or single-serve nut butter packs with fruit.
Is snacking between meals good or bad?
Snacking can support energy and nutrition if you opt for whole, balanced foods. Mindless or frequent snacking on high-calorie, processed foods can hinder health goals.
How should I balance convenience and health in packaged snacks?
Select snacks checked by rigorous food experts, like those chosen by the Good Housekeeping Institute, which balance ease, taste, and thoughtful nutrition standards.
Key Takeaways
- All 2025 Snack Award winners are nutritionist-approved, taste-tested, and made with real ingredients.
- This year’s selection covers everything from indulgent bites to everyday bagged snacks—showcasing creative flavors with cleaner labels.
- Whether you’re craving crunch, chew, or something sweet, you can find smart, satisfying choices with simple, transparent nutrition.
With the right snacks on hand, healthy eating becomes easier—and tastier—than ever. Use our guide to discover and shop the best healthy snack options for your family, gym bag, or daily routine, confident that every pick is backed by science and taste.
References
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-products/a64826287/snack-awards-2025/
- https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/113919-good-housekeeping-reveals-best-snack-awards-winners
- https://www.steponefoods.com/blogs/news/step-one-foods-named-winner-in-2025-good-housekeeping-snack-awards
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jacksons-named-a-winner-in-good-housekeepings-2025-best-snack-awards-302483782.html
- https://squarebaby.com/blogs/news/square-baby-awarded-best-complete-baby-meal-by-good-housekeeping
- https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/video/123338480
- https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/GMA3/video/good-housekeeping-reveals-winners-snack-awards-123540174
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/gh-snack-awards-2025/
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