50 Best Healthy Snacks to Power Your Day, According to Nutrition Pros
Convenient bites crafted for balanced nutrition and sustained stamina.
Snacking can be both enjoyable and nourishing—when you pick the right options. Every year, experts at Good Housekeeping rigorously test hundreds of products in search of the perfect snack: satisfying, convenient, delicious, and genuinely good for you. The 2025 Best Snack Awards unveil the best products you can trust, from energizing bars to wholesome dairy, crunchy chips, inventive dips, and more.
How We Chose the Winners
Each snack is judged on flavor, nutrition, ingredient quality, and convenience. A team of registered dietitians, culinary professionals, and over 1,000 real-world testers participated in this thorough evaluation. Only the top contenders make the final list by excelling in:
- Made with real, recognizable ingredients—no artificial flavors or food dyes
- High in fiber and/or protein
- No trans fats or partially hydrogenated oils
- 300 calories or less per serving
- 10 grams of added sugar or less per serving
- 400 mg sodium or less per serving
Awards by Category
Bars & Bites
Perfect for on-the-go fuel, these bars and bites use whole food ingredients and often offer bonus benefits like protein, heart-healthy fats, and fiber.
- Best Crunchy Bar: Cashew Coconut Crunchy Snack Bar
- Best Protein Bar: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Protein Bar
- Best Date Bar: Almond Butter Dates
- Best Low-Carb Bar: White Cocoa Butter Macadamia Protein Bar
- Best Granola Bars: Chewy Granola Bars (No artificial flavors, minimal sugar)
- Best Refrigerated Bar: Double Chocolate Chip Protein Bar
- Best Mini Bar: PB&J Mini Bar (Perfect for lunch boxes)
- Best Superfood Bite: Dark Chocolate Pink Himalayan Sea Salt Crispy Superfood Bite
- Best Functional Bar: Lemon Almond Bar (Clinically formulated to help lower cholesterol)
- Best High-Fiber Bar: Blondie Coffee and Blueberry Burst Bar
Dairy & Dairy Alternatives
Calcium, probiotics, and protein make these snacks creamy, craveable, and nutritious. This year saw an emphasis on drinkable yogurts as portable protein boosts.
- Best Drinkable Yogurt: Drinkable yogurt shots with 10g protein, no added sugar, lightly sweetened with stevia
- Best Greek Yogurt: Extra thick, plain or fruit-on-the-bottom, with less than 8g sugar
- Best Dairy-Free Yogurt: Almond or oat-based, high in probiotics
Chips, Crackers & Puffs
Satisfy your craving for crunch with these lighter, more wholesome alternatives to classic chips and crackers. Many feature lentil, chickpea, or whole grain bases and carry fewer additives.
- Best Veggie Chips: Crispy vegetable chips made with beets, carrots, and sweet potatoes
- Best Multi-Grain Crackers: Seeds and ancient grains, high in fiber, low in sodium
- Best Puffs: Plant-based puffs, such as chickpea, in innovative flavors
- Best Classic-Style Potato Chips: Simple ingredients, lower fat, less than 150 calories per serving
What others are reading
Frozen Snacks
From smoothie bowls to frozen fruit bars, these freezer aisle finds deliver convenience, nutrition, and a refreshing treat.
- Best Frozen Fruit: Individually frozen mango or berry bites (No added sugar)
- Best Frozen Vegan Snack: Dairy-free, nut-butter or oat-based bites
- Best Frozen Yogurt Bar: Greek yogurt base, low in sugar, kid-friendly flavors
Granola & Cereal
Sprinkle on yogurt or snack by the handful, these options focus on whole grains and lower sugar. Fiber is the star of this category.
- Best Classic Granola: Oat, almond, and seed granola clusters
- Best Low-Sugar Cereal: Whole grain cereal with at least 4g fiber, under 6g sugar
- Best High-Protein Granola: Added nuts or pea protein, 10g+ protein per serving
Jerky & Tinned Fish
These shelf-stable protein sources have become snack-time superstars. Lower sodium and innovative flavors keep these snacks interesting and heart-healthy.
- Best Beef Jerky: Lean, grass-fed, with under 400mg sodium
- Best Vegan Jerky: Mushroom-based, smoky flavor, high in fiber, lower sodium
- Best Tinned Fish: Sustainably sourced sardines or salmon, packed in olive oil
Dried & Dehydrated Fruit
Choose options with no added sugar and, when possible, skin-on for maximum nutritional impact. Snackable dried fruit provides natural energy and fiber.
- Best Chewy Dried Fruit: Skin-on apple, pear, and berry medleys
- Best Tropical Dried Fruit: Non-GMO certified dried mango and pineapple slices
- Best Fruit Leather: 100% fruit puree, no added sugar or coloring
Dips, Spreads & Nut Butters
Upgrade veggies, pretzels, or whole-grain crackers with these tasty, nutritious additions. Chickpea-based dips and avocado spreads are particularly popular.
- Best Hummus: Classic or roasted veggie hummus, pure ingredients
- Best Guacamole: Chunky, minimal additives, made with whole avocado
- Best Nut Butter: Almond or peanut butter with no added sugar or hydrogenated oils
Spotlight: Award-Winning Snacks by Function
| Snack | Best For | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Functional Bar (Lemon Almond) | Heart Health | Clinically shown to help lower cholesterol; real citrus flavor |
| Drinkable Yogurt | Post-Workout | 10g protein per serving, no added sugar |
| Chewy Skin-On Dried Fruit | Kiddie Lunchboxes | Naturally sweet, high in fiber and antioxidants |
| Seed & Grain Crackers | Entertaining | High-fiber, pairs well with cheese or dips |
| Greek Yogurt Bar | Frozen Refreshment | Calcium-rich, low sugar, fun flavors |
Expert Tips for Healthy Snacking
- Look for whole foods as the first ingredient on any snack.
- Choose snacks that offer at least 3 grams of fiber or 5 grams of protein per serving for satiety.
- Beware of added sugars—aim for 10g or less per portion.
- Check sodium—keep under 400mg per snack for heart health.
- Pair snacks with a piece of fruit or raw veggies for additional fiber and nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I pick the healthiest packaged snack?
A: Prioritize snacks made from whole, recognizable food ingredients. Good choices are minimally processed, high in fiber or protein, low in added sugar, and contain less than 400mg sodium per serving.
Q: Are protein bars or snack bars truly healthy?
A: Not all bars are created equal. The healthiest bars use real ingredients like oats, nuts, and fruit, deliver about 5–10g of protein, and keep added sugars under 10g.
Q: What are some quick snack ideas for a busy schedule?
A: Keep fruit, drinkable yogurt, nuts, or mini granola bars on hand for grab-and-go convenience. Pre-portion dips with veggie sticks or opt for shelf-stable jerky or tinned fish for protein on the run.
Q: Are all dairy alternatives as nutritious as dairy snacks?
A: Some plant-based yogurts and cheeses are fortified to match the calcium and protein levels of dairy, but always check the label for protein content and added sugars.
Snack Smarter: The Balanced Snack Plate
The healthiest snacks combine protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you full and focused. Try building your own snack plate from these award-winning options:
- Pair guacamole or hummus with crunchy veggie chips or multi-seed crackers.
- Spread nut butter on dried or fresh fruit for sweet-and-savory satisfaction.
- Combine a protein bar with a handful of berries or a Greek yogurt for a balanced mini-meal.
- Serve frozen fruit bars or Greek yogurt bars as a cool treat for kids or adults.
Why These Snacks Stand Out
What sets the 2025 Best Snack Award winners apart? Each option:
- Undergoes rigorous taste and nutrition testing by experts and family testers.
- Emphasizes fewer, higher-quality ingredients with transparency and minimal processing.
- Balances pleasure with performance—flavor always matters as much as health benefits.
- Offers a variety of options, including gluten-free, plant-based, and allergy-friendly snacks for every need.
More Delicious, Nutritionist-Approved Snack Ideas
- Roasted chickpeas: Crunchy and high in protein
- Cottage cheese with berries: Calcium and antioxidants
- Sliced apples with almond butter: Fiber plus healthy fats
- Edamame: Plant protein, iron, and magnesium
- Homemade energy bites: Oats, nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate
- Air-popped popcorn: Whole grain, low calorie, and fiber-rich
- Tinned sardines on whole grain crackers: Heart-healthy omega-3s
All nutritional values are approximations. Always check packaging for the latest information.
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.rindsnacks.com/blogs/news/good-housekeeping-50-best-healthy-snacks-to-buy-according-to-a-registered-dietitian
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZazKUq_psk
- https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/video/123338480
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/
- https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/video/123445214
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