The Best Healthy Snacks of 2020: Prevention’s Award-Winning Picks

Discover the top 12 Prevention-approved snacks of 2020: nutritious, delicious, and perfect for guilt-free grazing.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 24, 2025

Discover the top 12 Prevention-approved snacks of 2020: nutritious, delicious, and perfect for guilt-free grazing.

If you’re seeking snacks that satisfy cravings without compromising your health goals, Prevention’s 2020 Healthy Snack Awards deliver the ultimate guide. After rigorous taste tests and ingredient scrutiny, their editors selected 12 standout options—each crafted to support smart, mindful snacking. This comprehensive review outlines those winners, the underlying selection standards, and why these snacks deserve a spot in your pantry.

Why Trust Prevention’s Healthy Snack Awards?

Each product underwent careful evaluation by Prevention’s Test Kitchen and dedicated tasters. The goal: highlight snacks that are made with real, recognizable ingredients, have less than 10 grams of added sugar per serving, avoid trans fats or hydrogenated oils, and minimize excess sodium. The result is a curated list that prioritizes both nutrition and taste.

How the Winners Were Chosen

Made with real, whole-food ingredients
No trans fats or hydrogenated oils
Less than 10g added sugar per serving
Minimal or no excess sodium
Taste, texture, and satiety evaluated by editors and testers

These criteria ensure the chosen snacks genuinely support a healthy lifestyle while delivering flavor and enjoyment.

Prevention’s Top 12 Healthy Snacks of 2020

The following award winners stand out for their nutritional quality, innovative flavors, and crowd-pleasing appeal. Discover your next favorite snack below.

1. Purely Elizabeth Chocolate Sea Salt + Probiotics Ancient Grain Granola Bars

Best for: Sweet cravings with digestive health benefits

Key ingredients: Coconut sugar, fair-trade chocolate, ancient grains, sea salt, probiotics
Flavor notes: Rich chocolaty bites with a hint of salt, lightly sweetened and crunchy
Nutrition: Balanced in protein, fiber, and gut-friendly probiotics

Perfect as a post-workout treat or midday pick-me-up, these bars blend indulgence and function.

2. Blue Diamond Almonds & Fruit Sea Salt Almonds & Whole Blueberry

Best for: Portable energy and antioxidant boost

Key ingredients: Whole almonds, dried blueberries, sea salt
Flavor notes: Sweet-tart blueberries and salty, crunchy nuts
Nutrition: High in vitamin E, fiber, and healthy fats

Ideal for hiking, walking, or couch snacking, this trail mix offers lasting energy and a gourmet twist.

3. Enlightened Bada Bean Bada Boom Sweet Onion & Mustard

Best for: High-protein, savory snacking

Key ingredients: Crispy dried broad beans, sweet onion, mustard seasoning
Nutrition: 6g protein per serving, low fat, high fiber
Flavor: Crunch reminiscent of pretzels with tangy, sweet-mustard finish

A satisfying alternative to chips or pretzels—great as a lunchbox addition or movie night snack.

4. Wasa Thin Rye Crispbread

Best for: Versatile, whole-grain crunch

Key ingredients: Whole rye, salt
Texture: Thin, crispy sheets reminiscent of shredded wheat
Nutrition: High fiber, naturally low sodium

Try them with hummus, nut butter, jam, or cream cheese; they make a neutral base for endless combinations.

5. Moon Cheese White Chedda Black Peppa

Best for: Cheese lovers seeking protein-packed snacks

Key ingredients: Real cheese, black pepper
Nutrition: High calcium, protein, gluten-free
Flavor: Intense savory and creamy bites, ready for on-the-go snacking

Poppable, crunchy, and satisfying—these crisps provide a guilt-free cheese fix.

6. Real Food From the Ground Up Cinnamon Butternut Squash Stalks

Best for: Seasonal, veggie-based snacking

Key ingredients: Butternut squash powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, paprika, brown sugar
Texture: Light, airy stalks with a crispy bite
Nutrition: Veggie-based, low-fat, fiber-rich

Perfect for fall, these stalks are spiced and sweetened for comforting flavor without heaviness.

7. Dang Toasted Sesame Thai Rice Chips

Best for: Crisp, global flavor inspiration

Key ingredients: Sticky rice, coconut milk, watermelon juice, sesame seeds
Texture: Thin and crispy, reminiscent of classic rice crackers
Nutrition: Light, gluten-free, vegan-friendly

The coconut milk and sesame blend deliver an exciting twist. These chips are snackable and pair well with Asian-inspired dips.

8. Gold Emblem Abound Dried Organic Chili Lime Mango

Best for: Tangy-fruity summer energy

Key ingredients: Organic dried mango, chili lime seasoning
Flavor: Zesty, spicy, intensely fruity
Nutrition: Vitamin C-rich, low added sugar

Serve as a sweet snack, add to trail mix, or toss in salads for a flavor punch.

9. Good Foods Plant-Based Buffalo-Style Dip

Best for: Creamy, vegan-friendly dipping

Key ingredients: Cauliflower, red bell pepper, hot sauce
Texture: Creamy and thick, easy to scoop
Nutrition: Plant-based, low-calorie, allergen-friendly

Tastes just like classic Buffalo dip—ideal for spreading on crackers, veggies, or as a sandwich filler.

10. Krave Korean BBQ Plant-Based Jerky

Best for: Smoky, protein-packed meat alternative

Key ingredients: Soy protein, Korean BBQ spices
Flavor: Bold, spicy, traditional jerky texture
Nutrition: High protein, vegan, rich umami

Enjoy this as a portable, satisfying snack that appeals to both vegans and carnivores.

11. Minna Lightly Brewed Sparkling Lime Hibiscus Tea

Best for: Refreshing, zero-sugar hydration

Key ingredients: Rooibos tea, lime, hibiscus
Nutrition: Zero sugar, caffeine-free, antioxidant-rich
Flavor: Bright, citrusy, lightly sparkling

An excellent substitute for soda, this sparkling tea is thirst-quenching and flavorful without added sugar.

12. Stonyfield Organic Strawberry Acai Daily Probiotics Drink

Best for: Digestive support and fruity refreshment

Key ingredients: Organic yogurt, strawberry, acai
Nutrition: Probiotic-rich, moderate sweetness
Flavor: Tangy, slightly sweet, kid- and adult-approved

Designed for quick grab-and-go nourishment, this drink supports gut health and satisfies fruit lovers.

Quick Comparison of Top Healthy Snacks

Snack	Main Nutrition Benefit	Main Flavor Profile	Best For
Purely Elizabeth Granola Bars	Probiotics, whole grains	Chocolate, sweet, salty	Gut health & sweet cravings
Blue Diamond Almonds & Fruit	Healthy fats, antioxidants	Nutty, fruity	On-the-go energy
Bada Bean Bada Boom	Protein, fiber	Savory, tangy	Crunchy snacking
Moon Cheese	Calcium, protein	Cheesy, peppery	Cheese lovers
Stonyfield Probiotic Drink	Probiotics	Fruity, tangy	Gut health

How to Stock a Healthy Snack Pantry

Check labels for added sugars, sodium, and artificial ingredients
Mix a variety of nut-based, plant-based, and dairy-based snacks to cover both nutrition and variety
Keep portable options for travel, work, or school
Pair crispy snacks (like crackers and chips) with dips for more satisfaction
Rotate different flavors with each grocery trip to avoid boredom and increase nutrient diversity

Choosing snacks that follow Prevention’s winning criteria can simplify smart eating at home or on the run.

Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Snacking

Q: How were the Prevention Snack Award winners selected?

A: Editors and nutritionists tested more than 100 different products, grading them on flavor, ingredient quality, and nutrition according to strict standards: real ingredients, minimal added sugar, no trans fats, and limited sodium.

Q: Can these snacks help support specific health goals (weight loss, energy, digestion)?

A: Yes. Many awardees contain protein, fiber, probiotics, or healthy fats that can help regulate appetite, support digestive health, and provide steady energy. They are formulated to be satisfying without empty calories.

Q: Are these snacks suitable for special diets?

A: Several picks are gluten-free, vegan, low-sugar, or dairy-free, but always check ingredient lists for allergens or dietary restrictions.

Q: How can I incorporate these snacks into a healthy meal plan?

A: Use snacks to bridge long gaps between meals, satisfy cravings, or add nutrition to school lunches. Pair nut-based or jerky snacks with fruit, add veggie chips to salads, or use probiotic drinks as a breakfast add-on.

Conclusion

Prevention’s 2020 Healthy Snack Awards offer a trustworthy guide to snacks that taste great and support your health—perfect for anyone looking to fuel their day with wholesome, convenient options. Use these picks and guidelines to overhaul your snacking habits, try something new, and enjoy food that’s good for you and delicious enough to keep you coming back for more.

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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