Finding the right fuel for a busy lifestyle doesn’t have to be a scavenger hunt, especially when searching for healthy snacks on the go. With so many whole food snacks to choose from, how do you know which are truly healthy for you and your family? Not to worry, we’ve got you covered.
Keeping healthy whole food snacks on hand can curb cravings between meals and provide needed fuel for those warm sunny days. But it’s not enough for them to simply be healthy, they need to be portable as well.
Whether you are hitting the gym, heading to the office, or managing a hectic school schedule, having the best whole food snacks ready to go means you never have to settle for "junk" when hunger strikes.
Whole Food Snack Ideas
When you think about a whole food snack, the goal is to stick to items that are close to their natural state. This means minimal processing and a focus on ingredients you can recognize. Variety is the key to consistency.
Here are 31 whole food snacks to keep your palate excited and your body fueled.
1. Jerky
High-quality, zero sugar jerky, like Chomps meat sticks, is a pantry staple and one of the best whole food snacks for quick nutrition on the go.
2. Apple Slices with Natural Nut Butter
A classic crunch paired with satiating healthy fats.
3. Baby Carrots and Hummus
The perfect crunch to fight mid-day munchies.
4. Frozen Grapes
One of the more refreshing and sweet whole food snacks for warm sunny days.
5. Sliced Bell Peppers and Guacamole
These healthy whole food snacks provide a massive Vitamin C boost.
6. Cucumber Slices with Tuna
A refreshing, low-carb way to get a dose of omega-3s.
7. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Sprinkle them with sea salt or "Everything Bagel" seasoning for a quick protein hit.
8. Banana with Almond Butter
An easy, energy-dense snack that’s perfect for active afternoons.
9. Edamame
Steam these pods for a simple, protein-packed plant-based whole food snack.
10. Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella
A mini Caprese salad that offers balanced fats and vitamins is one of the best whole food snacks for a picnic.
11. Pear Slices with Walnuts
A sophisticated balance of natural sugar and healthy fats that provides long-lasting energy and satisfies sweet cravings.
12. Celery with Peanut Butter
"Ants on a log" are classic for a reason because they are simple and healthy whole food snacks that kids love.
13. Half an Avocado
Just add a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt for a dose of healthy fats.
14. Sweet Potato Toast
Toast 1/4-inch slices of sweet potato and top with avocado and arugula for a nutrient-dense bread alternative.
15. Chia Pudding
Mix chia seeds with almond milk and let set overnight for creamy, fiber-rich whole food snacks.
16. Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas
Roast canned chickpeas with olive oil at 400°F for 20 minutes for a plant-based protein boost.
17. Peanut Butter Energy Bites
"Cookie dough" style whole food snacks made with oats, hemp hearts, and peanut butter.
18. Baked Apple Chips
Thinly sliced apples are baked until crisp and easy to make at home.
19. Greek Yogurt with Blueberries
This classic combination provides probiotics and a natural sweetness.
20. Cottage Cheese with Pineapple
Rich in protein and refreshingly sweet.
21. Roasted Seaweed
This is one of the best whole food snacks to satisfy your "chip" craving while providing essential minerals and a savory, ocean-fresh crunch. They take only a few minutes to make yourself.
22. Mixed Raw Nuts
A portable energy source that provides a satisfying, nutrient-dense crunch.
23. Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas)
A dense source of magnesium and zinc.
24. Melon Chunks wrapped in Prosciutto
Perhaps the best whole food snacks when you want a balance of sweet and salty flavors.
25. Steamed Broccoli with Lemon
Great for those who prefer savory, veggie-forward fuel.
26. Air-Popped Popcorn
A whole-grain volume snack (skip the artificial butter!).
Whole Food Snacks to Buy
When life moves fast, you need whole food snacks to buy that don't compromise your standards. The ingredient label is your best friend. Look for short lists and certifications that matter.
At Chomps, our products are free of GMOs, sugar, nitrates, and gluten. Rest assured that you are fueling your body with carefully selected ingredients. Whether you shop at a specialty market or your local grocer, always seek out healthy whole food snacks that prioritize real food over chemistry.
27. Chomps Original Beef Chomplings
Here at Chomps, we’re all about making healthy eating the easy choice. Our Original Beef Chomplings are delicious, provide a good source of protein, and will easily satisfy any salty craving. They’re also completely carb-free and have zero sugar, making them one of the best low carb whole food snacks on the go.
Chomplings are a miniature version of our Original Beef jerky, which means they’re even more portable to fit into the smallest purse or fanny pack. This also makes them one of the top on the go snacks for kids to fit into crowded backpacks and sports bags.
Nutrition Facts per serving: 40 calories, 4 grams protein, 0 grams carb, 0 grams sugar, 125 mg sodium, 0 grams fiber.
28. Chomps Original Turkey Jerky
If you prefer turkey jerky over beef, you’ll love our Chomps Original Turkey jerky sticks. This turkey jerky packs more than twice the amount of protein of our Chomplings, perfect for the growing eater in your family. They’re easy and approved by hungry kids.
And not only are these a convenient snack, but they can also be added to quick and easy weeknight meals like this taco jerky burrito bowl.
Nutrition Facts per serving: 80 calories, 12 grams protein, 0 grams fiber, 390 mg sodium, 0 grams sugar
29. RX Bar
These high-quality protein bars are about as natural (and easy!) as you can get. Most protein bars are loaded with added sugar and other additives, while RX Bars are 100% whole-food based.
With only 7 ingredients or less such as fresh dates, cashews, and egg whites, you’re getting all of the nutrition with none of the B.S. (as the company says). Keep a handful in your car for when hunger strikes.
Nutrition Facts per serving: 210 calories, 12 grams protein, 5 grams fiber, 220 mg sodium, 0 grams added sugar
30. Biena Chickpea Snacks - Sea Salt Flavor
These earthy and crunchy chickpea snacks are a wonderful alternative to less nutritious potato chips and pretzels. And thanks to the plant-based protein and fiber tucked inside, a handful will keep you energized all afternoon.
Nutrition Facts per serving: 120 calories, 6 grams protein, 6 grams fiber, 190 mg sodium, 0 grams added sugar
31. Brad’s Raw Crunchy Kale Chips - Vampire Killer Flavor
You may be a kale lover, but it’s not exactly easy to bring fresh kale on the go. These crunchy kale chips are one of the best whole food snacks for on the go if you love kale and want a healthier alternative to potato chips.
These chips are incredibly crunchy and low in calories, which is especially great if you’re a volume eater. They are also uber filling as a result of their protein and fiber content.
Nutrition Facts per serving: 121 calories, 5 grams protein, 2 grams fiber, 116 mg sodium, 0 grams added sugar
Make Whole Food Snacks a Family Habit
Transitioning your family to whole food snacks is easier when you make it a routine. Start by batch-prepping on Sundays, roast a double batch of chickpeas or slice your sweet potatoes so they are ready for the toaster. When you fill your pantry with healthy whole food snacks that are actually tasty, kids and adults will reach for the nutritious option by default.
Remember, the best whole food snacks are the ones that are accessible when the "hangry" feelings start to creep in. By keeping a stash of Chomps or pre-portioned fruit in your car or desk, you ensure that you always have a high-quality whole food snack option within reach.
For a nutritious and convenient on the go snack that’s also slim and shelf stable, look no further than our delicious Chomps meat snacks at a store near you.
Whole Food Snacks FAQs
What are the best whole food snacks?
The best whole food snacks are those that combine a protein, a healthy fat, and a fiber source. Examples include apple slices with nut butter, Chomps meat sticks, or Greek yogurt with seeds. These combinations help maintain satiety and energy levels.
What are the healthiest prepackaged whole food snacks for kids?
When looking for healthy whole food snacks for kids, focus on portable items with zero added sugar. Chomplings (our mini meat sticks), unsweetened applesauce pouches, and individual packs of roasted chickpeas or organic string cheese are excellent options that fit easily into lunch boxes.
Is popcorn a whole food?
Yes, popcorn is considered a whole grain and a valid whole food snack, provided it is air-popped or prepared with minimal, clean ingredients like olive oil or sea salt. Avoid varieties with artificial "butter" flavorings.
Is beef jerky considered a whole food snack?
Beef jerky can be one of the best whole food snacks if you choose carefully. To qualify, it should be made from grass-fed beef, have zero sugar, and contain no artificial preservatives or nitrates. Our Chomps beef sticks are a perfect example of a simple, non-GMO, whole-food jerky choice.
