As the winter chill sets in for many of us, our snacking habits often shift to match the season. Just like you might be drawn to cozy sweaters and slippers, your appetite may be higher for comforting, warm snacks as the days get shorter and the snow falls.
Whether it’s a belly-warming bowl of warm oatmeal or the soothing fragrance of baked goods in your oven, winter and holiday snacks have a way of wrapping us up in a sense of comfort that the colder weather demands.
When it’s frigid outside, the desire for hearty foods can naturally increase, but it’s also a time when many of us are reaching for less nutritious, higher-calorie items to provide emotional comfort. This is okay sometimes, of course, but finding a balance between comforting snacks for cold weather and nutrient-dense foods is key for overall wellness.
From plant-based soups and homemade crusty bread to savory nut mixes and holiday cookies, having a selection of indulgent and healthy winter snacks can help get you through the season. Wholesome snacks are helpful to have on hand, especially on days when you’re feeling especially cold and lacking meal prep motivation.
Grab your favorite blanket and let’s explore winter snack ideas that will warm you up from the inside out while ensuring that you don’t stray far from your health goals.
1. Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese is one of the easiest recipes to make, whether you’re looking for a quick entree or savory winter snacks for kids (or adults). The Chomps Signature Grilled Cheese Recipe uses sourdough, figs, and gruyere cheese, plus thinly sliced Chomps Original Beef Sticks.
2. Spiced Apple Cider
A steaming cup of spiced apple cider made with cinnamon and other warm spices, plus orange and a touch of maple syrup warms both your hands and heart. This Old-Fashioned Spiced Apple Cider Recipe uses warmed apples and spices to provide a comforting way to fight the chill. Enjoy this winter snack with one of our Salt & Pepper Venison sticks to keep your appetite appeased.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
This Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe has you toss peeled sweet potatoes in olive oil, sea salt, and cinnamon, then roast them to perfection. These naturally sweet and nutrient-rich warm snacks provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including beta-carotene.
4. Spinach Artichoke Dip
If you’re looking for a nutrient-packed, creamy, warm dip that can be served with a variety of ingredients, this winter themed snack is it. Our Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe combines all the traditional components, made creamy with cream cheese, mayo, and mozzarella, and served with crunchy veggies, crackers, and/or Chomps of your liking.
5. Hot Chocolate with a Healthy Twist
Make a homemade version with unsweetened cocoa, plant-based milk, and a touch of maple syrup. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for an antioxidant boost and enjoy this creamy, guilt-free indulgence. Try other variations of these winter snack ideas with these Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipes.
6. Baked Cinnamon Apples
These healthy winter snacks couldn’t be easier when you’re craving something sweet, warm, and filling. Core an apple, stuff it with oats, raisins, and a dash of cinnamon, then bake until tender. This warm dessert-like snack is naturally sweet and provides a good dose of fiber and vitamin C. This Baked Apples Recipe will have you indulging in these cozy, warm snacks in no time.
7. Chai-Spiced Popcorn Bars
Air-popped popcorn is a versatile whole grain that you can flavor in a number of ways, turning them into warming winter snack ideas. This Chai-Spiced Popcorn Bars Recipe uses a homemade chai mix and the snack is assembled using some butter and marshmallows. For a lighter alternative, skip these two ingredients and just enjoy the deliciously dusted popcorn.
8. Herbed Lentil Soup
Bowls of lentil soup are hearty winter snacks loaded with protein, fiber, and comforting warmth. They’re easy to prepare in advance and reheat when needed. This Herbed Lentil Soup Recipe uses potatoes, veggies, French lentils, thyme, and rosemary. If you ask us, a small cup of this soup with a Jalapeno Beef Chomps stick sounds like a great pair.
9. Jalapeño Poppers
Whether it’s a game-day snack or a winter pick-me-up you’re seeking, our Jalapeno Poppers Recipe is dairy-free and Whole30-approved. All you have to do is slice jalapenos in half, de-seed them, stuff them with a simple homemade mix, and bake, making them one of the easier winter snack ideas.
10. Warm Banana Bread Muffins
Homemade banana bread muffins straight from the oven are favorite snacks for cold weather. This Banana Bread Muffin Recipe is packed with fiber and whole grains. These warm snacks are tasty, satisfying, and nourishing. To level up your banana muffins, add ingredients like crushed walnuts, chia seeds, dark chocolate chips, or blueberries.
11. Baked Spiced Chickpeas
You can buy premade roasted chickpeas, but they’re so easy to make yourself with this Roasted Chickpea Recipe! Roast drained, rinsed, and towel-dried chickpeas with a bit of olive oil, cumin, paprika, and a touch of cayenne for crunchy, warm snacks. They’re a good source of protein and full of flavor, perfect for snacking by the fire.
12. Stuffed Mushrooms
Fill mushroom caps (inexpensive white button mushrooms will do) with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese, then bake until golden. These bite-sized cuties are savory, warm snacks, not to mention, nutrient-rich. This Stuffed Mushroom Recipe would be a perfect pairing with Chomplings mini meat sticks.
13. Eggnog with Whipped Cream
‘Tis the season for eggnog. This warming drink is one of the easier winter recipe ideas to make. With Chomps’ Dairy-Free Eggnog Recipe, all you have to do is blend egg yolks with maple syrup and mix with coconut milk, almond milk, and seasonings, before straining and adding extra spices.
14. Pumpkin Soup
Nothing says cozy comfort food like pumpkin soup in the late fall and winter months. This Vegan Pumpkin Soup Recipe uses pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, canned coconut milk, onion, and spices to create creamy, satisfying and healthy winter snacks that are perfect for a cold day.
15. Cheesy Cauliflower Bites
This Baked Cauliflower Recipe only requires a few ingredients: cauliflower, cheddar cheese, and eggs, plus oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Steam and “rice” your cauliflower, mix in the other ingredients, and then assemble these healthy winter snacks into small muffin tins and bake.
16. Make-Ahead Egg Muffins
These filling portable bites are perfect for a week of chilly mornings or afternoon slumps. Our Egg Muffin Recipe combines eggs, onion, mushrooms, and spinach, with chopped Chomps Venison sticks for an extra savory kick. They reheat beautifully, giving you instant winter snacks that provide essential nutrients.
17. Spinach and Mushroom Quiche
This savory, custardy classic is a hearty option for those days when a mini-meal is in order. Warm slices of quiche are comforting warm snacks for winter that can be customized with your favorite vegetables. Our Spinach and Mushroom Quiche Recipe uses a simple crust, almond milk, spinach, mushrooms, and thinly sliced Original Beef meat sticks to pack in the flavor and protein. These healthy winter snacks will keep you satisfied and full on those cold and blustery days.
18. Sheet Pan Nachos
Nothing beats a warm, fully-loaded plate of nachos on a cold evening. This is one of the best winter themed snacks when you're craving something indulgent. They can easily be made into healthy winter snacks with Chomps’ Sheet Pan Nacho Recipe which uses high-quality ingredients like black beans, fresh pico de gallo, and Chomps Jalapeño Beef sticks. Simply load up your sheet pan, bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and enjoy one of the most satisfying winter snack ideas out there.
19. Maple "Bacon" Doughnuts
Who says cozy winter snacks can't be sweet and clean? With the Chomps Maple “Bacon” Doughnuts Recipe, these Whole30-compliant treats are baked, not fried, and use cassava flour and natural sweeteners. The "bacon" topping is made from finely chopped Chomps sticks coated in maple syrup and baked until candied to provide a delicious, guilt-free indulgence among your other warm snacks.
20. Mini Zucchini Pizza Bites
Vegetable-based bites are a genius way to enjoy a pizza flavor while getting in a serving of veggies with your winter snacks. The zucchini is coated and baked to a crisp, then topped with marinara, cheese, and thinly sliced Chomps Italian Style Beef sticks. Our Mini Zucchini Pizza Bites Recipe is a stellar addition to your library of healthy warm snacks and is one of the most satisfying winter snack ideas on the list.
Enjoying Healthy Winter Snacks All Season Long
Winter is the season for wrapping up in warm, cozy accessories, fragrant candles, and baking cookies. It’s also a time when many of us may want to indulge a little in winter snack ideas yet remain committed to our healthy lifestyle habits.
Good news: You can do both! Incorporate some of the healthy winter snacks above to combine flavor with nourishment. While you’re at it, explore our Chomps store so you can always have savory, high-quality protein snacks on hand to pair with just about anything.
The key to maintaining balance is ensuring your cozy cravings are met with nutrient-dense options. Having a selection of warm snacks like those listed above means you never have to sacrifice flavor for wellness.
Whether you're meal prepping a batch of healthy winter snacks for the week or looking for impromptu winter snack ideas after a day of playing in the snow, these recipes have you covered.
Remember that protein is crucial for satiety, especially during the cold months when our bodies crave heartier foods. That’s where our Chomps meat sticks come in.
They are the ultimate companion for many of these warm snacks, from dipping into a savory soup to adding a punch of flavor to a baked treat. Stock up on classics like Sea Salt Beef or sample all our flavors with a meat sticks trial pack to make sure you always have an option ready to go.
With Chomps supporting your winter snack ideas, you’re set up for a season of cozy, guilt-free indulgence.
Winter Snacks FAQs
What are some winter snacks?
Winter snacks are typically comforting, warm snacks and beverages that help you feel cozy and nourished during cold weather. Popular winter snack ideas include baked goods like muffins and spiced apples, savory items like soups, cheesy dips, and roasted vegetables, and warm beverages like hot chocolate and spiced cider. To make them healthy winter snacks, focus on recipes that incorporate whole foods, lean protein, and natural sugars.
What is the most popular winter snack?
Hot chocolate, spiced cider, and eggnog are classic winter snack ideas. Savory, hearty options like grilled cheese, soups, and roasted sweet potatoes are also favorite winter snacks because they satisfy that innate craving for comforting food during the cold months. Finding balance among all these options is what truly makes for a successful season of healthy winter snacks.
