15 Winter Snacks to Warm You Up on Cold Days

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 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 nourishing and indulgent foods can help get you through the winter. 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 snacks that will warm you up from the inside out while ensuring that you don’t derail 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 a savory winter snack for kids (or adults). Our version 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. Warmed apples and spices provide a comforting way to fight the chill. Enjoy this cold winter snack with one of our Salt & Pepper Venison sticks to keep your appetite appeased. 

3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Toss peeled sweet potatoes in olive oil, sea salt, and cinnamon, then roast them to perfection. These naturally sweet and nutrient-rich wedges are a warm snack that provides 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 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 this cold-weather snack here. 

6. Baked Cinnamon Apples

This healthy winter snack recipe 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. 

7. Chai-Spiced Popcorn Bars

Air-popped popcorn is a versatile whole grain that you can flavor in a number of ways. These chai-spiced popcorn bars use 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

A bowl of lentil soup is a hearty snack loaded with protein, fiber, and comforting warmth. It’s easy to prepare in advance and reheat when needed. This 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 are 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. Find the recipe here. 

10. Warm Banana Bread Muffins

Homemade banana bread muffins straight from the oven are a favorite cold-weather snack. Packed with fiber and whole grains, they’re 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! Roast drained, rinsed, and towel-dried chickpeas with a bit of olive oil, cumin, paprika, and a touch of cayenne for a crunchy, warm snack. They’re protein-packed and full of flavor, perfect for snacking by the fire. Grab an excellent recipe for them here. 

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. They would be a perfect pairing with Chomplings mini meat sticks. 

13. Eggnog with Whipped Cream

Tis the season for eggnog, and this is such an easy and creamy recipe to make. All you have to do is blend egg yolks with maple syrup and mix with coconut milk, almond milk, and seasonings, before blending, straining, and adding extra spices. Get the full recipe here. 

14. Pumpkin Soup

Nothing says cozy comfort food like pumpkin soup in the late fall and winter months. This recipe uses pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, canned coconut milk, onion, and spices to create a creamy, satisfying snack.

15. Cheesy Cauliflower Bites

This warm snack 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 them into small muffin tins and bake. Serve with Chomps Pepperoni Seasoned Turkey sticks. 

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 yet remain committed to our healthy lifestyle habits.