Standards

While I tend to emphasize homemade foods on the blog, for most of us it’s unreasonable to make everything from scratch. At lunch and snack time especially, I really appreciate a wholesome, ready-made product that tastes good, adds variety, and that I can feel good about incorporating into my day.

Lucky for me, the snack industry has been booming over the past couple years with a bigger focus on high-quality ingredients, shorter ingredient lists, innovative uses of a variety of vegetables/legumes/fruits, and more balanced nutrient profiles. I get {probably way too} excited about new finds, and I can’t help but share these winners. Everything on this list exceeds standards of nutrition: veggie-based or whole grain, ≤130 calories per ounce, ≥3g of fiber, some protein, and no/minimal added sugar. Plus, I haven’t just tried these products, but I’ve gone through numerous bags over several weeks or years, ordering some of them by the case. Safe to say they stand the tests of crunch, flavor, and satisfaction.

Purchasing

Everything on this list can be found at healthy/organic supermarkets (such as Whole Foods or Earth Fare) and/or on Amazon (along with my entire life). I will say that some of the healthy snacks just coming out (such as Rhythm Superfoods products) can be pricey. If you don’t think some of these things are worth the cost, keep them on your radar over the coming months and years; as the market grows and the ideas gain popularity, I imagine things like roasted beans and other veggie snacks will become more mainstream and affordable. A year from now you can tell me how accurate my predictions are 😉

The Winners

Crunchmaster Multi-Grain Roasted Vegetable

• Crunchmaster Multi-Grain Roasted Vegetable crackers may be the only product in history to completely enrapture every single member of my family. No joke, we have cases shipped monthly and a system of distribution to ensure we all get our share. Crunchmaster makes lots of other varieties as well, but I none that I’ve tried even come close to roasted veggie. They’re flavorful enough to be eaten on their own (I love them as a side with a sandwich) but also stand up under any topping like hummus, guac, turkey and cheese, etc.

Beanfields Bean Chips

• Several companies have been churning out legume-based “restaurant-style” chips, and right now I’d say Beanfields Sea Salt take the top spot. They’re consistently crunchy, moderately salty (good-tasting without a sodium overload), and never greasy. Perfect alongside a salad or soup.

The Good Bean Crunchy Chickpeas

• I’ve been loving the crunchy chickpeas from The Good Bean since they came out about nine years ago! I also recommend trying their other flavors as well as their new fava bean snacks.

Biena Chickpea Snacks

• Biena’s products are comparable to The Good Bean’s. In keeping with the salty/savory theme, I wanted to highlight my most recent flavor discovery: Rockin’ Ranch. I’m excited to try some of their other savory varieties like Barbecue and Sour Cream & Onion. Cinnamon Crunch is also a winner and makes the perfect addition to a snack mix with things like nuts, chocolate, granola, dried fruit, etc. 

Enlightened Crunchy Broad Beans

• Next are my ALL-TIME FAVORITE crunchy bean snacks: Enlightened Crunchy Broad Beans! For me it’s the texture that sets them apart, plus the yummy seasoning on Mesquite BBQ. Highly recommend. 

Love, Corn

• I tried a bag of Love, Corn in the airport one day and immediately placed my 10-pack order on Amazon. Perfect as a sub for chips or croutons, or as a convenient healthier snack while traveling!

Rhythm Superfoods Carrot Sticks

• Rhythm Superfoods is also on the train of turning veggies into crunchy snacks with less processing. Notably, I’m not a fan of the “veggie straws” made from vegetable-derived flours and powders (taste nor texture). But these Carrot Sticks are actually whole carrots, and the difference is noticeable. They are surprisingly super crunchy, slightly (and naturally) sweet, perfectly salty, and reminiscent of crispy sweet potato fries! Another great way to sneak veggies in while traveling, and I LOVE them dipped in mashed avocado! Recommend both Sea Salt and Ranch. 

Rhythm Superfoods Beet Chips

• Rhythm Superfoods Beet Chips were a super fun and successful find. They do have a beet flavor, but I’d say good because that’s what you’re eating! Very crunchy, natural sweetness (no added sugar), great alongside a wrap or sandwich.

Unique Sprouted Pretzels

• Ironically, gluten free pretzels are everywhere now, but 100% whole grain versions are nearly impossible to find in stores. (Some gluten-free brands are fine, but they are usually void of protein and fiber ☹️ ) So I was elated to stumble upon these Unique Sprouted Pretzels and very much satisfied with the product! The shell shape gives them a fun texture. I am also a fan of the big and crunchy “Splits” shape. Great dipped in nut butter with chocolate (like Peanut Butter & Co Chocolate Peanut Butter or any nut butter + mini chocolate chips).

From the Ground Up Cauliflower Pretzels

• Finally, one of the newest and most intriguing members of the list: From the Ground Up Cauliflower Pretzels. They provide fiber and vitamins from veggies, are allergy-friendly, AND they have the perfect classic texture! Just be aware that “original” does NOT mean “plain.” They do have a mixed veggie-like flavor, but I think it’s pretty yummy! (Overall, I call it a plus for my food to taste like what I am actually eating–i.e., these aren’t wheat, so don’t expect them to taste like wheat pretzels.)

Please message me or comment with thoughts, questions, or any products that YOU are currently loving!