NOTE: Snack suggestions in this article, as the author indicates, are snacks where “balance is key, and you should still be mindful of how much of these addicting treats you’re eating“. These ideas do not reflect the opinions of Youth in Food Systems but of the writer. If you seeking advice to improving your health, please refer to a qualified professional.

Written by: Nicole Majewski
Edited by: Jana Daniels
Designed by: Suhana Shaik
Published by: Andrew Jackson

Let’s be honest, most of us are tired of the same urging to eat healthy. Ads preach it, parents chant it, again and again while a sad plate of broccoli lays untouched in the background. But healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. It’s not just about forcing down the safe select leafy greens. In fact, some of the most satisfying snacks out there are secretly packed with nutrients. So, forget the clichés—here are seven underrated yet equally healthy (and way more exciting) snacks that everyone should be eating!

7. Greek yoghurt

Before you roll your eyes at the thought of yoghurt making this list, have you ever really stopped to think of its versatility? Sure, it’s an amazing source of calcium, protein, and probiotics; but it’s eaten plain far too often. The real magic lies in everything you can do with it. Drizzle in honey for a touch of sweetness, toss in crunchy granola for texture, or mix and match some fruit for a refreshing tanginess. granola, nuts, fruit, anything you can think of! Thick, velvety, and endlessly customizable, Greek yoghurt is like a blank canvas for your tastiest masterpiece. Who knew layering healthy snacks atop healthy snacks could be so fun?

6. Whole grain crackers

Another great choice for those who want to add some pizzazz to their healthy diets. On their own, they bring a nutty, toasty bite packed with fiber, protein, and essential minerals—but the real fun starts when you make them your own. Top them with creamy avocado and a sprinkle of sea salt for a rich, buttery treat, or go for peanut butter and jelly if you’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth. Want something minimalistic? How about cheddar cheese and cucumber slices? Or, feeling fancy? Try smoked salmon for a gourmet twist. The possibilities are endless, so grab a cracker and start stacking!

5. Rice cakes

Crisp, comforting, and endlessly versatile, rice cakes deliver a satisfying crunch with a boost of fiber—especially when made with brown rice. But honestly, they’re mostly a foundation for greatness. Like crackers, they’re the perfect base for avocado, peanut butter and jelly, tuna, or even a smidge of cream cheese. I like to think of them as a lighter alternative to whole-grain bread, perfect when you want something satisfying without feeling weighed down.

4. Popcorn

You heard that right—popcorn isn’t just for movie nights! Given that you aren’t drowning it in butter and salt, this airy snack is actually a great source of fiber and zinc. And the best part—there are endless flavour options. Sprinkle on a dash of cinnamon for a sweet twist, or a pinch of sea salt for a savoury kick—or keep it plain and enjoy its classic crunchy goodness!

3. Chia seeds

You’ve heard of sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and this isn’t to say those aren’t great choices, too—but chia seeds tend to go unrecognised despite their value. Not only are they high in protein and fiber, and antioxidants, and vitamins, and minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids, and… you get the point. They’re like neatly packed containers of health benefits. Better yet, they’re ridiculously easy to incorporate into just about anything. Stir them into your Greek yoghurt for a subtle crunch, sprinkle them over salads for extra texture, or mix them into your cake batter for a hidden punch of nutrition. They even plump up into a pudding-like consistency when soaked—because why not turn your healthy snack into a delicious dessert?

2. Zucchini chips

Hopefully the previous options have sparked your creativity, but if you were hoping to have a recipe handed to you, you’re in luck! Zucchini chips are infinitely healthier than your average bag of potato whips while being just as flavourful. Don’t let the slight prep work scare you off—these fiber and vitamin-packed bites are so worth it. Season them to your heart’s content, and voila! Whether you like your chips savoury, sweet, or spicy, these are the perfect guilt-free way to satisfy your snack cravings.

1. Nutty superfood breakfast bites

Filled with nuts, seeds, and berries, these bite-sized treasures are the ultimate embodiment of healthy snacking. They’re filled with endless flavour—elements of salty, sweet, earthiness, a slight bitterness, all with a beautiful crunch that gives way to melt-in-your-mouth goodness. But what makes them truly special? They’re a mash-up of everything we’ve talked about! Greek yoghurt? It’s the perfect binder, holding the mixture together while adding creaminess. Whole grain crackers? You can easily add in their core elements, whether it be oats or whole wheat. Chia seeds? A lot of recipes already include them! And of course, fruit—dried, fresh, or blended right in, they bring a natural sweetness to the mix, and you can easily make any type work with these. These breakfast bites truly are a celebration of everything great about healthy eating.

Hopefully these healthy snack ideas have sparked some inspiration, because eating well should never feel like a chore. With options this delicious, you might just forget they’re actually good for you! But as with all things, balance is key, and you should still be mindful of how much of these addicting treats you’re eating. With that in mind—enjoy, experiment, and most importantly, have fun. Happy healthy snacking!

7 Snacks to Make Healthy Eating Fun