Seven Snack Ideas to Keep You Satisfied All Week

The best snacks aren't always found in the snack aisle.

Looking for healthy snacks that aren’t typically found in the snack food aisle? Here are some of SupermarketGuru’s favorite options for the entire family, from gluten-free, to some nut-free and dairy-free options – everyone will be happy.

Fresh fruit is so easy to buy and to have around the house. Just peel a banana and enjoy! Munch an apple or sink your teeth into a juicy pear or peach. There's always something from the fruit world in season whether it's stone fruit or berries in the summer or apples and oranges year round. Frozen berries and other fruits taste great defrosted and mixed in with a scoop of ricotta cheese, cottage cheese or plain yogurt. When in season, papayas, mangoes, melons, and kiwis are wonderful snacks. Make sure to shop for what’s in season, it’s more delicious, nutritious and your body will thank you.

Peanut, almond, sunflower and other nut butters aren’t just for sandwiches. Slather sliced apples, fill celery stalks, or add it to delicious whole grain crackers. Nut butters are excellent sources of protein, healthy fats, minerals, and vitamins.

Cut up stalks of celery, buy some baby peeled carrots, or slice some colorful bell peppers (red, yellow, green or purple). Lightly blanched cauliflower or broccoli florets are also delicious for snacking. All are delicious on their own; no dips necessary, but guacamole is a great filling and healthy choice.

Try cottage cheese sprinkled with your favorite seasonings like chili pepper, pepper, or Italian spices, or serve with a circle of pineapple, chopped pears, apples, or a small handful of green or red grapes.

Other good dairy choices are four ounces of plain yogurt, one to two ounces of cheddar cheese with apples, whole grain crackers or a thick slice of mozzarella with a slice of fresh tomato either with a sprinkle of balsamic vinegar and olive or with a few leaves of fresh basil. 

Use your blender! Use it for blending leftover veggies or use fresh ones with water or add a little vegetable or chicken stock, blend, heat and serve as a pureed soup or hot drink.

Small quantities of raisins or currants, nuts (pistachios, cashews, almonds, walnuts) or a homemade trail mix of raisins and nuts and seeds like pumpkin seeds are delicious, filling and nutrient dense.