Whether you’ve got a house full of growing kids or are working 9 to 5 in close proximity to your pantry, the coronavirus pandemic has had one rather unexpected side effect: snack attacks.
For the record, it’s one hundred percent okay to be a little snackier than usual right now. These are strange times! That said, you’re not doomed to diving face-first into that family-sized bag of kettle chips.
Luckily, there are tons of smart snacking options out there today that pack some nutritional benefits. Whether you’re hankering for something sweet, salty, or bakery-worthy, these better-for-you treats will satisfy you and the rest of the family.
1. When You Want A Brownie….Eat Me Guilt Free Brownies
Satiate your baked goods cravings with these brownies. Just one packs 22 grams of protein, just 10 grams of carbs, and comes in at under 200 calories.
Flavors: Chocolate Brownie, Birthday Cake, Chocolate Peanut Butter Bliss, Galaxy
2. When You Want A Granola Bar…Quest Snack Bars
Consider these your new everyday snack! Made with nuts and dried fruit, these Quest bars contain 10 grams of protein but no added sugar.
Flavors: Chocolate Mixed Nuts, Cranberry Trail Mix, Peanut Chocolate Crunch, Sea Salt Caramel Almond
3. When You Want Carrot Cake or Banana Bread…One Plant Bars
Want to nosh on something delish, gluten-free, and completely vegan? These ONE bars offer 12 grams of plant-based protein for just one gram of sugar. They’re made with ingredients you can pronounce and have a chewy texture without any grittiness.
Flavors: Carrot Cake, Churro, Banana Bread, and Chocolate Peanut Butter.
4. When You Want Cookies…Outright Mint Cookies & Cream Bar
These nut-butter based, artificial sweetener-free, and fiber-free bars are out-of-this-world delicious. We’re partial to the Mint Cookies & Cream flavor (which can only be found at The Vitamin Shoppe), but with 13 options to try, you can’t go wrong.
Flavors: Cookies & Cream Peanut Butter, Butterscotch Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter, Oatmeal Raisin Almond Butter, S’mores Peanut Better, Vegan Banana Walnut Peanut Butter, White Chocolate Cranberry Peanut Butter, Vegan Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter, Toffee Peanut Butter, Oatmeal Raisin Peanut Butter, Mint Cookies & Cream Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Almond Butter, Banana Walnut Peanut Butter
5. When You Want Pie…Finaflex Oatmeal Protein Pies
Snag a protein pick-me-up that feels like a childhood favorite with Finaflex’s protein pies. Their all-natural, creamy filling is sandwiched between two soft, chewy oatmeal cookies—and every pie contains 14 grams of the tastiest protein ever.
Flavors: Original, Awesome Apple Pie, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Krazy Key Lime Pie
6. When You Want Candy…MusclePharm Protein Candies
Calling all chocoholics! These protein candies (which provide 10 grams of protein per bag) crush every sweets craving without the energy spike and crash you usually get from the candy jar.
Flavors: Chocolate Peanut, Milk Chocolate
7. When You Want Something Savory…Wicked Cutz Beef Sticks
This one’s for you, savory snackers. Wicked Cutz’s beef sticks are made without any artificial ingredients and pack up to 16 grams of protein per tasty serving.
Flavors: Original Peppered, Smoked Mesquite, Teriyaki, Volcanic Jalapeno
8. When You Want Chocolate…Lily’s Chocolate-Covered Treats
Candy lovers will literally obsess over Lily’s super-low-sugar treats. They’re all sweetened with stevia, which means less sugar and more guilt-free snacking for you.
Varieties: Dark Chocolate-Covered Caramels, Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, Milk Chocolate-Covered Peanuts, Milk Chocolate-Covered Caramel Popcorn