40 Easy Healthy Vegan Plant-Based Snacks
If you are wondering what you can snack on that is both vegan and healthy, we’ve got you covered with everything from fat-free potato chips to high-protein roasted chickpeas. Every kind of eater will love these healthy vegan snacks.
When you are trying to eat healthy, and hunger strikes mid-morning or mid-day, it is easy to be tempted by high-fat processed foods that can derail your best efforts. But, it doesn’t have to be that way.
Making healthy choices for snacking on a plant-based diet doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. Instead of reaching for store-bought junk food, opt for something delicious and healthy like our crispy oil-free roasted chickpeas, a few apple slices with this simple date caramel sauce, or any of these other plant-based snack options.
What healthy snacks are vegan?
Many of you may be new to a plant-based diet and wondering what in the world you can snack on that is vegan and healthy. Fear not; we’ve got you covered!
Sure, high-fat overly processed vegan snacks abound on the shelves of grocery stores, but they certainly don’t make for optimal nutritional value. When it comes to snack time, finding something low-fat and healthy to eat is key to helping to stay on target and not make poor choices.
Instead, try crunchy roasted chickpeas, fresh veggie sticks with my oil-free roasted red pepper hummus, air-popped popcorn with low-fat seasonings, or energy-packed trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit! These options are nutritious, satisfying, and easy to grab on the go. Whether you’re in the mood for sweet, savory, or just plain crunchy, there are plenty of recipes to choose from in this list.
Snacking tips & suggestions
- Think healthy– Choose whole food as often as possible. Veggies and fruit make the most nutritious and delicious snacks.
- Nuts– When selecting nuts to snack on, opt for the raw unsalted versions rather than the varieties with added oil and salt.
- Portion size- Remember that you are trying to ward off hunger and not make a meal of a snack because calories add up fast.
- Plan ahead– When you are hungry is not the best time to decide what to eat. Have snacks already prepared and portioned out as part of your daily meal prep.
- Pack snacks- If you’ve ever been running errands and become “hangry” (hungry and angry) you know how easy it is to just eat anything you can get your hands on. Carrying convenient, ready-to-eat snacks in your bag can help you stay committed to your health objectives when unexpected situations occur. Include non-perishable options such as trail mix, whole-grain crackers, nutritious granola bars, or fresh whole fruits.
Sweet snacks
If it is a sweet-tooth that gets you every time, never fear because there are lots of healthier sweet vegan snacks that can help fill that need.
Some of my favorites are stuffed dates or apple slices dipped in a homemade vegan caramel sauce made with dates. You might even try simple fruit skewers and a little tangy lime fruit sauce.
Savory snacks
I love savory salty snacks that include vegan options such as oil-free potato chips made in minutes in your microwave or healthy air-popped popcorn topped with vegan seasonings.
Other savory ideas that come to mind are crunchy roasted chickpeas or homemade tortilla chips with dip. There are just so many different options to try!
High-protein snacks
If it is protein you are searching for to fuel a workout or take out on the trails for a boost of energy, try something like our almond butter energy balls or these gluten-free granola bars. Other great options include nuts and trail mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, homemade vegan snacks are generally healthier because you can control the ingredients and avoid added sugars, preservatives, and artificial flavors, making them a more wholesome option.
To make protein-rich vegan snacks, try recipes that use nuts, seeds, chickpeas, or beans. For example, roasted oil-free chickpeas, almond butter energy bites, or tofu skewers are great options for a protein boost.
Great make-ahead vegan snacks include tofu chocolate pudding, homemade granola energy bars, and pre-cut veggie sticks with oil-free hummus. These snacks can be prepped in advance for easy grab-and-go options throughout the week.
Healthy Vegan Plant-Based Snacks
Healthy snacking does not have to be difficult. Most of the recipes in this list can be made in 30 minutes or less!
This vegan cheese ball is so delicious that no one will even realize that it’s dairy-free. It is perfect for parties, family get-togethers, the holidays, and game nights. You don’t even need a special occasion to enjoy this amazing vegan appetizer; simply eat it as a snack anytime!
This dairy-free microwave vanilla mug cake is the ultimate single-serve treat—quick, fluffy, and perfectly sweet! With just a few simple ingredients, you can satisfy your dessert cravings in about 5 minutes.
This vegan spinach artichoke dip is sure to be a hit at any pot-luck or game night! The recipe is so versatile, it can be made with white beans or cashews.
These bite-sized colorful sandwich pinwheels make terrific little appetizers or a quick tasty lunch, and they are very kid-friendly!
Yes, I’m serious! This simple Nice Cream recipe calls for only 3 ingredients and a blender to make. Not to mention, it has all the flavor of traditional ice cream but none of the fat.
Sometimes you just need a little something sweet that doesn’t require a lot of effort. Whether you’re making a snack for yourself or a crowd, these easy Stuffed Dates are the perfect healthy dessert or snack.
This simple recipe for Granola Bars happens to be gluten-free, vegan, oil-free, and dairy-free which makes them a super healthy option for breakfast or a snack.
This blender salsa recipe is so good because it combines fresh, vibrant ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and cilantro into a smooth, flavorful dip in just 15 minutes. The quick blending process retains all the natural freshness and zest, making it a perfect, homemade alternative to store-bought salsas.
Chocolate balls are simple, no-bake chocolatey truffles that are easy to make and loved by adults and kids alike. Whether you need a chocolate fix or a quick dessert to serve, these will be a big hit!
These quick and easy Air Fryer Chickpeas are absolutely delicious and completely oil-free. Choose from this tasty assortment of flavors!
Energy Balls are easy, no-bake snacks that can be assembled in mere minutes. They are packed with wholesome ingredients and serve as convenient options for on-the-go breakfasts and snacks.
Making Vegan Cashew Queso has never been easier than with this delicious 4 ingredient recipe that takes less than 5 minutes to make in your blender or food processor.
This oil-free hummus with roasted red pepper requires only a handful of ingredients and a few minutes to make. If you have 10 minutes and a blender or food processor, you've got a delicious healthy snack.
10-minutes is all it takes to make this 4-ingredient Vegan Caramel Sauce that is delicious on desserts, ice cream, apple slices, and anything else you might think of!
This vegan chocolate mousse can be made in less than 15 minutes flat, with only 4 ingredients that you're likely to already have on-hand. And it's so unbelievably creamy and sweet!
This low-fat Italian Vegan Hummus is delicious on sandwiches, in wraps, or served with fresh vegetables and pita bread. It's completely oil and tahini-free, so the calories and fat per serving are very low.
This Vegan Charcuterie Board will be a huge hit at your next party or gathering of friends and family. It’s perfect for entertaining during the holidays or even game night!
Potato chips CAN be healthy! We eat delicious, oil-free chips on our healthy diet all the time, and it only takes about 7-8 minutes in the microwave!
This Vegan Cheese Recipe has been a long time coming. Though I have a number of great dairy-free cheese recipes already, all of them have been sauces. That’s where this one is different. It’s actually sliceable for serving on crackers, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards.
This French Onion Vegan Dip is not only dairy-free but also low-fat and delicious. Caramelized onions are what give this dip the sweetest flavor. Great with chips, crusty bread, or crispy veggies.
Healthy, homemade, oil-free, Air Fryer French Fries are simple to make and absolutely delicious!
S’mores are a treat that you can enjoy anytime and anywhere, even indoors. No campfire is needed for these delicious chocolatey, gooey indoor s’mores, and they can be ready in only 5-minutes.
This Vegan Yogurt recipe is creamy and delicious and can be ready in only 5 minutes. It is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or simply dolloping on desserts or waffles.
With only bananas and some frozen fruit, you can make this sugar-free vegan nice cream in a matter of minutes in a blender.
Fudgy, super simple, and ready in minutes, this vegan chocolate mug cake is one of the easiest desserts you’ll find.
Making homemade baked tortilla chips is super easy and anyone can do it. Since they are baked and not fried, they are a much healthier option than regular chips, and they’ve got all the taste!
These colorful fruit skewers are made with fresh fruit and lime sauce and are perfect for a healthy dessert or an impressive party appetizer.
Three ingredients and a blender are all you need to make this refreshing mango ice cream recipe. The simplicity of homemade nice cream makes it an excellent option for a healthy treat you can feel good about serving.
Smoothie Bowls are SO easy to make in only about 5-minutes! They are versatile and can be made with many different combinations of ingredients and toppings.
These Frozen Fruit Desserts are low in fat and high in fiber. Fruit is also full of water which helps to keep you hydrated and feeling full.
This Vegan Nacho Cheese is incredible as a dip for baked chips as well as on fries, baked potatoes, and pizza. For healthy burritos and quesadillas, it can't be beaten! Make it with cashews or white beans.
Healthy banana nice cream is SO quick and easy to make! It’s a deliciously wholesome dessert that everyone will enjoy because it’s vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and even sugar-free.
Need a quick, sweet snack without all oil, fat, and sugar? Here ya' go! 0.4 grams of fat and 1.3 grams of protein. You're welcome!
No kidding! This healthy chocolate hummus is so easy to make. If you've got 5-minutes and a blender, you've got a delicious easy dessert.
This beautifully vibrant green edamame hummus recipe is bursting with flavor! It makes a delicious dip for veggies or even a spread for sandwiches and wraps.
This easy, oil-free, vegan hummus takes only about 10-minutes to make and requires absolutely no cooking. It also happens to be gluten-free.
This vegan spinach dip recipe can be made in minutes and used as a dip with fresh vegetables or served on crusty bread or crackers.
This bean dip is one of the easiest recipes you will ever make with only 3-4 ingredients and prep time of 15 minutes flat! Recipe is from The Cancer Survivor's Guide by Dr. Neal Barnard of Physicians Committee.
Chocolate dipped strawberries are such an easy treat to make with only 2-ingredients required. Whether for an edible gift or as a special dessert at home, these chocolate strawberries make a beautiful and tasty display.
Air popping is one of the healthiest ways to prepare popcorn because it does not involve oil, which adds to the fat and calorie content. It can be made on the stove top, in an air popper or in the microwave.
I hope you’ve enjoyed scrolling through this list of healthy vegan snack options and found plenty of new ideas to try! These recipes are delicious, nutritious, and perfect for any time of day.
About Terri Edwards
Hi guys! I am the content creator behind EatPlant-Based and a licensed Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. I am passionate about sharing healthy recipes and tips to empower others to get healthy. I’m so glad you’re here! Read More…
These recipes look great I can’t wait to try them.