Whether for family or the office, at home or a party, sweet and savory vegan snacks are packed with flavor and nutrients, high in protein, and low in calories. Each of the vegan snacks below is easy enough to make for one or two servings to enjoy throughout the week, or to make a big batch for a get-together. Read on for your new vegan snacktime essentials.
- Healthy Strawberry Oat Squares with Homemade Jam
Let’s start with vegan dessert. In this dish, oats, flour, chia, and strawberries come together in a beautiful combination of chewiness and sweet tanginess (not to mention protein, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals). Feel free to substitute your preferred milk for almond milk, or agave for maple syrup. You can also swap the strawberries with any other jam or berry such as blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries—and there’s no chopping required. These squares are also a great snack idea for entertaining. They yield 12 to 16 squares, but you can easily double or triple the recipe, or slice them smaller for bite-size nibbles. - Black Bean Lime Dip
This low-calorie snack is high in protein and full of flavor. In just 10 minutes—and no food processor necessary—you can have a tasty, filling dip on the table for vegan snacking. With garlic, ginger, and lime, this spicy, tangy, creamy dip is a hit for parties. - Quinoa Brittle
The naturally nutty flavor and gentle chew of quinoa pairs beautifully with nuts, oats, and maple syrup. Yet instead of a quinoa pilaf or bowl, this thin, sweet-savory brittle has crunch and snap. Feel free to bump up the salt content for a flavor closer to salted caramel. Since the quinoa and oats are plant sources packed with protein, serve this brittle in larger pieces for an afternoon snack, or crush it into smaller bites and add it to your favorite trail or party mix. - Homemade Protein Bars
Need vegan protein snack ideas to counter this post-workout or late-afternoon-at-the-office snack cravings, but don’t want to rely on processed, store-bought versions? Enter the homemade protein bar. They’re often chewy (so they won’t make a mess on your desk) and dense enough to be satisfying and filling. With a mix of hemp and chia seeds, almond butter, chocolate protein powder, coconut oil, and dried fruits, this particular recipe features plenty of protein, fiber, minerals, and heart-healthy fats.
Even better, you can customize these bars depending on the occasion, what you have on hand, and what sounds good that day. Nine variations include Apple Pie, Blueberry & Dark Chocolate, Lemon Meringue Bar, and Coconut Cream Pie. - Avodilla
Avocado plus quesadilla minus cheese equals the avodilla. The heart-healthy fats in avocado help make this fruit, smooth and creamy, so you won’t miss the cheese. Once the avocado is warmed on gently sautéed flatbread, the avodilla is a textural symphony of satisfying crunch and creamy goodness. If a cheese-less quesadilla won’t do, you can go ahead and add your favorite shredded vegan cheese. You can substitute lavash with any other flatbread too, such as naan, pita, or tortilla. - Roasted Chickpeas
With crunch and savory flavor from the oven, roasted chickpeas are great as-is—but you can also try out different flavor combinations. Dressed up in your choice of sweet, spicy, savory, and/or tangy seasonings, there is no wrong way to flavor this snack. Bag roasted chickpeas for on-the-go snacking, sprinkle some on a salad or soup, or serve them at your next party. Don’t be surprised if your kids love them too! - Very Berry Chia Pudding
We started with a dessert, so let’s end with one too! This recipe is all about ease and versatility. Vary the berries by what’s in season or what you have in the fridge or freezer, and use whatever milk you prefer—though the coconut milk’s rich texture is a great match for tangy berries. If you’re not a fan of vanilla, or are looking for a different flavor, substitute almond or orange extract. Mix the ingredients together in the morning, and this pudding will be ready to enjoy after dinner.
Conclusion
Vegan snacks don’t have to be boring. Let snack time shine by playing to the strengths of grains, seeds, produce, and plant-based seasonings, fats, and sweeteners. Turn to these healthy vegan snacks for a balance of flavor and nutrition.
