Hey there, fellow millennials! When it comes to prioritizing our health, this year is all about personalization. We're no longer following one specific health path or diet trend; instead, we're making choices that align with our individual preferences, according to the experts at Datassential, a market research firm.
While our health journeys may be unique, there are a few snack types that are gaining popularity. Let's dive into the snacks that are getting all the likes.
Plant-based Goodness
Plant-based options continue to dominate the food scene, with plant-based menu items increasing by a whopping 60%, as reported by Datassential.
And guess what? There are now even more plant-based snacking options available!
If you're a fan of road trip snacking and crave the texture of jerky, you have to try Noble Jerky Vegan Jerky. It's a plant-based, meat-free alternative that captures the classic meaty texture and iconic marinades like teriyaki, hickory, and sweet barbecue. Trust me, it's a protein-packed snack worth trying.
Cheesy snacks are a weakness for many of us, but fear not! Hippeas Vegan White Cheddar Chickpea Puffs are here to satisfy your cheesy cravings. Made from organic chickpeas, these crispy and crunchy puffs deliver that perfect "cheesy" flavor while fitting seamlessly into today's plant-based lifestyles.
For those seeking an extra crunch, Love Corn Cheezy is the way to go. These crunchy corn pieces are sprinkled with vegan cheese flavoring and made with simple ingredients. And here's a bonus—they're gluten-free too!
But if you're after the ultimate cheesy crunch, Parm Crisps Plant-Based Sea Salt Crisps are a must-try. Known for their extra crunchy cheese crisps made with real cheese, Parm Crisps now offers a non-dairy alternative with their plant-based version. Even without the dairy, these crisps deliver an intense crunch and a cheesy flavor that's perfect as a standalone snack, paired with cheese, or even as a salad topper.
Low Sugar Delights
The low sugar movement is also gaining momentum in the snacking world, according to Supermarket News. But don't worry, you can still enjoy indulgent flavors!
If you're nostalgic for childhood chewy candy classics, look no further than Project 7. From gummy bears to sour gummy worms and red licorice, each chewy delight from Project 7 contains 3g of sugar or less.
Gut health is another important focus this year, and fiber plays a big role. Many low sugar or no sugar snacks also offer a good dose of fiber. Take Jols Sugar Free Fruit Pastilles, for example. These fancy hard candies are bursting with fruit flavor, yet they are sugar-free, fat-free, and high in fiber. Your gut and taste buds will thank you!
If you're in the mood for something chewy, Peeled Snacks has got you covered. Their dried fruits, like mango and apple, are made with organic fruit and nothing else, ensuring that just-picked taste. Plus, the convenient pouches make it easy to take Peeled Snacks on the go.
For a crispy snacking experience, turn to Crispy Fruit from Crispy Green. These freeze-dried fruit slices retain all the sweet flavor while offering a satisfying crunch, all without any added sugar. Crispy Fruit comes in classic flavors like apple and tangerine, as well as tropical options like mango, pineapple, and banana.
Paleo & Keto Powerhouses
When it comes to full-on food lifestyles, Paleo and Keto are still ruling the roost, as reported by Food Navigator. Both emphasize low carbs, low sugar, and protein-rich foods, with a preference for simple ingredients.
Luckily, Paleo and Keto offer a wide range of snacking options to suit your preferences.
If you're into savory snacks, check out Lesser Evil Fiery Hot Paleo Puffs. These crispy, baked grain-free puffs combine with a fiery blend of spices to deliver some serious heat.
Snack bars are a staple for those pursuing better-for-you options. Thunderbird Snack Bars not only provide a satisfying snack but also offer Paleo-friendly recipes to fuel your day. Their Chocolate Almond Butter Sea Salt bar, made with simple ingredients like dates, almonds, cacao, and cashews, packs a plant-based Paleo punch. And if you're looking for an extra kick, try their Hazelnut Coffee Maca bar, featuring dates, hazelnuts, cacao, maca, and coffee beans.
For those who need to steer clear of nuts, Ozery Super Seed Crunch Keto Snacks are here to save the day. These clusters of pumpkin, sunflower, and flax seeds, available in flavors like Chocolate, Sweet & Salty, or Mixed Berries, offer a super crunch while being high in fiber and low in sugar.
Sometimes, only a cookie will do. That's where Birch Benders Keto Cookies come in. With classic flavors like Double Chocolate Chip and Vanilla Shortbread, these cookies deliver that nostalgic, grandma's-baked-goodness taste. And the best part? They're only 3g net carbs or fewer and contain no added sugar.
Gluten-Free Goodies
As wellness takes center stage in 2023, the demand for gluten-free options continues to grow, according to Food Business News. But don't worry, we've got you covered with some standout choices.
When it comes to gluten-free, it's best to start with the OG of gluten-free brands—Schar. Founded in 1922 in Austria by Dr. Schar to meet the nutritional needs of people, Schar knows how to create expertly crafted gluten-free baked goods using premium ingredients.
If you're craving something salty, give Schar's Entertainment Crackers a try. They're perfect for snacking or as a tasty addition to your charcuterie platter. And for those with a sweet tooth, Schar offers Chocolate Thins—a crisp, gluten-free cookie coated in premium European chocolate.
And of course, leading cookie brand Tate's has made sure their gluten-free fans aren't left out. They offer a gluten-free version of their classic Chocolate Chip cookies, as well as bold flavors like Ginger Zinger and exotic Coconut Crisp. Each Tate's Gluten-Free Cookie delivers that signature crisp crunch and buttery flavor the brand is known for.
Even pretzels have joined the gluten-free fun, thanks to Gratify. Their gluten-free pretzels taste just as flavorful and crunchy as their gluten-filled counterparts. From twists to sticks and waffle-like "party" shapes, Gratify offers all the classic pretzel shapes. And if you're looking for an extra crunch, try their pretzel thins in fun flavors like Everything and Sesame.
This year, the better-for-you snacking landscape is all about YOU—your unique lifestyle and preferences. Whether you're leaning towards plant-based, low sugar, Paleo, Keto, or gluten-free, there's a delightful snack out there that will perfectly complement your journey. So, go ahead and explore the wide array of options available to find your snacking partner along the way.
