The Most Interesting Healthy Snacks on the Market

Kale chips are great, but we’re charting the rise of some more interesting healthy snacks on the market, from mushroom jerky to waterlily pops and sprouted watermelon seeds.

Who doesn’t love snacking? It’s definitely not just for kids. On-the-go adults need sustenance that will keep us satiated and fueled (and sometimes just give us a little break from the daily grind). And kids do still need the same. Luckily for us all, historically popular snack options like greasy, fried potato chips and artificial-cheese-laden concoctions now have some healthy competition.

Literally—today’s snack market is full of healthier options and dietary restriction-friendly choices, often made of interesting ingredients, like vegetables, healthy grains, beans, and even lean meats. They come in a variety of forms, textures, and flavors. So we’ve rounded up some of our favorite healthy and interesting snacks that will keep you full without the guilt.

Portabella Mushroom Jerky by SHROOMS, $6.99 on Amazon

Amazon

Mushrooms are full of healing properties, high in antioxidants, and chock-full of vitamins and minerals; studies suggest they can help fight cancer, boost weight loss, and increase heart health. If you love this superfood, you’re in luck as you can now have mushroom snacks on the go. This Portabella Mushroom Jerky is mellow but salty and full of umami, a great fix for vegetarians craving savory jerky. Flavors include Roasted Teriyaki and Honey Chipotle. Opinions are mixed, but it’s definitely worth a try. And if mushroom jerky isn’t your thing, SHROOMS makes chip-like mushroom crisps and mushroom-based snack bars with chocolate too.Buy Now

Butternut Squash Pretzel Sticks by From the Ground Up, 6 bags for $19.99 on Amazon

butternut squash pretzels

Amazon

While pretzels often seem like a healthy snack, they can leave you feeling fatigued and bloated due to gluten and excess sodium. But thanks to a new product on the market, you can have your pretzels AND your vegetables: these gluten-free pretzels are made with cassava and butternut squash as well as cauliflower, spinach, broccoli, and turmeric. With 40 pretzel sticks as one serving, you will feel satisfied and virtuous munching on these healthy vegan snacksBuy Now

Veggie Crisps by Off the Eaten Path, $2.98 on Amazon

Amazon

If you like rice and beans and vegetables, then you will love this snack. These veggie crisps are composed of real vegetables like green and yellow peas, and rice with black beans. Boasting only six ingredients, with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, these crispy snacks have 3 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein, which will help keep you full and satisfied. They taste great as is or dipped in hummus.Buy Now

Sprouted Watermelon Seeds by Go Raw, $8.26 on Amazon

Amazon

Watermelon seeds no longer need to be spit out! Did you know that watermelon seeds are actually packed full of minerals and antioxidants? These sprouted seeds are simply sprinkled with sea salt, are organic, and have 11 grams of plant-based protein. They’ll delight vegan, paleo, and gluten-free eaters. They also make a nice addition sprinkled over salads or added to homemade trail mix. Buy Now

Water Lily Pops by Taali, 4 bags for $18.04 on Amazon

Amazon

Water lilies may remind you of an Impressionistic Monet painting, but water lilies are actually edible too. Hailing from India, water lily seeds have been a part of Ayurvedic practices and used in Asian medicine for centuries. These puffy snacks are made from the water lily seed, which is dried, popped, roasted, and seasoned with toppings such as Tangy Turmeric, Tikka Masala, and Sriracha Spice. These snacks have less fat and fewer calories than popcorn, boast 6 grams of protein, and are vegan, and non-GMO.  Buy Now

Mixed Berry and Apple Cinnamon Yogurt Crisps by IMAG!NE, 4 bag assortment for $10.47 on Amazon

Amazon

Eat your yogurt on the go without a refrigerator with these yummy yogurt crisps. Made with real yogurt and fruit without any artificial flavors or colors, this sweet, cracker-like snack has 8 grams of whole grains, 4 grams of protein, and a healthy dose of bone-strengthening calcium. Great for adults and kids alike! Buy Now

FLEX Protein Crisps by PopCorners, 12 bags for $32.22 on Amazon

Amazon

With a whopping 10 grams of plant-based protein, only 90 calories per serving, and 4 grams of fiber, these crisps meet a health-conscious person’s mark. They are gluten-free and vegan, and come in Barbecue and Buffalo flavors. These crisps are are made from non-GMO corn and are delicious straight from the bag or used as a vessel for your favorite creamy dipBuy Now

Egg White Curls by Lesser Evil, 9 bags for $29.99 from Lesser Evil

Lesser Evil

If you’re a fan of the “incredible edible egg,” then you may love these grain-free egg white curls. With this addictive, crunchy snack, there is no more need to keep messy hard-boiled eggs with you for a protein fix while you’re out and about. These curls are made of cassava flour, healthy avocado oil, and American Humane-certified egg whites, and are simply flavored with Himalayan pink sea salt. They are paleo and gluten-free, and have 6 grams of protein to keep you fueled. Buy Now

Chicken Chips by Wilde, 4 bags for $24.99 on Amazon

Amazon

For those carnivores out there, meet your new favorite savory snack where chicken meets chip. Skip the nightshade potatoes and swap in real, all-natural chicken. While these chips are fried in coconut oil, they have 7 grams of filling protein, and are completely grain-free. Flavors include Nashville Hot and Chicken and WafflesBuy Now

Venison Sea Salt Pepper Bar by EPIC, 12 pack for $23.28 on Amazon

Epic venison bars meat snack

Amazon

Continuing on the carnivore path, meat-eaters may enjoy a salty and peppery venison bar as a change of pace from jerky. The meat is 100 percent grass-fed and free-range. Each bar has 3 grams of fat, 12 grams of protein, and only 2 grams of carbohydrates. Other flavors include Wild Boar Bacon Bar and Lamb Currant Mint Bar (fancy!). Buy Now

Yogurt & Hummus with Pretzels Snack Pack by Stonyfield Organic, available at some local Whole Foods

Stonyfield Organics yogurt hummus snack packs

Stonyfield Organics

If you love hummus and yogurt, then you may like the combination of the two together; they form a healthy, creamy dipping sauce, perfect for salty pretzels. This low-fat, organic snack pack has 5 live active yogurt cultures, which helps promote healthy gut bacteria. Flavors include Roasted Red Pepper and Garlic (as well as a plain flavor that comes with multigrain tortilla chips). Great for on-the-go travel snacking for kids and adults alike! Keep an eye out for this snack option at your local Whole Foods, or failing that, mix up your own and pack it for lunch.Buy Now