The 2021 Good Housekeeping Healthy Snack Awards
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Mike Garten
The overabundance of new snacks and health claims throughout the grocery store can feel overwhelming. That’s why the Good Housekeeping Nutrition Lab pored over the nutrition facts, ingredient lists and flavor profiles of hundreds of snacks, including drinks, bars, crackers and more. Then, we enlisted dozens of taste testers to help choose the winners (tough job!). The result? Our 44 top picks that excel in nutrition and taste.
HOW WE TESTED
Our choices focus on innovative, tasty snacks in the food space that meet the following criteria:
- Made with real and recognizable ingredients that you can say and pronounce
- Prioritize fiber-filled and protein-rich sources
- Free from trans fat and partially hydrogenated oils
- 300 calories or less per serving
- 10 g of added sugar or less per serving
- 350 mg sodium or less per serving
MEET THE EXPERTS
Stefani Sassos
M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Alyssa Jung
Senior Health Editor
Laurie Jennings
GH Institute Director
Fabulous Fruit Finds
Probiotic-Rich Dried Apricots
Probiotic Apricots
amazon.com
$10.60
Turkish apricots get an upgrade with the addition of 10 billion live cultures, clinically shown to improve digestive well-being and restore the balance of healthy gut bacteria.
LAB RESULTS: The added probiotics don’t affect the flavor or plumpness of the dried fruit. Also, a six-piece serving is a good source of potassium as well as vitamins A and E.
Crave-able Fruit Chips
Baked Crunchy Medley, Apple Chips & Strawberry Chips
Made with real apples and strawberries and free of added sugars, the chips in this delicious medley are baked to crunchy perfection.
LAB RESULTS: The generous whole-bag serving size and the simple two-item ingredient list earned top marks among experts and testers.
Out-Of-This-World Apples
Cosmic Crisp Apples
Cosmic Crisp
Instacart
A cross between Honeycrisp and Enterprise, these are juicy and firm and a perfect combination of tart and sweet. They’re remarkably delicious and naturally slow to brown, making them ideal for snacking.
LAB RESULTS: Each apple has 100 calories and packs antioxidants and 6 g of fiber. GH consumer testers gave them top marks for a crisp bite and a refreshing taste.
Delicious Fruit Gummies
Organic Whole Fruit Gummies
These bite-size organic whole-fruit chews are made with fruit and vitamin C — that’s it!
LAB RESULTS: Our experts like that each pouch contains a full serving of fruit with just 60 to 70 calories and no added sugar. One tester said, “They’re so flavorful, and I was very surprised that they only have two or three ingredients.”
Summertime Superfruit
Sweet Northwest Cherries
Northwest Cherry Growers
Known for their dark red skin and juicy flavor, fresh sweet cherries are the perfect treat to satisfy a sweet craving without too much of a sugar spike.
LAB RESULTS: GH’s in-house dietitian praises the antioxidant power of this fruit and highlights its abilities to help guard against chronic diseases.
Fab Freeze-Dried Fruit Slices
Organic Freeze-Dried Fruit
amazon.com
$25.99
A unique drying method removes 98% of the fruits’ water without the need for additives or preservatives, resulting in an extremely light, packable snack made solely of organic fruit.
LAB RESULTS: GH experts applaud the single-ingredient snack. At-home testers loved the convenience of keeping a pouch in a purse or gym bag without worrying about spoilage.
Plant-Packed Powerhouses
Brilliant Beets
Marinated Beets
Cooked, ready-to-eat beets are marinated in simple ingredients for fantastic snacking right out of the pack.
LAB RESULTS: Beets are among the most nutritious foods on the planet; their rich pigment comes from betalains that function as antioxidants.
Vegan “Egg” Bites
Sous Vide Bites, Inspired By Mexico
instacart.com
$1.00
Made from a plant-based protein that behaves just like egg, these sous vide bites combine black beans, corn, chipotle chile powder and roasted poblanos.
LAB RESULTS: Two bites have 9 g of plant-based protein and no cholesterol, and they are a good source of fiber.
Perfect Pickles
Hot Classic Dill Pickle Spears
amazon.com
$7.00
A cold quick-pickling process results in crisp, crunchy pickles with jalapeños and habaneros for heat.
LAB RESULTS: Free of artificial color and preservatives, these pickles also are a standout for never being heat-treated or pasteurized.
Superb Savory Sensations
Rockin’ Ranch Chickpea Chips
Rockin’ Ranch Tortilla Chips
Hippeas
amazon.com
These gluten-free organic chips are bursting with irresistible ranch flavor. Chickpeas are the first ingredient, and there are 3 g of both protein and fiber in each serving.
LAB RESULTS: This better-for-you tortilla chip alternative is USDA Certified Organic. Testers raved that they were “full of flavor” and “super satisfying.”
Best Vegan “Butter” Popcorn
Himalayan Gold Organic Popcorn
amazon.com
$24.79
A plant-based butter alternative made with coconut oil provides rich buttery flavor but is completely vegan. This organic pick packs 5 g of fiber per serving with only 15 g of carbs.
LAB RESULTS: Our dietitian loves the minimal ingredients and the generous serving size, and the butter-like flavor was a hit among testers.
Vibrant Veggie Crisps
Chickpea Veggie Crisps
amazon.com
$18.99
This crunchy, delicious snack is made with real veggies, with ingredients such as chickpeas, green peas, black beans and purple sweet potato.
LAB RESULTS: A 15-piece serving of these crisps has only 150 mg of sodium and packs 3 g of fiber and 4 g of protein. Testers enjoyed their lightness, crunch and pretty colors.
Great Gluten-Free Rice Crisps
liveGfree Brown Rice Crisps
These crisp, crunchy chips from Aldi’s gluten-free line come in Black Sesame and Sweet Chili varieties and are made with brown rice, flaxseeds and chia seeds.
LAB RESULTS: Expert analysis confirmed 15 g of whole grains per serving. Testers raved about the “perfect blend of sweet and salty” in the Sweet Chili flavor.
Perfect Crackers
Multi-Seed Rice Thin Crackers
amazon.com
$4.88
These crispy crackers have an earthy texture and feature a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds and flaxseeds. Brown rice flour adds whole grains to this Non-GMO Project Verified choice.
LAB RESULTS: Our dietitian appreciates the short and simple ingredient list, likes the dose of whole grains and notes that these crackers have no hydrogenated oils.
All-Star Popcorn
BOOMCHICKAPOP Sea Salt Popcorn
Angie’s
amazon.com
This simple sea salt popcorn is seasoned to perfection and contains only three ingredients. At 40 calories per cup, the low-calorie snack is available in large bags or grab-and-go 100-calorie packs.
LAB RESULTS: This Certified Gluten-Free pick provides a dose of whole grains. Testers said it had a freshly popped taste and a fluffy texture.
Smooth & Creamy Hits
Lively Hummus
Lemon Dill Hummus
On top of exceptional ingredients with no industrial additives, Ithaca Hummus uses a unique cold blending process that ensures freshness, bold flavor and superior consistency.
LAB RESULTS: Testers raved about the creamy texture and refreshing flavor combination. Experts loved that the dip is preservative-free.
Superior Yogurt
Sheep Milk Yogurt, Blackberry
instacart.com
$6.00
This thick, smooth yogurt is made in small batches with sheep milk, which is more readily digestible for many with dairy intolerance.
LAB RESULTS: Testers found this probiotic-packed yogurt with only 6 g of added sugar “creamy” and “very satisfying.”
Simple Spread
Smashed Avocado Nothing Added
Did you know that nearly 70% of avocado eaters throw away all or part of an avocado? These perfectly portioned smashed avocado cups are always ripe and help to prevent food waste.
LAB RESULTS: These cups are a staple in the GH Nutrition Lab since they are made from 100% avocado and nothing else, making it more convenient than ever to get your dose of healthy fats.
Nutritious Nuts & Legumes
Sprouted Super Nuts
Golden Goodness Sprouted Almonds
Daily Crunch brings almonds to a whole new level by sprouting them to get tastier, crunchier, ultra-nutritious nuts. This variety features a hint of turmeric and sea salt.
LAB RESULTS: The unique sprouting process removes phytic acid and increases bioavailability of natural nutrients such as calcium, iron and zinc.
Brilliant Broad Beans
Bada Bean Bada Boom Crunchy Broad Beans
amazon.com
$24.99
Fava beans are roasted in sunflower oil and then tossed in a variety of seasonings ranging from salty to sweet to zesty to spicy.
LAB RESULTS: Each single-serve bag has 7 g of plant-based protein and 5 g of filling fiber. Testers described this snack as “crispy and crunchy” and “packed with so much flavor!” Sweet Sriracha and Sea Salt were tester favorites.
High-Powered Pistachios
No Shells, Sea Salt & Vinegar
amazon.com
This new variety from Wonderful Pistachios is full of tart flavor and impeccable crunch. They have no shells, so snacking on them is easy.
LAB RESULTS: These are among the snack nuts highest in protein, and they supply essential amino acids. Testers obsessed over this flavor as “the perfect balance of sour and savory.”
Nutrient-Dense Specialty Nuts
Himalayan Salt Pili Nuts
amazon.com
$16.95
These incredible nuts are grown on trees in the nutrient-rich volcanic soil of the Philippines. Pili nuts have a buttery flavor and are a good source of magnesium and vitamin E.
LAB RESULTS: These unique nuts are wild-harvested and sprouted in purified mountain water. The Himalayan Salt variety was a tester favorite.
A+ Spicy Almonds
XTREMES
amazon.com
This line of super-spicy nuts is made with real peppers to deliver heat and fiery flavor. Not for the faint of heart, they come in a range of heat levels.
LAB RESULTS: Spicy-snack lovers gave these top scores. A serving packs 6 g of plant-based protein and is an excellent source of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant.
Perfect Spiced Peanuts
In-Shell Cajun Hot Peanuts
amazon.com
$9.89
These peanuts are grown in the U.S. and have irresistible Cajun flavor that delivers just the right amount of heat. This gluten-free choice is also cholesterol-free and loaded with 7 g of protein per serving.
LAB RESULTS: These legumes have stellar nutrition benefits and need a fraction of the water to grow that nuts do.
Protein All-Stars
Top-Quality Meat Snack
Meat Sticks
These meat sticks are a convenient option with high-quality protein; they have no added sugar and are lower in sodium than most meat snacks.
LAB RESULTS: The beef and venison are 100% grass-fed and grass-finished, and the turkey is all free-range.
Crave-worthy Jerky
Beef Jerky
amazon.com
$21.49
Prevail uses 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef from family farms in New Zealand to make this delectable jerky with impeccable ingredients and lower sodium counts than its competitors.
LAB RESULTS: “This is the best jerky I’ve ever had!” a tester said.
Exceptional Organic Eggs
Organic Hard-Cooked Peeled Eggs
instacart.com
$4.00
These conveniently pre-cooked and pre-peeled hard-boiled eggs taste great and are simple to enjoy on the go.
LAB RESULTS: A special vegetarian feed results in a nutritionally superior egg with six times the vitamin D compared to ordinary eggs.
Satisfyingly Sweet Treats
Grain-Free Cookies
Grain-Free Cookies
Crispy mini cookies come in four delicious flavors inspired by childhood cookie favorites. Star ingredients include dates, coconut butter and cassava flour.
LAB RESULTS: Experts like that these crunchy grain-free cookies contain no added sugar, using dates for natural sweetness instead.
Sweetest Snacking Cakes
Cinnamon & Sugar Popcorn Mini Cakes
amazon.com
$14.99
This rice-cake alternative is made from premium popcorn kernels and sprinkled with the perfect amount of cinnamon-sugar sweetness. A 20-piece serving has only 120 calories and 3 g of sugar.
LAB RESULTS: Testers loved the cinnamon and sugar combo on these, calling them “100% yum!”
Brilliant Biscotti Thins
Lemon Blueberry Almond Thin Cookies
amazon.com
$11.20
These refreshing lemon cookies are filled with blueberries and almonds for a crunchy and lightly sweet treat. Each pack has only 90 calories and 6 g of added sugar and contains no trans fat.
LAB RESULTS: Testers loved the mix of sweet blueberry and zesty lemon. “Great flavor and fresh taste,” one said.
Great Granola
Whole Cacao Granola
This granola is made with rolled oats, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, cacao nibs, cacao shell flour and other top-notch ingredients. Each bite delivers incredible nutrition, including antioxidants and fiber.
LAB RESULTS: Our experts were impressed by the antioxidant capacity of the cacao. Testers said the granola “felt decadent.”
Cookie Crisps
Simply Nature Coconut Cashew Crisps
These crisps are gluten-free, vegan and paleo and are made from only five to seven ingredients, with coconut and cashews as the stars.
LAB RESULTS: An eight-cookie serving is low in added sugar and a good source of fiber. They scored high on taste and texture, and the Sea Salt & Caramel flavor was a top tester pick.
Sprouted Superfood
Energize Superfood Granola
Forij
amazon.com
This convenient granola comes in a resealable package that’s easy to take on the go. Ingredients include sprouted oats and powerful adaptogens to help kickstart your day.
LAB RESULTS: The low amount of sugar in this hearty granola made it a standout. Testers called it “very tasty” and said the texture was “just right.”
Frozen Finds
Vegan Frozen Treat
FROZEN Bars
These creamy plant-based frozen treat bars are made with almond milk and layered with smooth dark chocolate, almonds or peanuts and nut butter.
LAB RESULTS: This choice is free of honey, making it 100% vegan. Testers highly praised the “tasty treat.”
Powerful Bites
Cacao Nib + Vanilla Bites
daily-harvest.com
$7.99
Chickpeas, dates, flaxseeds, cacao nibs, maca and other wholesome ingredients make up these cookie dough–inspired bites. Enjoy straight from the freezer.
LAB RESULTS: Testers appreciated the size and taste of the bites.
Better-For-You Bars & Grains
Dynamo Organic Protein Bar
Organic Plant Based Protein Bars, Coconut Chocolate Almond
These minimally processed bars are made with real-food ingredients and never with stevia or sugar alcohols. Each bar has 14 g of protein and is packed with iron, fiber and healthy fats.
LAB RESULTS: Testers enjoyed the coconut-chocolate-almond flavor profile. One described it as a “wonderful flavorful snack!”
A+ High Protein Oatmeal
5 Grain + Seed Oatmeal in Single-Serve Packets
purelyelizabeth.com
$10.00
This plant-based protein oatmeal is powered by 7 g of protein from peas and chickpeas. With a blend of oats, quinoa, amaranth, chia and flax, it has great texture and is only lightly sweetened.
LAB RESULTS: Both Classic Cinnamon and Banana Nut come in single-serve packs, are full of flavor and were a hit among testers.
Plant-Powered Protein Bar
Chocolate Chip
The newest addition to the RxBar family, this yummy plant-based protein bar offers 10 g of protein per bar. Available in Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter.
LAB RESULTS: RxBar makes an effort to offer transparency by prominently featuring ingredients on its packaging. Testers loved the flavor and the chewy texture.
Super Allergy-Friendly Seed Bar
Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Seed Bar
amazon.com
$24.99
Thoughtfully crafted with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and flaxseeds, these soft-baked bars offer a satisfying chewy texture.
LAB RESULTS: With 6 g of protein and 3 g of fiber, these bars are free from the top eight allergens. Testers loved that you could “see all the seeds in the bar” and gave it top scores for taste and texture.
Ancient Grain Innovation
Ancient Grain Chips
amazon.com
$14.99
These light, crunchy air-popped chips are made from 100% whole-grain sorghum, brown rice, quinoa and chia.
LAB RESULTS: Our dietitian loves the innovation that transforms these nutritious whole grains into chip form. “I’m adding these to my snacking rotation!” a tester said.
Standout Sprouted Oats
Sprouted Instant Oatmeal
amazon.com
$21.99
Made with organic sprouted oats and lightly sweetened with coconut sugar, this instant oatmeal is a good source of protein and fiber to help keep energy steady throughout the day.
LAB RESULTS: Each variety is packed with stellar ingredients like quinoa, hemp and flaxseeds.
Brilliant Beverages
Sensational Smoothie
Protein, Vanilla Bean
This premade dairy-free protein shake delivers a balance of complete plant protein, fiber and healthy fats for sustained energy. Try it post-workout.
LAB RESULTS: With only 4 g of sugar, this packs 18 g of plant-based protein too.
Probiotic Powerhouse
Organic Grassfed Kefir
This rich, tangy fermented dairy beverage contains 12 live and active probiotic cultures as well as calcium and vitamin D.
LAB RESULTS: A staple in Eastern Europe, this drink is becoming popular in the U.S. because of its incredible health benefits.
Lemonade Reimagined
Lemonade Sparkling Water
drinkspindrift.com
$26.00
Think sparkling water meets lemonade. Made with a balance of real lemon and lime juice, these lemonade sparkling waters come in three flavors.
LAB RESULTS: Spindrift has created a tasty lemonade with less than 1 g of sugar and no artificial sweeteners.
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