20 Snacks You Should Be Making, Not Buying

These healthy peanut butter and chocolate energy balls deliver a mixture of simple and complex carbohydrates to help fuel you up whenever you need a little boost. They're no-bake and easy to make with ingredients you probably have on hand, like oats and nut butter. Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins--for example, dried fruit or chopped nuts--in place of the chocolate chips and coconut. Source: Eatingwell.com, August 2019

Roasting canned chickpeas until crispy makes a simple and healthy snack. In this riff on candied nuts, chickpeas are coated with cinnamon sugar to make them irresistible! This snack is best enjoyed the day it is made. Source: EatingWell.com, August 2018

Perk up your popcorn with a bit of lemon pepper and Parmesan cheese. Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2011

These easy-to-make homemade granola bars are inspired by the flavors of a classic oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. But feel free to vary the mix-ins to your preference. We tested several sticky sweeteners, including maple syrup and honey, but found brown rice syrup held the bars together the best. Source: EatingWell.com, October 2017

You don't need a deep fryer to make crispy potato chips. We toss thinly sliced potatoes with just a touch of olive oil, pop them in the microwave and voilà! Crispy, crunchy homemade potato chips with 8 grams less fat per serving than regular chips. Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2009

Try this with portable mix with any combination of dried fruits and nuts. Source: EatingWell Magazine, Fall 2002

Everything bagel spices give these roasted pumpkin seeds an extra hit of flavor that's delicious any time of day. Source: EatingWell.com, October 2017

Sweet, sticky dates act as the glue for these no-cook energy balls. Perfect for hikes or during sports, this healthy snack travels well.

Make perfectly crunchy veggie chips at home with this healthy recipe. Use a mandoline to slice the sweet potatoes extra-thin for the optimum crunch! Source: EatingWell.com, December 2016

Air-fried chickpea snacks are intensely flavored and incredibly crunchy. Drying the chickpeas is essential to a good crunch, so don't skip this step. If you have time, leave them out on the counter to dry for an hour or two before frying. Source: EatingWell.com, January 2019

These spicy nuts were inspired by ones sold by street vendors across Mexico. If you can only find salted peanuts, omit the added salt. Add the maximum amount of cayenne pepper if you want an extra hit of spice. Source: EatingWell Magazine, November/December 2010

Turn leftover brown rice and quinoa from dinner or meal-prepping into these delicious crispy crackers that are loaded with three good-for-you seeds--and create an everything-bagel flavor, without the bagel. The whole grains that make up this copycat cracker recipe add lots of fiber for a healthy snack that pairs perfectly with hummus or cheese. Source: EatingWell.com, August 2018

Easy to make at home, these nut-free granola bars can be adjusted to your taste preferences. Simply vary the add-ins to your taste, swapping 2 cups of any combination of small (or chopped) dried fruit, seeds and/or chocolate chips for the apricots and seeds in this version. We tested several sticky sweeteners, including maple syrup and honey, but found brown rice syrup held the bars together the best. Source: EatingWell Magazine, September/October 2017

Make a big batch of these no-bake energy balls to keep on hand when hunger strikes or you need a healthy pick-me-up. Source: EatingWell Magazine, March 2019

Soaking chickpeas in vinegary hot sauce gives them a mouthwatering tang before they crisp up in the oven. The result? An addictively crunchy snack that's actually good for you. Source: EatingWell.com, November 2017

Full of umami-rich flavors inspired by the classic bagel, this easy popcorn snack is sure to make your mouth water. Source: EatingWell.com, November 2018

Spicy seasonings add a bit of zing to roasted nuts for an appetizer that's perfect for any occasion. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

With just five ingredients, these simple, no-bake energy bars are tastier than any bars you can buy! Dates, cashews, almonds and coconut whir up in the food processor for an easy homemade version of a Larabar. Pack one up for a healthy snack for work, or send some off with your kids for an energizing snack before soccer practice. Source: EatingWell.com, October 2018

Give plain crackers a flavorful boost when you roast them with paprika and oregano. For a touch of smokiness, try smoked paprika instead of regular. Serve with hummus, cheese or your favorite dip. Source: EatingWell Magazine, November/December 2018

Try customizing this basic recipe with your favorite dried fruits and nuts. Source: EatingWell Magazine, Spring 2004