29 Snacks You Should Be Making, Not Buying

May 30, 2020

Once you make these snack recipes, you won’t want to buy the store version again. These homemade versions are much healthier options and you can customize flavors depending on your tastes. Since these snacks aren’t processed, the sodium levels are much lower than store-bought ones. Recipes like Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Granola Bars and Air-Fryer Crispy Chickpeas are tasty, nutritious and the perfect afternoon bite.

Start Slideshow

1 of 29

Peanut Butter Energy Balls

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 29

Cinnamon-Sugar Roasted Chickpeas

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

3 of 29

Lemon-Parm Popcorn

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

Advertisement

4 of 29

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

5 of 29

Microwave Potato Chips

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

6 of 29

Homemade Trail Mix

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 29

Pumpkin Seeds with Everything Bagel Seasoning

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

8 of 29

Mango-Date Energy Bites

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

9 of 29

Oatmeal Raisin Granola Bars

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These bars, packed with the sweet flavors of raisins and cinnamon, are inspired by oatmeal raisin cookies--but they're completely nut-free so they're school-friendly. 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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 29

Sweet Potato Chips

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

11 of 29

Air-Fryer Crispy Chickpeas

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

12 of 29

Chili-Lime Brussels Sprout Chips

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you like kale chips, you'll love these veggie chips too! The outer leaves of large Brussels sprouts make the best "chips." Plus, they're easier to remove than the tightly furled-together inner ones. Roast what's left over for dinner later in the week. Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2019

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 29

Chile-Lime Peanuts

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

14 of 29

Popcorn Crunch Mix

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This sweet and savory popcorn mix is ready in just 10 minutes and is a bit of a magic trick--it's so good it disappears right before your eyes! Honey-nut cereal squares, lightly-salted popcorn, and chocolaty peanuts are drizzled with melted chocolate and provide amazing taste in each bite. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

15 of 29

Homemade Multi-Seed Crackers

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 29

Apricot-Sunflower Granola Bars

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

17 of 29

Fruit Energy Balls

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

18 of 29

Oven-Baked Garlic-Herb Potato Chips

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Thin slices of russet and sweet potatoes are brushed with herb-infused olive oil and baked until golden brown and crispy. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 29

Fruit & Nuts Snack Mix

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Whip up a big batch of this sweet and salty mix for on-the-go fuel or to have on hand for after-school snacks. Source: EatingWell.com, August 2017

20 of 29

Kale Chips with Lemon-Pepper Seasoning

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Green leafy veggies get addictively crispy in this simple snack recipe. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

21 of 29

Roasted Buffalo Chickpeas

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 29

Ranch Pumpkin Seeds

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Making your own ranch dressing mix is easy to do and cuts down on sodium and eliminates additives. We replicate the distinctive flavor of ranch with buttermilk powder in this easy roasted pumpkin seed recipe. It's a convenient staple to have on hand for muffins and baked goods, too. Source: EatingWell.com, September 2018

23 of 29

Everything Bagel Microwave Popcorn

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

24 of 29

Sweet and Salty Roasted Nuts

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 29

Salsa Snack Mix

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This homemade snack mix is easy to prepare--crunchy crackers, cereal squares, and miniature pretzels are flavored with a zesty salsa-inspired seasoning mix that takes just minutes to throw together. Bake until crisp and then set it out at a party or offer it to your kids for a fun after-school snack. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

26 of 29

Healthy Dark Chocolate "Puppy Chow"

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Crunchy, sweet, salty ... healthy?! Yes, indeed. We gave this classic sweet treat, also called muddy buddies, a grown-up makeover using whole-grain cereal and dark chocolate. Dig in! Source: EatingWell.com, October 2017

27 of 29

Coconut Fruit & Nut Bars

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 29

Spiced Crackers

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

29 of 29

Gorp

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

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

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next