These Are the Best Snacks You Can Buy Right Now
Allow us to present the top picks of 2018.
We tasted our way through hundreds of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy eats — all in the name of journalism! — and so did a few of our most-trusted foodie friends and their families (we have full faith in experts like Gail Simmons and Savannah Guthrie).
Salt of the Earth Bean Crisps
Top Chef judge, author of Bringing It Home, and mom to Dahlia (4), with another on the way, Gail Simmons loved these “crunchy and salty” chips. They're made with protein- and fiber-packed black beans and split peas to help you feel fuller longer. Plus, they’re air-popped instead of fried for a light and crispy taste and texture.
$4, instacart.com
Nature Valley Peak Edition Almond Butter Granola Cups
Granola on the go that’s not a bar? Real and delicious. Each pack of these cookie-like treats contains two crunchy cups filled with a scoop of creamy almond butter and a sprinkle of almonds. “They look and taste decadent, but they have nutritious ingredients,” says Catherine McCord, founder of the recipe blog Weelicious and mom of three: Kenya (11), Chloe (8), and Gemma (2).
$4, amazon.com
Tate's Tiny Thin Scrumptious Chocolate Chip Cookies
“Thin and crispy cookies are a favorite in our house,” says
Anna Helm Baxter, deputy food editor, cookbook author, and momto Charlie (5) and Poppy (3), with another on the way. “These have all the caramel flavor and sweet chocolaty taste of regular-size Tate’s, just in mini form.” Ideal for tiny hands—or adult portion control— thanks to the petite bag.
$2, target.com
Bare Chia + Pineapple Chia Coconut Bites
Catherine's 8-year-old daughter, Chloe, boldly says these "taste better than candy!" Laced with chia and a hint of pineapple flavor, the bites are sweet and crunchy. Even a coconut skeptic like Catherine was converted after a few handfuls.
$3.99, baresnacks.com
Julian's Recipe Meyer Lemon Waffle Thins
Savannah loves these mini waffle cookies, thanks to their light, crispy texture and the zip of real lemon flavor. Bonus: They're made with quinoa flour, so the superfood helps keep you satisfied as you snack.
$3.99, juliansrecipe.com
Kind Minis Honey Roasted Nuts & Sea Salt
Anna calls these 100-calorie bars her emergency snack: "I always carry one in my purse." Almonds, cashews, and peanuts are roasted, then bound together with honey and sprinkled with sea salt. Says Anna: "They're sweet, chewy, and crunchy all at once."
$6.99 for a box of 10, kindsnacks.com
Goodfoods Salsa + Tortilla Chips Grab & Go
These single-serving packs are expertly portioned so you don't accidentally overdo it. "They're just the right size and great for on the go," says Catherine. The salsa is bright and fresh, so you'll practically feel like you made it yourself.
$2.99, goodfoods.com
Arla Havarti Snack Cheese
Sometimes the only way to satisfy a cheese craving is—wait for it—with a hunk of real cheese. These individually wrapped 80-calorie slices are the "perfect size for a snack," says Gail. The Havarti won out over the other flavors for its creamy and tangy taste that could stand up on its own sans crackers.
$4.49, arlausa.com
Stoneridge Orchard Blueberries Dipped in Greek Yogurt
The chewiness of these plump dried blueberries combines
with the creaminess of the yogurt coating for an indulgent yet filling treat. “They really satisfy my sweet tooth,” says Today show coanchor Savannah Guthrie.
$21 for six bags, amazon.com
Lorissa’s Kitchen 1oz Grass Fed Beef Sticks
This isn’t your typical gas station jerky. These easy-to-bite, protein-packed sticks are made with 100% grass-fed beef and no added nitrates or preservatives. “I can actually feel good giving these to my kids,” says cookbook author Baxter.
$24 for 12 sticks, amazon.com
Nature's Bandits Organic Fruit & Veggie Stix
Made from both fruit and vegetables (surprise: carrots and pumpkin!) disguised by a fresh apple flavor, these bites are soft and slightly chewy without being cloyingly sweet. “They were great for Ernie,” says Stephanie. “But I found myself eating them too!”
$20 for 16 bags, amazon.com
G.H. Cretors Just The Cheese Popped Corn
This popcorn is “light and fluffy,” says Stephanie Izard, Top Chef winner, Chicago restaurateur, and mom of Ernie (21 months). But the mix of four cheeses (Parmesan, Romano, and two types of Cheddar) made it feel more decadent, so you’re less likely to down handfuls at a time. That didn’t stop Catherine’s 11-year-old son, Kenya, from begging her to buy more, though: “The kids devoured the entire bag!”
$2, target.com
barkTHINS Chocolate Pretzels
Crunchy pretzels and flaky sea salt are folded into thick dark chocolate, then cracked into pieces for the ultimate salty-sweet treat. Says Stephanie: “It’s really fun to eat chocolate in chip form.” It might also be a little dangerous—in a good way. “I could eat way more than one serving!” Gail says.
$6, amazon.com
Gold Emblem Abound Mango & Strawberry Fruit & Veggie Bars
Late July Nacho Chipotle Tortilla Chips
Finally—all the nacho cheesy taste you want out
of a chip, without the orange fingers! These organic, non-GMO snacks were a big hit in Savannah’s house. “They satisfied all our cheese cravings with just the right amount of spice,” she says.
$7, amazon.com
Popchips Nutter Puffs
These light bites deliver a taste of real creamy peanut butter
without the pesky spoon to wash. “We had no idea what to expect,” says Catherine. “But the airy texture and intense peanut flavor were incredibly satisfying.” Adds Gail: “They’re simple, not too sweet, and fun to eat.”
$4, instacart.com
ParmCrisps Original Flavor
Made with just one simple ingredient—real Parmesan—and
no artificial additives, these chips “satisfy your crunchy, cheesy, and salty cravings all at once,” says Anna. “You don’t need to eat a whole bag to feel satisfied. They’re excellent for adding to my salads or throwing in my 5-year-old Charlie’s lunchbox.”
$18 for pack of three, amazon.com
Lay's Poppables Sea Salted Potato Snacks
These “deliciously addicting” chips were chef Izard’s favorite of the whole tasting (her 21-month-old son, Ernie, loved them too!). “They’re crunchy yet airy and perfectly salty,” she says. And their unique shape makes them feel more substantial than regular potato chips, but they have half the calories per serving.
$3, amazon.com
Antioxidant Trail Mix
This Target-brand almond trail mix “has some surprising elements that take it beyond typical,” says Savannah. The addition of golden raisins, dried cranberries, cherries, peaches, and dark-chocolate-covered blueberries makes every handful the perfect one.
$6, target.com
Wonderful Almonds
Technically, these are just almonds—but they’ve been dry roasted (meaning no added oil) and sprinkled with crusty salt for maximum flavor, then packaged into nicely portioned 1.5-oz tubes. “They’re simple and satisfying,” says Gail. “Why mess with perfection?” adds Stephanie.
$17 for pack of 12, amazon.com
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