Chips, crackers, and pretzels are all delectable snacks, but sadly, the majority of our preferred packaged, crunchy foods are high in sodium and bad fats. The next time you really need something with a satisfying snap, try one of these healthier options.
In the past, crunchiness was a solid indicator of a healthy diet; today, it's very much the opposite. Unlike our forebears, most of the crunchy foods we consume today are processed.
The most popular snacks in the US are chips and other crisps, followed by cookies, cheese, and almonds. Along with potato chips, other popular crunchy foods include pretzels, crackers, puffs, and tortilla chips.
In addition to being unhealthy, salty foods like potato chips and pretzels can also become monotonous after a while. There are several simple snacks that you can prepare to satisfy your craving for something crunchy or crispy, whether you're attempting to replace unhealthy options in your diet or want to eliminate them entirely.
Consider serving these with a sandwich or as a late-night snack. You'll be astonished to see how slowly your desire for junk food fades!
Moroccan Baked Chickpeas
Looking for a snack to replace those high-fat, high-salt chips with one that is high in fiber and (plant) protein? In the oven, chickpeas get delightfully crispy (with a little tossing in between).
Add your preferred seasonings, that's all. You'll be motivated by this tasty, baked chickpea snack made in the style of Morocco.
Chili Lime Kale Chips
One of the healthiest things you can eat is greens. You can't eat too many of them because they are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and nutrients, but they can grow monotonous after a time. One way to have a healthy snack and obtain more nutrients is to make kale chips instead of boxed potato chips.
Chili Lime Kale Chips are the snack that gives back with each bite. These vegetable chips are not only filling because of their light, crispy texture, but they are also one of our favorite methods to get our recommended daily intake of leafy greens. With high levels of calcium, carotenoids, vitamin K, and fiber, kale is undoubtedly a superfood. Pro tip: If you're sharing, double the recipe because these vegetable chips are really popular!
Super Seedy Granola
Do you enjoy crunchy and sweet snacks? We understand your concerns, and with this slightly sweet and seedy granola, we've got you covered. Although seeds include a lot of calories and may have a similar amount to regular chips, the type of calories matters. You consume a lot of fiber, good fats, and plant-based protein with each bite.
Easy Cheesy Herbed Crackers
The cracker lovers are where? Many store-bought brands are prepared with refined wheat and sugar and have additional oils and too much sodium. Simple Cheesy Herb Crackers are unique!
Although they are crafted with whole-grain flour, therapeutic spices, and phytonutrient-rich miso, they nevertheless have the flavor and crunch you love. We really anticipate your trying them!
Roasted Nuts
Nuts are a simple, delectable snack since they are crunchy, full, and fulfilling. Try roasting them with your preferred seasonings to make a delightful snack that will keep you full until your next meal rather than eating them raw.
You can use any type of nut you choose, but make sure they are all around the same size to prevent burning (for instance, don't mix whole pecans with chopped almonds).
Sweet Potato Chips
Sweet potatoes are incredibly healthy and offer a great alternative to fatty boxed potato chips. You may flavor them whatever you desire, and you can keep them for a few days in an airtight jar. Slice the chips as thinly as you can to get the crispiest results.
A mandolin comes in handy for this since it creates a uniform, thin slices that result in delicious chips.
Olive Oil and Herb Popcorn
Avoid regular microwave popcorn, which is laced with hazardous additives, chemicals, and preservatives. Even worse is movie popcorn! Popcorn can be a healthy, low-calorie, high-fiber snack, but only if it is made properly.
Easy Homemade Trail Mix
Although it can be a nutritious snack, trail mix can also be heavy in calories, sugar, and fat. It's perfect for eating on the move because it keeps for a long time and, when made with the correct ingredients, offers a nutritious and healthful source of energy.
Avocado Fries
You've certainly eaten avocados on sandwiches or in guacamole, and they're a superfood in terms of nutrition and health. They are a simple choice because they are high in heart-healthy fats, but you might not be aware that you can bake them up into something crispy and delectable.
Radish Chips
Although radishes are healthy, repeatedly eating them in salads might get monotonous. When you have a surplus of these hot roots in the future, consider baking them into chips. Because of their spicy flavor, they may be made into a pleasant, crispy snack that pairs well with a sandwich using only a little oil and salt.
Cauliflower Tots
Want your children to consume more vegetables? Try these tots made of cauliflower. Your kids won't suspect that these crunchy, low-carb treats prepared with nutritious cauliflower are actually healthy. They're a terrific substitute for the starchy tater tots and have significantly less fat and calories because they are baked rather than fried.
Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter
Except for fiber, rice cakes don't necessarily contain many nutrients, yet they are satisfyingly crispy and healthful. Any kind of nut butter, such as peanut, almond, or cashew, can be spread on top of a rice cake to add a little protein to the dish. Adding a sliced banana on top elevates it to a higher level.
Baby Carrots + Ranch Dressing
I'm sorry to break your expectations, but I don't make my own ranch dressing. I don't even purchase the pricey variety from the shop. And yet, despite being inexpensive, delectable, and made with ranch dressing, this is still one of my all-time favorite snacks. carrots, too. I should probably rename this article Ranch Dressing + Carrots.
Whole Almonds
Find raw, unblanched almonds, and get ready to become fixated. They're not only nutrient-dense, crunchy, and nutty, but they're also a lot of fun to eat. They tend to split in two with a satisfying pop when you chew them slowly and thoughtfully.
Apple + Peanut Butter
Because they are sweet but not overly sweet and quite crisp, apples are very satiating. They also have a long list of health advantages. Serve them with a side of natural (crunchy!) peanut butter in a nice bowl, unpeeled, cored, and sliced to make them even more appetizing.
Frozen Grapes
Okay, here's a warning: I prefer frozen blueberries to grapes, but you should eat them at your own risk because they really stain your fingers. However, you get the gist. Frozen fruit is frozen, it's crisp, hydrating, and nutritious.
Homemade Crostini
Do you have any stale bread in your home? Make crackers out of it to keep it from going to the compost! Simply cut the loaf into pieces that are 1/8′′ to 1/4′′ thick and arrange the pieces on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Now, lightly brush the area with a brush or, if you don't have one on hand, sprinkle it with olive oil. Black pepper and garlic granules should be added (or whatever seasonings you like). Bake at a low temperature of 300° until the slices are crisp and dried up.
Don't let them burn for the sake of crispness since once you pull them out, they will continue to harden. These are delicious on their own or when paired with a great Brie or hummus.