2016 is the Year of Snacks! Snacks are everywhere you turn, and more and more companies are getting in the mix responding to the pressure for healthier options. The good news is most companies are making an honest attempt to become more health conscious. The problem is that it’s only an attempt. The food industry is listening, and understands that consumers need healthy and convenient snack choices for busy lifestyles. But it takes a lot more than a “gluten-free” or “certified organic” label to make something actually healthy.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of “health food” companies that spend way too much time following trends and fads — not the science. Because of this, it can get really hard to navigate the snack aisle and choose what is actually healthy versus what a company is just marketing as healthy. To make this easier to understand, I am going to share with you the companies that are doing it right!
What does it take to be on this list of Naturally Healthy snacks?
- No Fake Ingredients (i.e., unnatural flavoring, dyes, preservatives, etc.)
- No Added Refined Sugar (i.e., white sugar, fruit juice, organic sugar cane, maple syrup, agave, honey, etc.)
- Naturally Gluten-Free
- Naturally Dairy-Free
Cookies/Crisps: NUD – Spirulina Banana Crisps
Don’t let the green color fool you! These are delicious little squares. Best part? They are only made with natural ingredients and sweetened with dates and bananas, instead of the typical refined sugars! I recently met Julia Kirouac, founder of NUD, and I have to tell you the only thing sweeter than these crisps is her personality and her mission to help people stay healthy. The world needs more people and products like this!
Crackers: Mary’s Gone Crackers – Chia & Hemp
I came across these crackers a few years ago when I was looking for an appetizer to bring a party. Not only is this brand still around and kicking, they are also making new, delicious flavors. These crunchy crackers go great with hummus or guacamole.
Guacamole: Good Foods Guacamole
Chips and guac are a guilty pleasure of mine! But when I cut refined sugar out of my diet, I was floored by the companies that added sugar to these products. After a few months of looking, I came across the Good Foods Guac. The combo of this guac and the Mary’s Gone Crackers is incredible — it has the perfect crunch and rich full flavors that you need from a “chip & guacamole” craving.
Frozen Popsicles/Treats: Froozer
Hands down, Froozer is the winner of the frozen treats category! This is one of the greatest products coming out in the spring of 2016. This is what happens when a company with integrity and passion for health make a popsicle. There is absolutely nothing added to this product. When you read the label, you will find you are simply eating pureed fruit… no fruit juice added! This is the healthy option replacement to those sugar packed frozen yogurt sticks.
Dried Fruit: HomeGrown Organics-Freeze Dried Fruit
Let me start off by saying that this product has not officially hit the market yet. I’m giving you an exclusive sneak peak at an amazing product hitting the shelves later in 2016, and OMG! I have never had freeze-dried fruit this good. The fruit tastes like it was dried at its peak of freshness. The best part is that NOTHING has been added! It’s just nature at its finest! This snack is perfect when enjoyed right out of the bag or added to a homemade trail mix.
Coffee Blend Drink: Project Juice – Get Up & Go Go
This coffee drink is a delicious option for a morning or afternoon pick-me-up. This blend of fresh, cold-pressed coffee and sprouted almonds is sweetened naturally with dates so you don’t have to feel bad about this treat.
Now that you know about the healthier options, go out there and try some! By purchasing foods that actually promote health and wellness, you will create a demand for more selection on the market. Let’s continue to educate ourselves and demand more Naturally Healthy options.
*I am not sponsored or paid by any of these companies. This article was written purely to help people find healthy alternatives to their favorite foods. -Laura