Diet and Nutrition: Healthiest Salty Snacks

  • Reviewed By: Christine Mikstas, RD, LD
Reviewed on 6/8/2021

Nuts

Nuts are full of healthy fats, protein, and fiber.

Walnuts. Pecans. Almonds. Whatever kind you prefer, a small handful makes a great snack. They're full of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. They also have minerals like magnesium. Skip the kinds that are dry-roasted or flavored -- they're higher in sodium. Instead, add your own dash of flavor with cayenne pepper or cinnamon.

Edamame

Edamame is full of plant compounds that benefit your heart and may lower your risk of some cancers.

These young soybeans have a mild, buttery flavor that's easy to like. And a three-fourths cup serving has just 7 grams of sodium. Edamame's also packed with vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that help protect your heart and lower your risk of some cancers. Look for edamame in the frozen food section. Steam or microwave, then sprinkle with a hint of salt and your favorite seasoning.

String Cheese

String cheese is full of beneficial calcium that strengthens your bones and teeth.

You don't have to be a kid to enjoy this lunch box staple. It's also high in calcium, which is good for your bones and teeth. The combo of lean protein and fiber-rich carbs help keep you fueled until your next meal. Look for low- or reduced-sodium options.

Veggies and Dip

Make a healthy dip for your veggies with plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dried dill and minced garlic.

You can't go wrong when you snack on fresh-cut veggies like carrots, celery, and peppers. To make a healthy dip to go along with them, peel, seed, and grate a large cucumber. Drain the extra water. Mix with 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt, juice from half a lemon, 1 teaspoon dried dill, and a minced garlic clove. Chill for 1 hour before serving.

Popcorn

Top popcorn with spices and seasoning instead of butter and salt.

That bucket of movie popcorn can have over 1,000 calories and up to 2,650 milligrams of sodium. Air-pop your own at home for a high-fiber, low-sodium, and low-calorie snack. That's because you control how it's prepared. Go easy on the oil and butter. Instead of powdered flavorings or salt, try out different spices and seasonings, from curry powder to a mix of cumin, paprika, and chili powder.

Seeds

Seeds contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, and protein.

Don't let their small size fool you. Seeds, like pumpkin and sunflower, are loaded with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, and protein. They're also a good option if you have an allergy to peanuts or tree nuts. Seeds are high in calories, so stick to a small handful. Choose unsalted or lightly salted versions so you don’t overdo it on the sodium.

Kale Chips

Make your own kale chips by tossing them with olive oil and seasonings and baking them.

Crispy kale chips are full of vitamins, minerals, and cancer-fighting compounds. To make your own, rinse kale and remove the stems. Tear the leaves into bite-size pieces, and toss with olive oil and salt-free seasonings of your choice. Spread onto a baking sheet, and bake at 300 degrees for 18 minutes or until crisp. Once cooled, store in an air-tight container.

Mini Pizza

Make a mini pizza by topping an English muffin or pita with tomato sauce, veggies, and low-fat mozzarella cheese.

One slice of cheese pizza can have as much as 730 milligrams of sodium. When you crave pizza but not the salt, top a toasted whole-wheat English muffin or pita with 2 tablespoons tomato sauce, ½ cup diced veggies of your choice, and 2 tablespoons low-fat mozzarella cheese.

Roasted Chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas topped with olive oil and spices make a healthy snack.

Also called garbanzo beans, they're a crunchy, high-fiber snack. Rinse a can of chickpeas and pat dry with a paper towel. Mix with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and your choice of spices. Try garlic powder, pepper, cumin, chile powder, or whatever savory mix you like. Spread onto a foil-lined baking sheet and roast at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

Ants on a Log

Celery topped with peanut butter and raisins makes a healthy snack.

There's a reason you probably had celery sticks spread with peanut butter and sprinkled with raisins as a kid. It's high in protein and fiber so it'll tide you over. It's also quick to make and take on the go. When choosing which nut butter to use, don't forget to read the label. Your healthiest bet is a brand that only has one ingredient: the nut of your choice.

Baked Potato

Potatoes are high in vitamins B and C, potassium, folate, and iron.

Potatoes contain almost no sodium, while being high in vitamins B and C, and potassium. They're also a good source of folate and iron. Microwave a small potato and top with reduced-fat shredded cheese and salsa for a hearty snack.

Hard-Boiled Egg

Hard-boiled eggs provide protein, vitamin D, and cholesterol.

When you need a fast snack to stave off hunger, a hard-boiled egg may be the way to go. Just one has 6 grams of protein to help fill you up. Eggs are high in nutrients like vitamin D, which is good for bone health. And they also have lutein, which helps protect your eyes. Because eggs are high in cholesterol, try not to eat more than one a day. If you have diabetes or heart disease, aim for no more than two to three eggs each week.

Low-Sodium Chips and Salsa

Choose low-sodium chips or baked tortilla chips instead of varieties that are high in fat and sodium.

Still craving that bag of chips? Go for it -- just choose your healthiest option. Opt for reduced-sodium potato or baked tortilla chips. Or look for unsalted whole grain pretzels. Pair with salsa to add more nutrients and flavor. Just make sure the salsa isn't loaded with salt or sugar. Or make your own.

Diet and Nutrition: Healthiest Salty Snacks

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