Whether you are trying to follow a healthier lifestyle or aiming for specific fitness goals, a well-balanced diet needs to be part of your routine. Eating well is an important factor that cannot be omitted if you are serious about your healthy changes. This means that you will need to consider healthy meals that contain all the nutrients you need, including snacks. And when it comes to vegan diets, adding vegan snacks is a must!
Following a vegan diet means having plenty of opportunities for delicious snacks you can intake in between meals. Here, we have discussed different types of healthy treats that will ensure you never feel hungry and your body is supported. Explore our vegan snack ideas and find your new favorite snacks!
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What Are Some Good Vegan Snack Ideas?
Before we get into the most popular vegan snacks, it is important to point out that not all treats are healthy and nutritious. Namely, there are many kinds of snacks that are plant-based but contain a lot of ingredients that might not benefit your health. So, when considering consuming vegan snacks, you should also think about their content.
If you want to be on the safe side, we have some delicious options that will surely be good for your health. Moreover, they are great for those who are trying to achieve certain fitness levels for their body.
1. Smoothies
We are going to start with the basics, i.e., smoothies. If you are one of those people who like liquids as their treat in between meals, then this is the solution.
Smoothies can be a sneaky way to enjoy a healthy snack that feels like a treat! Many recipes call for yogurt, milk, or kefir to make them creamy and boost the protein content, but you can easily swap those out for plant-based milk or yogurt. Just add your favorite fruits for flavor, and you are good to go!
However, if you want your plant-based smoothies to be richer in protein, you can always consider adding a protein supplement. This is what many people decide to do because they need to increase the level of protein in their diets.
2. Chia Pudding
Another easy vegan snack is homemade chia pudding! If you have not tried making your own chia pudding yet, you are missing out!
Just soak chia seeds in almond milk or any plant-based milk overnight, and they will turn into this awesome gel-like mixture. You can mix in your favorite fruits or sweeteners to make it even tastier. And, if you are in the mood for something smoother, just blend the pudding until it is silky.
Moreover, you can add some cocoa powder to transform it into a delicious chocolate treat! It is not only yummy but can pack about 13 grams of protein per serving, depending on the type of milk you use. For instance, soy milk has the highest protein content among plant-based options. So, if you want to be on the safe side, you may want to opt for this kind of milk.
3. Hummus with Veggies
Hummus is a fantastic source of plant-based protein and is super versatile. Those who love experimenting with different flavors will love trying new tastes every day. For instance, lemon dill or roasted red pepper with pine nuts is an amazing combination.
Plus, it is really easy to whip up a batch in a food processor using just some canned beans, oil, tahini, and garlic - or whatever seasonings you prefer. You can dip fresh veggies like] carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell peppers into it, spread it on a sandwich or wrap, or even use it as a topping on a baked potato!
This is one of the healthiest and tastiest vegan snacks that you can eat anytime. Some people even use this snack as a dinner replacement when they just want to eat light. So, if you are looking for protein-rich vegan snack ideas, this may be your ideal option!
4. Granola
We should not forget about granola, a nutrient-rich popular vegan snack. It is an amazing treat you can take on the go whenever you want. Plus, it can be an excellent breakfast option for those who want lighter choices in the morning.
You can find granola in stores everywhere, but you can always consider making your own at home. There are many recipes that you can try and prepare a snack for every day. Namely, you can add different ingredients you find suitable for your diet and needs and enjoy a treat that is made according to your preferences. Just make sure you stick to ingredients that are healthy and nutritious.
5. Seeded Crackers
Seeded crackers really pack a crunch and provide more satisfaction and nutrition compared to regular saltines. They make a great addition to any party platter, as both plant-based eaters and those who enjoy all kinds of diets will love their texture, especially when paired with spreads, dips, or peanut butter.
You can easily find these plant-powered crackers at the store, but they are also simple to make at home. Plus, they can have up to 3 grams of protein in each serving!
6. Vegan Protein Muffins
If you are an athlete or trying to stay fit by regularly going to the gym, you have to try these nutrient-packed vegan snacks! Each serving packs 8 grams of protein, making them a fantastic choice for fueling up for marathons, triathlons, or any workout. They have a great mix of fiber-rich carbs and creamy nut butter, plus they are a breeze to whip up!
You can make vegan protein muffins in several steps using only a few ingredients. Moreover, you may add a scoop of protein and ensure your vegan snack has an additional dose of protein. If you are following a specific diet for your fitness or health goals, these muffins will be a great addition to your meal plan.
7. Roasted Chickpeas
Chickpeas are awesome little legumes that provide a fantastic source of vegan protein. Roasted chickpeas make for a deliciously crunchy snack, perfect for satisfying any salty, savory, or even sweet cravings you might have.
They are super simple to make yourself, or you can grab them pre-roasted for a quick vegan protein boost on the go. To make your own, just toss some chickpeas in a bit of olive oil along with your favorite sweet or savory spices and pop them in the oven at 425 degrees for about 20-25 minutes.
8. Oatmeal
Even though many people consider oatmeal a breakfast option, it can easily be your snack choice. Whenever you feel hungry, but you do not want an entire meal, oatmeal can be your go-to option.
Overnight oats are a delicious mix of rolled oats, plant-based protein milk, and chia seeds that create a wholesome base filled with fiber and omega-3s. You can easily personalize them by adding nuts and seeds like almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds for a protein and healthy fat boost, or toss in your favorite berries or sliced fruit to enhance those anti-inflammatory perks.
Whether you prefer them cold or warmed up as a hearty, fiber-rich breakfast, oats are perfect for busy mornings or quick snacks when you are on the go. You can even sprinkle them on salads or mix them into ice cream or smoothies to add a tasty crunch and extra protein to your meals!
9. Vegan Cheese
One of the best high-protein easy vegan snacks is vegan cheese and crackers! There are so many delicious options out there, like cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, or feta, so you are bound to find a flavor you love.
Many people like to pair vegan cheese with whole wheat crackers or high-fiber bread for that perfect crunch. To mix things up, you can also throw in some fresh or dried fruit, jam, or even nut butter for a little extra sweetness and flavor. It is such a tasty and satisfying snack!
10. Nut Trail Mix
Mixing nuts and seeds like almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds is a fantastic way to get your protein and healthy fats in. Moreover, if you toss in some dried fruit or high-fiber cereal, you will have a tasty and nutritious vegan snack that is super easy to grab when you are on the go.
You can also sprinkle them on your oatmeal, add them to salads, or even top off your ice cream for some extra crunch and a protein kick!
Can You Get Enough Protein While on a Vegan Diet?
If you establish a balanced diet with all the nutrients you need, there will not be an issue with your protein intake. Namely, you need to figure out what you need to include in your meals to ensure they are nutritious enough to keep you healthy.
To get all the essential amino acids your body needs, it is important to know which plant-based and vegan foods pack the most protein and to eat a mix of them every day. Unlike animal products, which are often labeled as complete proteins because they have all nine essential amino acids, many plant-based proteins might be lacking in one or more of these. That is why we sometimes call them incomplete proteins.
However, if you see that your diet lacks protein or are concerned about not consuming enough, you can rely on supplements. Nowadays, you can find plant-based organic options that will easily fit your dietary preferences.
Will Vegan Snacks Help You Establish a Balanced Protein-Rich Diet?
If you are vegan, you might need a bit more protein in your diet since your body does not always digest plant-based protein as efficiently as animal protein. While snacking is not essential, choosing high-protein vegan snacks can be a great way to boost your protein intake.
As you can see, there are many vegan snack ideas that will keep you full through the day. Most importantly, vegan snacks that are nutritious and healthy will not disturb your healthy lifestyle. However, you have to make sure that your snack options are the “real deal” and not just some choices that are high in calories and not nutritious at all.
When Is The Best Time to Take Vegan Snacks?
Snacking on high-protein vegan options is actually a great idea, no matter when you choose to have them! These snacks are not only delicious but also incredibly beneficial. When you include snacks rich in plant-based proteins, you are helping your body meet its daily protein requirements, which is quite important for maintaining energy levels and supporting muscle health.
Plus, the right snacks can keep you feeling full, which can prevent overeating during main meals. This is particularly helpful if you are trying to manage your weight or just want to feel more satisfied throughout the day. Whether you are looking for a quick pick-me-up in the afternoon or need something nutritious after a workout, these snacks can fit right into your routine.
And let's not forget that they can support various health goals, whether you are looking to build muscle, maintain energy for an active lifestyle, or simply explore healthier eating options. From roasted chickpeas and protein bars made from nuts and seeds to smoothies packed with plant proteins, the options are really endless. Also, they are easy to take on the go, making them perfect for busy lifestyles.
When you are looking for ways to keep yourself full but healthy, vegan snacks are your solution! There are plenty of options, so there is no doubt that you will find the ones that suit your preferences. And remember, you can always add some protein supplements to enrich your treats and make them even more nutritious!
