My Favorite Processed Snacks!

Yes, I know this is a shocker…I eat processed snacks! Now probably not the kind you are initially thinking, but the better-for-you alternatives! We all know that I am a huge advocate for a whole foods diet, but when time, travel, or cravings sneak in, I definitely allow myself to have some not-so-natural foods every once in a while. Just because “processed” does not provide the most positive connotation, it is possible to find man-made foods that are more nutrient-dense than the high-sugar and refined grain foods we are aware of. Trust me, I had my fair share of Cheeto Puffs every summer at the Outer Banks when I was in elementary school….between those and the pack of pull-apart cherry Twizzlers I would devour on the car ride there, let’s just say I’ve taken a new liking to healthier options.

Hippeas

It is only fitting to start with a better version of Cheeto Puffs. If you have not tried these yet you are missing out! They are vegan “cheese” puffs made from chickpeas. They are vegan, nut free, gluten free, soy free, non-GMO, and organic so they are available to those with many dietary restrictions. Ranging in several flavors, there is definitely something for everyone. I haven’t tried all the flavors but I’d say vegan white cheddar is my go-to.

Siete Foods Tortilla Chips

The best tortilla chips ever & perfect for taco night! Eat these plain or dipped in guacamole or salsa. Made from wholesome ingredients such as cassava flour, avocado oil, coconut flour, and chia seeds, Siete chips is a much wiser alternative to chips made with inflammatory oils. Did you know cassava is a root vegetable that can be ground into a flour? Don’t think this means you can skip out on your veggies, but I think it is a cool ingredient swap to white flour!

ONE Protein Bars

Only 1 gram of sugar and 20 grams of protein?! I’ll take 50 please! With so many diverse flavors, ONE protein bars have easily become my favorite. Protein bars, like many packaged bars, are hard to find nut-free. I was first impressed that I could actually eat ONE Brands because they used sunflower butter in place of peanut butter in many flavors!* They are very filling and are great for on-the-go. They have even come out with plant-based protein bars for those who are vegan. I’ve been able to find ONE bars at Trader Joe’s, Target, and Kroger.

*Not all flavors are nut-free.

Enjoy Life Products

I love Enjoy Life because they make a conscious effort to produce products free from the top 8 allergens. Their manufacturing practices are also safe for those with food allergies, so I know any product of theirs will be safe for me to try! From breakfast bars to trail mixes and cookies, Enjoy Life has an array of products and flavors that you can choose from.

Pretzel Crisps

Pretzels have always been one of my favorite snacks, but over the years I’ve realized eating pretzels alone does not fill me up (or will lead me to eating the whole bag…). Pairing a serving of Pretzel Crisps with your favorite hummus, cottage cheese, or alongside raw veggies is a much better wholistic snack. They also provide a quick carb source for a pre-workout snack! You honestly cannot go wrong with any of their flavors, but I’d have to say my top picks are Everything but the Bagel, Vegetable, and Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper.

Made Good Foods

Made Good is another brand where I know their products are allergy-friendly. They are actually free from the top 8 allergens making their products school safe! Additionally, their products contain vegetable extracts, meaning their products are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals from one serving of vegetables. Again, not a reason to decrease whole vegetables in your diet, but a nice benefit to your snacking.

Epic Bars

I’ve found Epic Bars to be the easiest way to get in protein on the go. I used to be skeptical of bars made of meat, but their products contain 100% grass fed meats with no fillers. The bars are flavored with spices and contain 7 grams of protein! I need to try more of their products but so far I’m a fan of the Chicken Siracha bar and Beef Apple Bacon bar.

Simple Mills Veggie Pita Crackers

I was SO excited to find Simple Mills crackers made without almond flour! I wished I could try their products, but due to my nut allergy I knew I would never be able to...until now! Simple Mills Veggie Pita Crackers come in three flavors: Mediterranean Herb, Himalayan Salt, and Roasted Red Pepper. Made with vegetable flours (sweet potato, parsnip, celery root), seed flours (sunflower seeds, flax meal), cassava flour, tapioca starch, and an array of spices, these crackers are my new top-choice! They pair perfectly with hummus, guacamole, or I enjoy them eaten alone! Thank you Simple Mills for creating a product my nut-free friends and I can enjoy!

GoMacro Bars

I wish I could eat more flavors of GoMacro because their bars are delicious! Sunflower Butter + Chocolate is the only dedicated nut-free option, but I'm sure I would choose it every time. Vegan, organic, and gluten-free are other dietary considerations they cater towards. When I need a mid-day pick me up, am in a rush between classes, or my sweet cravings hit, GoMacro bars satisfy my hunger in all of these situations!

Kween Granola Butter

Wow.....granola butter is what I have been looking for. The most versatile "nut" butter type spread you will ever find. I enjoy all of their flavors and put granola butter on pancakes, fruit, oatmeal, and throw it in the fridge to have for dessert by the spoonful!! The best part -- they are free from the Big 8 allergens and manufacture the product in an allergy-friendly facility! Major game changer for us with allergies! Granola butter is packed with healthy fats, protein, and no artificial sugars so you won't feel guilty for eating the whole jar in 2 days! (which may very well happen 😉)

**None of the links above are affiliate links. I do not make a commission through them. I wanted these snacks to be easily accessible to my readers if you wanted to check them out!