I'm a Food Writer & These 7 Amazon Snacks Are Always On My Subscribe & Save
From crunchy to salty to sweet, these better-for-you snacks make smart Subscribe & Save additions for automatic Amazon snack deliveries.
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
My fridge and snack cupboard used to be filled to the brim with fresh, high-protein snack options, homemade granola bars, energy balls and even handmade crackers. But my pantry now strikes a balance between homemade gems and the prepackaged snacks I order with just a few clicks on Amazon. As an overwhelmed working mom with two small kids, I have learned to balance my food ethos with the ease of e-commerce—something I swore I'd never do. But this economic exchange leaves me with more time, space and energy for the people and things that I love. And that's a valuable trade! Here are some of my favorite healthier snack picks that help me save time without sacrificing nutrition.
1. The Only Bean Crunchy Roasted Edamame
Edamame is most commonly steamed and served as an appetizer or snack. But it can also be transformed into luxe dips, shaped into green falafel and tossed into spicy noodle dishes. Through the process of dry-roasting, The Only Bean has also brilliantly transformed these nutritious young soybeans into a delightful anytime snack. Dry-roasting brings out a satisfying crunch that is similar to crispy chickpeas we all know and love. They're then seasoned with a variety of fun flavors like Sriracha, Buffalo and, of course, Sea Salt for the purists. This provides just enough zhuzh without overpowering the beans' natural sweetness. Low in carbs and high in protein (each serving contains 10g of plant-based protein), they make a great addition to kid (and adult) lunchboxes and for an afternoon snack that will hold you through until dinner. They sell for $11.45 for a 10-pack.
2. That's It Real Fruit Bars
When I have the time and some extra fruit laying around, I love making homemade fruit leathers with my kids. But when I don't, That's It fruit bars are an excellent stand-in. Made with blended-up fruit, the ingredient list is exactly what I'd use if I made them myself. That's not a misprint. The ingredients are exactly what I'd use if I made them myself. Each bar only contains fruit. For example, an apple and strawberries or an apple and cherries. There's no added sugar or preservatives. And because they also don't contain nuts, honey or grains, they are allergy-friendly, vegan and gluten-free. They'll satisfy a group of littles (not easy), they're a welcome surprise to birthday loot bags and are safe to send to school. This makes them an easy click for me. For authentic and delicious real fruit, head to the grocery store or farmers' market and grab yourself a bag of apples and a carton of strawberries. For authentic and delicious real fruit flavor in a fuss-free snack, these fruit bars can't be beat! Try a variety pack of 20 bars for $29.99.
3. Perfect Bar Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars
If you grew up enjoying peanut butter cups, these protein bars offer a hint of that nostalgic flavor combination, but in a better-for-you package. Sweetened with honey, they're definitely on the sweeter side for protein bars. But since honey can offer a little bit of additional vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, you may prefer that bit of added sweetness to other types of added sugar like granulated sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. And honestly, they taste so much better than most protein bars! They can even make a great dessert option, too. One reviewer even says that they're "as good or better than dessert." And I agree, which is why I like to keep them on hand. Dessert with some added protein is a small win I'll take for myself and my kids! The protein comes from a variety of sources, including peanut butter, non-fat milk powder, dried egg powder and rice protein, and dried egg powder. These bars need to be refrigerated, so make sure you keep a bit of room in there for them. Snag a box of 24 8-ounce bars for $23.97.
4. Off the Eaten Path Veggie Crisps
Chips are notoriously snackable. Their easy, bite-size appeal and "can't eat just one" formulation makes them easy to mindlessly munch, though. These veggie crisps mimic chips in all the right ways, but with their textured, mosaic-like appearance, it's clear they have more to offer. Made with a mix of rice flour as well as dried peas and beans (that you can visually see in the chips), each crisp offers that same light and airy crunch but with a bit of added nutrition. With an extra bit of naturally-occurring protein and fiber from those beans, legumes and veggies, they feel like a healthier choice. They come in single-serving packs, giving just the right amount of salty goodness without overdoing it. A pack of 16 sells for $22.79.
5. RX Nut Butter
If you're a sucker for good branding, you've likely eaten your share of RX bars already. With the simplified ingredient list at the forefront of their packaging: 1 egg white, 18 almonds, 1/2 date and the fourth ingredient, "no B.S.," it's a draw for those looking to eat whole foods as often as possible. This unapologetic commitment to pure, simple ingredients is the same with their nut butter. It's the same "no B.S." ingredients, but blended to creamy perfection. This makes it an ideal companion for a quick energy boost before a workout, a hearty spread on morning toast or a nighttime spoonful straight from the jar. Beyond the incredible taste and thoughtful nutrition, RX nut butters embody a spirit of fun. With flavors like "Chocolate Peanut Butter" and "Honey Graham Peanut Butter," it levels up typical nut butter into something that feels a little more special. Grab 2 10-ounce jars for $12.29 (prices will vary, depending on the nut and flavor combination).
6. Choc Hazelnut Frooze Balls
Two words: Ferrero Rocher. Similar to these famous Italian chocolates, Frooze Balls offer a multilayer flavor and texture experience. The outside layer is a combination of ingredients you'd use if you were making your own energy balls at home, including dates, peanuts, hazelnuts, coconut, cacao and salt. While the inside of a Ferrero Rocher eventually leads to Nutella surrounding a single hazelnut at its center, in the middle of these Frooze Balls orbs, you'll find an explosive burst of flavor with the combination of creamy peanut butter and fudgy chocolate sauce. These little bonbons (as I like to call them) have swiftly climbed the ranks in my snacking and dessert hierarchy. They're sweet without being cloying, nutty but not overwhelmingly so, and rich and flavorful without being heavy. Sure, make your own chocolate hazelnut energy bites when you're up to it! But when convenience is key, grab an 8-pack (there are 5 balls in each) for $17.99.
7. Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers
Finding a tasty cracker that's satisfying and still checks the nutrition boxes can sometimes feel impossible—especially if you have diabetes or are focused on managing your blood sugar levels. But Simple Mills crackers have two important things going for them: They have close to 27,000 4.3-star reviews on Amazon and they come up again and again as dietitian-approved snacks. Starting with a base nut and seed blend, almonds are the star of the show, followed by sunflower seeds and flax seeds. This nutrient-dense base provides the crackers with a delightful texture that comes out crispy and subtly flaky. The crackers don't taste like nuts and seeds at all, though; they just offer a subtle hint of nuttiness that pairs perfectly with cheeses, dips or can just be enjoyed solo. Since we have friends and family members who have allergies and follow particular diets, I also appreciate that these crackers are gluten-free, grain-free, low carb and paleo-friendly. The variety pack comes with two flavors, Fine Ground Sea Salt and Rosemary & Sea Salt, which are different enough for variety, but still simple enough as a base to go with a range of toppings and dips. Crunch on, Simple Mills—you've won over this health-minded snack enthusiast! Buy a family-size variety pack for $11.78.
Read the original article on Eating Well.
