BENEATH ALL THE flashy packaging, many so-called healthy snacks that debuted within the past few years are really just junk.
We went on a hunt for high-quality options that actually deliver on muscle-building protein, heart-healthy fats, filling fiber, and flat-out deliciousness.
This year we scanned shelves and the Internet for the 20 best new-ish packaged snacks that are high in protein, good fats, and fiber while also being reasonable in terms of calories and added sugar. Then we taste-tested more than 50 chips, dips, and bites in order to find the most delicious products. Not every snack satisfied (and some were . . . blech). But these made the cut. Then we reinforced our list online with 30 more classic healthful snacks.
They’re puffed pieces of pork skin tinged with spicy-sour Tajín seasoning. A half-ounce serving contains seven grams of protein and less than one gram of carbs.
These thin sheets of air-dried beef boast a potent 15 grams of protein per serving and less than one gram of sugar. The flavor comes from the fiery pepper and a whisper of garlic.
The quintet of proteins (egg, cheese, sausage, bacon, ham) in just two of these mini egg nuggets provides 18 grams of the nutrient. Eat them hot or cold.
Why settle for boring ol’ cheddar when you can have it studded with nuggets of smoked cracked peppercorns? Each domino-sized piece has five grams of protein and 90 calories.
Premade guac can have a sharp tang due to additives. But there’s nothing on this creamy, tastes-just-made guacamole’s ingredient list that you can’t pronounce.
Most “good for you” crackers lack substance and taste like paper. These thick rectangles have three grams of fiber apiece, and the seasoning tastes even better dunked into hummus.
Whole dried shiitake mushroom caps are dusted with a coating of vegan Parmesan and truffle seasoning. If that sounds wild, that’s the point. Nine caps have four grams of fiber.
Popcorn is an unsung fiber source, and two ounces of this stuff packs four grams of the nutrient, along with that tongue--tingling heat of the legendary hot sauce.
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