15 easy vegan snacks

Eating more fresh fruit and vegetables is one of the top things any of us can do to improve our health. But did you know that the same foods that boost your immune system, improve digestion and lower the risk of diseas, also lower the impact of your diet on the climate?

In fact, plant-based eating is one of the most impactful things you can do as an individual if you care about the environment. A recent Oxford University study confirmed that people who follow a plant-based diet are responsible for 75 percent less in greenhouse gases than their meat-eating counterparts.

But eating more plant-based foods doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or convenience. And this list of tried-and-tested easy vegan snack ideas from our followers on Instagram is proof. Whether you’re new to plant-based eating or a seasoned vegan, these healthy snacks will instantly help you amp up your green credentials.

Easy vegan snacks to try

1. Stuffed dates

Fill Medjool dates with almond butter and sprinkle with chia seeds for a sweet and nutritious alternative to the common cheese-stuffed party favorite.

2. Edamame with sea salt

Edamame are young soybeans. Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt is a protein-rich, easy vegan snack that is ready in minutes. Munch away in the knowledge that legumes like edamame can absorb nitrogen in the air and fix it in the soil, reducing the need for artificial fertilizers.

3. Cucumber and hummus boats

Scoop out cucumber halves and fill with your favorite hummus. Add beetroot for an extra pop of colour. Hydrating and satisfying. 

4. Roasted chickpeas

Season chickpeas with your favorite spices and oven roast them for a crunchy, protein-packed snack.

5. Guacamole 

Avocados are a vegan standby thanks to their versatility and lovely creamy texture. But despite having a much lower carbon footprint than animal-based products, avocados use a ton of water and grown in areas that are prone to drought. Luckily, there are some tasty alternatives such as mashed butter beans, white beans or edamame. Cook and mash with lime juice, cilantro (coriander) and jalapeño pepper for a zesty dip.

6. Veggie sushi rolls

This is a super quick version of traditional sushi. Roll cucumber and carrot sticks in sheets of nori seaweed. Add a dab of hummus or cashew butter for a creamy protein kick if you would like. This nutritious snack also travels well – ideal for eating on the go.

7. Fruit and nut energy balls

Perfect for a quick energy boost. Blend (or finely chop) dates, nuts and seeds of your choice. Roll into balls and refrigerate. For a little decadence, add a few teaspoons of raw cacao powder.

8. Kale chips

Toss kale leaves with olive oil and sea salt, then bake until crispy for an iron-rich alternative to potato chips. Keeping iron levels up is important for those on a plant-based diet. Seaweed can be used instead of kale.

9. Herby cashew ‘cheese’ spread

Soak a cup of cashews in water overnight, then drain and blitz together with some vegan yoghurt, chives, salt and pepper, garlic powder, nutritional yeast and lemon juice to make a delicious herby cheese spread for your favourite crackers or crudité. 

10. Sweet potato quesadillas

Mix some mashed sweet potatoes with some cilantro (coriander), spring onions, corn, hot sauce (and whatever else you like), spread over half a tortilla and cook in a frying pan. Sweet potatoes are not only delicious, but they also require less water and land to grow than many other root vegetables, so they’re a great sustainable option. Find out about other sustainable veggie superstars here. 

11. Tahini-stuffed celery sticks

Fill celery sticks with tahini and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Switch out the tahini with peanut butter or another nut butter if you prefer.

12. Mango and coconut chia pudding

Mix chia seeds with coconut milk and top with fresh mango for a tropical snack that’s high in fibre, protein and omega-3 fatty acids (otherwise found in oily fish).

13. Popped amaranth

Pop amaranth in the microwave or a frying pan with a lid. Mix with a drizzle of maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt for a sweet and savory snack. Amaranth is an ancient seed originally from South America. It is naturally gluten-free and has high levels of plant-based protein, fiber and several micronutrients.

14. Cauliflower wings

Cauliflower wings are a classic and super-easy vegan snack. Just break into florets, combine with flour, cornstarch, cashew milk and seasoning. Coat and bake in an oven for 20 minutes (turning halfway).

15. Vegan charcuterie board

You know the classic Italian version, piled high with salami and smoked ham. Well you can go for the same sumptuous spread, but with a colourful array of grilled vegetables, olives, onions and grilled tempeh instead. Bring it on!

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