Easy vegan snacks

We asked our followers for their go-to easy vegan snacks. Here are 15 ideas that are delicious, nutritious and take just minutes to prepare. 

Healthy snacking is a great way to maintain focus and energy levels throughout the day, without reaching for the coffee pot. Whether you are vegan or not, plant-based foods are packed with essential nutrients that you can fill up on guilt-free. Here are 15 easy vegan snacks that are delicious, quick to prepare and good for the planet as well.

Why choose easy vegan snacks?

A plant-based diet has multiple benefits. And you don’t have to give up meat and dairy completely to enjoy them. Plant-based diets are typically rich in essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These can boost your immune system, improve digestion and lower the risk of diseases such as diabetes and certain cancers. In addition, plant-based diets – including vegan snacks – tend to be lower in saturated fats and cholesterol. This can support weight management and better heart health.

When it comes to the environment, plant-based eating is a sustainable choice. Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation and water usage. A shift towards plant-based eating can play a big role in tackling climate change and preserving our planet.

In fact, a recent study confirmed that people who follow a mainly plant-based diet cut the climate impact of their food by around a third. They also reduce their mortality risk by a similar amount.

The study is the largest of its kind to analyze the health and environmental impacts of the Planetary Health Diet. This diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and plant-based proteins and lower in animal products such as meat and dairy. Researchers developed the diet in 2019 as the optimal way to feed the growing global population while limiting the environmental effects of farming and food. 

Healthy snacking – doing it right

Snacking often gets a bad rap, but when done right, it can be an essential part of a balanced diet. We all know what it feels like to be hangry. Healthy snacks can provide a much-needed energy boost between meals or before physical activity. They can also help maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent overeating at main meals. 

Best snacking times

Timing your easy vegan snacks can make a big difference in how they affect your body and overall health. Here are the best times for snacking:

• Mid-morning: A healthy mid-morning snack can help bridge the gap between breakfast and lunch, preventing mid-morning energy slumps and boosting productivity.
• Mid-afternoon: An afternoon snack has a similar effect. It can curb the dip in energy and concentration, making it easier to power through the rest of your day.
• Pre-workout: Eating a light snack 30-60 minutes before exercising can provide the necessary fuel for an effective workout without causing discomfort. No one wants to workout on a full stomach. 
• Post-workout: A post-workout snack helps replenish glycogen stores and aids in muscle recovery.
• Evening: Feel peckish in the evening? Whipping up an easy vegan snack can prevent late-night cravings and help you sleep better.

15 easy vegan snack ideas

We asked our Instagram followers for their go-to easy vegan snacks. We’ve gathered the best ideas – along with a few of our own – below.

1. Stuffed dates:

Fill Medjool dates with almond butter and sprinkle with chia seeds for a sweet and nutritious snack.

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. 

3. Cucumber and hummus boats:

Scoop out cucumber halves and fill with your favorite hummus. Hydrating and satisfying.

4. Roasted chickpeas:

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

5. Avocado toast with radishes:

Avocados are a vegan standby thanks to their versatility and lovely creamy texture. Spread mashed avocado on whole-grain toast and top with thinly sliced radishes for a light, refreshing bite. 

While plant-based foods, including avocados, generally have a much lower carbon footprint than animal-based products, avocados use a ton of water. They are also grown in areas that are prone to drought, and their popularity has led to harmful monocultures in some places. Luckily, there are some tasty alternatives. Mashed butter beans or white beans make a great alternative in this instance. 

6. Veggie sushi rolls:

This is a super quick version of traditional sushi that skips the rice. 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 a healthy alternative to potato chips. Seaweed can be used instead of kale. 

9. Spicy edamame guacamole:

Edamame beans work really well as a substitute for avocados in guacamole. Cook and mash edamame with lime juice, cilantro (coriander) and jalapeño pepper for a zesty dip. The perfect accompaniment for veggie sticks or whole-grain crackers.

10. Frozen grapes:

Freeze grapes for a cool and refreshing treat that’s naturally sweet. This is a great easy vegan snack for children too, especially in hot weather. 

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.

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 alternative to popcorn. 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. Beetroot hummus:

This colorful take on traditional hummus includes beetroot, which is high in fiber. Blend cooked beetroot with chickpeas, tahini and and a dash of lemon juice for a vibrant, nutrient-rich dip or spread.

15. Sweet potato toast:

This snack idea takes a little longer to make but is worth the effort. The thinner the sweet potato slices, the faster they will crisp up. Thinly slice sweet potatoes, toast them in the oven and top with almond butter and banana slices. You can also make a bigger batch and store the potatoes in an air-tight container for up to a week. 

Getting the most out of easy vegan snacks

Eating more plant-based foods doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or convenience. With these easy vegan snacks, you can enjoy tasty, nutritious and planet-friendly snacks that keep you energized throughout the day. Whether you’re new to plant-based eating or a seasoned vegan, these healthy snacks are sure to add variety and excitement to your diet.