47 Healthy Snack Ideas to Power You Through the Day

If you work a nine-to-five job (or something like it), then you know the importance of having healthy snack ideas at the ready to help you power through the WFH or office grind. A nutritious little midmorning or afternoon munch can provide the fuel top-off you need to stay focused until it’s time to clock out. A good snack is also kind of like a mini-break for your mind and treat for your senses.

Generally, an energizing and sustaining snack is going to have some nutritional staying power in the form of protein, fat, and/or fiber, Toronto-based dietitian Abbey Sharp, R.D., has previously told SELF. And while sometimes all you want is a little nibble, San Francisco–based dietitian and SELF columnist Jessica Jones, M.S., R.D., C.D.E., has said that including at least two different food groups (starches, fats, proteins, or fruits/vegetables) will result in a more substantial snack.

This list is full of convenient and healthy snack ideas, including the personal favorites of a few R.D.s and a bunch of our own picks. There are general recommendations for snack-worthy foods as well as specific prepackaged options, plus a few ideas for homemade snacks you can batch-prep if you're so inclined. Basically, there's a little bit of everything, so that you can find snacks to suit your tastes, dietary needs, and budget—because the best healthy choices look a little different for everybody. 

Choose two (or three!) from this list for a more filling combination snack, and mix it up so you get a nice variety of nutrients, flavors, and textures—protein and carbs, salty and sweet, creamy and crunchy—to keep your snack game fresh. Keep them within arm’s reach of your home (or office) workspace, or in the kitchen as an excuse to get up and stretch your legs for a minute.