{"id":119,"date":"2017-01-22T21:14:41","date_gmt":"2017-01-22T21:14:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.purplecarrot.com\/blog-test\/?p=119"},"modified":"2026-08-13T18:21:59","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T18:21:59","slug":"plant-based-snacks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.purplecarrot.com\/learn\/plant-based-snacks\/","title":{"rendered":"Hungry Outside Mealtime? 11 Rules for Delicious, Filling Plant-Based Snacks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Leave your guilt about snacking at the door. Eating between meals is healthy, if not outright necessary, for maintaining focus and sustained energy<\/a>. The real reason snacking is stigmatized is that not everyone chooses their snacks wisely, and that challenge is even more present if you eat a plant-based diet. With these 11 rules for doing plant-based snacks the right way, you\u2019ll easily overcome that challenge time and again.<\/p>\n

1. Focus on protein<\/h2>\n

Packaged snacks are often full of simple carbohydrates, which are associated with that unwelcome mid-afternoon slump. Chances are, you\u2019ll feel more sustained with a high-protein snack with minimal carbs. Think shelled edamame you can quickly thaw in the microwave or plant-based protein bars that are low in added sugar.<\/p>\n

2. Focus on healthy fats, too<\/h2>\n

Virtually no food comprises protein alone, especially if it\u2019s a snack food instead of a main dish. If you find a high-protein snack that\u2019s also rich in healthy fats, go ahead and add it to your rotation. Whereas simple carbs lead to a quick energy spike and subsequent dip, fats more gradually provide energy over a longer period.<\/p>\n

Since hummus is naturally fat-forward and low-carb, it\u2019s a great dip for your favorite crispy-crunchy veggie. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are also a naturally high\u2013protein, high-fat snack. Seeds also shine bright in our Pistachio Cream Chia Pudding<\/a>, which is rich in healthy fats.<\/p>\n

3. Don\u2019t be afraid of complex carbs<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t conflate simple carbs with all carbs. Complex carbs, which include fiber, come from whole-food sources and are great for healthy snacking. As with fats, their energy release is more gradual and sustained.<\/p>\n

Raspberries are a great choice for a snack rich in complex carbs. They\u2019re among the highest-fiber foods out there, and the ripest ones basically taste like candy. And there\u2019s nothing wrong with enjoying half a banana alongside some peanut butter! That\u2019s a classic for a reason.<\/p>\n

One last pro tip: Popcorn is technically a whole grain (a type of complex carb) if you pop it yourself. Dust it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy, nutrient-balanced snack.<\/p>\n

4. Combine protein, fat, and fiber<\/h2>\n

\u201cIf you’re looking for healthy, satisfying plant-based snacks, focus on protein, fiber, and healthy fats,\u201d shared Rachael Derr, registered dietician with Purple Carrot. \u201cThese nutrients help keep you full longer and provide steady energy between meals.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rachael\u2019s picks for filling plant-based snacks are easy to prepare and even more enjoyable to eat. She recommends:<\/p>\n