The ultimate guide to snacking smart: 18 dietitian-approved snacks for healthy cravings

As the day moves on and your stomach starts to rumble, the search for the perfect snack begins.

We all know that feeling—a craving for something that not only tastes good but also gives us the energy to power through the rest of the day.

But how do we choose the right one, especially as we get older and our nutritional needs change?


At The GrayVine, we understand the importance of making each bite count.

We’re here to guide you toward healthier snack choices that can help support your overall well-being!


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Discover delicious, dietitian-approved snacks to fuel your day and support your health. Image Source: Pexels / SHVETS production.


The Snack Trifecta: Balance, Satisfaction, and Energy

According to Lisa Moskovitz, a registered dietitian, a perfect snack should provide a balance of fiber, protein, and anti-inflammatory fats.

These key nutrients help satisfy your hunger while keeping your body fueled and nourished.

But choosing a snack isn’t just about checking the nutritional boxes—it’s also about aligning with your personal health goals.

Whether you're managing your cholesterol, maintaining muscle mass, or just need a refreshing bite on a warm day, the perfect snack is out there, and we’re here to help you find it.


Categories for Every Craving

We’ve put together a list of 18 dietitian-approved snacks, neatly categorized to help you pick the one that best suits your mood or health needs:
  1. Packed with Protein
  2. Quick and Crunchy
  3. Sweet but Sensible
  4. Cold and Refreshing
  5. All About the Greens
  6. Grab and Go


Also read: Shed pounds quickly with this dietitian-approved Costco snack!

Protein Powerhouses

  • Cottage Cheese Dip: Transform cottage cheese into a savory ranch dip. Pair it with high-protein chips for a satisfying snack that provides up to 30 grams of protein per serving.
  • Tuna Egg Salad on Crackers: Combine canned tuna with hummus or mayo on whole wheat crackers and top with a sliced hard-boiled egg. This high-protein, nutrient-packed snack delivers omega-3s, iron, and vitamins.
  • Greek Yogurt Smoothie: Blend Greek yogurt with protein powder, frozen berries, and half a banana for a nutrient-dense smoothie that supports muscle growth and digestion.


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Protein-packed cottage cheese dip paired with high-protein chips for a satisfying snack. Image Source: YouTube / @FitFoodAE.


Crunchy Delights

  • Trail Mix: Create your own mix of dried fruit, nuts, seeds, and a sprinkle of chocolate chips for a crunchy, nutrient-rich snack.
  • Ants on a Log: Spread peanut or almond butter on celery and top with raisins. This snack combines healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
  • Hummus and Veggies: Dip crunchy vegetables like carrots and bell peppers into hummus for a snack full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats.


Also read: Unlock endless energy: Dietitian reveals the ultimate high-protein snack from ALDI you can’t miss!

Sweet Treats
  • Cookie Dough: Whip up a no-bake cookie dough using oat flour, protein powder, maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and dark chocolate chips for a protein-boosted treat.
  • Snackable Dates: Enjoy dates on their own or stuffed with nut butter and a sprinkle of sea salt. For extra sweetness, dip them in dark chocolate.
  • Chocolate-Covered Fruit: Dip fruits like bananas or strawberries in melted dark chocolate for a sweet yet nutritious snack.


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Indulge in the perfect balance of sweetness and nutrition with chocolate-covered fruit. Image Source: Pexels / Begüm Arıcı.


Refreshing Bites
  • Frozen Grapes: Freeze grapes for a cool, juicy snack. Pair them with nuts to balance the natural sugars and prevent blood sugar crashes.
  • Greek Yogurt Bars: Try frozen Greek yogurt bars as a protein-packed alternative to traditional ice cream.
  • Acai Bowl: Blend frozen acai with almond milk and banana, then top with granola and berries for a vitamin-rich smoothie bowl.


Also read: Dietitians won't stop talking about this perfect late-night snack for insulin resistance!

Green Goodness
  • Kale Chips: Bake fresh kale leaves with olive oil and your favorite seasonings for a crispy, nutrient-packed snack.
  • Zucchini Pizza: Top zucchini slices with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese for a veggie-powered pizza alternative.
  • Super Greens Smoothie: Blend spinach and kale with avocado, banana, and almond milk for a drink full of vitamins and fiber.


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A simple and nutritious snack: hard-boiled eggs paired with crunchy baby carrots. Image Source: Pexels / Edanur Hassumer.


Simple and Satisfying
  • Hard-Boiled Egg and Baby Carrots: A quick snack packed with protein and fiber.
  • String Cheese and Cherry Tomatoes: Pair string cheese with cherry tomatoes for a snack rich in calcium and vitamin C.
  • Almond Butter and Banana: A simple, nutritious snack packed with healthy fats, protein, and potassium.

Why Snack Wisely?

For those over 60, snacking isn’t just about satisfying hunger—it’s about supporting our health.

The right snacks help manage blood sugar levels, provide essential nutrients, and keep our energy up throughout the day.


Source: YouTube / @trainermikeyy.​


Look through your current snack options and consider incorporating some of these dietitian-approved choices. Whether you're at home or on the go, there’s a healthy snack to suit every taste and health goal!

Read next: Canada's game changer: Meet the new prime minister set to tackle US trade tensions—is your wallet ready?

Key Takeaways

  • Snacking should include a balance of fiber, protein, and anti-inflammatory fats to be satisfying and boost energy levels, as recommended by dietitian Lisa Moskovitz.
  • It's important to choose snacks that align with specific nutrition goals, whether for weight loss support, muscle maintenance, or dietary needs like managing cholesterol.
  • A variety of dietitian-approved snacking options are presented, including those that are rich in protein, quick and crunchy, sweet without too much sugar, cold and refreshing, focused on greens, or ready to grab and go.
  • Snacks suggested range from a cottage cheese dip with high-protein chips to chocolate-covered fruit and from Greek yogurt bars to zucchini pizza, catering to different cravings while offering nutritional benefits.

What’s your go-to healthy snack? Do you have a favorite recipe or a snacking tip to share? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other to snack smarter and live healthier!
 

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