Being stuck studying without snacks is the worst. Having something to eat is the easiest way to get in a 10-15 minute break from staring at your textbook, or the best excuse for procrastinating just a little bit longer. According to a 2016 study, 1 in 6 American adults get 40% or more of their daily calories from snacks. But most of us – about 75% – fall short on proper nutritional needs. The fact that most snacks around campus are sugary, salty, caffeine-bombs doesn’t help.
Here’s a quick guide to some good snacks that are tasty, backpack friendly, and make you feel good about what’s going into your body.
Salty – More than potato chips and pretzels
Veggie Chips
Everyone’s seen the black bags of Terra multi-vegetable and sweet-potato chips in grocery aisles. Other brands are starting to catch up to Terra, including store-brand stores like Trader Joe’s and Aldi’s. A baggie of these satisfies the need for salt and flavor, and offers some of the nutrients you’d get from non-chip veggies!
Triscuits
Did you know that Triscuit crackers have 0 added sugar? I didn’t. Crackers are a pantry staple, especially for college students, and they go with everything. Pack a mini-tupperware of peanut butter, cheese, or hummus, and you’ll have a ready-to-go snack with a DIY twist.
Salted Pea Crisps
Those bags of air-puffed green beans and snap-peas aren’t astronaut food. They’re actually good for you – containing whole vegetables and some protein (peas contain tons of protein, who knew?). 100% better than a Ziploc baggie of carrot sticks.
Sweet: Good for your sweet-tooth, chocolate included
Fruit Chips
This one’s easy – dried and crispy apples, bananas, coconut chips, pears, and pineapple. Put in bag or box, drop in backpack. Done.
Fruit and Granola Bars
Granola bars and fruit leather are snack-staples. More brands are starting to take notice of consumers wanting less sugar, more fruit and grain, and (of course) chocolate. RXBar and Larabar, while expensive, offer protein and fiber in a bar made of only plants and nuts – no B.S. Granola and oatmeal cups are also great traveling snacks. You can eat them plain, with milk or yogurt – those awkward boxes of Silk soy-milk in the Starbucks cold-case finally has a use!
Non-Avocado Toast
Have bread? Have a toaster? You have a snack right there. Add toppings like peanut or almond butter, bananas, apples, fruit butters, even granola and you have a portable meal that fits any craving or study space. For extra bonus, use whole grain bread or make your own (if you want a longer mental break).
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