Finding Your Fuel: What are some healthy snacks to buy at Walmart?

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the World Health Organization, unhealthy diets are a leading global risk to health, making smart snack choices crucial for well-being. Fortunately, a trip to Walmart offers numerous nutritious options, and this guide will help you navigate the aisles to find out exactly what are some healthy snacks to buy at Walmart.

Quick Summary

This article provides a comprehensive guide to healthy snack options available at Walmart. It explores various sections, highlighting specific brands and product types such as fresh produce, refrigerated items, nuts, seeds, and protein-focused snacks to help you make informed choices.

Key Points

Start in Produce: For the simplest and freshest options, browse the fresh fruit and vegetable section first.
Embrace the Refrigerated Section: Seek out high-protein dairy like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and string cheese for filling options.
Read Labels Carefully: In the pantry aisles, check ingredient lists and nutrition facts for low sodium, low saturated fat, and low sugar products.
Prioritize Whole-Food Snacks: Focus on nuts, seeds, and dried fruits over heavily processed alternatives.
Opt for High Protein: Choose snacks rich in protein, such as jerky or hard-boiled eggs, for sustained energy and satiety.
Buy in Bulk for Savings: Consider purchasing larger containers of nuts or plain yogurt and portioning them out yourself to save money.

Navigating the Store for Better Bites

Stocking up on healthy snacks at a large retailer like Walmart can be surprisingly easy with a bit of planning. The key is to focus on whole, unprocessed foods and packaged options with minimal added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats. By starting with the perimeter of the store and venturing into the center aisles with caution, you can fill your cart with nutritious and satisfying treats.

Fresh and Fantastic Finds in the Produce Section

For the freshest and simplest snack options, the produce section is your best bet. Most fruits and vegetables require little to no preparation and are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Ready-to-Eat Fruits: Grab apples, bananas, pears, or bags of Marketside Organic Bananas. For a different flavor, Marketside also offers pre-cut fruit trays and bags of grapes.
Veggies for Dipping: Pick up a pre-cut vegetable tray or simply buy bags of mini carrots, bell peppers, or cucumbers. Pair them with hummus for a complete snack.
Avocados: Fresh Hass avocados are a great source of healthy fats. Mash one with a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lime to enjoy with whole-grain crackers.

Protein and Probiotics from the Refrigerated Section

Don't overlook the dairy and refrigerated aisles, which offer a variety of protein-rich and probiotic-filled snacks perfect for sustained energy.

Greek Yogurt: Look for brands like Oikos Triple Zero or Chobani that offer high protein without excessive added sugars. Choose plain versions and sweeten them yourself with fruit or a touch of honey.
Cottage Cheese: Daisy 2% Low Fat Cottage Cheese offers a substantial protein boost. Enjoy it on its own or topped with fresh fruit.
String Cheese: Frigo Cheese Heads and Great Value brand string cheese are convenient, portion-controlled sources of protein and calcium.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: Grab a pack of pre-cooked hard-boiled eggs for a quick, protein-heavy snack.

Healthy Choices in the Center Aisles

While the center aisles are home to many processed snacks, they also contain many healthy options. The trick is to read the labels carefully and focus on fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

Nuts, Seeds, and Wholesome Mixes

These are excellent sources of protein and healthy fats. Always opt for unsalted or lightly salted varieties to keep sodium in check.

Nuts: Wonderful Pistachios (no salt), Great Value Walnuts, and raw almonds are all solid choices.
Trail Mix: Power Up Mega Omega or Great Value Omega-3 Trail Mix provide a blend of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for energy. Watch out for varieties with excessive added sugar or chocolate candy.
Dried Edamame: For a plant-based, crunchy alternative to chips, consider The Only Bean Crunchy Dry Roasted Edamame.

Mindful Munchies: Bars, Popcorn, and Jerky

For pre-packaged convenience, these items can be lifesavers, but ingredient lists vary wildly. Select items with short, recognizable ingredient lists.

Protein Bars: Look for bars with minimal added ingredients, like Larabar and RXBAR. For a high-protein option, Chomps Jerky Sticks are a great choice.
Popcorn: LesserEvil Organic Popcorn or SkinnyPop are good choices, made with simple ingredients.
Crackers: Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers or Triscuit Thin Crisps are excellent whole-grain alternatives to traditional crackers.

Healthy Snack Comparison Table

Here is a quick look at some popular healthy snack types and their typical nutritional benefits based on general product information at Walmart.


Snack Type	Key Benefit	Typical Protein	Typical Fiber	Considerations
Greek Yogurt (Plain)	High Protein, Probiotics	15-20g	0-1g	Add-ins can increase sugar content.
Handful of Almonds	Healthy Fats, Fiber	6g	3.5g	Mindful portion control needed for calorie count.
Apple Slices & Peanut Butter	Natural Sugar, Healthy Fats	8g	6g	Choose natural peanut butter without added sugar.
Hard-Boiled Egg	Lean Protein, B Vitamins	6g	0g	High cholesterol content, but still a healthy choice in moderation.
Hummus & Veggies	Protein, Fiber	2-4g	2-4g	Pair with low-carb veggies to avoid high-calorie crackers.
Chomps Jerky Stick	High Protein	10g	0g	Look for low-sodium varieties.

Conclusion

Finding nutritious snacks at Walmart is all about being a savvy shopper. By prioritizing fresh, whole foods and carefully reading the labels of packaged goods, you can discover a wide variety of affordable and wholesome choices. Whether you're in the mood for fresh fruit, a protein-packed yogurt, or a crunchy bag of healthy popcorn, Walmart has you covered. Making small, mindful decisions at the store can lead to significant improvements in your overall nutrition and help you feel your best. For more tips on making healthy choices, consider resources from registered dietitians like those highlighted by EatingWell.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

For low-sugar options, look for fresh fruits, unsweetened Greek yogurt (like Oikos Triple Zero), nuts, seeds, and Chomps beef or turkey sticks. Reading labels is crucial, especially for packaged items, to ensure no sugar has been added.

Walmart's Great Value brand offers both healthy and unhealthy options, so it's essential to check the label. Products like Great Value Nuts (almonds, pistachios) and Omega-3 Trail Mix can be healthy choices, but you should still check for added sugar and sodium.

Good grab-and-go options for kids include That's it. Fruit Bars, unsweetened applesauce cups, and string cheese. Combining a fruit with a protein source, like an apple with peanut butter, is also a great idea.

For a healthy crunch, consider LesserEvil Organic Popcorn, Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers, and roasted edamame snacks like The Only Bean. These provide satisfying texture with better nutritional profiles than traditional chips.

Yes, Walmart carries a wide selection of snacks catering to different diets. Look for labels indicating 'gluten-free,' 'vegan,' or 'keto-friendly' on products like Simple Mills crackers and RXBARs. Fresh fruits, nuts, and plain dairy are also naturally accommodating to many diets.

When choosing a protein bar, look for options with minimal ingredients and lower sugar content. Good brands available at Walmart include RXBAR and Larabar, which often use simple, whole-food ingredients.

To make a healthier trail mix, combine unsalted or lightly salted nuts (like walnuts or almonds) and seeds (pumpkin or sunflower) with unsweetened dried fruit from Walmart. This avoids excess sugar often found in pre-made mixes.