What are some good snacks for vegans?

November 23, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2023 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, plant-based diets can reduce the risk of heart disease by 16%. Fortunately, finding good snacks for vegans has never been easier, with a vast array of delicious and nutritious options available for every palate and preference.

Quick Summary

A comprehensive guide to delicious and nutritious vegan snacks. Explores easy homemade recipes, high-protein options, and convenient store-bought choices suitable for all occasions. Includes ideas for a healthy, balanced plant-based diet.

Key Points

Homemade options are customizable: Making snacks like roasted chickpeas or kale chips at home allows for control over ingredients, flavor, and sugar content.
Store-bought convenience exists: Many readily available packaged snacks are vegan-friendly, including specific fruit and nut bars or seaweed snacks, but always check labels.
Prioritize high-protein choices: Snacks featuring nuts, seeds, and legumes, such as hummus or roasted edamame, provide satiety and sustained energy.
Focus on whole foods: The healthiest vegan snacks are often whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, which are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Meal prep simplifies snacking: Preparing homemade snacks in bulk, like granola bars or chia pudding, saves time and ensures healthy options are always on hand.

Delicious and Nutritious Homemade Vegan Snack Ideas

Creating your own vegan snacks at home allows for maximum control over ingredients and nutrition. Homemade options are often fresher, more affordable, and free from unwanted additives found in many packaged foods. Here are some of the best DIY vegan snacks to get you started.

Savory Homemade Bites

Roasted Chickpeas: Simply drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, toss them with olive oil and your favorite spices (paprika, cumin, and garlic powder work well), and roast at 400°F (200°C) until golden and crunchy. These are packed with protein and fiber.
Hummus with Veggies: A classic for a reason. Homemade hummus is easy to make by blending chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Serve with crunchy vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or cucumber slices.
Kale Chips: Massage kale leaves with a little olive oil and salt, then bake at a low temperature until crispy. This turns a leafy green into a savory, nutrient-dense chip alternative.
Roasted Edamame: Toss shelled edamame with a dash of sesame oil and soy sauce, then roast until the pods are slightly charred. It’s a simple, high-protein snack.

Sweet Homemade Treats

Chia Pudding: A perfect make-ahead snack. Mix chia seeds with a non-dairy milk of your choice and a sweetener like maple syrup. Top with fresh fruit, nuts, and seeds for added texture and nutrients.
Homemade Granola Bars: Create your own custom granola bars using oats, nuts, seeds, and a natural binder like dates or almond butter. This is far healthier than most store-bought alternatives.
Apple Slices with Almond Butter: This simple combination provides a great mix of fiber from the apple and healthy fats and protein from the nut butter. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Convenient Store-Bought Vegan Snacks

For those busy days, many convenient and delicious vegan snacks are readily available at most supermarkets and specialty stores. Always remember to check the labels for hidden animal-derived ingredients.

Pre-packaged Hummus with Pretzels: Many pretzel brands are naturally vegan, but double-check the ingredients list for milk or butter. Look for hummus varieties that use only plant-based ingredients.
Fruit and Nut Bars: Brands like KIND or LÄRABAR offer many vegan-friendly bars. LÄRABARs are often made with just fruits and nuts, making them a very clean, whole-food option.
Seaweed Snacks: These thin, crispy sheets of seaweed are a light, savory, and satisfying snack. They are naturally vegan and rich in minerals like iodine.
Dried Fruit: Options like dried apricots, mangoes, or figs offer a sweet and chewy energy boost. Just be mindful of added sugars.

The Role of Protein in Vegan Snacks

Protein is crucial for satiety and muscle maintenance. Fortunately, many plant-based foods are excellent protein sources. Incorporating these into your snacks will keep you feeling full and energized longer.

Roasted Chickpeas: Mentioned earlier, these are a powerhouse of plant-based protein.
Edamame: A fantastic source of complete protein, perfect for a quick and easy snack.
Nut and Seed Mixes: Trail mix with almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds provides healthy fats and protein.
Vegan Protein Shakes: For a quick, high-protein boost, use a plant-based protein powder blended with a non-dairy milk and some fruit.

Comparison of Popular Vegan Snack Options


Snack Type	Pros	Cons	Best For
Homemade Granola Bars	Customizable, fresh ingredients, less sugar	Requires prep time, potential for crumbs	On-the-go fuel, meal prepping
Roasted Chickpeas	High in protein and fiber, customizable flavors, low cost	Requires an oven, can get soggy if not stored properly	Savory cravings, easy preparation
Store-Bought Bars	Convenient, portable, wide variety	Potential for added sugars or preservatives, higher cost	Quick energy boost, travel
Hummus with Veggies	Balanced macro profile, refreshing, nutrient-dense	Requires chopping veggies, can spoil quickly	Mid-afternoon snack, light meal replacement
Dried Fruit	Naturally sweet, portable, long shelf life	High in sugar, can stick to teeth	Quick sugar boost, sweet cravings

Conclusion

Whether you prefer to make your own or grab a convenient package from the store, the options for what are some good snacks for vegans are abundant and delicious. From savory roasted edamame to sweet chia pudding, there is a snack for every craving and nutritional need. By focusing on whole, plant-based foods, you can enjoy tasty and healthy snacks that support a vibrant, energized lifestyle. Proper planning and label-reading ensure you always have a satisfying vegan snack at your fingertips. If you are looking for more plant-based inspiration, check out the resources from reputable organizations like The Vegan Society.

Frequently Asked Questions

High-protein vegan snacks include roasted chickpeas, edamame, nuts and seeds (like almonds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds), homemade granola bars with nut butter, and vegan protein smoothies.

No, not all granola bars are vegan. Many contain honey, milk derivatives, or other non-vegan ingredients. It's crucial to check the ingredient list for honey, milk powder, or whey protein.

For quick vegan snacks, consider options like apple slices with almond butter, a handful of mixed nuts, store-bought seaweed snacks, or a simple chia pudding prepared the night before.

Good vegan snacks for kids include sliced bananas with peanut butter, fruit and nut bars (check ingredients), easy homemade vegan cookies, or fun fruit skewers.

Yes, plain air-popped popcorn is a vegan-friendly snack. You can customize it by tossing it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or with spices instead of butter.

Many vegan snacks are naturally gluten-free. Options include nuts, seeds, fruit, vegetables with hummus, roasted chickpeas, and rice crackers.

To ensure a store-bought snack is vegan, always read the ingredients list carefully. Look for certifications like 'Certified Vegan' and be wary of hidden ingredients like whey, casein, gelatin, or honey.