Conventional snack foods like greasy potato chips and other store-bought items are typically REALLY bad for our health. A main ingredient of most dry cereals, crackers and other snack-y foods on store shelves is high fructose corn syrup. This can essentially be likened to poison for the body. It’s really that bad. I always get excited when I hear about new snack trends that are not as unhealthy as some of the usual products we find in the grocery store aisles.
If you check out the archives here on The Hot Mess Press, you can find articles like this one, that provide healthy snack ideas. But, first — keep reading this post, which includes a list of 5 snack trends you might want to try that are easy to make and reportedly delicious to taste! I keep seeing number 3 turn up on Instagram Reels (where I get some of my best, creative-idea food recipes!) and I’m looking forward to trying it!
Who’s ready for pulp cracker snack trends?
More and more people are becoming health conscious nowadays. There’s a definite increase in the number of people who are using natural remedies as opposed to synthetic drugs. Many people are growing their own food and incorporating various herbs and whole foods into their diets to strengthen their immune systems. Juicing green foods has gained popularity. There’s also a raised awareness about trying to cut back on food waste. A combination of these two topics has inspired several snack trends, including using green food pulp from juicing to make healthy snack crackers!
You can use a dehydrator or bake your pulp crackers in the oven. Here’s a recipe for you to try. I’ve also heard of people making pulp chips; in fact, there’s a company called “Pulp Pantry” that sells a variety of flavors! Pulp crackers and pulp chips are 100% vegan (if that’s a concern of yours), gluten free and grain free.
Snack trends using chocolate and peanut butter and bananas
Most people love the combined flavors of chocolate and peanut butter. Conventional products have a lot of high fructose corn syrup and processed sugars. That’s not good. BUT — dark chocolate is actually healthy for you, and so is natural peanut butter. In addition to these two healthy ingredients, you can use coconut oil and bananas to make a tasty frozen snack called “banana bites.” These easy-to-make treats are perfect for a summer day. You simply slice three bananas into circle shapes. Then, make little “banana sandwiches” by spreading natural peanut butter on a slice and topping with another slice. Freeze these for a while. While that’s happening, melt 1/2 cup of dark chocolate with two teaspoons of coconut oil. Stir well. Dip your banana treats into the mixture as you would if you were making chocolate-covered strawberries. (It just occurred to me that you probably COULD make this snack idea using strawberries instead of bananas!) Once they’re all dipped, store them in the freezer. Two banana bites contain less than 100 calories! This recipe makes approximately 30 bites.
Have you tried pasta chips yet?
One of the snack trends that keep coming up in my Instagram Reels is pasta chips. When I first saw it, it didn’t appeal to me at all. After watching several videos showing different versions and flavors of pasta chips you can make in an air fryer, I’m ready to try! You can use rigatoni, bow tie noodles or any style of medium-to-large pasta that you prefer. Some people make dips to go with. A basic recipe includes dry pasta, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasonings, Parmesan cheese and salt. First, you boil your pasta until it is al dente. Next, drain and toss it with the other ingredients. Place batches of your mixture in a pre-heated air fryer at 400 degrees. Cook about five minutes, give a stir, then four to six more minutes. Let cool before eating to get a good crisp.
Fresh avocado can help satiate your appetite for hours
Healthy snack trends often include foods that are high in protein and natural fats. There is strong evidence that these types of snacks can help you lose weight. One of the most popular trending snacks on Instagram these days is rye-and-seed toast topped with avocado and grated carrots. YUM. Some people like to drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for added flavor and weight-loss properties. I personally prefer avocado with some sea salt sprinkled on top. You can adapt these recipes to suit your own preference.
Satisfy your next snack attack with honey-garlic cauliflower
You’ll want to pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees and line a cookie sheet with foil to make these crunchy, healthy snacks. Garlic and high quality honey are two super foods you don’t want to live without. If you can buy local honey, it’s even better, and can help you overcome seasonal allergies. I’ve only recently learned how healthy cauliflower is. It’s high in fiber and multiple B vitamins. It’s also rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients that help prevent cancer. Here’s a recipe for honey-garlic cauliflower bites.
Less processed sugar and foods, more protein, natural fats and fiber
Along with healthy snack trends comes a raised awareness of functional nutrition. Our goal shouldn’t just be to eat to satisfy hunger but to strengthen our immune systems and build a strong mind and body. You can choose snacks that increase your energy and focus, as well as snacks that evoke feelings of calmness and relaxation. A slight stigma remains throughout our society that healthy foods lack flavor. This doesn’t have to be true, especially if you experiment and adapt recipes to delight your taste buds.
Let us know if you try these healthy snack trends or if you have a favorite recipe that’s not listed here!
