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20 Healthy Make-Ahead Snack Recipes

    These make-ahead snack recipes are my favorite for both everyday grab-and-go and after-school snacks. They’re healthy and tasty so you don’t have to feel guilty going for that extra scoop.

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola with a peanut butter drizzle

    I have a confession to make – I am more of a snacker than a dessert girl. I would turn down chocolate cake for french fries any day. So as you can guess, finding healthy alternatives to my favorite snacks was super important to my weight loss journey.

    Liz cutting granola bars

    Snacks, by definition, are simple. They’re intended to be grab-and-go convenience foods that taste good. Often this means processed and unhealthy. A whopping 86% of Americans regularly purchase salty snacks, while 64% regularly purchase dessert. The majority of those surveyed said they eat snacks to satisfy hunger between meals or as a treat.

    Baked Corn Tortilla Chips a healthy snack HR

    Snacking in and of itself is not bad. In fact, many weight loss programs encourage healthy snacking between meals. The difference between a healthy snack and an unhealthy one often lies in the ingredients and preparation.

    mini pumpkin chocolate chip muffins

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

    Are snacks healthy?

    Yes! Snacks are not inherently bad for you; it depends on the ingredients. Carrots and hummus is an example of a healthy snack, while salt and vinegar potato chips are not. (Sorry.) But, as with everything, moderation is key.

    When is a good time to snack?

    Great question! The answer to this question is super personal. Do you snack because you’re hungry between meals, or is it a special treat? If you’re snacking because you’re hungry or as part of a weight loss program, planning your schedule in advance is super helpful.

    What makes a good snack?

    It can really be anything! I like to choose something that is quick – which is why these recipes can all be made ahead of time. I also love to share tips along the way like my make-ahead smoothie freezer bags. This makes it easier to choose a snack that is healthy and full of protein to stave off hunger until your next meal.

    Regardless if snacking is a special treat or a regular thing, with this list of 20 make-ahead snack recipes, you’ll never stare blankly at your pantry again.

    Liz and Boys Eating Garlic Roasted Hummus

    No fork required.

    Fudgy Peanut Butter Swirl Energy Bites

    4.67 stars average
    15 minutes
    These rich and fudgy chocolate peanut butter energy bites are perfect for on-the-go snacking!
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    Chocolate Brownie Peanut Butter Swirl Energy Bites Recipe

    Japanese Quick Pickled Cucumbers

    4.15 stars average
    5 minutes
    These crunchy Japanese quick pickles are easy to make and the perfect salty, sweet and sour low calorie snack to serve before or with a meal.
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    Japanese Quick Pickled Cucumbers in a bowl

    White Bean Dip With Garlic and Rosemary

    Rate It!
    10 minutes
    This thick and creamy White Bean Dip With Garlic and Rosemary is the ultimate healthy snack or gluten free appetizer recipe. 
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    White Bean Dip With Garlic and Rosemary

    Homemade Nut Free Protein Bars

    4.29 stars average
    30 minutes
    A healthy alternative to store-bought granola bars, these chewy nut-free protein bars are perfect for snacking on-the-go! 
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    nut free chewy granola bars
    Easy Peel Hard Boiled Eggs

    How To Make Hard Boiled Eggs That Are Easy Peel

    Struggling with how to make that perfect easy peel hard boiled egg? Look no further! This 3 step recipe is the answer to getting it right every time!
    Check out this recipe!

    Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins

    5 stars average
    27 minutes
    These bite-sized pumpkin chocolate chip mini muffins are not only tasty but made with whole grains and warm fall spices. Perfect for snacks!
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    pumpkin mini muffins

    Lime Baked Tortilla Chips with Sea Salt

    4.75 stars average
    30 minutes
    These lime scented baked corn tortilla chips are light and crunchy, the ultimate healthy snack recipe!
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    Lime Baked Tortilla Chips with Sea Salt

    5-Ingredient No Bake Fig Newton Bites

    4.38 stars average
    10 minutes
    A healthy twist on the classic fig newton cookies, these no bake fig newtons energy bites are naturally gluten free, vegan, and paleo-friendly.
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    5 Ingredient No Bake Fig Newton Bites 2

    Sweet and Savory Mixed Nuts

    5 stars average
    25 minutes
    The ultimate party appetizer or edible gift, these sweet and savory mixed nuts are always a crowd pleaser! 
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    Sweet and Spicy Nuts in a mason jar

    Fruit and Cheese Kabobs

    5 stars
    15 minutes
    The perfect lunch box treat or after school snack, these fruit and cheese kabobs are kid-friendly and adult approved.
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    person holding Fruit and Cheese Kabobs

    Almond Flour Peach Muffins

    4.79 stars average
    40 minutes
    Moist, tender, and lightly sweetened, these gluten-free peach muffins are high in protein and low in carb. The ideal busy morning breakfast or on-the-go healthy snack!
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    Gluten Free Peach Muffins

    Hummus Deviled Eggs

    Rate It!
    35 minutes
    A protein-packed snack or elegant appetizer, this fun twist on deviled eggs is made with creamy hummus and sprinkled with earthy za’atar.
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    Hummus Deviled Eggs with Za'atar - The Lemon Bowl

    Overnight Chia Seed Pudding

    3.95 stars average
    5 minutes
    This creamy, maple-infused overnight chia seed pudding is a naturally vegan breakfast recipe made with just five simple pantry ingredients.
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    3 glasses with overnight chia seed pudding inside

    Best Baked Kale Chips Recipe

    Rate It!
    30 minutes
    Made with fresh kale, olive oil and kosher salt, these tasty baked kale chips are just as addictive as their potato cousin.
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    Kale Chips Up Close

    Quinoa Chocolate Chip Granola Bars {No Bake}

    4.15 stars average
    15 minutes
    The ultimate homemade snack bar, these no-bake Quinoa Chocolate Chip Granola Bars are packed with protein, fiber and omega-3’s. Healthy, travel friendly and easy to make these are my go to snack.
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    no bake quinoa bars

    Easy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

    4.22 stars average
    40 minutes
    Crispy roasted pumpkin seeds with easy to follow step by step instructions. You will love this healthy and additctive snack!
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    Roasted pumpkin seeds

    Healthy Blueberry Oatmeal Bread

    4.56 stars average
    1 hour 15 minutes
    This moist and healthy Blueberry Oatmeal Bread is made with creamy yogurt, plump blueberries and warm cinnamon. It's ideal for freezing and perfect for breakfast or even dessert!  
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    Blueberry Oatmeal Bread on a plate

    Frozen Yogurt Coated Strawberries

    4.75 stars average
    15 minutes
    The ultimate summer snack or dessert, whole strawberries are coated in creamy vanilla yogurt then frozen until firm. Perfect for keeping cool!
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    Frozen Yogurt Coated Strawberries Recipe

    Homemade Mexican Hot Chocolate Granola Recipe

    5 stars average
    40 minutes
    This easy homemade chocolate granola recipe is scented with cinnamon and filled with whole grains, nuts and flax seed.
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    Double Chocolate Granola Recipe - The Lemon Bowl

    Make Ahead Fruit and Yogurt Protein Parfaits

    4.02 stars average
    10 minutes
    These Make-Ahead Fruit and Yogurt Protein Parfaits is packed with plenty of protein and heart-healthy fats to give you all-day energy.
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    Make ahead fruit and yogurt parfaits
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    Liz DellaCroce

    Liz Della Croce is the creator and author of The Lemon Bowl, a healthy food blog. Since 2010, Liz has been sharing delicious recipes that just so happen to be healthy. By using real ingredients with an emphasis on seasonality, Liz has built a growing audience of loyal readers who crave good food for their families. Click Here To Subscribe to my newsletter:

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