Whether you’re chasing deadlines, kids, or trails, it can be tricky to find time for a sit-down meal — let alone a balanced snack in between. But grabbing sugary snacks or fast food for the road doesn’t result in feeling your best, and it ultimately ends in the unavoidable crash that’s hard to come back from.
If you’re attempting to find better-for-you snacks that will fuel your days, give you plenty of energy, and taste downright delicious, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of 25 to-die-for bites that work with your full schedule, including Perfect Bar’s countless fridge-fresh, protein-packed options. Let’s get snacking!
24 Healthy Snacks on the Go
Puzzled about what to throw in your bag for a day full of activities? Take your pick of these 25 treats that will keep your energy and health up to snuff.
Protein-Powered Picks
First, for the people who want a substantial snack that would also work as a meal replacement for those extra-long days:
1. Perfect Bar
Not only is Perfect Bar packed with whole food protein and 20+ superfoods, but it also tastes irresistible. With tons of flavors to choose from like Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Mint, and Coconut Peanut Butter, there’s a perfect Perfect Bar for everyone’s preferences. These gluten-free goodies can be thrown into your gym bag, packed in a cooler for a road trip, or eaten as a morning snack before taking on the day’s to-do list. There’s no wrong way to enjoy Perfect Bar.
2. Roasted Chickpeas
Chickpeas — or garbanzo beans, as they’re also called — are packed with protein, making them an excellent source of energy and fiber. While they’re used in many meals, they also serve as a snack when roasted in the oven or air fryer. Toss them in olive oil and your favorite seasonings, cook them, and you’ll have a portable vegetarian and vegan option in no time.
3. Jerky
Dried beef, turkey, or even vegan alternatives make a super convenient — and mouthwatering — bite to eat. Generally, these high-protein options contain an impressive 9 grams of protein per ounce (28g) and are available in several different flavors. You can make these at home or buy them from the grocery store; just remember that store-bought versions often have added sugar and artificial ingredients.
4. Boiled Eggs With Sea Salt
What’s white, yellow, and an egg-cellent healthy snack? Hard-boiled eggs, of course. These nibbles contain B vitamins and trace minerals, giving your body what it needs to tackle even the fullest of schedules. Boil and sprinkle them with a hint of sea salt for a versatile, on-the-go option that will keep you feeling full.
5. Greek Yogurt Squeeze Pouches
Calling all yogurt lovers! Greek yogurt has 16g of protein per container, or 156g per serving, making it even more filling than your typical yogurt option. It’s also loaded with calcium, adding boosted bone health to its list of accolades. Either get ready-made yogurt pouches from the store or personalize a Greek yogurt parfait with berries, granola, and honey.
Crunchy + Satisfying
Love a salty bite, but want to avoid a bag of chips? Here are some ideas:
6. Nut + Seed Trail Mix
Nothing screams “on-the-go treat” quite like trail mix. While some store-bought options include milk chocolate, you can make a DIY version with all the best ingredients: dried fruits, pistachios, almonds, walnuts, cashews, and sunflower seeds.
7. Rice Cake Sandwiches With Almond Butter
Take the crunch of a potato chip and put it in a healthier package with rice cakes — a crispy, often salty base for a schmear of almond butter. You can also top with apple slices or strawberries for extra sweetness.
8. Air-Popped Popcorn With Nutritional Yeast
The classic snack takes on a healthier version by switching from microwave to air-popped. Popcorn provides B vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and manganese. On top of these benefits, sprinkling about 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast adds both a cheesy flavor and extra protein.
9. Seaweed Snacks
Have a chip scratch that you must itch? No worries! Turn a superfood into a key part of your snack rotation by roasting seaweed with sesame oil and seasoning for a nice crispy finish. Seaweed is a powerful food group, delivering iodine for thyroid health, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
10. Veggie Chips
While raw vegetables can be a great snacking option, a fun way to get your veggie intake is to either buy a low-oil, baked version or make veggie chips yourself. The best ingredients to use are root vegetables, starchy vegetables, and the right amount of salt, pepper, and seasonings to emulate your favorite salty chips.
Sweet But Smart
Do you have a sweet tooth but want to discover healthier ways to curb your cravings? Let’s look at five sweets that won’t make you sugar crash:
11. Energy Balls
By combining various ingredients like nut butter, honey, and seeds, and rolling them into bite-sized balls, you can make a totally portable snack available when and where you need it. And the best part? They don’t need to be baked, so you can have a whole batch made and ready to eat in no time.
12. Dried Fruit
When it comes to fruit, fresh isn’t the only way to go. With countless dried fruit options — either at the grocery store or made at home — you can enjoy dried apples, cherries, mango, crystallized ginger, and more. This offers you the health benefits of fruit without any of the hassle of washing, cutting, and storing it for your busy days.
13. Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are exactly what the name suggests — an easy, portable, nutritious option that will fill you up and provide just the right amount of sweetness. And because they’re prepared the night before, you can just grab them and go.
14. Apple Slices and Peanut Butter
Apples and peanut butter are a match made in heaven — and they offer lots of nutrients, such as vitamin C and potassium. The fiber and antioxidants found in apples help to improve gut health and reduce the risk of heart disease, and the combination of sweet and nutty is irresistible.
15. Frozen Grapes
One of the easiest snack options for your full schedule? Frozen grapes that you can pop into your cooler bag and eat as needed. All you have to do is get your favorite grapes, let them sit overnight in the freezer, and voila, the perfect low-effort yet delicious treat.
Fresh and Fridge-Ready
Do you have access to a fridge or lunch pail and want some strong snack options to prepare you for whatever lies ahead? Below are some wonderful options to taste test:
16. Hummus + Veggies
We’ve already mentioned the health benefits of chickpea beans, which are one of the main ingredients of hummus. Pair that with nutrient-rich vegetables, and you’ve got an unmatched healthy snack. With a variety of types of hummus and veggies to select from, you can try a bunch of different combinations.
17. String Cheese + Whole-Grain Crackers
Cheese and crackers are both good on their own, but they’re way better together. By selecting whole grain crackers, you get numerous health benefits due to their high fiber content, minerals, and vitamins.
18. Cottage Cheese With Pineapple Cups
Cottage cheese is very high in protein, making it a filling snack that you can easily bring with you wherever you go. To make it a bit more unique and fun, add cottage cheese to your next pineapple cup for a mix that’s both tangy and creamy.
19. Mini Salad Jar
For a snack that has all the components of a balanced meal, think mini salad jars. These can go just about any direction, from a Mediterranean one with cucumber, tomato, and feta to a Mexican rendition with street corn, avocado, and black beans.
On-the-Go for Little Ones (Or the Kid in You)
If your kids need a bite in between soccer games or during the after-school rush, these child-friendly snacks will do just the trick:
20. Mini Perfect Bar
Want all the whole food protein and 20+ superfoods in a slightly smaller package? Do we have just the thing for you! Perfect Bar Minis are a bite-sized snack you and your kids will gobble up. Try our PB&J or Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter flavors, or find the one that will suit your family’s taste best.
21. Unsweetened Applesauce Pouches
You know them and love them — applesauce pouches are a squeezable, convenient snack that helps your kids get their fruit intake with as little stress or fuss as possible. Bonus if the pouches are unsweetened!
22. Whole Grain Muffin Bites
Whole grain muffin bites are an easy breakfast that will give your family the necessary burst of energy, and they can easily be eaten in the car without any assistance. Don’t be surprised if your little ones ask for seconds.
23. Freeze-Dried Strawberries
Treat strawberries like candy by handing out freeze-dried fruit throughout your day. Need to distract your kids at the store or get some natural sugar into their system? This snack is the answer.
24. Cheese Cubes + Pretzel Sticks
In addition to being a quick and easy snack, cheese is super healthy and filling. With calcium, phosphorus, and selenium packed into each cube, it’s a fantastic choice to use as a base for your children’s snack. Tie it with pretzels for the perfect salty addition.
Nutritional Criteria: What Makes a Snack “Healthy”?
Good question! While there are a lot of different options, the healthiest snacks will check these boxes:
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High protein.
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Lots of fiber.
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Healthy fats.
When picking a snack, aim for one that fits between 150 to 250 calories per serving — or more if you have an active lifestyle. The point is to curb hunger between meals, not indulge in high-sugar snacks that will ultimately lead to energy crashes. Feed your body what it needs, and your health and energy levels will thank you. Healthy habits take time to build: Try and stick with better-for-you snacks, but give yourself some grace when you want to indulge in a dessert here and there.
Snack Storage and Packaging Hacks
For on-the-go snacking, the best containers are bento boxes, reusable silicone bags, and cooler bags. Also, knowing what’s shelf-stable or fridge-fresh is critical — you don’t want your snacks that need to be chilled to go bad by refusing to keep them cold. Make sure you have plenty of reusable ice packs and compact lunch boxes you can fill and have with you as you run around town.
Pro tip: Batch snacks on Sundays (or whatever day is most free). Then, label and stack them for easy grab-and-go packaging.
Snack Time FAQs
What are the healthiest on-the-go snacks?
Think whole-food-based, minimally processed, protein- and fiber-rich. Perfect Bars, boiled eggs, and trail mix make the cut.
What are healthy travel snacks?
Go for portable, non-perishable faves like jerky, nut butter packs, and dried fruit. Bonus if it doesn’t melt!
What are good snacks for weight loss?
Look for high-protein, low-sugar combos like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or veggie + hummus packs.
What are easy, healthy snack ideas?
Think: Perfect Bar + banana, cheese + apple, or popcorn + almonds. Keep it simple and satisfying.
How can I keep snacks fresh?
Use reusable cooler packs, insulated bags, or prep fridge-friendly snacks for short trips and shelf-stable ones for long days.
How many calories should a grab-and-go snack contain?
150–250 is ideal for most. Need more fuel? Go up to 300–350 if you're super active or replacing a meal.
Wrap It Up and Snack On
The perfect snack is equally nutritious, easy, and tasty. With Perfect Bar, you get all of those elements and more, all wrapped in an irresistibly sweet package that travels well. Not sure what flavors to try first? Test out a few combos this week and find your snack soulmates.
Try Perfect Bar — protein-packed, full of real food, and ready to roll with you anywhere. Find us in the fridge aisle near you!
