If you think veganism is all about boring celery sticks and flavorless tofu, think again! The world of vegan-friendly snacks is vast, bursting with delicious, flavor-packed options that are both satisfying and nutritious. These delicious plant-based diet and snacks are ready to give you the ultimate taste and boost for an active day ahead.
Contrary to what many believe, going vegan doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor and satisfaction. Whether you are a seasoned vegan lover or a food enthusiast ready to embark on a healthy, satisfying diet, homemade vegan snacks can open up a whole new world of delicious and easy-to-make vegan-friendly snacks that will keep you energized and feeling good.
Let’s explore some delicious plant-based diets and snacks that are good for your body and will tantalize your taste buds.
Why Go Vegan for Snacks?
We understand that choosing vegan-friendly snacks over processed snacks such as juices, crisps, and pizza may be challenging, but it’s a conscious decision to benefit your health and the environment. Here are some reasons why choosing homemade vegan snacks may be the best decision you take for your body:
- Improves digestion
Vegan snacks comprise vegetables high in dietary fiber, phytochemicals, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. This delicious plant-based diet improves digestion and ensures sound gut health, boosting bowel movements.
- This leads to weight loss.
A vegan diet means fewer calories and less saturated fats, which means you can lose weight effectively if you opt for vegan snacks rich in fiber. According to a study, a plant-based diet effectively treats obesity and hypertension.
- Reduces blood sugar
In contrast to fattening and processed snacks, vegan-friendly snacks reduce blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity. In a study on 244 overweight adults, researchers found that those who switched to a low-fat vegan diet became more sensitive to insulin than those who consumed a regular diet.
These tips for weight management might help.
Vegan-Friendly Snack Recipes and Ideas for a Healthy You
Here are some vegan-friendly snack ideas and recipes that can tantalize your taste buds and provide the satisfaction you crave:
Sweet Vegan Treats for Guilt-free Indulgence
Craving a chocolate bar or a mouthwatering dessert? Try these sweet, vegan-friendly snack treats for a guilt-free indulgence:
No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cup vegan graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup stevia or brown sugar
- ½ cup soy or coconut milk
- 1 cup cacao chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Make a crust by spreading crumbs and butter in a pan
- Mix peanut butter, brown sugar, milk, and chocolate chips
- Spread the filling on the crust
- Refrigerate for 2 hours. Enjoy!
Vegan Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup soy milk
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Chill for an hour. Enjoy!
Savory Vegan-Friendly Snacks to Satisfy Cravings
Protein Balls
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup protein whey powder
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp chia or flaxseeds
- ¼ cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
· Mix all ingredients
· Roll into balls
· Refrigerate for 30 mins. Enjoy!
Sweet Potato and Caramelized Onion Rolls
- Ingredients:
- 1 package of vegan pizza dough
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato
- 1 sliced onion
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- salt/ pepper
- Vegan butter
Instructions:
- Caramelize onions in oil with vinegar and thyme
- Roll out dough, spread sweet potato, and top with onions
- Roll dough into a log and cut into 1-inch slices
Quick On-the-Go Vegan Snacks
Looking for the perfect on-the-go vegan snack for those busy afternoons? These homemade vegan snacks are the solution:
Avocado Toast with Sriracha Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 slice of whole-grain bread
- ½ cup mashed avocado
- 1 tsp Sriracha sauce
Instructions:
- Spread the mashed avocado evenly over the toast
- Sprinkle Sriracha sauce. Enjoy
Vegan Ambrosia Salad
This quick, easy ambrosia salad recipe is the perfect vegan-friendly snack for busy mornings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pineapple
- 1 can mandarin oranges
- 1 cup vegan marshmallows
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl
- Gently fold and chill for a quick snack!
Get the nutritional information for the Ambrosia Salad recipe here.
Tips for Budget-Friendly Vegan Snacking
Many people believe that a delicious plant-based diet is heavy on the pocket. However, with the right strategies, you can enjoy the benefits of vegan-friendly snacks without breaking the bank. Here are some valuable tips:
· Focus on whole foods
Add whole foods to your diet as they are healthier and cheaper. Focus on incorporating grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, or a combination of all these in your daily meals. For a delicious yet affordable diet, you can also include single-ingredient products such as lentil pasta, tofu, and tempeh.
· Buy food in bulk
It is always better to buy products in bulk when following a vegan diet. This not only reduces waste but also saves time and money.
· Buy food that’s in season.
If you plan to prepare vegan-friendly snacks on a budget, include plant-based foods that are in season, such as veggies and fruits. Buying food that’s in season costs less and tastes delicious.
· Keep a food budget diary.
Before preparing vegan snacks for your diet, check your budget by noting the costs of each ingredient in your grocery list. Track down the expensive products and try other brands as an affordable alternative.
Wrapping It Up
Vegan-friendly snacks are a great snacking option to stay healthy and active. In addition to being delicious, these snacks are good for the environment, so you can be assured of a sustainable yet tasty snacking option whenever you are hungry.
