Find a Job You Really Want In
Working an eight-hour day is a long time to be away from home. Most employees get an hour lunch break where they can eat a hearty meal. However, many may lose energy and crave additional food throughout the day.
Snacks are important to keep on hand, especially if your lunch is delayed or if you simply just need a pick-me-up mid-morning or later in the afternoon.
It’s easy to grab a snack from the vending machine or a local food store, but oftentimes they can be unhealthy processed foods. It can be tough to keep things simple and healthy when it comes to snacks at work.
Having healthy snacks on hand isn’t just good for your body or diet; it’s great for brainpower. Keeping a snack on hand with protein, fat, or fiber can help boost your productivity and focus for your workday. It’s also a great excuse to stand up from your desk for a much-needed body break.
Although it sounds time-consuming, creating healthy snacks for work doesn’t need to be a complicated matter. There are plenty of healthy snacks for work that you can prepare or buy that you can keep on hand at work whenever hunger strikes. Below, we list 33 simple and healthy snack ideas that you can bring to work.
33 Simple and Healthy Snacks for Work
Below are a few different suggestions for simple and healthy snacks to try for work. Remember, you can add or omit ingredients to any of these ideas so that it fits your specific diet and preferences.
-
Seeds. A great option to try as a snack. There are so many different versions you can try including sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and more. Most times you can get these seeds salted, unsalted shelled, or de-shelled.
Chia seeds are much smaller but can be added to other snacks for an additional source of fiber and antioxidants.
-
Oatmeal. It isn’t just for breakfast. Try bringing oatmeal packets to work for a mid-day snack. These packets work great sprinkled with cinnamon and can be the perfect treat for a cold winter day. If you’re feeling ambitious, try topping your oatmeal with fresh fruit.
-
Dried fruit. A sweet but healthy option. It’s also sustainable enough to keep in a desk drawer for when hunger hits. Choose from dates to dried apricots or bananas and even pair with a hearty nut for an extra serving of fat.
-
Pretzels. An easy and filling snack to keep on hand. To stay healthy, consider whole-wheat pretzels that can give you an extra serving of fiber and protein to help you power through the rest of your workday.
-
Nuts. Nuts offer a wide variety to choose from and are one of the easiest snacks to keep on hand in an office. Choose from pecans, walnuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, and more for an extra source of fat and protein.
Many grocery stores carry flavored nuts, salted, unsalted, or those with different spices.
-
Nut butter. This is also a great option if you’re not into crunchy nuts. Peanut butter, sunflower butter, hazelnut butter, cashew butter, almond butter, and more are out there to choose from. Pair with pretzels, crackers, or fruit.
-
Whole-grain crackers. These are a great option to keep on hand at your desk. There are a ton of name brands out there with all kinds of different flavors. Pair with hummus or nut butter to make it delicious.
-
Dried fruit crisps. These are also popular options. They have the same satisfying crunch as a chip but can be sweet or salty depending on your preference. They’re much healthier than the traditional potato chip too.
-
Dried avocado crisps. A similar option and super healthy for an afternoon snack. Since they are made from avocado, coconut milk, and a mix of seeds, they’re a perfect source of fat and protein.
-
Jerky. Jerky is packed full of protein and can be extremely delicious. Since it’s dried meat, you don’t have to worry about it going bad. There are a variety of different flavors out there to choose from, or consider making your own.
-
Popcorn. This is one of the most popular choices out there. Choose from mini bags, extra butter, or kettle corn, depending on your preferences. You can also choose unflavored popcorn and create your flavoring from olive oil and spices.
This is a snack that will keep you feeling filled without packing on the calories.
-
Energy balls. This popular trend is an excellent option for the workday snack. Typically, you should be able to make these with things you’ll already find in your pantries like nuts, nut butter, dried fruit, or coconut.
-
Tuna snacks. Tuna is sold in the grocery stores or you can create your own. Tuna is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids which will help keep you productive throughout your day. Pair with crackers for a delicious snack.
-
Dark chocolate. This is great if you have a sweet tooth but don’t mind a little bitterness in your cocoa. Consider pairing with nuts or even greek yogurt for an extra punch of flavor.
-
Protein bars. An easy option to keep in your desk drawer. Most will stay good for a long time and you can find many healthy ingredients that taste great and keep you full for the remainder of your day.
-
Roasted chickpeas. This is a different option if crackers or nuts aren’t your things. Either buy these at the grocery store or make them yourself. Roasted chickpeas are crunchy and filled with protein.
-
Seaweed snacks. These are becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. They are simple, delicious, and packed with fiber and micronutrients like iron. There are different flavors out there you can try from plain to spicy.
-
Wasabi peas. Wasabi peas are delicious if you don’t mind a little heat. Crunchy and addictive, wasabi peas are crispy and fiber-rich. They’re great to add to a snack or even a small salad.
-
Trail mix. This is a great option that you can either buy pre-made or make yourself. It’s the best of many worlds, as you can add almost anything to your mix so that it’s a treat you’ll always want to reach for at your desk.
-
Cereal. Cereal is a great option that’s readily available at most, if not all, grocery stores. Choose a cereal that’s high in fiber or protein to add to your nutrition throughout the day.
-
Pita chips. These are a healthy alternative to potato chips or even crackers. Pair with guacamole or hummus for an extra kick of flavor.
-
Applesauce. This is a good way to get fruit into your diet without needing to slice and peel an apple. The good news is that it typically can also stay fresh without refrigeration, making it a perfect desk snack.
-
Fruit. Fruit of any kind is a great option as well, although you may want to opt for easier fruits like apples, pears, and bananas. This way it comes with consumable or easily peelable skin that makes it easy to eat in the office.
-
Veggie chips. These chips are an excellent alternative to potato chips and taste delicious. Many of them are packed full of nutrients and can even be paired with a good hummus, salsa, or guacamole for a satisfying mid-day treat.
-
Fruit roll-ups. Fruit leather is a great option as well. You can find brands at the grocery store that don’t pack their snacks full of additives or consider making them yourself.
-
Honey sticks. These are easy snacks to keep on hand that will satisfy your sugar craving will giving you some extra energy for the remainder of your workday. Just make sure you have scissors to open them for yourself.
-
Freeze-dried fruit. Dried fruit can be found at many grocery stores and comes in a variety of different types. Trader Joes carries an entire selection of these at most stores for a reasonable price. Stash them in your desk drawer for the next time a craving hits.
-
Rice cakes. These are another healthy option that can be kept on hand. These treats come in a wide variety of flavors and are easily available at most grocery stores.
-
Fresh vegetables. Fresh veggies such as carrots and celery are another option to consider. Cut them into bite sizes or strips and pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for a delectable treat.
-
Potato chips. These delightful chips are always an option, though it’s important to try and look for ones that are a bit healthier for you than the traditional salty chip.
-
Smoothies. Smoothies are a great option if you don’t love eating fruits and vegetables raw. You can even consider investing in a portable blender that you can keep at your desk or in your office kitchen.
Smoothies can be made with just about any liquid, fruit, vegetable, and nut you can think of.
-
<и>Meat and cheese packs. These packs are usually available at your local grocery store, or you can make them yourself with meats and cheese that you enjoy. Pack in an airtight portable container and leave it in your office fridge.
-
Cheese sticks. These are another great option to consider if you have access to a refrigerator at work. There are a ton of different options out there including cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, and more.
Author
Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.
