What time is it? It’s National Snack Food Month!

What time is it!? It’s snack time! It’s the best time of day! Snacking is something many people commonly do either in between meals, after exercising, or even as a bedtime snack. The term “snack” can often have a bad reputation in terms of your health. This is because while walking down the snack aisle of the grocery store you generally see highly processed foods and very little fresh foods. While this may be true for the snack aisle, this is not true for all snacks.

During February, it’s all about snacking for National Snack Food Month. From creating homemade snacks to learning how to shop smarter when it comes to snack foods, the month of February is sure going to keep you satisfied (and snacking!). Let’s switch up the way you snack this month and beyond!

7 Homemade Snack Ideas

Snacks can be a great source of important nutrients like carbohydrates, protein, and fat while still satisfying any cravings. These types of snacks won’t be found in the snack aisle of the grocery store, they are made fresh and conveniently at home! Making homemade snacks is quick, easy, and can be packed with a nutritional punch.

Homemade Trail Mix. Making your own trail mix is easy! Combine your favorite nuts like unsalted almonds, cashews, pistachios, or peanuts, with your favorite mix-ins like dried fruit, yogurt chips, or dark chocolate chips. Get your dose of both salty and sweet with this perfect snack.

Veggies and Dip. Chop up your favorite vegetables like carrots, celery, cucumber, bell peppers- you name it! Pair it with a side of hummus, guacamole, or tzatziki dip.

Homemade Fruit Rollups. A healthy twist on a childhood classic! Puree together in a blender, 3 cups of diced fresh fruit, lemon juice. and honey. Pour your pureed mixture onto a flat pan and place into the oven at 150° for 6 to 8 hours until tacky. Cut them into strips and roll them up!

Roasted Veggie Chips. Your potato chip alternative is here! Slice up some roasted vegetables like beets, turnips, radishes, or parsnips, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, or your favorite seasoning blend. Place in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes and you’ve got a “better for you” potato chip!

Fruit Smoothies or Protein Shakes. This is the perfect spin-off on a milkshake! Blend your favorite fruits and/or veggies with a splash of low-fat or plant-based milk. Or, for a bonus throw in a scoop of your favorite protein powder.

Homemade Granola Bars. You’ll never go back to store bought snack bars again! Toast oats, with a drizzle of honey, a spoonful of your favorite nut butter, and a handful of mix-ins like dried fruit or dark chocolate, and you have a granola bar in less than 30 minutes!

Fruit or Veggie Skewers. Everything is better on a stick! Right!? Cut up your favorite fruits, like strawberries, watermelon, banana, or pineapple and slide them onto a wooden skewer. Try getting creative! Make skewers with different fruit combinations, or even try dipping the skewers into yogurt, or drizzle with dark chocolate for some added sweetness!

How to Shop for “Smart Snacks”

While making snacks at home can be fun, it’s also important to know what to look for when shopping for snack foods at the grocery store. Are these the right ingredients? What should I be looking for? are all common questions circling in our minds while shopping. To help guide you on your snacking journey, I’ve got some great tips for you.

4 tips to Smarter Snack Shopping

1. Go for whole wheat. When looking at pretzels, crackers, or chips, try and pick the whole wheat option. Anything whole wheat, or whole grain, is typically an excellent source of fiber, protein, and B vitamins, all of which are important for your health!

2. Swap fried for baked. While shopping for chips, try and find a baked option. Many of your favorite chip brands have created a baked option that is low in fat and sodium, while also high in fiber.

3. Watch for the term hydrogenated oils. When looking at the ingredients list, make sure the term hydrogenated oil is not present. Hydrogenated oil is an indication that unhealthy saturated fat is present. The term partially hydrogenated refers to the presence of trans-fat is in the product. Saturated and Trans-fats increase your cholesterol levels and can pose negative health effects if eaten in excess. Always read your food labels!

4. Choose healthful snack bars. Some granola bars and trail mixes are a great snack choice but beware of the ingredients! Look for words like whole grain (such as oatmeal or brown rice); nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. These are great ingredients! Also, if the ingredient list is too long with many words you can’t pronounce, move onto a new snack bar!

Whether their homemade or store-bought, National Snack Month is all about healthy snacking while still being satisfied.

Your Turn to Action: What is your favorite snack? Let me know in the comments below.