by Catalogs.com Info Guru Elizabeth Sobiski
According to consumer reporting agency Mintel, 94 percent of Americans snack daily.
Some eat because of boredom, some to satisfy a craving and some snack for health reasons (also known as functional snacking). With so many people snacking, the need for ready made snacks is greater than ever. Here are our top ten ready made snack ideas!
10. Yogurt
Regular, Greek, Icelandic, or frozen, yogurt is a great snack idea. It’s packed with protein and calcium. This smooth and creamy treat is available in just about any flavor combination you may want, from fresh fruit to rich chocolate. Greek yogurt is thicker than regular and it usually has more protein. Icelandic yogurt, also known as skyr, is even thicker than Greek and packs a walloping 14 grams of protein and zero fat in every serving. Frozen yogurt is an excellent alternative to traditional ice cream.
9. Peanut butter
It’s filling for a snack and not just for sandwiches anymore. Remember ants on a log when you were a kid? If not, just take a stalk of celery and fill it with the peanut butter of your choice. Top with raisins and you have a sweet, salty, crunchy snack. Peanut butter is also delicious spread on apples or bananas, or mixed in with your favorite smoothie.
8. Fruit
This is nature’s simplest ready made snack. Have a selection of fruit on hand to satisfy your between meal cravings. Apples are often used in lieu of coffee to help wake you up and focus on the work at hand. A beautiful orange in the middle of winter can brighten up your day and the vitamin C will help keep colds and flus at bay.
7. String cheese
What school lunch box wasn’t complete without string cheese? Relive those carefree childhood memories with this quick snack. They are supremely portable and fun to eat. Many cheese companies are also coming out with sharp cheddar and jalapeno jack cheese snacks, too, if mozzarella isn’t your thing.
6. Cookies
Sometimes you just want a cookie. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Deep, rich chocolate chip, chewy oatmeal raisin, white chocolate macadamia, or cinnamon-y snicker doodles, the choices are endless. Enjoy yourself and indulge with some cookies – and a glass of cold milk, of course.
5. Nuts
Just as with fresh fruit, nuts are good for you and will help keep your energy up between meals. Raw almonds pair perfectly with coconut water for a post workout boost. If you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, consider glazed nuts, which are salty and sweet at the same time. Be careful about sharing, though. You might find your snacks disappearing quickly!
4. Dried green beans
Initially, this idea might not sound so good. Give it a try, though, you’re likely to be very surprised. Each crispy, lightly salty bean has a hint of sweetness from the veggie’s natural flavor. They also supply a good amount of vitamin A and fiber while being relatively low in sugar and calories. Also, many standard grocery stores carry this treat, in case you don’t have a Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods near you.
3. Hummus
Snack-sized packs of this popular dip are widely available and many come with veggies, pita or pretzel chips for dippers. Made from creamy garbanzo beans (chickpeas), olive oil, tahini and a dash of salt, this dip is satisfying without being a waistline killer. And, according to the American Heart Association, it may help control cholesterol levels. If you’re looking to bump up the flavor, look for options that include roasted garlic, red peppers or other spices.
2. Snack bars
Think granola or other fruit and nut bars. Some are smothered in chocolate or pack a flavor punch with dried chilies. Brands such as KIND believe that you should be able to pronounce and identify every ingredient you put in your body, which is why they use whole fruits, nuts and grains. These bars are also an excellent way to get needed fiber, protein and antioxidants into your diet. Can’t find KIND bars? No worries, regular granola bars are usually also high in fiber and protein while being low in fat. Just watch for added sugar, if that’s a concern for you.
1. Popcorn
It’s fun and tasty – and perhaps the ultimate in ready made snacks. Popcorn can take on a multitude of flavors, from sweet and nutty to hot and spicy. Did you know that St. Louis is known for its particular popcorn mix? Gooey Butter cake is the mix of choice for denizens of the Gateway to the West. Another bonus of popcorn is the serving size – it’s portable too. What could be better?