These Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies are soft and fluffy! They’re naturally sweetened, made with real food ingredients and absolutely delicious.

*Originally posted 3/2016. Updated 10/2025*

Hi friends!

These Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies have now been a go-to of mine since 2016. I love them for a quick snack and they came in super handy during the newborn phase when I often needed to eat quickly and with one hand.

They’re very forgiving, and you can easily change up the mix-ins to make them more kid-friendly or to suit your tastebuds.

I find myself making these cookies year round, but they’re especially perfect for a Fall snack or dessert. If you’re looking to do some additional Fall baking or whip up a treat over Thanksgiving, here are some ideas:

• Baked Pumpkin Donuts
• Easy Pumpkin Bread
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bean Bread
• Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Brownies
• Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins
• 20+ Baked Sweet Potato Recipes

Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potato Cookies

These would make a great sweet potato breakfast cookie. They’re low in added sugar and high in protein and fiber—a great way to start your day. They’d also be great for a snack, and if you throw in some chocolate chips, they could even pass as dessert to curb a sweet tooth.

Eating these for breakfast works out well for me because I can eat them quickly while I’m trying to feed three kids. Plus, I can make a batch on Sunday and eat them all week! Food prep for the win.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Cookies

To make these cookies, you’ll just need a few simple ingredients:

• Sweet potato – I cook mine in the microwave for 5-6 minutes and let cool a few minutes before scooping out of the skin and mashing with a fork
• Nut or seed butter – I use peanut butter but you could use almond butter or sunflower seed butter to make them nut-free
• Eggs
• Cinnamon and vanilla -for flavor
• Maple Syrup – You could sub sugar if you prefer
• Seeds – Chia or hemp seeds work great in this recipe
• Pepitas – An easy way to add a boost of nutrients
• Dried fruit – works well with raisins or Craisins, or you can swap in chocolate chips
• Flour- To make these gluten-free, use oat flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You can also use AP or white whole wheat flour

How To Make Sweet Potato Cookies (Step-by-Step)

Once you see how easy it is to make these cookies, you’ll be adding them to your weekly meal prep in no time!

• Cook your sweet potato in the microwave, remove the skin and mash.
• Combine the mashed sweet potato, nut butter and eggs and stir until well combined.
• Add the vanilla, cinnamon, maple syrup, seeds and pepitas and mix well.
• Stir in the flour and baking soda until just mixed, then scoop onto cookie sheets and bake!

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Store these cookies in an airtight container on the counter for 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cookies once cooled on a cookie tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag and pull them out as needed to defrost.

In addition, you can make this dough ahead of time and store in the fridge until ready to bake, or scoop into balls and freeze until ready to bake.

How To Sweeten Sweet Potato Cookies

I love this recipe because it’s very lightly sweetened compared to most cookies and uses maple syrup. If you don’t want to use maple syrup, you could swap regular sugar, brown sugar, coconut sugar or even honey.

Sweet Potato Cookie Baking Tips

My best tip for getting the perfect sweet potato cookies is to not over mix. Mix everything really well before you add the flour so you only need to stir enough to just combine it at the end.

And don’t overbake these cookies! If you want them to spread a little more you can lightly flatten with a fork before baking but these cookies are meant to be light and fluffy!

Sweet Potato Oatmeal Cookies

If you’d like an added boost of fiber, feel free to add some rolled oats into the mix! You could start with 1/2 cup and increase if you like the added texture they provide.

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Cookies

If you make this recipe as written, the cookies will be naturally gluten-free as long as you’re using certified gluten-free oats. Be sure to also check your Craisins to make sure they’re gluten-free as they sometimes have additional ingredients to sweeten them

You can also use a 1:1 Gluten-free flour blend. I like King Arthur Measure for Measure.

Vegan Sweet Potato Cookies

To make these cookies vegan, swap the eggs for flax eggs. Here’s how to make flax eggs.

Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Cookies

To make these cookies a little more dessert-like, try swapping the dried fruit for chocolate chips.

Sweet Potato Cookies vs Pumpkin Cookies

In a recipe like this, you can easily swap pumpkin puree for mashed sweet potato and there won’t be much of a difference. In general, both pumpkin and sweet potato cookies will be light and fluffy vs dense and chewy. If you’re looking for a chewy pumpkin cookie recipe try these Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Sweet Potato Cookie Flavor Variations

No added sugar sweet potato cookies

To make these cookies free of added sugar, you could try swapping mashed banana or baby food prunes (pureed) to add some sweetness naturally.

Nut-free sweet potato cookies

I use peanut butter but you can make them nut-free with sunflower seed butter. Just know that they will likely turn green when baked due to a reaction with the baking soda. Perfectly safe to eat!

Other mix-ins

For a Fall twist, try adding chopped pecans and a maple glaze. For a more tropical twist, swap raisins for dried pineapple and add some shredded coconut!

Easy Sweet Potato Cookies Recipe

Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies Recipe

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No protein powder required for these Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies! They’re gluten-free, made with real food ingredients and packed with protein and fiber. Enjoy them for breakfast or an afternoon snack!

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8-12 cookies

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
• 1/2 cup nut butter (i use peanut butter but almond butter or sunflower seed butter would be great)
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2–3 Tbsp maple syrup (depending on desired level of sweetness)
• 2 Tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 cup pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds)
• 1/4 cup Craisins or raisins
• 1/4 cup oat flour (white whole wheat flour also works)
• 1 tsp baking soda

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Instructions

1. Combine sweet potato, peanut butter and eggs in a large bowl and mix well.
2. Add vanilla, cinnamon, maple syrup, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and Craisins and stir to combine.
3. Add oat flour and baking soda and stir.
4. Scoop onto cookie sheet lined with parchment paper (8-12 cookies).
5. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

These are fluffy and delicious.  I used white chia seeds, in case you noticed they’re not black in the photos.

Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potato puree instead of fresh homemade in this recipe?

Yes! Canned sweet potato puree will work just fine in this recipe.

Can I replace the sweet potato for pumpkin? Can I make pumpkin cookies instead of sweet potato cookies? Can you use canned pumpkin puree?

Yes! I get this question frequently and you can definitely replace the sweet potato with pumpkin if you’d like to! I almost always have a can of pumpkin in the pantry so I do this often.

Can I freeze sweet potato cookies?

Yes, these cookies freeze well! Just let them cool completely and then wrap in plastic wrap and tranfer to a freezer-safe bag. Let them thaw on the counter when ready to eat!

Could I make these with butternut squash?

Yes, canned squash can also be substituted for the sweet potato. I’ve even tried it with homemade roasted squash that I roast and puree until smooth.

And if you’re not craving sweet potato but have bananas to use, try these Banana Lentil Muffins instead!

Can I make gluten-free sweet potato cookies?

These cookies are gluten-free since they use oat flour (be sure to use certified gluten-free if needed). However, you can also make them with regular wheat flour if you have that on hand and don’t need them to be gluten-free.

How to reheat sweet potato cookies?

These cookies are great at room temperature but you can also pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm them back up!

How do I make vegan sweet potato cookies without eggs?

Just replace the two eggs in this recipe with flax eggs.

Can I add oats to make sweet potato oatmeal cookies?

Yes, I would start with 1/2 cup of rolled oats and increase up to 1 cup if you like the texture.

How do I store sweet potato cookies to keep them soft?

Once cooled, store these cookies in an airtight container to help them stay soft and perfectly moist without drying out.

Other Sweet Potato Recipes That Are Delish!

Need more ideas? Try these:

Sweet Potato Waffles

These Sweet Potato Waffles are kid-friendly and perfect for breakfast, pre-workout fuel or an afternoon snack. Add some peanut butter in the middle for a fun waffle sandwich!

Grab the recipe!

Sweet Potato White Bean Bars

These Sweet Potato White Bean Bars are perfect for breakfast or snack time. They’re kid-friendly, nut-free and full of fiber! 

Grab the recipe!

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Brownies

These Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Brownies are flourless, sweetened with dates and full of chocolate flavor. They taste so good you’ll never believe they’re a healthy dessert!

Grab the recipe!

Sweet Potato Banana Muffins

These gluten-free Sweet Potato Banana Bites have just four main ingredients and make a great snack for both kids and adults! 

Grab the recipe!

20+ Baked Sweet Potato Dessert Recipes

If you’re in the mood to bake with sweet potatoes, you’ll definitely find something that catches your eye in this round-up!

Click for recipe ideas!

35+ Sweet Potato Dinner Recipes

Need sweet potato dinner recipes? Here are 35+ recipes by category including slow cooker, with chicken or beef, vegetarian and more!

Grab the recipe!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Here are some ideas for easy homemade snacks to make that are healthy and kid-friendly. Many can be made ahead of time and are great for eating on the go!

Hi Friends!

Today we’re talking about homemade snacks. As a busy mom of three, I’m well aware that sometimes store-bought snacks are not only easier but just plain necessary. However, I’ve also built up a fairly large repertoire of easy, healthy homemade snacks over the past 10 years.

Each week, I try to spend 1-2 hours doing food prep for the week ahead. (Check out my Food Prep Masterclass if you want to learn how to do this too!) I often focus on component meal prep and snacks so that I have things on hand to feed my kids when they’re hungry after school, sports etc.

Are homemade snacks healthier than store-bought?

As a Registered Dietitian, what I like best about homemade snacks is that you control the ingredients. You can control the amount of added sugar, sodium, etc that you put into the snacks as well as the ingredients you use to make them.

You can add extra nutrient boosts like hemp hearts, chia seeds, flax etc. (Learn about the nutritional benefits of seeds here) and you can customize the ingredients to your preferences of your family.

In addition, making homemade snacks is often cheaper than buying something similar at the store.

Tips For Homemade Snack Success

Some of my best tips for success with making homemade snacks:

• Pick 1-2 snacks you know they like that can be made ahead of time and served several times during the week – things like a batch of muffins or bars, some energy bites, homemade trail mix etc. As you get more comfortable with food prep, you can branch out and prep even more!
• Use them for other meals too! Often the things you prep for snack time make a great addition to breakfast or to lunch boxes. Once you see how much it helps you have healthy options on hand, you’re more likely to commit to prepping them every week.
• Keep it simple – Don’t choose elaborate snacks that require tons of prep or assembly time.
• Use your freezer – The freezer can be a great place to stash pre-portioned snacks like smoothies, energy balls, waffles, etc.

Easy Homemade Snacks Recipes

So without further ado, here’s a roundup of some easy homemade snacks for you to try:

No-Bake Homemade Snacks

No-bake snacks are quick and easy, no oven required! Here are some ideas for everything from dips to pudding to energy balls!

• Lemon Energy Balls – Or if you’re not a fan of lemon, try my go-to energy balls. If you’re looking for more flavor ideas, here’s a list of 15 Kid-Friendly Energy Balls.
• Chewy Granola Bars – Made with just a few simple ingredients and sure to be a hit with the kids!
• Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip – Serve with veggies for an easy afternoon snack
• Berry Smoothie – Smoothies are a great way to pack some protein and even veggies into snack time. You can make a big batch and freeze in glass jars, then microwave as needed
• Ham, Cheese & Fruit Kabobs – Keep it simple with just ham, cheese and fruit or jazz up the ham by spreading it with some cream cheese or hummus and chopped veggies and roll it up before slicing into segments
• Chocolate Avocado Pudding – Packed with healthy fats and naturally sweetened with dates

Quick 5-Minute Homemade Snacks

No need to spend forever making healthy homemade snacks! Here are some quick ideas that are ready in 5 minutes or less!

• Buffalo Ranch Popcorn – Popcorn is super easy to make at home. Try it flavored or make plain healthy microwave popcorn. Or turn it into Roasted Chickpea Snack Mix (use store-bought roasted chickpeas to make assembly faster!)
• Microwave Egg Sandwich – Cook the egg in the microwave and then add your favorites like cheese, avocado or other condiments. Or skip the bread and try an egg wrap.
• Avocado Toast – My kids love plain avocado toast with salt but you can also jazz it up with smoked salmon or egg for protein, veggies and your favorite seasonings
• Turkey Cheddar Rollups – Use your favorite deli meat like turkey, ham or roast beef and whatever cheese you like best!
• Yogurt Bowl – Start with a base of plain yogurt or cottage cheese and top with fresh fruit, nuts and seeds, cinnamon and a handful of chocolate chips
• Microwave Nachos – A great way to use up leftover protein for a mid-day snack that’s ready in minutes. Or skip the meat and use some canned beans or lentils!

Make-Ahead Snacks for Busy Weeks

Can I meal prep homemade snacks?

Yes! Food prep is the best way to set yourself up for success. Spending just a little time prepping on the weekends allows you to have healthy snacks to quickly grab as needed. Here are some make-ahead snack ideas that you can prep for busy weeks and grab to quickly feed yourself and the kids.

• Sweet Potato White Bean Bars – I have tons of healthy muffins and bars that are packed with healthy ingredients like beans and lentils that make great snacks for both kids and adults.
• Overnight Oats – They hold up well in the fridge and there are an endless amount of different flavor combinations you can try!
• Snack Mix – Any kind of snack mix or trail mix is great to prep ahead of time and portion into smaller bags for a quick grab-and-go snack. Try this Healthy Whole Wheat Chex Mix or this Sweet & Spicy Popcorn Snack Mix.
• Hard-boiled eggs – Eat them plain, portion them into snack boxes with cheese and crackers, turn them into deviled eggs, add them to avocado toast, etc.
• Homemade Crackers – Try this homemade whole wheat version, or homemade cheez its or even Almond Flour Crackers and pair with meat, cheese etc
• Homemade Protein Bars – If you have a store-bought bar you love, there are likely recipes out there for a homemade version like these copycat RX bars!

Kid-Favorite Snacks

Not every healthy snack is kid-friendly but here are a few recipes my kids love to eat when they get home from school after a long day.

• Pizza Muffins – A fun change from traditional pizza!
• Cream Cheese Fruit Dip – Made with Greek yogurt for extra protein, it’s perfect with their favorite fruits!
• Yogurt Parfaits – If your kids don’t like granola, use their favorite cereal! Or if they prefer frozen treats, try yogurt popsicles or frozen yogurt bark.
• Apple Nachos – Drizzle sliced apples with yogurt, peanut butter or even melted chocolate, then add toppings!
• Mini pancakes – Easy to make some for breakfast and double the batch so you have some for snack time!
• Breakfast cookies – Not just for breakfast! Healthy cookies stuffed with wholesome ingredients make a great snack!

Homemade Snacks for Special Occasions (Parties & Holidays)

Here are some easy snack recipes that are great for feeding a crowd at your next party or holiday gathering!

• Soft Pretzel Bites – These are almost guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Fun to make and delicious to eat!
• Healthy Fruit Pizza – An oat-based crust topped with fruit is always fun for the kids!
• Air Fryer Buffalo Wings – Easy to make and taste just as good as the restaurant versions
• Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders – A simple way to feed a crowd!
• Cheese Straws – A savory option that makes a fun addition to charcuterie boards
• Charcuterie Board – Make it kid-friendly or more geared towards adults. Easy to customize for the crowd you’re entertaining

Homemade Snacks for Road Trips

Here are some more snacks that would be great for road trips in addition to some of the ones mentioned above like popcorn, energy balls, protein bars, hard-boiled eggs and more!

• Roasted Chickpeas – Crunchy snacks are always great for road trips. Easy to grab a handful while driving. If you don’t want them plain, add them to a trail mix or mix with some roasted nuts.
• Mini Muffins – Mini muffins are perfect for road trips because they’re bite-sized! Easy to eat without getting crumbs everywhere.
• Fruit Leather – Better than store-bought fruit rollups and a great fruit option for the car because it’s low mess!
• Zesty Italian Wrap – Wraps can be great for road trips because they’re easy to hold in one hand and tend to have less crumbs than a traditional sandwich. Or try homemade uncrustables for the kids- you can make a bunch to freeze and let them thaw on the drive.
• Baked Sweet Potato Chips – Skip the chip aisle at the store and make some homemade chips! You can do a mix of root veggies or just sweet potato. Pack your favorite dip for scooping.
• Homemade yogurt tubes – No spoons required! Just blend plain yogurt and fruit and pour into tubes. Freeze and pack in the cooler!

Gluten-free Homemade Snacks

Many of the snacks already mentioned can be made gluten-free as is or with just a few simple ingredient swaps! Here are some more ideas:

• Pumpkin Peanut Butter No Bake Bars – Use certified gluten-free oats if needed and you can easily make almost any no-bake bars, energy balls and/or protein bars gluten-free at home!
• Cottage Cheese Bowl – All these components can be prepped ahead of time and thrown together quickly for a savory mid-day snack. Or use cottage cheese as a base and add berries and granola.
• Baked Oatmeal Cups – All the goodness of oatmeal in a baked snack that’s quick and easy to eat!
• Chicken Salad – You can use canned chicken or tuna or even rotisserie chicken. I’ve found kids tend to prefer chicken salad over tuna salad. Make it creamy with mayo, Greek yogurt or even hummus and keep it basic with just spices or add mix-ins like celery, grapes, chopped apples etc. Serve with gluten-free crackers!

Protein Homemade Snacks

What homemade snacks are high in protein?

If you’re looking to eat more protein, the good news is there are tons of great snack options that are high in protein. And many of them can easily be made at home. Here are 30+ Easy Protein Snacks.

FAQs About Making Snacks At Home

What are the easiest homemade snacks to make?

Most people think that simple snacks that don’t require more than a few ingredients or ones that can be made without an oven are the easiest. However, there are many other snacks, including baked goods, that can easily be made in one bowl with just a few ingredients and require only 5-10 minutes of active prep time before baking.

How long do homemade snacks last?

This depends on the snack but most should be good for about a week. Muffins and bars can be stored in fridge to prevent them from spoiling quickly or you can freeze half and pull them out later in the week. Things like energy balls can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months and snack mix/trail mix can be stored in the pantry in a sealed bag or container for 1-2 weeks.

What homemade snacks are good for kids’ lunch boxes?

Almost all of these snacks would be great additions to a child’s lunch box. Muffins, bars, trail mix, crackers, wraps, popcorn etc can easily be added to lunch box containers with multiple compartments. You can also add things like yogurt, pudding and dips to pair with fruits and veggies!

What are quick, homemade snacks for busy parents?

Easy grab and go protein-based snacks like hard-boiled eggs, tuna salad with crackers, smoothies and homemade trailmix can be great options for busy parents.

How can I make homemade snacks more appealing to picky eaters?

One of the easiest ways to make homemade snacks more appealing is to make them look like their store-bought favorites. Buy some fun goldfish cutters if you’re making homemade cheddar crackers, or use mini chocolate chips and try a copycat granola bar recipe. Even putting a homemade mix of plain yogurt and fruit into reusable yogurt tubes or pouches can be more appealing than just serving it in a bowl.

What are budget-friendly homemade snacks?

Many snacks can be budget-friendly, especially if you’re trying to replicate store-bought snacks. You’re often able to make a larger amount and portion yourself instead of having to buy snacks pre-portioned. Oat-based energy balls, homemade chips, pancakes and crackers can also be inexpensive.

How do I store different types of homemade snacks?

This depends on the type of snack. Many can be frozen and pulled out as needed or store in airtight containers in the pantry!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

This list of easy protein snacks is full of lots of 5-minute options for busy families! Everything from make-ahead protein options to quick protein snacks for busy parents!

Hi friends!

As an RD, I frequently get asked for high-protein snack ideas since getting enough protein is curently all the rage! I recently shared some Cottage Cheese Protein Snacks and now I’m back today to share more high-protein ideas!

Easy Healthy Snacks To Make

So if you’re looking for some high-protein snacks to make that taste good and require minimal time and effort, scroll down! I’ve got lots of ideas for you.

All of these snacks are quick and easy, selected with busy families in mind and many can be prepped ahead of time so they’re easy to grab during a busy week!

5 Minute Protein Snacks (No Cooking Required)

If you have big protein goals, there are lots of quick and easy 5-minute protein snacks out there that don’t require any cooking! Here are a few ideas

• Tuna Salad – Easy to whip up and can easily be customized to include more veggies, your favorite seasonings, etc. If you don’t like mayo, try using hummus or plain yogurt to make it creamy. Enjoy with crackers, put it in a wrap or sandwich, or serve with veggies like mini bell peppers for scooping!
• Protein Energy Bites – Can easily be whipped up with a food processor and just a few ingredients like oats, protein powder and nut butter. Add more nuts and seeds like pepitas, hemp hearts, etc for extra protein!
• Yogurt Parfait – Start with Greek yogurt and add your favorite toppings like fruit, chopped nuts and seeds, protein granola, etc to boost the protein content
• Turkey and Cheese Rollups – Grab some thinly sliced turkey or ham and add to a wrap with sliced veggies and cheese, plus cream cheese, hummus and/or guacamole. Or skip the wrap and wrap the deli meat around the cheese and veggies.
• Protein Smoothie – Endless flavor combination are possible. Use Greek yogurt or milk to add protein, plus a scoop or two of protein powder to increase the protein even more, plus your favorite frozen fruit and some hemp or seeds!

Easy Protein Snack Ideas Kids Will Love

It can be tricky to get enough protein into your kids when all they seem to want are carbs and fruit, but here are a simple, kid-friendly ideas:

• Chocolate milk – Pair a glass of chocolate milk with a high fiber muffin for a quick snack! If they’re not a fan of chocolate milk, swap for a container of lower sugar yogurt like Chobani or Siggis.
• String cheese – String cheese typically has 7g protein per stick. Pair it with a handful of crackers or trail mix!
• Protein pasta – Several different brand options out there- Barilla, Banza, etc and many taste just like regular pasta! Just add sauce if desired and serve!
• Cereal and milk – Choose a low sugar cereal and top with milk. Add some fresh blueberries for sweetness! Here are some Low Sugar Cereals for Kids.
• Frozen waffles – Look for a brand low in added sugar and sodium and high in protein. Top with nut butter! Here are some of the Best Healthy Frozen Waffles. Or make your own and freeze them.

Other ideas include energy bites, Lentil Banana Muffins, ham and cheese pinwheels, and even chicken nuggets! Here’s a great post from my friend and fellow RD Sally on Protein Snacks for Kids.

Simple Make-Ahead Protein Options

The easiest way to make sure you’re eating enough protein during the week is to prep it ahead of time. Lean protein like chicken and steak can be prepped ahead of time in large batches along with pancakes and patties that can be reheated during the week. And things like chia pudding and overnight oats are best made ahead of time as well!

• Chia pudding – Make it with milk, add yogurt for more protein, sweeten with fruit and add fun mix-ins! If you’re not a fan of chia, try overnight oats instead!
• Egg wraps – Eat these warm or cold, by themselves, or filled with your favorites like turkey, avocado and cheese. If you don’t want wraps, you could also make egg muffins or egg waffles.
• Protein Pancakes – Lots of different options out there using oats, almond flour, protein powder, etc so you can find one that fits your needs!
• Air fryer steak bites – quick and easy to cook and have on hand for meals and snacks. Or try meatballs if you don’t like steak.
• Tuna Patties – An easy way to transform canned tuna into a portable snack.
• Greek yogurt bark – Start with Greek yogurt and add whatever mix-ins you like – pepitas, hemp seeds, chopped nuts, fruit, granola, etc. You can also mix in some peanut butter! Spread it on parchment paper to freeze and then break into pieces. If you prefer, you can also spoon the mixture into popsicle molds so kids can eat it that way!

Easy Protein Snacks with 3 Ingredients or Less

Sometimes you just don’t have time for a complicated snack and you need something super simple with minimal ingredients. These ideas can be boiled down to 3 simple ingredients but can also easily be jazzed up with a few simple tweaks!

• Cottage Cheese Bowl – Make them sweet or savory, Keep it simple with something like cottage cheese, fruit, pumpkin seeds or add extra ingredients if you want!
• Homemade Lunchable – Keep it simple with turkey, cheese and crackers or add extra protein with hard boiled eggs and some fruit or veggies! Don’t like turkey? Use thinly sliced chicken breast! Here are some Healthy Crackers for Kids and Adults.
• Avocado toast– Add smoked salmon or egg (or both!) for extra protein and seasonings of your choice!
• Ground turkey taco – All you really need is a tortilla or taco shell, turkey taco meat and cheese. But you can easily take it up a level with a spoonful of guacamole or salsa!
• Roasted chickpea trail mix – Popcorn, roasted chickpeas and peanuts make a great simple combo. Jazz it up a little more by adding plantain chips or dried fruit like raisins!

Quick Protein Snacks for Busy Parents

If you’re a parent, you know how tough it is to find time to eat healthy snacks on a busy day. Here are some quick ideas that will still pack a protein punch!

• Steamed edamame with salt – Cook in a skillet or look for the steamable bag to cook in the microwave!
• Greek yogurt bagel with peanut butter – or skip the peanut butter and add a fried egg with a slice of cheese!
• High protein dip with veggies – Use cottage cheese as the base and pick your favorite flavor combination!
• No-Bake Protein Bars – If you’re not a fan of store-bought protein bars, try making your own!

Grab and Go Easy Protein Ideas

Need more ideas? Here are some Healthy High protein Snack Ideas I recommend. Some of my favorite grab and go options include:

• Greek yogurt cups
• Cottage cheese cups
• Beef Stick
• Protein Bar
• Roasted Edamame or broad beans

FAQs About Easy Protein Snacks

What are the easiest protein snacks to make?

The easiest protein snacks to make require minimal ingredients and can be prepped in large batches. Simply cooking a big batch of chicken that you can throw in a wrap or taco, mixing up a dip made with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese that you can scoop with some high-protein crackers, or blending a smoothie with milk or yogurt, protein powder and fruit are great options.

What easy protein snacks require no cooking? I need quick 5-minute protein snacks?

You can still get your protein in even if you don’t have time to cook. Try simple, high protein snacks like tuna salad, protein energy bites, yogurt parfaits, turkey and cheese rollups or a simple protein smoothie.

What easy protein snacks to do kids actually eat?

There are lots of easy protein options out there that kids will eat! Try things like string cheese with crackers, a glass of chocolate milk and a high fiber muffin, a bowl of cereal and milk, frozen waffles or protein pasta with sauce!

What are simple 3-ingredient protein snacks?

Many snacks can be pared down to just 3 simple ingredients as a starting point if you’re really in a rush, but then can easily be expanded on or jazzed up if you have a couple extra minutes! Try a cottage cheese or yogurt bowl with fruit and nuts, homemade lunchables, avocado toast with smoked salmon or a fried egg, tacos or trail mix with popcorn, chickpeas and nuts.

How do you make protein snacks ahead of time?

Investing even just an hour of your time doing food prep can make a huge difference in your ability to eat well during the week ahead. Take my Food Prep Masterclass to learn everything you need to know to get started!

What easy protein snacks travel well for work?

Grab and go options like protein bars, beef sticks, trail mix and roasted edamame can be great options to throw in a bag for work and don’t need to be refrigerated.

What are the easiest protein snacks for meal prep?

Some of my favorite high-protein meal prep ideas include egg wraps or egg muffins, smoothies to keep in the freezer, energy bites or protein bars, tuna salad and lean protein in the air fryer like chicken and steak.

What easy protein snacks help with hunger during meals?

While protein is great, if you really want to stay full between meals, try to make sure you snacks include protein, fiber and/or healthy fats. Both fiber and fat will help with satiety. Things like whole grain avocado toast with a fried egg, a smoothie with high fiber muffin and anything made with beans, lentils and other legumes will help increase the fiber content of your snacks. I have lots of healthy muffins and bars made with beans and lentils.

What are budget-friendly easy protein snacks?

Beans and lentils are budget-friendly and can be a good source of both protein and fiber. Also canned tuna and chicken, edamame and plain Greek yogurt can be good options!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

These cottage cheese protein snacks are easy to make and taste delicious! Try them for an afternoon snack or add them to your lunchbox or breakfast plate!

Hi friends!

Let’s talk cottage cheese. As I’m sure you’ve seen, cottage cheese is having a moment right now. It’s being used in everything from pudding to smoothies to pancakes!

One of the most frequent questions I get asked is for new and exciting snack ideas because people are tired of eating the same thing over and over. So I rounded up 20+ snack ideas using cottage cheese in a variety of ways so there’s something for everyone!

If you’re looking for more snack ideas, be sure to check out all of my snack roundups here. Some of my favorites include:

• Healthy High Protein Snacks
• At Work & After Work Snacks
• Egg Wraps
• Cottage Cheese Egg Muffins

And here are some easy snack ideas using cottage cheese:

Sweet Cottage Cheese Protein Snacks

These sweet cottage cheese protein snacks are perfect for snack time but they also work well for breakfast or dessert!

Chocolate Cottage Cheese Pudding

With just six ingredients and packed with protein, you can make this pudding ahead of time for breakfast or dessert!

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Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough

No oven required for this cookie dough snack!
Grab a spoon an dig in!

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Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl

A quick and easy breakfast that can be customized for a sweet or savory spin!
Here are 6 ideas.

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Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

An easy banana bread recipe that’s gluten-free and packed with protein!
Made with almond flour and it’s freezer-friendly.

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Savory Cottage Cheese Protein Snacks

If sweet cottage cheese recipes are not your favorite, there are plenty of savory options out there. Everything from dips to bowls to chips can be made with cottage cheese!

Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip

Easy to whip up and perfect for dipping your favorite veggies, this recipe is a great alternative to storebought ranch dressing.

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Cottage Cheese Avocado Toast

Quick, easy and packed with protein, this nutritionally balanced combo is great for breakfast or a snack with some staying power!

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Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl

The perfect combination of savory ingredienst like egg, salmon, veggies and seasoning, artfully arranged over cottage cheese.

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High Protein Cottage Cheese Chips

I’ll bet you didn’t know you could bake cottage cheese into some deliciously crispy chips that are perfect on their own or for scooping your favorite dip!

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Cottage Cheese Protein Recipes (Baked)

Cottage cheese isn’t just for snacking on straight out of the fridge. It can be mixed and baked into delicious snack options like cookies, egg bakes and pizza dough!

Cottage Cheese Cookies

Made with just 7 ingredients, these cookies are soft and chewy and make the perfect snack. They pack in 8g of protein per cookie!

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Baked Cottage Cheese

This recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be heated up quickly at any point during the day for a quick snack. You’ll the love the custard-like texture!

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Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

These egg bake is creamy and hearty, packed with veggies and higher in protein than your normal egg bake!

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No Rise Protein Pizza Dough

With each slice containing 20g of protein, this pizza dough is a must-try for your next pizza night! Mix it up, add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

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Make-Ahead Cottage Cheese Snacks

We still need snacks even on the busiest of days. These recipes can be made ahead of time for quick, easy snacks when you’re on the run!

Cottage Cheese Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are creamy and delicious with endless flavor possibilities. Adding cottage cheese for a boost of protein makes them even more satisfying.

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Cottage Cheese Waffles

Make a big batch of these cottage cheese waffles over the weekend and pop them in the toaster for a quick meal or snack during the week!

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Blueberry Frozen Cottage Cheese Bark

Cottage cheese mixed with blueberry jam, fresh berries and granola and then frozen and broken into pieces makes the perfect snack on a hot afternoon!

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Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough Bites

A simple mix of cottage cheese, almond and oat flour and some maple syrup make these a quick, kid-friendly afternoon snack!

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Cottage Cheese Protein Smoothies & Shakes

Adding cottage cheese to your smoothie or shake is an easy way to add some extra protein and make it extra creamy and delicious!

Cottage Cheese Smoothie

No need for protein powder – this smoothie is the perfect blend of cottage cheese, berries, bananas, milk and honey!

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Tropical Cottage Cheese Smoothie

All your favorite tropical flavors like mango and pineapple in a protein-packed shake that makes a great snack!

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Peanut Butter Avocado Chocolate Smoothie

Packed with protein and healthy fats, this creamy chocolate smoothie is healthy enough for a snack and sweet enough for dessert!

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Cheesecake Cottage Cheese Smoothie

Your favorite dessert in smoothie form? Yes please! Protein packed with no need for protein powder, this shake will definitely hit the spot!

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FAQs About Cottage Cheese High Protein Snacks

How much protein is in cottage cheese snacks?

Cottage cheese on its own typically has 11-12g of protein per half cup but the exact amount of protein will vary based on the specific snack recipe. Many snacks that use cottage cheese will also contain other ingredients with protein so the total amount of protein per serving will be higher than cottage cheese alone.

What are the best cottage cheese protein snack combinations?

If you’re looking to increase your protein intake, the best snack combinations are the ones that you will actually eat. Cottage cheese is a fairly versatile ingredient and can be used in sweet, savory, baked goods and no bake recipes as shown above!

Can you meal prep cottage cheese protein snacks?

Yes! Many snacks that contain cottage cheese can be made during meal prep. With the exception of toasts and some bowls, most of the recipes shared above could be prepped ahead of time and enjoyed all week long!

What cottage cheese protein recipes are easiest to make?

Sometimes it’s having the right tools to make recipces easier that’s most important. With many cottage cheese recipes, it’s important to have a high-powered blender to blend the cottage cheese smooth and enhance the texture. We love our Nutribullet (aff link). Most of the snacks shared above are ready in 15 minutes or less.

How do you make cottage cheese protein snacks taste better?

If you dont’ like the taste of cottage cheese, I would skip the bowls and toast where cottage cheese stays in its original state and try recipes like smoothies, puddings, pizza crust etc where the cottage cheese is transformed into something totally different where you likely won’t notice it.

Are cottage cheese protein snacks good for weight management?

Snacks that are high in both protein and fiber can be a great tool for weight management. If you’re looking for an easy protein source to balance out a snack that is higher in carbs, adding cottage cheese can help boost the protein content and make the snack more satisfying to help you stay fuller longer.

What can you mix with cottage cheese for a high protein snack?

On it’s own, cottage cheese doesn’t have a very strong flavor, which makes it a great vehicle for mixing with flavors you do enjoy! Mix with fruit for a smoothie, top with salmon and veggies for a savory bowl or mix into cookie or pizza dough for a high protein snack option.

How long do homemade cottage cheese protein snacks last?

This will depend on the snack. Snacks that need to be refrigerated will typically last 3-4 days. In the freezer, most snacks will keep for 2-3 months.

What cottage cheese snacks are kid-friendly?

Some kid-friendly snack ideas using cottage cheese include:

• Smoothies
• Cheesecake Fruit Dip
• Frozen fruit bark or popsicles
• Muffins or pancakes

Can you use protein powder in cottage cheese snacks?

Many snacks that use cottage cheese to boost the protein content will also use protein powder. Combining the two adds a larger amount of protein and can also add flavor if you’re using a flavored protein powder.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Looking for individually wrapped snacks for school, parties, sports games and more? Here are some healthy options from a Registered Dietitian.

*Originally published 9/2021. Updated 9/2025*

These healthy individually wrapped snacks are kid-friendly options to use for school snacks, classroom and birthday parties and sports team snacks. They’re simple, affordable and can often be purchased in bulk.

Hi friends!

I’m wrapping up my snack series with a post specifically dedicated to individually wrapped snacks. I shared several in my Healthy Amazon Snacks post but wanted to share some available from other stores as well. Single-serving snacks come in handy if you need to provide snacks for a whole classroom at school, for a sports team or party snacks, if you’re not allowed to send reusable containers and more.

Why You’ll Love These Individually Wrapped Snacks

There are lots of options out there for individual packages of cookies, chips and pretzels and I’ve included some of those. I also wanted to go beyond that and give you some healthy everyday options for both adults and kids. These snacks are:

• Relatively healthy – I try to choose options that are lower in added sugar and sodium
• Budget-friendly – Many can be purchased in bulk to save money since they’re shelf-stable and won’t get stale quickly!
• Kid-approved – Most of these are choices my own kids eat and enjoy!

These items would also be great in lunch boxes. If you need more lunch box ideas, check out this resource: A Month of Easy Packed Lunches For Kids.

If you’re looking for more snack ideas, check out:

• 60+ Healthy Packaged Snacks For Kids
• Peanut & Tree Nut Free Packaged Snacks
• Healthy After School Snacks
• Healthy Toddler Snacks
• Healthy Fruit Snacks

What are the best individually wrapped snacks for kids?

There are a good number of individually wrapped snacks out there and over the past few years, several healthier options have been created. While buying in bulk and packaging into individual portions can often be more cost-effective, all parents can tell you that there are times when you just need the work done for you.

What individually wrapped snacks are nut-free?

It can be tricky to find nut-free snack options if that’s something your school requires. Here are some ideas:

Healthy Individually Wrapped Snacks For School

These are some of my favorite individually wrapped snacks for school that are safe for nut-free schools and classrooms:

• Made Good Granola Bites and Bar
• 88 Acres Bars
• Gogo Squeez
• Horizon Organic shelf-stable milk
• Skinny Pop
• That’s It Fruit Bar Minis
• Stonyfield yogurt tubes/pouches
• Chomplings Meat Sticks (aff link)
• Wholly Guacamole + chips
• String cheese
• Babybel cheese
• 8oz Lifeway kefir bottles/Probugs pouches
• Whisps cheese crisps
• Mama Chia pouches
• ZeeZees roasted sunflower kernels
• Nature’s Bakery Hearty Bars
• Fruit – apple, banana, clementine, fruit cups, raisins/sour raisins

Mom tip – If you want to send snack options to school that need to stay cold, we love these Pack-It Cool snack bags (aff link) that you can throw right in the freezer.

Which individually wrapped snacks are healthy?

There are lots of healthy options out there. When searching for snacks for my kids, I try to find options that have both protein and fiber to help keep them full or pair a carbohydrate snack with one that has some protein.

Here are some options that make good school snacks that are not nut-free or may be processed in a facility with nuts:

• Larabar Minis
• Kind Bar Minis
• RX Bar kids
• Clif Kid Z bars
• Clif Nut Butter Bars
• Single-serve nut butter packets + apple/banana
• Sabra hummus with pretzels
• Bada Bean Bada Boom
• Simple Mills soft baked bars

Some chips/crackers I’ve seen in single-serving packs:

• Simple Mills crackers
• Sun chips
• Hippeas
• Skinny pop
• Whisps

Mom tip – If your school doesn’t have super strict nut-restrictions and the food can’t contain nuts but being processed in a facility with nuts is ok, many of these brands of granola bars have flavors that are nut-free!

If you prefer to buy your snacks online, see the post below:
I rounded up a bunch of individually wrapped snacks you can order from Amazon: Healthy Amazon Snacks.

Which individually wrapped snacks for best for parties?

Need ideas for individually wrapped party snacks (or individually wrapped birthday treats)? Look for single-serving bags of things like:

• Rule Breaker cookies
• Gogosqueez fruit sauce/pudding
• Kirkland Trail mix
• Baked Lays Potato Chips
• Skinny Pop Popcorn
• Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars
• Chex Mix
• Popcorners
• Quaker Reduced Sugar granola bars
• Welch’s Reduced Sugar Fruit Snacks
• Annie’s Bunnies

What’s the best place to buy individually wrapped snacks in bulk?

Costco is a great option if you have one near you, along with other warehouse stores like Sam’s Club, BJ’s etc. You can also look at online options like Amazon and even stores like Walmart sell bulk options. Shop around the stores available to you to find the best prices.

Healthy Individually Wrapped Snacks Costco

Here are some of my favorite Costco snacks that can be found in small bags:

Nut-free:

• Skinny Pop
• That’s It Fruit Bar Minis
• Made Good Granola Minis
• Country Archer Mini Beef Sticks
• Gogo Squeeze or fruit cups
• Cheese Sticks
• Babybel cheese
• Kirkland Hard-Boiled Eggs
• Wholly Guacamole or Made Good Foods Guacamole Minis
• Kirkland hummus singles/ Sabra singles with pretzels
• Whisps Cheese Crisps
• Sun Chips

Not nut-free:

• Trail Mix packets
• Clif Kid Z Bars
• Clif Nut Butter Bars
• Kind Minis
• Larabars
• Kirkland Cheese Fruit & Nut Packs

For a full list of Costco snacks I like, see this post: Healthy Snacks At Costco For The Whole Family

Healthy Trader Joe’s Individually Wrapped Snacks

Trader Joe’s has a lot of granola bars that are great options:

• Trader Joe’s Raises The Bar
• Trader Joe’s These Peanuts Went On A Date Bars
• Trader Joe’s ABC Bars
• Trader Joe’s Organic Hemp Seed Bars
• Trader Joe’s Organic Chia Bars
• Trader Joe’s This Coconut Brings Chocolate on a Date Bars
• Trader Joe’s Mixed Berry Granola Bites
• Peanut Butter and Jelly Frooze Balls
• Trader Joe’s Apple Carrot Fruit Sauce Crushers
• Trader Joe’s Squishers Yogurt Tubes
• Chomps Meat Sticks

For a full list of my favorite Trader Joe’s Snacks see this post: 35+ Best Trader Joe’s Snacks

Healthy Individually Wrapped Snacks Walmart

Need single-serving snacks from Walmart? Try these:

• Stonyfield Organic Kids yogurt cups
• Breakstone’s Cottage Doubles
• Frigo Combo Pack – Colby Jack cheese & turkey sticks
• Chobani drinkable yogurt
• Horizon Organic shelf-stable milk
• Great Value cheese sticks
• GogoSqueez Morning Smoothies
• Great Value Bursting Berry fruit pouches
• Freshness Guaranteed Mild Guacamole (great with plantain chips!)
• Wymans Just Fruit & Greek Yogurt Bites
• Mamma Chia Squeeze
• Great Value Unsweetened Applesauce
• Great Value Diced Fruit in 100% juice
• Belvita Soft Baked Cookies (a little higher in added sugar but also have some protein and fiber)
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Date & Nut Bars (very similar to Larabars)
• Happykid Bars
• KIND Dark Chocolate Chunk Bars
• KIND Nut Butter Filled Snack Bars
• KIND Peanut Butter Breakfast Bars
• Kashi Chocolate Almond Sea Salt Bars
• Larabar Minis
• Simple Mills Dark Chocolate Almond Soft Baked Bars
• RX Kids Bars
• Chex Mix Multipack

Here’s a full list of the Best Healthy Walmart Snacks.

What are the best individually wrapped snacks for adults?

Most of my snack posts are focused on kids because I have 3 of them and I feel like I’m constantly feeding them snacks. But adults need snacks too. A few of my favorite single servings snacks:

• Larabars
• String cheese + That’s It Fruit Bar
• Kind Nut Butter Bars
• Skinny Pop + Kirkland Hard-Boiled Eggs
• Tuna Pouches + Simple Mills crackers
• Fruit with single-serve nut butter

Individually wrapped snacks FAQs

Are there gluten-free individually wrapped snacks?

Here are some of the best gluten-free snacks. Some of my favorites include:

• String cheese
• Beef sticks
• Yogurt
• Popcorn
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Protein or snack bars like Aloha, KIND, Larabar
• Trailmix

What individually wrapped snacks are high in protein?

Here’s a list of healthy high protein snack ideas. Some good options include:

• Cottage cheese or yogurt cups
• 8oz drinkable yogurt/kefir
• Cheese sticks
• Beef sticks
• Nut and seed mix
• Protein bars
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Tuna pouches

What individually wrapped snacks are good for travel and don’t need refrigeration?

Here are some healthy road trip snacks. Bars, meat sticks, individual trail mix packs and That’s It fruit bars are great for throwing into a purse or backpack.

What are the best low-sugar individually-wrapped snacks?

Plain yogurt, popcorn, beef sticks, nuts and seeds and protein chips can be good options. You can also look for bars and other snacks made with things like stevia, monk fruit etc vs real sugar.

Are there individually wrapped snacks for toddlers?

Here are some healthy snacks for toddlers. Some good options for that age include yogurt tubes and pouches, mini versions of full size granola bars, fruit pouches or bars made from 100% fruit, crackers with peanut butter, string cheese, etc.

These healthy individually wrapped snacks are great for both kids and adults. They’re budget-friendly, easy to find and taste great as well!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

These Easy Refrigerator Pickles are a simple, budget-friendly alternative to store-bought pickles.

*Originally published 8/2011. Updated 8/2025*

This recipe for easy refrigerator pickles is no-canning and beginner friendly. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to traditional store-bought pickles.

Hi friends!

Let’s chat pickles. As far as food goes, I feel like pickles are one of the more polarizing ones – most people either love them or hate them. In our house, my husband and oldest son are huge pickle fans. So much so that I got tired of paying $6 a jar and decided to learn how to make my own just for them.

What are Refrigerator Pickles?

Refrigerator pickles are also known as quick pickles. They are made by simply submerging cucumbers in a vinegar-based brine and storing in the fridge versus traditional pickles, which go through the canning process.

Ingredients for Easy Refrigerator Pickles

To make these easy refrigerator pickles, you just need a few simple ingredients. Investing in jars of the spices will allow you to easily make many batches of refrigerator pickles. You’ll need:

• White vinegar – you can also use rice wine or apple cider vinegar
• Salt – kosher is best
• Sugar
• Coriander seeds
• Whole black peppercorns
• Whole mustard seeds
• Garlic – this is optional but adds more flavor
• Fresh dill
• Kirby cucumbers

How To Make Refrigerator Pickles

Making easy refrigerator pickles requires just a few simple steps:

• Combine vinegar salt and sugar and bring to a boil to dissolve.
• Let cool and add cold water.
• Place cucumbers, dill, garlic and spices in a jar.
• Pour liquid into the jar.
• Secure the lid, shake well and let sit in the fridge for at least 24 hours.

What are the best pickles for easy refrigerator pickles?

My favorite pickles to use are Kirby pickles. They can often be bought in bulk in the produce section of the grocery store and they’re small and bumpy. Kirby pickles are the best choice if you like crisp, crunchy pickles!

What’s the best way to slice cucumbers for pickling?

You can slice them any way you want! Cut them lengthwise into spears or sandwich slices or cut them horizontally to make them more bite-sized. You can use a crinkle cutter when slicing as well! (aff link)

Refrigerator Pickles Variations

Spicy Refrigerator Pickles

To make your pickles spicier, add 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes or add a serano or jalapeno sliced in half lengthwise to the jar.

Sweet Refrigerator Pickles // Bread and Butter Refrigerator Pickles

If you prefer a sweet pickle, you’ll need to add more sugar to the brine. I would suggest following a recipe specifically for sweet pickles like these Refrigerator Sweet Pickles.

Dill refrigerator pickles recipe

To me, dill pickles are the only kind, so this recipe includes dill. If you’re not a fan, you can leave out the sprigs of dill.

Can I make refrigerator pickles with other vegetables?

The good news about this brine is that you can use it to pickle a wide variety of vegetables. Try replacing the cucumbers with:

• sliced jalapenos
• thinly sliced red onions
• carrots
• green beans

Best Easy Refrigerator Pickle Recipe

Easy Refrigerator Pickles

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These Easy Refrigerator Pickles are a simple, budget-friendly alternative to store-bought pickles.

• Author: Lindsay

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup white vinegar
• 1 Tbsp kosher salt
• 1 Tbsp sugar
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 Tbsp coriander seeds
• 1 Tbsp whole black peppercorns
• 1 tsp whole mustard seeds
• 3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• 8 sprigs fresh dill
• 3–4 Kirby cucumbers, quartered lengthwise (or sliced)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Combine vinegar, salt and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir until dissolved.
2. Let cool for 10 minutes, then add to cold water.
3. In a 32 oz mason jar, combine the pickles, dill, garlic and seasoning.
4. Pour liquid over top and refrigerate 24 hours before eating. You can add a little more water if needed.
5. Store in the fridge for 3-4 weeks.

Notes

We sometimes reuse store-bought pickle jars instead of mason jars.

Easy Refrigerator Pickles FAQs

How long do refrigerator pickles last?

These pickles should last 3-4 weeks in the fridge! After that the quality may start to degrade.

Can I reuse the brine?

Yes! If you finish your pickles in the first week or two, feel free to add another batch of cucumbers to the brine.

How soon can you eat refrigerator pickles?

These pickles are ready to eat in 24 hours! They can be eaten before that but the flavor may not be fully developed.

How to serve refrigerator pickles?

Serve them straight out of the jar for snacking or make them crinkle-cut and add to burgers, sandwiches and charcuterie boards.

Can I use apple cider vinegar in refrigerator pickles?

Yes, feel free to substitute apple cider or rice wine vinegar for the white vinegar in this recipe.

Can you make refrigerator pickles without sugar?

Yes, if that fits your taste preferences, you can omit the sugar in this recipe.

Can I freeze refrigerator pickles?

I would not recommend it. But you can freeze sprigs of fresh dill so that you always have those on hand for pickling!

What’s the best container to store refrigerator pickles?

My favorite container is actually to reuse a glass jar from store-bought pickles. You can use any glass jars – 32 oz mason jars work well. Or get a pickle jar like this! (aff link)

Are refrigerator pickles safe for kids to eat?

Yes! Kids can definitely enjoy these pickles.

Do I need to boil the vinegar for refrigerator pickles?

Boiling helps dissolve the salt and sugar and combine the flavors but boiling isn’t required. Especially if you like very crunchy pickles, you can skip this step if you want to.

These easy refrigerator pickles are crunchy, tangy and even better than store-bought! They’re quick, affordable, and easy to customize!

Want more easy homemade recipes? Try

• Homemade Soft Pretzels
• Homemade Whole Wheat Pancakes
• Homemade Pizza Dough

Enjoy!

–Lindsay–

A list of 50+ healthy packaged snacks for busy parents who are looking for some new ideas. Healthy store bought snacks when homemade snacks aren’t an option.

*Originally published March 2018. Updated July 2025*

These are some of the best healthy packaged snacks for kids and adults. They are nutritious, affordable and kid-friendly. They can be packed in lunch boxes as well and are great options for families trying to make healthy food choices.

Hi Friends!

You guys know I’m a huge fan of making healthy homemade snacks, but there are times when store-bought, prepackaged options are both handy and necessary. We all know there are times when we need some individually wrapped snacks.

Why You’ll Love These Healthy Packaged Snacks

• Easy to find – most of these should be available at your local grocery store
• Variety- It can be easy to fall into a snack rut so here are lots of options to try
• Affordable – Lots of budget-friendly options
• Nutritious – Plenty of nutrient-dense choices with protein and fiber
• Kid-friendly – Snacks that are both healthy and tasty!

Note- if you’re looking for store-specific snacks, I have you covered:

• Healthy Amazon Snacks
• Best Trader Joe’s Snacks
• Best Healthy Walmart Snacks
• Healthy Snacks At Costco For The Whole Family
• Healthy Snacks At Target
• Best ALDI Snacks

Healthy Packaged Snacks Notes:

• This is not a sponsored post. None of these companies asked to be included or even knew I was putting this post together.
• While I originally intended this round-up to be geared towards kids, there are a lot of things adults could enjoy as well.
• We have not tried all of these. I repeat – I have not personally tried all of these, nor have my kids. I have no idea if my kids like them all and have no doubt there are some they would not eat.

This list is meant to provide inspiration. Everyone is free to make their own choices and have their own opinions

What Are The Healthiest Packaged Snacks For Adults and Kids?

RD mom tip – When I’m looking for snacks for my kids, I try to choose options that have at least 3 grams of protein and/or fiber and less than 5-6 grams of added sugar. Total sugar may be higher due to naturally occurring sugar.

Healthy Chips and Crackers

Everyone loves a crunchy snack! These options are kid-friendly, low in added sugar and can be paired with sliced cheese or a healthy dip for a more satisfying snack! Check out this post for more of my favorite Healthy Crackers For Kids and Adults. My personal favorite are Crunchmaster crackers but there are too many visible seeds for my kids to enjoy them.

• Triscuits thin crisps – 3g of protein, 4g of fiber, 0g added sugar – easier for kids to chew than regular Triscuits
• Sun chips- 2g protein, 2g fiber, 2g added sugar
• Plentils -3g protein, 1g fiber, 0g added sugar
• RW Garcia Sweet Potato Crackers – 2g protein, 2g fiber, 0g added sugar
• Simple Mills Pop’Ems – 2g protein, 1g fiber, 0g added sugar
• Simple Mills Crackers – 3g protein, 2g fiber, 0g added sugar

Keep in mind many of these come in different flavors and the nutrition info may vary!

Healthy Crunchy Snacks

Here are more snack ideas that can provide that satisfying crunch for both kids and adults.

• Hippeas Pops – 3g protein, 2g fiber, <1g added sugar – They also make puffs and chips
• Trail Mix – 5g protein, 3g fiber, 6g added sugar -There are endless trail mix options so nutrition facts will vary but this is a great option because you can find one customized to your liking.
• The Only Bean Edamame – 14g protein, 5g fiber, 0g added sugar
• Whisps – 10g protein, 0g fiber, 0g added sugar
• Seaweed snacks – 1g protein, 1 g fiber, 0g added sugar – Similar to kale chips, these won’t be for everyone but can still be a good option for some added nutrients
• Harvest Snaps Crunchy Loops – 4g protein, 2g fiber, 0g added sugar – They have crisps, loops and puffs in a variety of flavors

RD Mom Tip- Popcorn is one of my favorite snacks and has a little protein and fiber. Try adding it to trail mix. If you have younger kids, popcorn cakes can be a good option to reduce choking risk.

Healthy Granola Bars for Kids

What are the healthiest granola bars for kids and adults?

These are some of my favorite kid-friendly granola bar options for kids when I don’t want to turn to a protein bar like would for an adult. These are all lower in added sugar and have some protein and fiber. Here are more of the Best Healthy Store Bought Granola Bars For Kids. For adults, one of my favorite options is Aloha Bars – I love that they don’t have stevia. 88 Acres and Go Macro also have some good options.

• 88 Acres Nut & Seed Bars -6g protein, 3g fiber, 5g added sugar
• Clif Nut Butter Bars – 7g protein, 3g fiber, 6g added sugar
• Larabar Trail Mix Bars – 4g protein, 2g fiber, 4g added sugar. I also like their regular bars
• Skout Organic – 2g protein, 2g fiber, 0g added sugar – They have both kid snack bars and protein bars
• Kind Soft Baked Squares – 5g protein, 4g fiber, 7g added sugar – Good for those who don’t want a super chewy or crunchy option. Kind also has some good chewy nut-based bars
• Simple Mills Soft Baked Bars -4g protein, 2g fiber, 6g added sugar

Healthy Cereals

Cereal has always been one of my favorite snacks and doesn’t just have to be for breakfast. Pair with milk to add some extra protein or mix some into your favorite trail mix or yogurt. Here are more Lower Sugar Cereals For Kids.

• Puffins – 3g protein, 3g fiber, 6g added sugar
• Love Grown – 5g protein, 4g fiber, 8g added sugar – love that these are made with beans!
• Cascadian Farms Purely O’s – 4g protein, 4g fiber, <1g added sugar
• Wheat Chex – 6g protein, 8g fiber, 6g added sugar – There are also plain rice and corn options
• Nature’s Path Heritage Flakes – 5g protein, 7g fiber, 5g added sugar
• Kix -3g protein, 3g fiber, 4g added sugar

RD Mom tip – If you’re having trouble getting your kids to enjoy lower sugar cereals, mixing them with a little of their favorite cereal so it’s more half and half can be a good way to slowly cut back on added sugar.

Healthy Dairy and Refrigerated Snacks

Dairy can be a great source of protein for both kids and adults and you don’t have to eat it plain. There are some good lower-sugar flavor options out there.

• Lifeway Kefir – 10g protein, 0g fiber, 8g added sugar – They have 8oz bottles and you can also check out Probugs pouches for kids
• Babybel Cheese – 4g protein, 0g fiber, 0g added sugar – pair with crackers!
• Stonyfield Yogurt Pouches – 5g protein, 0g fiber, 0g added sugar – look for the no added sugar options!
• Breakstone Cottage Doubles – 13g protein, 0g fiber, 4g added sugar
• String cheese – 7g protein, 0g fiber, 0g added sugar
• Chobani Less Sugar – 12g protein, 0g fiber, 5g added sugar – this is one of the best flavored yogurt options I’ve found. Siggi’s also has good options

How can I transition my kids to healthier packed snack options?

RD Mom tip- If you’re trying to adjust your kids to lower sugar options – start by mixing their favorite yogurt, milk, kefir with plain and slowly increase the amount of plain. Some with things like cereal – start with a mix of higher and lower sugar favorites.

High Fiber Snacks

Almost everyone could use more fiber in their diet and snacks can be a great time to add some to your day! Even a few grams here and there can help. Here are a few options:

• Mama Chia Squeeze – 2g protein, 3g fiber, 5g added sugar
• Mush – 5g protein, 4g fiber, 0g added sugar
• KIND bars – 4g protein, 6g fiber, 7g added sugar – several of their nut-based bars are high in fiber
• Biena Roasted Chickpeas – 6g protein, 6g fiber, 0g added sugar
• Beanitos – 4g protein, 4g fiber, 0g added sugar
• Ground Flax – Add this to your yogurt, smoothies, oatmeal, even sprinkle onto peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!

Kid-Friendly Fruit Snacks

What are healthy fruit-based snacks that aren’t full of sugar?

While plain fresh, canned, dried frozen fruit is my favorite option, there are some packaged fruit snacks and alternatives that are good options. I’ve listed some below but check out this post as well for more Healthy Fruit Snacks and Alternatives.

• Figgy Pops – 3g protein, 2g fiber, 0g added sugar
• That’s It Fruit Bars – 1g protein, 4g fiber, 0g added sugar – pair with a protein source!
• Freeze-dried fruit – 2g protein, 6g fiber, 0g added sugar- great to add to trail mix
• Bear Fruit Rolls – 0g protein, 4g fiber, 0g added sugar – the also have sour varieties
• Peeled Snacks – 2g protein, 2g fiber, 0g added sugar
• Bare Apple Chips – 0g protein, 4g fiber, 0g added sugar

RD mom tip – Fruit is a great snack and many options contain no added sugar, but fruit does naturally contain sugar and it’s best to pair fruit with a source of protein or healthy fats to give it more staying power!

High Protein Snacks

What high protein snacks help keep you full?

Protein is one component that should be included in almost all snacks – along with fiber and/or healthy fats. It helps with muscle-building, recovery and satiety – all good things! These are some of my favorite for kids. Look here for more of my favorite Healthy High Protein Snack Ideas for adults.

• Hb eggs – 6g protein, 0g fiber, 0g added sugar
• Chomps – 10g protein, 0g fiber, 0g added sugar
• Kodiak Power Waffles – 12g protein, 3g fiber, 4g added sugar
• Aloha Protein Minis – 6g protein, 2g fiber, 1g added sugar – can be a good snack option for elementary and older kids
• Deli meat turkey – 12g protein, 0g fiber, 0g added sugar – Look for a brand like Dietz and Watson that’s made with just turkey, salt and spices
• Balanced Breaks – 7g protein, 0g fiber, 0g added sugar – The raisin option is my favorite!

Snacks with Healthy Fats

Healthy fats are a great addition to daily snacks. For kids they are important for growth and development. For adults, they can be a good source of nutrients like omega-3’s and also help make snacks more satisfying.

• Wholly Guacamole Minis – 1g protein, 3g fiber, 0g added sugar
• Sabra Smart Snacks – 10g protein, 7g fiber, 0g added sugar
• Cinnamon and sugar Superseedz – 7g protein, 2g fiber, 3g added sugar
• Honey Smoked Salmon – 13g protein, 0g fiber, 0g added sugar
• Aussie Bites -2g protein, 2g fiber, 2g added sugar
• Once Again Peanut Butter Packets – 8g protein, 2g fiber, 0g added sugar – great to pair with fruit or crackers

Healthy Packaged Snacks FAQs

What are the best nut-free snacks for schools and workplaces?

I know from experience that finding nut-free snacks for schools can be challenging. I put together the Ultimate List of Peanut-Free and Tree Nut-Free Packaged Snacks with lots of ideas for you.

What are some crunchy snacks that are actually good for you?

My favorite crunchy snacks to reccomend are raw veggies, nuts and seeds and trail mix. Kale chips, homemade crackers, roasted chickpeas and edamame are also great. Here are some more ideas for Healthy Crunchy Snacks.

Are there healthy savory packaged snacks that aren’t chips?

Yes! Some of my favorites include roasted chickpeas, roasted edamame, kale chips, and harvest snaps. Crunchmasters multiseed crackers, raw veggies with a packaged dip, trail mix, popcorn and savory granola bars are also good choices.

What are good healthy snacks for travel and long commutes?

Eating in the car or while commuting is unavoidable at times. Here’s a list of Healthy Road Trip Snacks including things like fresh fruits and veggies, cheese sticks, hard boiled eggs and yogurt in the cooler and crackers, trail mix, muffins, jerky, granola bars and more in the snack bag! And if you have younger kids, here’s a list of Low Mess Snacks For Kids.

Can toddlers and younger kids have packaged snacks safely?

Yes! But there are definitely choking hazards to be aware of including round foods like grapes and hot dogs, raw veggies, marshmallows, hard candy, popcorn and more. Here are some Healthy Snacks for Toddlers.

What snacks offer a good balance of protein, fiber and healthy fats?

A few of my favorites include apple with peanut butter and a cheese stick, crackers with guacamole and a beef stick, high fiber muffin and a yogurt, and homemade trail mix with low sugar cereal, popcorn, nuts and dried fruit.

What are the best store bought snacks for school lunches or work?

If you need ideas for school lunches, you’ll love my guide: A Month of Packed Lunches for Kids including full color pictures and tons of ideas for both lunches and snacks.

What are the best packaged snacks for busy professionals or parents?

I’ve got a whole list of snack ideas that are gerat for At Work and After-Work Snacks, including some non-perishable ideas like tuna pouches with crackers, beef sticks, protein bars, roasted nuts and more.

That’s it for now! I’ll keep adding as I find more! If you liked this post, be sure to share and pin it for later!

Healthy Pre Packaged Snacks

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Need ideas for healthy snacks for toddlers? This list is specifically geared towards kids 1-3 years old, with homemade and storebought ideas for at home and on the go.

*Originally published 9/21. Updated 7/25*

These healthy snacks for toddlers are simple, healthy and budget-friendly. They’re perfect for busy moms who want to feed their kids nutritious foods with a variety of nutrients.

Hi friends!

Let’s talk about healthy snacks for toddlers. I think a lot of snack ideas posts are geared towards kids in general but there always seems to be a fair amount of ideas on the lists that aren’t safe for toddlers, mainly because of choking hazards. So I wanted to put together a list of toddler-safe snacks.

Why You’ll Love Healthy Snacks For Toddlers

• Affordable – these snacks are made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients
• Kid-friendly – packed with nutrients but still taste good
• Freezer-friendly – many can be prepped ahead of time and frozen for quick snacks
• Quick and easy – great for busy moms with no time to waste!

Healthy Toddler Snack Ideas

We all know that most toddlers seem to want to eat constantly but remember that all-day grazing is not ideal. Try to stick to set meals and snack times when possible so that they have a chance to start listening to their body, recognizing signs of hunger and fullness etc.

Should a 2-year-old have snacks?

Snacks are a great idea for toddlers and a great way to get some extra nutrients in them that they might not eat at actual meal times. Most toddlers do best with 3 meals and 2-3 snacks per day. Try a snack mid-morning, mid-afternoon and potentially after dinner if needed.

What are some healthy meal ideas for toddlers?

If you’re looking for ideas for toddler meals vs snacks I’ve got you covered as well! Here are 150+ Toddler Meal Ideas with pictures of actual plates I served my kids from ages 1-3. And if that’s enough, here’s another 100 Healthy Toddler Meals.

Toddler Choking Hazards

When considering what snacks and foods to give your toddler, it’s important to remember that there are several choices that frequently lead to choking in this age group. These are things that are either hard, hard to chew, a similar size to their windpipe, sticky etc so we want to avoid them.

Here are some common choking hazards for toddlers:

• Round foods like hot dogs, sausages, cherry tomatoes and grapes
• Hard foods like apples and carrots and other hard raw veggies
• Nut butter by the spoonful or thickly spread on bread
• Marshmallows, whole nuts, gum, hard candy, chips and popcorn

Toddler Choking Hazards modified:

The good news is you don’t have to avoid most of these foods completely. Here’s how to modify some of the common choking hazards so they’re safer for toddlers:

• For round foods: cut lengthwise into quarters
• For hard fruits and veggies: grate, cut into matchsticks, dice and saute, steam or roast to soften
• Nut butter: spread thinly on toast
• Chop whole nuts into very small pieces and consider softer nuts like cashews/pecans/pistachios vs almonds/peanuts

Mom tip: Marshmallows, gum, hard candy, chips and popcorn should be avoided completely for toddlers.

Is popcorn a healthy snack for toddlers?

Popcorn is a huge choking hazard for kids under age 4 so I’d really recommend holding off serving it to younger kiddos. If you’re looking for something similar, popcorn cakes or rice cakes are safer than popcorn kernels

Healthy Snacks For Kids and Toddlers

If you’re looking for snacks for older kids, I have several posts to check out. These lists will have some snacks that are good for toddlers but not all of them:

• 60+ Healthy Packaged Snacks For Kids
• Healthy Costco Snacks
• Healthy Walmart Snacks
• Best Trader Joe’s Snacks
• Healthy Amazon Snacks
• Peanut & Tree Nut Free Packaged Snacks
• Healthy After School Snacks

Mom hack – A lot of these snacks would be great in lunch boxes too! If you need more lunch box ideas, check out my Month of Easy Packed Lunches for Kids resource!

Healthy Snack Ideas for Toddlers

So let’s dive right into toddler snacks, shall we? Here are some of my favorite healthy snack ideas for toddlers. And remember these are good for older kids too!

Healthy Snacks Toddlers

Here are some snack ideas that I make at home:

• Smoothies: Smoothies are a great way to get extra fruit and veggies into your toddler’s diet. Mix with a little milk or yogurt and you have added protein and calcium, among other important nutrients. Spinach, zucchini and cauliflower are easy veggies to add to smoothies without altering the taste or texture too much. My boys’ love the combo is frozen mixed berries, spinach, milk and a little orange juice. This Peach Zucchini Smoothie Bowl is also a fav, along with this Silken Tofu Mixed Berry Smoothie! We also love this simple strawberry pineapple smoothie.
• Muffins/bars– My favorite for young toddlers are my Sweet Potato Banana Bites – but almost all of my kid-friendly baking recipes are great for this age and are packed with things like beans, lentils and veggies. My friend and fellow RD Min also has tons of Healthy Baby and Toddler muffins here.
• Oatmeal: It’s not just for breakfast! Make it with milk for protein and stir in a scoop of peanut butter for healthy fats. Top with berries or a few chocolate chips. You can even make a big batch ahead of time, freeze in muffin tins and thaw in the microwave. Learn how in my post for Freezer Prep Oatmeal Cups.
• Energy Bars – Use my go-to energy bar recipe and process them really well in the food processor to avoid big chunks. Then press into a pan and cut into bars so they’re thinner vs rolling into balls.
• Trail Mix: Homemade trail mix is SO easy and can be adapted based on your child’s favorite add-ins. Try this toddler Nut–Free Toddler Trail Mix or make up your own combination using cereal, small crackers, dried fruit and small nuts if they’re older (nuts can be a choking hazard for young toddlers). Freeze-dried fruits and veggies are a great option for younger kiddos or things like Hippeas or Harvest Snaps!
• Fruit – berries, kiwi, mandarin oranges, bananas, fruit leather, raisins, grated apples + pb yogurt dip
• Vegetables – matchstick carrots, peas, corn, cucumber, roasted sweet potatoes + ranch/hummus/laughing cow (toddler dips)
• Eggs – Any form is great! I usually cut hard-boiled eggs into quarters but you can also try egg wraps or mini egg muffins, or even a fried egg on toast with avocado – cut it into strips to make it easier for them to hold.

Mom hack – Finding yourself without snacks is a recipe for toddler meltdowns. These Bentgo boxes (aff link) are my favorite for toddlers and great for holding a variety of snacks. Or try these stainless steel snack containers (aff link).

Easy Toddler Snacks

• Cottage Cheese: Serve it alone or pair it with whole-grain cereal and some fruit for a twist on a yogurt parfait. It can be high in sodium so as always, variety is key! And if they’re not fans, lower sugar yogurts (or plain yogurt with fruit mixed in is great too!)
• Hummus: Perfect for dipping raw veggies like carrots, celery, cucumbers and bell peppers (be careful with raw veggies- they can be a choking hazard for young toddlers). You can also serve with crackers or chips or add to pizza or sandwiches.
• Avocado: A great source of healthy fats. Mash it up for avocado toast, make guacamole for dipping or just slice and serve!
• Nut Butter: Healthy fats help keep them full! Add peanut butter or other nut/seed butters to oatmeal, drizzle on banana slices or spread on toast, waffles or pancakes!
• Whole Grain Cereal: Check out my list of Lower Sugar Cereal for Kids. Pair with milk, yogurt or a hard-boiled egg!
• Mini pizza – These English muffin pizzas are the perfect size for toddler snack time and easy for little hands to handle. Keep a batch in the freezer and microwave as needed.
• Quesadillas – add some shredded vegetables or chicken and give them a sauce to dip in.
• Waffles/toast – Top them with a healthy fat like peanut butter or avocado, cut into sticks or in half to make it easier for little fingers to handle
• Pancakes – Try these Whole Wheat Pancakes. My kids love when I make them silver dollar sized or make them bigger and cut into little triangles with a pizza cutter.

Mom tip – Healthy fats are super important for toddler brain development so adding healthy fat sources like avocado, egg yolks, nut butter and full-fat dairy etc to toddler snacks is a great idea!

Healthy Snacks For Toddlers When Traveling or On The Go

Here are some packaged snacks that I often have on hand for quick snacks both at home and on the go:

• Bars – Larabar minis, Happy Family Organic & Nature’s Bakery Baked Ins are some of our favorites. Check out my list of Healthy Store-Bought Granola Bars for Kids for more toddler-friendly options
• That’s it dried fruit mini bars
• Innerpeas/Harvest snaps
• Triscuit thins
• Bambas
• Canned beans & chickpeas
• Stonefire mini pitas
• Cereal – Cheerios and Chex are good options for toddlers. You can also soak cereal in some milk to make it safer for toddlers to practice eating with a spoon.
• Skinny Pop Mini Cakes or Safe & Fair Popcorn cakes – remember regular popcorn is a choking hazard
• Hummus
• Freeze-dried fruit
• Hippeas
• Made Good granola bites
• Bitsy’s Crackers
• Soozy’s Muffins
• Veggie’s Made Great Muffins
• Mini bagels, Dave’s Killer Bread thin sliced or Brownberry bread with peanut butter or avocado
• Seaweed snacks
• Brown rice thin cakes
• Horizon Organic shelf-stable milk
• Zego fruit and chia bars
• My Superfoods Granola bites
• Cheese
• Olives (quartered & pit removed)
• Annie’s whole wheat bunnies
• Yogurt/kefir – Chobani, Siggi’s & Stonyfield have good lower sugar options
• Mamma Chia Squeeze pouches
• Serenity kids pouches – they have lots of meat and veggie options
• Enjoy Life fruit and seed mixes
• Waffles – we like Kashi and Kidfresh Foods

Want more snack ideas? Find all of my healthy snack roundups here.

So there you go! Lots of toddler-friendly snack ideas for you!

These healthy snacks for toddlers are quick, easy and affordable. Perfect for busy moms who are trying to feed their family healthy and nutritious foods that kids will actually eat!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

These healthy blueberry muffins are lightly sweetened and bursting with flavor. They’re kid-friendly and make a great breakfast or snack! Plus they freeze well!

*Originally published 6/2014. Updated 5/2025*

Hi Friends!

I’ve been making these healthy blueberry muffins for 10+ years now and they’re still a favorite of mine. This particular recipe was originally a small-batch recipe that made about 7 muffins and I recently re-tested it to make a full batch of 12 muffins with just a few little tweaks.

So if you haven’t tried them yet, now is the perfect time, especially since blueberry season is almost here.

Blueberry Muffins – Easy & Quick!

When it comes to baking, muffin recipes like this are the absolute best for beginners. You just need one bowl, do a little pouring, a little mixing and stick them in the muffin.

You can do it ahead of time so you have them ready for the week or they’re quick enough and easy enough to whip up a batch on a weekday morning.

Are these low sugar blueberry muffins?

Yes! Compared to most muffins, these are relatively low in sugar. I use white sugar but you could substitute maple syrup if you’d like.

I like to rely on the natural sweetness of the blueberries with just a small amount of added sugar. Plus adding a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking really helps carry the sweetness into each bite, allowing you to use less sugar in the recipe.

One Bowl Blueberry Muffins Ingredients

You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make these muffins. In fact, you likely have almost everything you need already in your pantry including:

• Oil – I use avocado oil
• Egg
• Yogurt – I use plain Greek yogurt but plain regular yogurt or even vanilla yogurt will work
• Vanilla extract
• Maple syrup – you can swap white sugar if you prefer
• Milk
• Baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon
• Blueberries – fresh or frozen

How To Make Moist and Fluffy Blueberry Muffins

To make these muffins just follow a few simple steps:

• Mix the yogurt, eggs, oil, milk, vanilla and sugar.
• Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and stir to just combine.
• Toss the blueberries in 1 -2 tsp flour to coat, then add and mix gently to combine.
• Scoop into muffin tins, sprinkle the tops with blueberries and a pinch of sugar and bake!

Blueberry Muffins Variations

Blueberry Muffins Made with Buttermilk

I’ve found that a lot of people are looking for muffin recipes made specifically with buttermilk. While this recipe doesn’t call for buttermilk, it uses plain Greek yogurt which is similar. If you don’t have yogurt, you can swap in one cup of buttermilk.

Don’t have buttermilk? It’s so easy to make your own – just add a splash of vinegar to a cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Streusel For Blueberry Muffins

Let’s talk about them. They’re big & fluffy, packed with blueberries and not overly sweet. In these blueberry muffins, yogurt is used to keep the blueberry muffins moist. And I always add a sprinkle of sugar on top because it’s a quick and easy way to add a little sweetness in every bite. However, you could also add a streusel topping. It’s a little bit more work but mixing some cold butter, brown sugar and oats together and sprinkling on top would be delightful!

Blueberry Muffins with Frozen Blueberries – Should I thaw frozen blueberries before baking?

If you don’t have fresh blueberries, you can use frozen. Be sure to always toss blueberries in about a teaspoon of flour before mixing into the batter. If you pick blueberries in the summer, or even when you see them on sale at the store, stock up and freeze them. They’re great for baking!

Blueberry Muffins Protein – Can I add protein powder to blueberry muffins?

These muffins do get a boost of protein from the Greek yogurt but if you wanted to add some additional protein, you could add a scoop or two of protein powder to the batter before mixing in the flour. Adding protein powder can dry out the muffins so I would start with one scoop and if it’s not noticeable, add another scoop the next time.

Best Fluffy Blueberry Muffins Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

Healthy Blueberry Muffins

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

These Blueberry Muffins are lightly sweetened and bursting with flavor. They’re kid-friendly and make a great breakfast or snack!

• Author: Lindsay
• Prep Time: 5 min
• Cook Time: 25 min
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Makes 12 muffins

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup oil
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup sugar + 2 tsp for sprinkling
• 1.5 cups white whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1.25 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen) + 1 tsp flour

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oil, milk, eggs, yogurt, vanilla and sugar until well combined.
3. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt and stir until just combined.
4. Toss 1 cup berries in 1 tsp flour to coat, then gently mix in berries.
5. Scoop in greased or lined muffin tins. 
6. Lightly press remaining 1/4 cup berries into the top of the muffins and sprinkle lightly with sugar.
7. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

Notes

Feel free to use frozen blueberries instead – no need to thaw before baking!

You can use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend to make these muffins gluten-free.

Saving a few blueberries to press into the top of each one makes them look extra fancy…and sprinkling with just a pinch of sugar on top is crucial, in my opinion!

Healthy Blueberry Muffins FAQs

What makes blueberry muffins moist and fluffy?

Including yogurt and baking soda helps make these muffins light and fluffy. The acid in the yogurt, especially Greek yogurt reacts with baking soda and creates carbon dioxide which helps the muffins rise.

What’s the difference between using milk and buttermilk in muffins?

Buttermilk (and Greek yogurt) are more acidic and will help make muffins taller and fluffier than just using regular milk.

Are blueberry muffins healthy?

As always, it depends on the ingredients but I consider this muffin recipe to be fairly healthy. It uses Greek yogurt and hemp hearts which add protein, plus white whole wheat flour to add some fiber. It’s also fairly low in added sugar.

How do I make blueberry muffins vegan without eggs?

You can try replacing eggs in muffin recipes with flax eggs. Here’s how to make a flax egg.

What type of flour is best for blueberry muffins?

I like white whole wheat flour. It has the benefits of wheat flour but it’s lighter and has a more mild flavor. You could also try replacing some of the flour with almond flour.

Can I freeze blueberry muffins for later?

Yes, just cool completely and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw on the counter or in the microwave when ready to eat.

Can I make these blueberry muffins gluten-free?

Yes! To make these muffins gluten-free swap the white whole wheat flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I like King Arthur Measure for Measure.

How to store blueberry muffins?

Store in an airtight container on the counter for a couple of days. If keeping longer than that I would store in the fridge to prevent spoilage.

Healthy Muffin Recipes

Looking for more muffins? You can find all my healthy muffins and bars recipes here.

• If you’re looking specifically for cornbread muffins with blueberries, you can use my Cranberry Corn Muffins and swap blueberries and bam! Corn muffins with blueberries!
• If you want paleo blueberry muffins, try these Almond Flour Blueberry Muffins from my friend Ashley at Fit Mitten Kitchen.
• Want vegan blueberry muffins? Try The Best Vegan Blueberry Muffins from Jessica in the Kitchen or these Vegan Blueberry Muffins from Eating Bird Food.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

These high-fiber Zucchini Oat Bars are naturally sweetened with dates. Top them with peanut butter for a quick, kid-friendly breakfast or snack!

*Originally published 5/2019. Updated 6/2025*

Hi friends!

Allow me to introduce you to this Zucchini Oatmeal Breakfast Bars. They’re perfect for breakfast or snack time and my kids gobble them up! I developed this recipe when my youngest needed to add some extra fiber to his diet and found that the moist texture made them a great snack for toddlers and young kids as well.

Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Oat Bars

Here are some of the highlights of these bars:

• Simple ingredient list. You’ll probably have most of them on hand.
• The combination of oats, dates and ground flaxseed give these bars a good amount of fiber per serving.
• I packed a whole cup of zucchini in there so they’re perfect for summer when gardens and farmers markets are overflowing with zucchini. 
• This is a one bowl recipe, no mixer required and they’re ready in under 30 minutes!
• Great for baby-led weaning and good for packed lunches as well.

Zucchini Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

Let me just say right off the bat that these bars are not overly sweet. They are soft, moist and lightly sweetened with dates and applesauce – no added sugar except the chocolate chips.

If you’re looking for something more dessert-like, you’re gonna want to add some sugar or maple syrup to this recipe. I like that they’re lower in sugar so I feel good about serving them to my kids for breakfast or at snack time. 

They’re fairly low in fat, so you could add a smear of peanut butter to the top, or even mix some peanut butter into the batter for a dose of added fats. And these bars are moist…so definitely store them in the fridge so they don’t get moldy. 

Nutritional Benefits of Zucchini Oat Bars

There are tons of nutritional ingredients packed into these bars including:

• Zucchini – Zucchini contains fiber and is a good source of Vitamin C and potassium
• Oats- A good source of soluble fiber as well as some protein, manganese and B vitamins
• Dates – A good source of fiber, potassium, magnesium and antioxidants
• Ground flax – Another good source of fiber and heart-healthy omega-3’s

Zucchini Oat Bars Mix-Ins

Another great thing about these bars are they are easy to customize. You could try adding your favorite mix-ins like:

• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Chia seeds
• Raisins
• Dried blueberries
• Hemp hearts
• A scoop of peanut butter
• Protein powder

You can also pair it with something like yogurt or a cheese stick to add some protein to your snack or warm up a bar and top with vanilla ice cream for dessert!

Zucchini Bars Recipe

Here’s how you make them:

Zucchini Oat Bars

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 13 reviews

These high fiber Zucchini Oat Bars are naturally sweetened with dates. Top them with peanut butter for a quick, kid-friendly breakfast or snack!

• Author: Lindsay

Ingredients

1.5 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup medjool dates (pitted and roughly chopped – approx 5–7 dates)
2 eggs
1 cup shredded zucchini (excess water removed)
1/4 cup oil (i use avocado oil)
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
1/4 cup applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup chocolate chips (or more if desired)

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Instructions

1. Place the oats and dates in a food processor and process until well chopped.
2. Add remaining ingredients (except chocolate chips or other mix-ins) and process until smooth.
3. Add chocolate chips (or other mix-ins) and pulse a few times to mix.
4. Pour into 9×9 pan lined with parchment paper and bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes.
5. Let cool at least 15 min in the pan before cutting. Store in the fridge.

Notes

You could sub raisins, craisins, dried blueberries, shredded coconut etc for the chocolate chips if you want.
You could also mix in some peanut butter or hemp seeds to add some healthy fats.
If your dates are not super soft and squishy, soak them in hot water for 10 min before using.

I’m just so in love with these guys. And the food processor helps chop up the shredded zucchini even further so my kids pretty much just focus on the fact that they’re eating something with a few chocolate chips in it and they’re happy.

Zucchini Oat Bars FAQs

Do I need to peel zucchinis before adding?

Nope! No need to peel, just shred, squeeze and add!

How do I shred zucchini for baking?

You can shred the zucchini by hand using a box or hand grater or use the grater attachment to your food processor.

Can I make zucchini oat bars gluten-free?

These zucchini oat bars are naturally gluten-free. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats and ground flax if needed.

How do I keep zucchini oat bars from being soggy?

Be sure to squeeze the zucchini in a clean towel or paper towels after shredding to remove the excess water before adding to your recipe!

How do I store zucchini oat bars and how long do they last?

Because these bars are so moist, I do recommend storing them in a container in the fridge to prevent rapid spoiling! They should last about 4 days in the fridge.

Can I serve these bars as a healthy dessert?

Definitely! They’re great on their own but would also pair well with vanilla yogurt or ice cream.

What kind of oats are best for baking these bars?

I use rolled oats. You could sub instant oats but I would decrease the amount to one cup.

Can I add protein powder to make these bars more filling?

Yes, feel free to add 1-2 scoops of protein powder to this recipe.

Healthy Bars and Muffins

Want more bars and muffins to try? Find all my healthy bars and muffins recipes here or try one of my favorites:

• Blondie Snickerdoodle Bars
• Healthy Black Bean Bars
• Lentil Banana Muffins
• Carrot Applesauce Muffins

And if you’re looking for other zucchini bar recipes, here are a few you could try:

• Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Icing
• Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars
• The Best Zucchini Bars

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–