We review the 5 leading brands of plant based snacks so that you can make an informed purchase decision.
Snacks are often thought of as the downfall of any diet. Whether it’s the extra calories or the poor-quality nutrients, snacking can derail any dieter’s quest for better health. Plant based snacks may offer a healthy alternative for those looking to scratch that snacking itch.
Studies have shown that a plant-based diet can lead to weight loss, reduced inflammation, and a lower risk of disease. Many companies have emerged, offering plant based snacks to complement this way of eating. We’ve reviewed five leading brands, and here’s what we’ve found.
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GimMe
Chances are, if you’re craving something crunchy or sweet, you’re not thinking of seaweed or anything coming from the sea. GimMe has turned seaweed into a healthy alternative to potato chips. Their seaweed snacks come in a variety of flavors, from regular sea-salted snacks to Teriyaki, wasabi, chili-lime, and even white cheddar.
These plant based snacks are low-calorie and contain fiber, which can help you shed those pounds. They contain many more nutrients as well. Seaweed is packed with antioxidants, which can decrease the risk of disease and slow down the aging process. It’s rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to support cognitive function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. And that’s not all: seaweed contains vitamins A, B12, Iodine, and Calcium.
These plant based snacks are perfect for a vegan or gluten-free diet. They are also USDA-certified organic and non-GMO verified.
GimMe’s seaweed snacks are priced moderately to high at $6.59 for a basic six-serving pack and $14.99 for a variety pack.
Pnuff
If you’d prefer your plant based snacks not to come from the ocean, you could try Pnuff. These puffed snacks come in peanut, cinnamon, and cocoa flavors.
Pnuff puffs are made from peanuts, navy beans, and rice; they come without any artificial flavors or preservatives. These snacks are high in protein and fiber and low in calories, a welcome addition to a vegan or gluten-free diet.
Pnuff’s prices run a little high for snacks. The cheapest offerings are a 3-Pack of 4oz Bags for $14.99 and a 6-Pack of 1oz Bags for $14.96.
Three Farmers
Navy beans aren’t the only legume that can produce a crunchy plant based snack. If you’re looking for a greater variety, Three Farmers offer chickpea snacks that come in six different flavors such as sea salt, sea salt and lime, turmeric and spice, barbeque, balsamic and cracked pepper, and even dark chocolate.
Like Pnuff’s bean snacks, Three Farmers chickpea snacks are high in fiber and protein and low in calories. Additionally, they offer roasted lentils, peas, and fava beans for even more snack options.
Three Farmers chickpeas snacks are a moderately priced option for plant based snacks with $5.99 for individual packs and variety packs ranging from $24.99 to $29.99.
Back to Nature
Back to Nature’s large variety of plant based snacks earns it a spot high up on our list. If you’re looking for a plant-based take on traditional crackers and cookies, Back to Nature offers a large selection of 10 types of granola, 17 varieties of cookies, and 20 varieties of crackers. They also offer 8 varieties of nuts and trail mix.
Like some of the other snacks on this list, Back to Nature’s products are free of additives and other artificial ingredients. There are plenty of vegan options (except for products containing honey), and the brand features non-GMO, USDA organic-certified, lower sugar, and kosher options to accommodate various dietary needs.
Back to Nature’s plant based snacks are much more reasonably priced than the other products on this list. For example, you can buy a 9.5 oz. box of Back to Nature cookies for just over $4.00, or a 6 oz. box of organic crackers for just under $7.00.
Healthy Truth
When it comes to plant based snacks, Healthy Truth is one of the best options available in terms of variety and nutrition. They go above and beyond the usual plant-based options, featuring dried fruit, raw sprouted nuts and seeds, and energy squares on their product list. You can also find raw superfood powders, protein powders, and an anti-inflammatory ‘Golden Milk’ latte mix containing turmeric.
“We use no preservatives, no fillers, no chemicals,” Bruce Namenson, founder and CCO at Healthy Truth said. “They’re all 100 percent whole food products.”
Healthy Truth has set itself apart from the competition in the world of plant based snacks by sprouting rather than roasting its nuts. Sprouting refers to the process of soaking the nut in water, so it begins to germinate. This process reduces levels of phytate, a chemical compound found in nuts. Phytate impairs the body’s ability to absorb some of the minerals in the nuts, including iron, zinc, and calcium. Sprouted nuts are, therefore, more nutritious.
Sprouting is thought to be a healthier alternative to roasting nuts. Although roasting nuts can make them taste great, it can reduce the number of vitamins and antioxidants they contain. Roasting also leads to the formation of the chemical compound acrylamide, which has been cited as a possible cause of cancer.
Healthy Truth’s products come at a higher price point, with their cheapest offering, a 1.4 oz. snack-sized single bag of nuts valued at $3.99, and their larger variety packs coming in close to 40 dollars. But these plant based snacks earn the top spot on our list because of the nutritional value you get for your money.
Snacking doesn’t need to ruin your diet; it can enhance it. Plant based snacks are now in demand, with consumers looking to reduce the amount of animal-derived products in their diet in favor of healthier plant-based counterparts. Most supermarkets carry plant-based options at a range of prices to fit anyone’s budget. The benefits of a plant-based diet are available to everyone.
Further Reading
Harvard Health: What is a plant-based diet and why should you try it?
Newsweek: ‘My Diet Is 80% Vegan, I Look and Feel So Much Better’
USA News: Healthy Dining is Healthy for the Planet, Too
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
