Ever get that feeling like you just can’t stop snacking? You’re not alone. Many of the most popular snack foods are created in a way that makes them minimally filling and massively addictive. We love snacking, so we’ve made our snacks well-balanced and filling, but still just as addictive as other less satisfying snacks.
The key to satisfaction when it comes to snacking is finding something that balances textures, flavors, and nutrition. There are a few nutrients that, when combined, help us feel full, stay full, and provide enough energy to help us get through the day.
We’re talking about PROTEIN + FAT + FIBER
THE SCIENCE
Protein and fat both take longer for our bodies to break down than carbohydrates, so when we pair something high in carbohydrates (like fruit) with protein and fat, we absorb the carbs more slowly and we feel energized for longer. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that our bodies can’t break down and use for energy. Instead, fiber helps us feel more full, helps food move through our bodies, and feeds our gut bacteria which supports an overall healthy digestive system.
As long as your snack has at least a little bit of each of those three things, you should finish your snack feeling satisfied, energized, and ready to tackle your to-do list.
Since 88 Acres products are made with seeds, which have both healthy fats and protein, we can create balanced snacks quite simply. Our Seed Butters are creamy and spreadable - a natural pairing for high fiber fruits, veggies, crackers or breads. Our Seed’nola clusters offer a natural balance of protein, fat and fiber when eaten alone, but also offer a satisfying textural balance when paired with something creamy like yogurt or a smoothie. And our Seed Bars and Protein Bars are a perfectly balanced snack on their own. No need to break out any kitchen tools or to-go containers.
THE SNACKS
Here are 15 easy snack ideas to help you satisfy your salty, sweet, or crunchy cravings while also being nutritionally balanced and powerfully flavorful. And best of all, they all contain the 3 components of a healthy, filling snack: Protein, fat, and fiber.
1. Sliced Apples + Pumpkin Seed Butter
Apples are high-fiber fruits that pair perfectly with the subtle sweetness of Pumpkin Seed Butter. The fat and protein in pumpkin seeds make this simple pairing a satisfying, balanced snack.
2. Pear Slices + Vanilla Spiced Sunflower Seed Butter
When you’re looking for something with a little bit of warmth, look no further than our Vanilla Spiced Sunflower Seed Butter. The notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg complement the soft sweetness of fresh pears. Just like apples, pears offer filling fiber and balance the natural protein and fat in the Seed Butter.
3. Baby Carrots + Unsweetened Watermelon Seed Butter
For something with a bit more crunch and a little less sweetness, look to baby carrots and Unsweetened Watermelon Seed Butter. The natural sweetness and earthiness of carrots pairs well with the savory spice of our Unsweetened Watermelon Seed Butter, which is similar in flavor to tahini. Carrots are high in fiber and super filling when paired with the protein and fat of Seed Butter.
4. Pretzels + Watermelon Seed Butter
To satisfy that crunchy and salty craving, look no further than salted pretzels and sweetened Watermelon Seed Butter. Pretzels provide valuable carbohydrates for energy in a pinch, and the high protein and healthy fat content of the Watermelon Seed Butter makes them even more filling than eating them alone. Not all pretzels are high in fiber, so if possible look for ones made with whole grains.
5. Crackers + Unsweetened Pumpkin Seed Butter + Dried Figs
Perfect for happy hour at any time of day, pairing our Unsweetened Pumpkin Seed Butter, for fat and protein, with your favorite crunchy cracker and dried fruit (we love dried figs here) for fiber creates a filling, adult version of a Fig Newton.
6. Ants on a Log: Celery Sticks + Maple Sunflower Seed Butter + Dried Raisins or Cranberries
There’s no better way to eat celery. Ants on a log is a classic for a reason, and we love to combine the warmth of our Maple Sunflower Seed Butter with the tartness of dried cranberries or raisins. Both the celery and dried fruit offer filling fiber that is balanced by the protein and fat of the Sunflower Seed Butter.
7. Yogurt + Seed’nola
Our Seed’nola offers a balance of nutrition on its own with high-fiber oats and a blend of pumpkin, sunflower, and flax seeds (protein and fat), but we love the crunch factor it provides on top of a bowl of yogurt (fat). For even more fiber, top your bowl with berries, other fresh fruit slices, or extra seeds.
8. Smoothie Bowl + Seed’nola
Like in a yogurt bowl, Seed’nola adds texture and even more nutrition to a smoothie bowl, and helps it feel like more of a satisfying snack rather than a beverage. Pick your favorite flavor of Seed’nola and enjoy the satisfying balance of protein, fat and fiber in your smoothie bowl.
PRO TIP: Add Seed Butter to your smoothie to make it high-protein.
9. Banana Sushi: Banana + Pumpkin Seed Butter + Seed’nola
Bananas contain less fiber than other fruits, so to make it more filling, add some fiber-rich Seed’nola and fat- and protein-rich Seed Butter in this fun recipe for banana sushi! We love Pumpkin Seed Butter and Dark Chocolate Sunflower Seed Butter here, but feel free to play around with the flavors of Seed Butter and Seed’nola you use to make your own special “rolls”.
10. Classic Seed Butter Toast: Dark Chocolate Sunflower Seed Butter + Sliced Banana + Sea Salt
Fancy toast is an easy classic you can make into an artful masterpiece in minutes. Dark Chocolate Sunflower Seed Butter adds protein and healthy fat, and the richness from the cocoa flavor balances the sweetness of the banana. Finally, a pinch of sea salt on top of the toast ties all the flavors together and gives us that sweet and salty combination we crave. Choose a whole-wheat or multigrain toast for more fiber.
11. Loaded Rice Cakes: Rice Cake + Watermelon Seed Butter or Pumpkin Seed Butter + Chocolate Chips + Berries
Rice cakes are a wonderful blank canvas, but on their own are anything but filling. Make these crunchy cakes into a more balanced and satisfying snack by layering on more toppings. One of our favorite afternoon snack combos is Seed Butter (fat and protein), berries (fiber), and dark chocolate chips (fat).
12. Lemon Watermelon Seed Butter Hummus + Pita Chips + Sliced Cucumbers
Making homemade hummus is a great way to get the trifecta of protein, fat, and fiber all in one spoonful. Chickpeas provide protein and fiber while Watermelon Seed Butter adds healthy fats and even more protein. Pairing hummus with a few pita chips and sliced veggies like cucumbers creates a snack that’s also balanced in texture and flavor while providing some hydration while you’re at it.
13. Healthy Nachos: Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds + Vegan Watermelon Seed Butter Queso + Black Beans + Pico de Gallo + Diced Avocado
When you want to make a snack for a crowd, try this healthier take on the classic nachos. Instead of chips, use roasted sweet potato rounds (with the peel on) as the base for a boost in nutrients and fiber. The topping layers of black beans (protein), fresh salsa (fiber), and diced avocado (fat) while our Vegan Watermelon Seed Butter Queso ties it all together with more fat and protein that make this snack a real winner.
14. Green Monster Smoothie: Pumpkin Seed Butter + Spinach + Frozen Banana + Oat Milk + Chia Seeds
On warm days, all we want are cold, refreshing smoothies. When it comes to making a smoothie that will keep you satisfied for at least a few hours, make sure you’re adding more than just fruits and vegetables to the blender. Seed Butter and chia seeds boost the healthy fat and protein content of a smoothie, which helps to slow down the digestion of this otherwise quickly absorbed, yet high-fiber beverage.
15. Layered “SB&J” Chia Pudding: Chia Seeds + Oat Milk + Maple Syrup + Maple Sunflower Seed Butter + Berries
- Chia Pudding Base: Combine 2 tablespoons chia seeds, ½ cup oat milk, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt in a mason jar, and shake (with lid tightly closed) until everything is well incorporated. Let sit for at least two hours, or overnight.
- In a separate jar or bowl, start to create your layers. Start with 2 tablespoons of chia pudding, followed by 1 tablespoon of Maple Sunflower Seed Butter, then sliced strawberries. Repeat these layers a second time.
Chia Pudding is similar to overnight oats, but much higher in protein and healthy fats. When chia seeds are allowed to soak with a liquid like water or milk, they release soluble fiber that absorbs water and creates a pudding-like consistency. Like hummus, chia pudding is itself balanced with protein, fat and fiber, but we think it tastes even better when layered with Seed Butter and fruit. This recipe puts a fun new spin on the classic flavor combination of our favorite sandwich: the Seed Butter and Jelly. Instead of jelly, we opt for fresh fruit for extra fiber.