Looking for easy vegan snacks that actually taste good? You’re in the right place! These simple vegan snack recipes take minutes to prepare and use ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re new to a plant-based diet or just want healthier snack options, these easy vegan snacks will satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank.
Why Make Your Own Easy Vegan Snacks?
Store-bought snacks can be expensive and often contain artificial ingredients. When you make snacks at home, you:
- Know exactly what’s in your food
- Save money
- Create less waste
- Can adjust recipes to your taste
- Get fresher, healthier snacks
10 Easy Vegan Snacks Anyone Can Make
1. Fruit and Nut Bars
These tasty bars are perfect for a quick energy boost.
What You Need:
- 1 cup dates
- 1 cup mixed nuts
- ½ cup dried fruits
How to Make:
- Put all ingredients in a food processor
- Blend until mixed well
- Press into a pan
- Chill for 1 hour
- Cut into bars
Health Bonus:
These bars give you fiber and healthy fats that keep you full longer.
2. Crispy Roasted Chickpeas
A crunchy snack that’s packed with protein.
What You Need:
- 1 can chickpeas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Your favorite spices
- Salt to taste
How to Make:
- Rinse and dry chickpeas well
- Mix with oil and spices
- Bake at 400°F for 20-30 minutes
- Shake the pan halfway through
Health Bonus:
High in protein and fiber – great for your digestion. Chickpeas are also an excellent source of manganese, which aids in bone formation and wound healing.
3. Veggie Chips
Better than store-bought potato chips.
What You Need:
- Sweet potatoes, beets, or kale
- Olive oil
- Salt
How to Make:
- Slice vegetables very thin
- Toss with oil and salt
- Bake at 300°F for 20-30 minutes
Chef’s Tips:
- Use a mandoline for uniformly thin slices to ensure even baking. We like the OXO because of its grips, and it takes up minimal space.
- Soak potato or sweet potato slices in cold water for 30 minutes before baking to remove excess starch and improve crispiness.
- Experiment with herb-infused olive oils for added depth of flavor.
Health Bonus:
Full of vitamins and minerals, with less fat than regular chips.
4. Homemade Nut Butter
Fresh and pure – no added oils or sugar.
What You Need:
- 2 cups of your favorite raw nuts
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- 1-2 teaspoons neutral oil like grapeseed or coconut oil (optional)
How to Make:
- Roast nuts for 10-15 minutes at 350°F
- Blend in a food processor until smooth (10-15 minutes)
- Add salt to taste
Health Bonus:
Rich in protein and healthy fats that are good for your brain.
5. Dried Fruit
Nature’s candy.
What You Need:
- Fresh fruit (apples, strawberries, or mangoes)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice mixed with 1 cup cold water (for dipping)
How to Make:
- Slice fruit thinly (about ⅛ inch thick)
- Dip slices in the lemon water mixture for 30 seconds. Pat dry with paper towels
- Place on baking sheets
- Dry in oven at lowest setting (usually 170°F) for 6-8 hours
Health Bonus:
Natural sweetness with antioxidants and concentrated vitamins.
6. Energy Balls
Perfect for a quick energy boost.
What You Need:
- 1 cup oats
- ½ cup nut butter
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
How to Make:
- Mix all ingredients
- Roll into balls
- Chill for 30 minutes
Health Bonus:
Great mix of carbs and protein for lasting energy. Also, chia seeds add omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain and heart health.
7. Seaweed Crisps
A light, crispy snack.
What You Need:
- Nori sheets – these certified vegan sheets are available on Amazon:
- Sesame oil
- Sesame seeds
- Salt
How to Make:
- Brush nori with oil
- Add seeds and salt
- Cut into squares
- Bake at 300°F for 15-20 minutes
Health Bonus:
Rich in minerals and very low in calories. Seaweed is rich in iodine, which is crucial for thyroid function and metabolism.
8. DIY Trail Mix
Make it your way.
What You Need:
- ½ cup each: almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup each: dried cranberries, dark chocolate chips
How to Make:
- Mix all ingredients
- Store in an airtight container
Health Bonus:
Great balance of protein, healthy fats, and natural sugar.
9. Coconut Chips
Sweet and crunchy.
What You Need:
- Fresh coconut
- Maple syrup
- Salt
How to Make:
- Slice coconut thinly. If you haven’t cracked a cocunut before, here is a how-to video
- Mix with syrup and salt
- Bake at 300°F for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 5-7 minutes
Health Bonus:
Good source of healthy fats and fiber.
10. Veggie Sticks with Hummus
A classic combo.
What You Need:
For the hummus:
- 1 can chickpeas
- 2 tablespoons each: tahini, lemon juice, olive oil
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt
- Fresh cut vegetables for dipping
How to Make:
- Blend all hummus ingredients until smooth
- Serve with fresh vegetable sticks
Health Bonus:
Vegetables provide vitamins while hummus adds protein.
Tips for Success
Your Easy Vegan Snacks Shopping List
- Nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts)
- Dried fruits (dates, cranberries, raisins)
- Chickpeas
- Fresh vegetables
- Basic spices
Storing Your Snacks
- Keep dry snacks in airtight containers
- Store nut butter in the fridge
- Energy balls last 2 weeks in the fridge
- Check for any signs of spoiling before eating
Keep Hydration in Check
Always pair your snacks with plenty of water. Proper hydration aids digestion and helps distinguish true hunger from thirst. If you haven’t tried it yet, consider hydrating with a refreshing glass of your own home-brewed Kombucha.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Vegan Snacks
Are homemade vegan snacks healthier than store-bought options?
Homemade vegan snacks are often healthier than store-bought alternatives because:
- You control the ingredients, avoiding unnecessary additives.
- They’re typically lower in preservatives and added sugars.
- You can customize the nutrition to your specific dietary needs.
- Fresh ingredients provide more nutrients than processed foods.
How can I ensure I’m getting enough protein from vegan snacks?
To boost protein in your vegan snacks:
- Include nuts, seeds, and legumes in your recipes.
- Use plant-based protein powders in smoothies or energy balls.
- Incorporate high-protein grains like quinoa or amaranth.
- Experiment with soy-based ingredients like edamame or tofu in savory snacks.
Are vegan snacks good for kids?
Homemade vegan snacks can be great for kids because:
- You can control the ingredients to ensure they’re age-appropriate.
- They’re often more nutritious than processed snacks.
- Making snacks together can be a fun, educational activity.
- You can easily adjust flavors to suit children’s preferences.
Note: Always supervise young children and be mindful of choking hazards with nuts or hard fruits.
Are homemade vegan snacks more cost-effective than store-bought options?
Homemade vegan snacks are often more cost-effective because:
- Buying ingredients in bulk reduces per-snack cost.
- You avoid paying for packaging and marketing of store-bought snacks.
- Homemade snacks often yield more servings than packaged alternatives.
- You can use seasonal or on-sale ingredients to further reduce costs.
Initial ingredient purchases may seem expensive, but the cost per snack is typically lower in the long run.
Wrapping Up: Start Making Easy Vegan Snacks Today
Remember, the best vegan snacks are those that not only taste great but also make you feel great. They nourish your body, align with your values, and contribute to a healthier planet. By making your own snacks, you’re taking control of your nutrition.
We’d love to hear about your favorite homemade vegan snacks! Share your recipes, tips, or questions in the comments below. Your ideas could inspire others on their plant-based journey!
Now that you’re equipped with ideas for easy vegan snacks, why not explore more ways to enhance your plant-based lifestyle? Check out our guide to making easy and healthy plant-based smoothies.
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