What are the Best Vegan Snack Foods? Top Store Bought Vegan Snacks for 2019
One of the reasons why many people avoid becoming vegan is because they believe finding vegan-friendly foods is going to be difficult. Luckily, there are plenty of options on the market, and as time goes on, this market only continues to grow. There are tons of great snacking foods available that are free of any animal products. As a bonus, many of these are certified to be organic and gluten free as well. A little bit of research, and some careful reading of the packaging, can provide you all the snacks you desire without requiring you to break your vegan values.
If you’re ever on the go or experiencing a long day at work, it’s beneficial to find vegan snacks that can keep you feeling full until your next meal. While potato chips might be most appealing, you’d be surprised to discover that vegan snacks can range anywhere from cookies to jerky to chips that are made from plantains and chickpeas–and they’re just as tasty and convenient as traditional snacks, if not much healthier.
Top 5 Vegan Snack Foods
Having a stash of vegan snacks on hand can also prevent you from completely skipping meals, which isn’t good no matter what type of diet you’re on. Whether you chose to adopt a plant-based diet for animal rights reasons, environmental reasons, or as a matter of personal preference, you can still indulge in your share of junk food and have a stash of snacks that help you last throughout the entire day. Sometimes, vegan snacks that seem and taste like junk food yet are healthier can encourage you to eat healthier in general.
What are vegan snacks? There are a wide range of foods that fall in this category. Below, you’ll find the top ten vegan snacks, which range from fruit and nut balls, fig bars, cookies, plantain chips, and jerky. You’ll even find a care package that includes a variety of all of these foods. When you imagine vegan snacks, think protein-packed foods, salty-sweet granola, spicy and savory pairings, and protein crisps. These versatile foods each have something unique to offer, and whether you’re craving fruit, nuts, cookies, or something crunchy and crispy, you’ll definitely have something to reach for. By browsing the market, you’re sure to find some vegan snacks that are perfect for your tastes and your lifestyle.
The Best Vegan Snacks List
① Bunny James Healthy Vegan Snacks Care Package
This care package from Bunny James brings you all the vegan snacks you could ever need. In a purchase, you’ll get an exciting and tasty mix of vegan nut snacks, fruit snacks, jerky, chips, protein bars, and cookies. It’s the perfect gift for a vegan who’s in college, traveling on the road, or in celebration of a graduation or promotion. It’s also a great way to explore vegan snacks if you’re newly vegan and would like to know more about the options available to you when it comes to snacking. The collection features 20 individually wrapped vegan snacks that are full sized, not sample sized like some other brands, and the assortment includes nutritious and delicious options that are both savory and sweet, so you have a snack to match any type of craving you have. The snacks are certified vegan and are products you can trust. Each one is great to take on the go and are an excellent way for you to sample and discover new vegan foods. Each care package is hand crafted and packed in person, and they’re decorated artfully. Whether you need a snack, a breakfast, or a meal replacement, the gift box offers you a variety of options for any occasion.
Pros
- Gift assortment of 20 vegan snacks to select from
- Perfect for on the go and as a gift for a special occasion
- Packed by hand with snacks that are vegan certified
Cons
- Some users felt that the care package was overpriced for what’s included
- Snacks included are not the same as what is pictured
② Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs+Variety Pack
This variety pack from Hippeas is a great way to try out different kinds of organic chickpea puffs; you’ll get twelve bags of a variety of different flavors, and chickpea puffs are a great snack that’s vegan, crunchy, gluten free, and filled with protein. They’re also very good for you; Hippeas’ organic chickpea puffs are USDA certified organic, and certified to be kosher, non-GMO, vegan, and gluten free. There’s absolutely no soy, tree nuts, or peanuts used and each one ounce serving provides you with four grams of protein and three grams of fiber–making this an excellent snack to take on the go to help you get through the day as you get your protein fix. It tastes great and features high quality ingredients, and comes in five flavors: Pepper Power, Far Out Fajita, Bohemian Barbecue, Sriracha Sunshine, and Vegan White Cheddar. Users have been excited about these unique and tasty flavors. The company also donates to local charities with each purchase, and offers something unique to your snack choices. For many people, these chickpea puffs are the new go-to snack for a light, protein-packed, crunchy addition to their day.
Pros
- Offer four grams of protein and three grams of fiber per serving
- USDA certified organic, vegan, and gluten free
- Comes in a variety pack of five unique, tasty flavors
Cons
- Formula has recently changed, and users don’t like the taste and texture as much as they used to
- Snack tends to be very dry
③ Lenny & Larry’s The Complete Cookie Variety Pack
The Complete Cookie from Lenny & Larry’s is very well known among the vegan community, and with this purchase, you get an excellent variety pack from them. The variety pack includes an impressive seven flavors, with one cookie of each, so you can try them all out to discover your favorite. The seven flavors include Snickerdoodle, Birthday Cake, Chocolate Chip, White Chocolate Macadamia, Double Chocolate, Oatmeal Raisin, and Peanut Butter. Just because you’re vegan, this doesn’t mean you have to give up on all your favorite cookie flavors. The Complete Cookie isn’t just vegan, it’s all free of soy or GMOs, and it’s kosher, no matter which flavor you invest in; you don’t need to worry about any eggs or dairy in these. It’s very reassuring for vegans who still get those cookie cravings. Lenny and Larry’s is famous because their cookies are often everything you’re looking for. On top of tasting delicious, the company doesn’t use sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners, and each cookie offers an impressive eight grams of fiber and 16 grams of protein.
Pros
- Variety pack of seven different delicious flavors to explore
- No artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols
- Each cookie has eight grams of fiber and 16 grams of protein
Cons
- Cookies tend to have a bad aftertaste
- Crumble very easily
④ Nature’s Bakery Whole Wheat Fig Bar
These fig bars from Nature’s Bakery are another well-known product that you may have seen in your local grocery store. A purchase gives you twelve twin packs of these non-GMO, vegan fig bars in the original formula and flavor. They’re the perfect snack to take as you’re on the go for work, on the road, or exercise, and they make great after school snacks for kids or healthy additions to their lunches. Featuring real figs and whole wheat that’s stone ground, these bars are free of cholesterol, diary, and soy, and they contain zero trans fat and zero high fructose corn syrup. They’re non-GMO project verified and certified to be vegan. If you have a nut allergy, you can also rest assured; they’re made in a nut-free facility. If you’re looking for something that has no artificial flavors or colors, is healthy and vegan, and you need something for the entire family, Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars present an excellent all-in-one solution. In each serving, you’ll get eight grams of whole grains. On top of all of this, the bars are certified to be vegan by a third party, the Vegan Action. Fuel your everyday life with these healthy fig bars.
Pros
- Certified vegan by a third party
- No high fructose corn syrup and made in nut-free facility
- Great for the entire family
Cons
- Not much fig filling, product is mostly grain crust
- Formula has changed and there is more sodium in each bar now
⑤ Louisville Vegan Jerky Variety Pack
If you’re looking for vegan snacks that are modeled after traditional meats to help you adjust to the strict diet, this variety pack of vegan jerky from Louisville is a great thing to reach for. A variety pack offers you one of each of five tasty and unique flavors: Carolina BBQ, Maple Bacon, Sriracha Maple, Chipotle, and Black Pepper. Since there’s a variety, it’s a great way to discover which one you like the most. Each flavor offers you something new and tastes just like the beef jerky you’re used to, without compromising your cruelty-free lifestyle. This jerky is a great source of protein and is low fat, as well as free of cholesterol and gluten. In each bag, you’ll get four grams of total fat and 21 grams of protein, making this a guilt-free snack that you can feel good about, as all of its ingredients are also locally sourced and organic. For example, the sweet and spicy jerky is marinated in tamari that’s gluten free, spiced with sriracha, and sweetened with maple syrup that’s locally sourced for the Sriracha Maple flavor. Louisville Jerky is also hand made here in America, and it’s made in small batches by hand that feature Kentucky ingredients that are freshly sourced. Each inspired flavor has delicious texture and real artisan quality.
Pros
- 21 grams of protein per bag
- Ingredients are organic and locally sourced in the USA
- Hand made in small batches
Cons
- Advertised as containing pea protein, yet have soy protein isolate; dangerous for people who are allergic or have sensitivities to soy
- Can cause diarrhea and excessive gas
⑥ Frooze Balls Fruit & Nut Energy Balls, Variety Pack
These energy balls by Frooze are a great way to get the nuts and fruits you need. The balls are fun to eat and easy to take on the go. In a variety pack, you’ll get one package of each six delicious flavors, and each package has five balls that have a coating of tasty coconut. They’re also completely vegan, Kosher, certified non-GMO, gluten free, and include only whole foods. The protein you get from each ball is completely plant based protein, as it’s derived from peas and other carefully selected ingredients. Premium whole foods that are used include peanuts, sunflower seeds, coconut, raisins, and raw dates. You won’t get any fake ingredients like some other brands, as there’s zero preservatives, caffeine, fake protein powder, or refined sugars. Frooze helps you live well and snack clean, and these clean, raw energy balls are a delicious treat that provide the healthy boost of energy you’re looking for. They’re great as an afternoon pick me up or as you’re on the go at the gym, doing yoga, at work or school, or on an outdoor exploration adventure.
Pros
- Offer plant-based protein
- Feature raw, clean, whole foods without any preservatives or refined sugars
- Very easy to take on the go
Cons
- Only one gram of protein per serving
- Very high in sugar–more than 30 grams per serving
⑦ Artisan Tropic Plantain Strips
These plantain strips from Artisan Tropic are a unique way to get your vegan snacks in. Healthy and tasty, these vegan, non-GMO, gluten free, and paleo strips are spiced with jalapeno, contain zero added sugar, and are made utilizing sustainable palm oil. It’s a great alternative to potato chips, as it’s filled with a lot more nutrients and is much healthier and free of preservatives. You’ll enjoy ingredients that are good for you, such as Dominico Harton Plantains, non-hydrogenated palm oil, jalapeno chili pepper powder, onion powder, sea salt, maple sugar, cumin, garlic powder, ginger, cilantro, black pepper, turmeric, oregano, thyme, and celery seed. That’s it; a simple ingredient list that’s comprised of just spices, plantains, and oil. The plantains are cooked in palm oil that is only non-hydrogenated and sustainable, so it’s beneficial to the environment. The plantains are also hand picked and are an excellent source of vitamin B6, magnesium, and potassium. All ingredients used are 100% natural and ethically sourced.
Pros
- Simple ingredient list of spices, plantains, and oil
- Filled with nutrients such as potassium and vitamin B6
- Ingredients are ethically sourced and good for the environment
Cons
- Crumble/crush easily
- Some users thought that the plantains and the spices used were a bad combination
⑧ Beanfields Bean Chips
These bean chips from Beanfields offer a high amount of fiber and protein, and you’ll get a pack of six with each purchase in a delicious Jalapeno Nacho flavor. These chips are vegan, gluten free, non-GMO project verified, and kosher. They’re also top 8 allergen free, so anyone who has allergens or sensitivities can rest easy by investing in these chips. They feature plant based protein and contain many nutrients you’d get in a meal as they offer four grams of fiber and four grams of protein per serving. Beanfields is packed with flavor and you can feel good as you get addicted to this crunchy chip snack that offers real and bold flavor and unmatched taste. Although it has a jalapeno cheese flavor, it’s still completely vegan; Beanfields set out to find a bold, tasty flavor that is delicious yet healthy for you, and it won’t make you sacrifice your vegan diet. Beans are a nutritious superfood, as they offer potassium, protein, and fiber which supports your body. Vegan and gluten free beans are tasty, good for you, and best of all, good for the planet, since they don’t require as much water or fertilizer to grow. Beanfields proves that a snack that’s delicious and crunchy can also be sustainable and healthy.
Pros
- Top 8 allergen free
- Delicious flavor that’s sustainable and good for your health
- Provides potassium, protein, and fiber
Cons
- Some users did not like the texture and thought it was odd
- Tend to be more oily than other types of chips
⑨ Plant Snacks Variety Pack
This variety pack from Plant Snacks is very unique in that it features cassava root chips. Cassava is a root vegetable and is also known as manioc or yuca. It grows underground much like taros or sweet potatoes, and it’s been enjoyed throughout the world for many years. In this variety pack, you’ll get four bags of Plant Snack’s cassava chips, one of each flavor: Super Seeds, Beet with Goat Cheese, Sea Salt, and vegan Cheddar. Each flavor is big-8 allergen free, gluten free, grain free, non-GMO, and has zero added sugar. Naturally, cassava is gluten free and high in fiber, magnesium, folate, and vitamin C–essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs, especially if you’re on a vegan diet. Each flavor is also non-GMO Project verified, and all products that Plant Snacks creates are sent to a third party lab, Genetic ID, for testing to ensure they are indeed GMO free and free from cross contamination. Plant Snacks also uses tender, young cassava roots rather than mature and large ones to provide a smoother, less gritty flour texture, which enhances the overall texture of these chips. It created this snack so you have better choices than what’s available to you in stores, and it ensures that you don’t need to receive poor nutrition, cheap ingredients, or artificial flavors as a vegan–this snack tastes good and is good for you.
Pros
- Uses cassava root, which is naturally gluten, nut, and grain free
- Good source of fiber, magnesium, folate, and vitamin C
- Tested by third party labs to ensure no cross contamination
Cons
- Not as transparent about their ingredients as other companies
- Does not have a long shelf life
⑩ Enjoy Life Foods Soft Baked Cookies
Enjoy Life Foods believes that you can look forward to eating healthy food that tastes delicious. Their soft-baked cookies hold up to the company’s promise. These cookies are completely vegan and free from any GMOs, dairy, gluten, nuts, or soy. A variety pack gets you an impressive 72 cookies in six boxes: two boxes each of the Chocolate Chip flavor and the Double Chocolate Brownie flavor, and one box each of the Snickerdoodle and Gingerbread flavors. These cookies make an excellent vegan, gluten free, and nut free snack, as they don’t contain anything artificial and feature natural, delicious ingredients such as rosemary extract, non-dairy cocoa butter, and buckwheat. Also certified Halal and Kosher, the cookies are made here in North America, in the continent’s largest allergy-friendly bakery. Enjoy Life believes in all natural ingredients that are sustainably sourced and believes that you should have lots of variety in your life, no matter which type of diet you adhere to. The company has created more than seventy bakery and snacking products, which are all certified to be non-GMO, gluten free, and free from 14 allergens. Overall, Enjoy Life gives you delicious products you can trust and enjoy as you eat freely. With this variety pack, you also won’t have to choose between your favorite flavors.
Pros
- Created in an allergy friendly bakery
- All natural ingredients that are sustainably sourced
- 72 cookies in all your favorite flavors
Cons
- Crumbly and have a sawdust-like texture
- Grain flour that is used is very gritty
Conclusion & What is the Best Vegan Snack Food
One of the reasons why people may hold themselves back from going vegan is that they’re not sure what they’d snack on. It might be hard to believe that vegans get salty and sweet cravings and that they have just as much junk food options as the rest of us, but it’s true. In fact, among the plantain chips, crisps, fig bars, jerky, and fruit balls, oftentimes vegan-friendly snacks can be healthier that traditional snacks. Take a look at the top ten above to get started on finding the best vegan snack for you or just try our favorite which has a bunch of different kinds, the Bunny James Vegan Snacks Care Package (CHECK BEST PRICE HERE).
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