Satisfy your sweet tooth!
Treats are essential to a balanced diet — and they don’t have to be devoid of nutrients. These healthy sweet snacks check multiple boxes (delicious and nutritious) and are sure to curb your sugary cravings. Whether you’re looking for a not-too-sweet dessert for your kid’s lunchbox or something for post-dinner munchies, we’ve got you covered.
Enjoy naturally flavored popcorn, which makes a great travel snack, or sweet, sticky dates with nut butter, which reminds us of healthy candy. Go for healthy frozen desserts like banana “nice” cream or frozen yogurt bark if you’re craving ice cream, or avocado mousse if you’re craving chocolate. Leave it up to our team of culinary pros and nutrition experts (and judges of our annual Snack Awards) to come up with the tastiest sweet snacks that won’t crush your health goals.
What is the healthiest sweet snack? Anything that’s naturally sweet is a great option. "Naturally occurring sugars like those in fruit come packed with other beneficial nutrients like antioxidants and fiber," says Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab Director Stefani Sassos." But added sugars contribute zero nutrients and empty calories." Examples of added sugars include white table sugar and high fructose corn syrup. Not sure which naturally sweet foods to try? Check out our list of the best healthy snacks you can whip up in no time. Say goodbye, sugar cravings!
1
Apple with Almond Butter
This quick and easy balanced snack will keep you going from meal to meal. All you need is an apple, almond butter and your crunchy topping of choice. We think pomegranate and chia seeds are a great choice, plus the chia adds a boost of fiber and healthy fats.
Get the Apple Snacks With Almond Butter and Pomegranate recipe.
2
Dates with Nut Butter
These little treats taste like candy bars — only they're filled with protein, vitamins, minerals and no added sugar. The simplest version requires only two ingredients: dates and your nut butter of choice. (Freeze them for an extra chewy texture!)
3
Green Matcha Popcorn
Popcorn is a whole grain filled with fiber. Turn it into a sweet and healthy treat with a sprinkle of sugar and your favorite flavorings, such as matcha powder or cinnamon. Bonus: Some studies have shown improvement in blood glucose levels with cinnamon use.
Get the Green Matcha Popcorn recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
Fruit with Melted Chocolate
Here's a great snack to share with friends: Melt dark chocolate (more than 70% cacao) in a microwave or double boiler and serve with a rainbow of sliced fruit. Dark chocolate is filled with antioxidants and magnesium, and you're getting fiber from both the chocolate and fruit.
RELATED: Chocolate Lovers, This Recipe Roundup Is for You
5
Coconut Raspberry Smoothie
This fruity smoothie contains only four ingredients and is packed with fiber, protein and healthy fats, making it a balanced snack that hits the spot. Raspberries have one of the highest amounts of fiber of all berries, and while they're naturally sweet, they are low in sugar. They also contain the antioxidant vitamin C and potassium.
Get the Coconut Raspberry Smoothie recipe.
RELATED: Snack on Any of These Delicious Smoothie Recipes
6
Banana "Nice" Cream
Quick, easy and dairy-free, all it takes is frozen bananas and a drop of nut milk to blend up this treat. Add some cinnamon and top with berries, shaved coconut, a drizzle of nut butter or melted dark chocolate to add some pizazz. Overripe bananas are a good choice here because they contain more natural sweetness, and they may be easier to digest.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
Chilled Overnight Chia
Chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse containing fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and some protein. They swell to 10x their weight when mixed with liquid, so just add your favorite unsweetened oat or nut milk to create a delicious pudding.
Get the Chilled Overnight Chia recipe.
8
Fruit Kebabs with Yogurt
Fruit and yogurt might already be in your daily snack rotation, but you can dial it up by turning your fruit into a kabob with a dip. As always, plain unsweetened yogurt or Greek yogurt would be the choice here to avoid added sugars.
RELATED: 14 Best Greek Yogurt Brands
9
Pineapple-Cucumber Smoothie
This summer refresher is a great post-workout treat at 180 calories per serving. It's filled with protein from Greek yogurt as well as vitamins, minerals and fiber from cucumber, pineapple, spinach and banana.
Get the Pineapple-Cucumber Smoothie recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
10
Ants on a Log
These cutely named snacks have been around for years (a recipe for "Stuffed Celery Stalks" was featured in the 1944 Good Housekeeping Cook Book). The quick and easy version of celery topped with peanut butter and raisins is kid-friendly but pleases people of all ages. The combo also contains fiber, protein and healthy fats.
11
Best-Ever Granola
Make your own healthy granola recipe and surprise yourself at how nutritious it can be. Add rolled oats and a combo of nuts and seeds, then sweeten with dried fruits (or click the link below for inventive ideas from our test kitchen). You can also easily turn your granola into granola bars, though moderation is key here.
Get the Best-Ever Granola recipe.
12
Frozen Yogurt Bark
A healthier version of candy bark, this simple treat combines protein-rich Greek yogurt, fresh berries and your add-ons of choice. Spread yogurt on a lined baking sheet, top with berries and finish with dark chocolate pieces (or granola or nuts); freeze for two to four hours, break up and serve.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
13
Maple-Cinnamon Crispy Chickpeas
Full of crunch factor, try the maple-cinnamon version of these baked chickpeas for a delicious, sweet treat full of protein and satiating fiber. Fiber not only helps to keep you feeling fuller longer, but it also helps to build better gut bacteria and aids in digestion.
Get the Crispy Chickpeas recipe.
14
Air Fryer Apple Crisps
This is one of the easiest snacks you could make: Slice an apple and throw it in the air fryer. Top the crisps with cinnamon for a little extra flavor. Use it as a topper on yogurt, stir it into trail mix or simply eat with a handful of nuts for a more balanced snack.
RELATED: 45 Healthy Recipes You Can Make in Your Air Fryer
15
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Roasted pumpkin seeds, which contain healthy fats and protein, are a sweet-and-salty snack that's great year-round. They are also rich in antioxidants, fiber and magnesium, and they're a good source of potassium. Use in trail mix, as a topping on yogurt or with fruit and cheese.
Get the Roasted Pumpkin Seeds recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
16
Chocolate Hummus
Easy to make and full of protein and fiber from chickpeas, this vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free dessert is great for sharing. If you're short on time, there are also many prepared options to choose from (look for one with less than 6 grams of added sugar per 2 tablespoon-serving). It's particularly yummy with apple slices.
17
Frozen Grapes
If you're not already freezing your grapes, you're missing out on an incredibly refreshing treat. With approximately 100 calories per cup, grapes contain antioxidants such as resveratrol and quercetin and taste like candy when frozen.
RELATED: 7 Health Benefits of Grapes
18
Apple Nachos
Rethink the typically savory snack next time you're craving something sweet. Instead of chips, slice apples very finely, arrange on a plate and cover with your desired toppings. Don't skip the almond butter-maple drizzle!
Get the Apple Nachos recipe from Prevention.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
19
Pear with Cottage Cheese
Pears contain the soluble fiber pectin, which studies indicate can help to lower LDL, the "bad" cholesterol. Pears also are packed with antioxidants, most of which are located in their skin. With this simple dessert you'll get it all: Slice a skin-on pear in half, scoop out the core and top with cottage cheese, a drizzle of honey and chopped walnuts. Or get creative and use ricotta (instead of cottage cheese) and add a splash of aged balsamic vinegar.
20
Avocado Mousse
A healthy twist on a classic dessert, this chocolaty treat is full of magnesium from cacao and satiating, heart-healthy fat and fiber from avocados. With only a few ingredients, it can be whipped up in minutes. Use unsweetened cacao or cocoa powder to reap the full benefits without the added sugar.
Get the Avocado Mousse recipe from Prevention.
