What makes a good snack? Naturally, we tend to choose snacks packed with rich flavors to satisfy our cravings or ones that offer us comfort and appeal to nostalgic childhood memories. But the truth is, most of the time, these snacks aren’t usually as nutritious as we’d like them to be.
When it comes to snacking, there’s a common misconception that you must sacrifice flavor for nutrition, but we’re here to tell you – you can have it all – flavor, texture, comfort, nostalgia, and yes, even nutrition. Just one ounce of walnuts provide important nutrients for optimum health. One ounce of walnuts contain 2.5 grams of omega-3 ALA (that’s more than any other nut!) and 4g of protein, 2g fiber and 45mg of magnesium.
So, when you need a quick energy boost, reach for a tasty, better-for-you made-with-walnuts snack! You’ll satisfy just about any snacking craving with fun, simple spins on your childhood favorites made more nutritious for adults.
Do More With Walnut Butter
Remember childhood favorite ‘ants on a log’? Swap out the peanut butter in this classic snack and instead, try spreading this homemade better-for-you Honey Walnut Butter atop your fresh celery stalks. This recipe is simple to make with just a few ingredients and it’s sweetened naturally, so you can skip all the extra sugar from store-bought products. And our favorite thing to do with walnut butter you ask? WB&J of course!
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Make this walnut butter it your own by adding some of your favorite ingredients. Some of our favorites: Crunchy Coconut Walnut Butter or Mexican Chocolate Walnut Butter. For more inspiration, visit our walnut butter recipe collection. Not wanting to make it yourself? There are several delicious walnut butters to choose from at your local grocery store.
Recreate Crunchy & Savory Snacks
Chips and popcorn are go-to snacks with their crunchy texture and explosion of (often artificial) flavors. Recreate this snacking experience by swapping chips and popcorn for some crunchy walnuts flavored with fresh herbs and spices.
When you’re craving a spicy, salty snack, these Fiery Hot Cheddar Walnuts get the job done! This recipe combines cayenne and red hot chili peppers with white cheddar popcorn seasoning for snack time perfection. Or try this recipe for Ranch Walnuts – seasoned with dry ranch seasoning and dill and baked until toasty. These snacks only take 15-20 minutes to whip up, so make sure to make extra to enjoy all week when your craving for savory snacks hit. For more ideas, check out this seasoned walnut recipe collection.
Granola Bars Reimagined
For those with a sweet tooth, reimagine your favorite granola bars from childhood with these better-for-you versions.
These Walnut Cranberry Granola Bars are made with walnuts, oats, coconut and dried fruit and are baked to perfection for when your snack craving hits. Don’t feel like baking? No problem! This simple no-bake recipe for Walnut and Fruit Energy Bites combines crispy rice cereal, crunchy walnuts and sweet dried cranberries, and more to create the simplest and most satisfying snack, ready to eat in a matter of minutes. And for those with a chocolate craving, these no-bake gluten- and dairy-free Walnut Chocolate Bliss Balls, made with cacao, walnuts, coconut and dates make a healthfully indulgent alternative to any candy bar.
Transport Yourself with Trail Mix
One of the simplest snacks to throw together for when you’re on the go is a good old fashioned trail mix. There’s so many ways to get creative, so let your imagination run wild.
This recipe for Vanilla Walnut Berry Trail Mix has us feeling like kids again! Lightly sweetened vanilla-flavored walnuts meet sweet, freeze-dried strawberries, and yogurt covered morsels come together to make the ultimate snack. Looking to be swept away to an exotic vacation? This Tropical Trail Mix combines walnuts, crystallized ginger, dried pineapple, toasted coconut flakes, banana chips and chocolate chips for a delicious treat. In the mood for a savory trail mix instead? This Walnut Honey Mustard Snack Mix combines walnuts, bagel chips, pretzels and rice cereal to make the ultimate crunchy snack. For more ideas, check out this collection of trail mix recipes.
Pro Snacking Tips
Prepare your snacks in advance so you always have better-for-you options on hand. For best results and to preserve freshness and taste, store your pre-made walnut snacks in the fridge. At the same time, think about keeping chopped fruits and vegetables on hand to help you make better snacking choices. Making better-for-you food choices when snacking is easier than you think. So reach for a made-with-walnuts snack the next time your craving hits. For more recipes, visit our simple snacks recipe collection.
