It’s January, which means our inboxes are filled with bold forecasts about the foods and fads we can expect to see on our plates in 2024. According to industry experts, buckwheat is going to be big, noshing is trending, and cacao will come into its own. The main takeaway from the various predictions? Our appetite will keep growing for less processed, but unexpected foods—and that includes our snacks.
The small bites and drinks we reach for throughout the day are often ultra-processed, simply because it’s part of what makes them so quick and convenient. But it doesn’t take a lot of time or effort to make snack time more interesting (and healthy). You just need a few innovative swaps and new recipes—and we have four weeks of fresh and easy ideas to inspire you.
Week #1. Shop for Foods That Fuel
Instead of processed crackers or chips, stock up on snacks like dried fruit or nuts. Or get both in one bag of Sunsweet Sierra Trail Bites, a mix of nuts, fruits and seeds that comes in a trio of flavors: Almond Delight, Cranberry Walnut, and Peanut Butter. (They also make an easy-peasy, sweet and nutty topping for yogurt or granola.)
Photo by MJ Kroeger
Week #2. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth With Natural Sugars
Swap out the refined sugar in your favorite snacks and drinks and use a natural sweetener instead. This Prunes and Overnight Oats recipe combines prune juice, kefir, and warming cinnamon for a satisfying, make-ahead breakfast. Pair it with this iced chai latte, enhanced with Sunsweet Amaz!n Prune Juice for sweetness with a boost of fiber.
Week #3: Make Your Own Trail Mix
This high-fiber Super Seed Prune Granola filled with pumpkin, chia, and sunflower seeds takes under 10 minutes to toast in a skillet. Include Sunsweet Probiotic+ Prunes, with added immune-supportive elderberry and probiotics, and you’ve got a nutrient-dense snack to pack for the office or to keep on hand at home. If you don’t have the time to make granola, you can also toss dried prunes with salty roasted nuts, nutty toasted coconut, and crunchy seeds for an easy trail mix.
Week #4: Bring Out the Blender
Add more smoothies to your snacking routine to get your nutrients in and blend all of your favorite flavors. This gluten-free, vegan Chocolate Superfood Shake mixes (trendy) cacao, avocado, hemp seeds, and Sunsweet Amaz!n Prune Juice for a nutrient-packed, feel-good snack, while this quick, creamy Go Bananas Smoothie is a sweet pick-me-up any time of day.
What are your favorite feel-good snacks? Tell us below.