This Wednesday, September 22, officially marks the first day of fall – which typically calls for heavier, richer food. But since life about learning how to maintain balance: ahead are 50 healthy snacks, sauces, and sips (listed alphabetically) to keep handy on your upcoming travels, so you can stay on track while enjoying the occasional indulgence.
Bachan’s The Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce Single-Serve Packets
The thing about Bachan’s – the Japanese savory-sweet condiment made with soy, mirin, garlic, and ginger – is that you’ll always discover new ways to use it. So to spark culinary creativity no matter where your travels lead you, the family-owned company launched these single serve packets. They contain half an ounce of sauce, and will come to the rescue when your roadtrip snacks are falling flat.
Beauty & The Broth Organic Beef Bone Broth
There’s no shortage of bone broths on the market, but this brand founded by Melissa Boloña earns top marks for its concentrated, shelf-stable format and topnotch ingredients. Each pouch is filled with three ounces of slow-cooked broth made with USDA organic beef bones – just add water to your taste – and can help common concerns ranging from digestion to joint health.
Belgian Boys Lemon Cookie Tarts
It’s a good thing these new cookies from France are individually wrapped, because they’re downright irresistible. Baked with real butter, fruit purees, and egg yolks, these shortbreads topped with a dollop of lemon jam are perfectly balanced so each bite is equal parts rich, sweet, and pleasantly tart.
Bona Furtuna Casarecce
This just-unveiled pasta from the award-winning company Bona Furtuna stands out for several reasons. It’s made with heirloom, organic, and non-GMO wheat grains grown in Sicily. The striking shape, which resembles little scrolls, holds sauce beautifully, and is terrific when eaten at room temperature – making it perfect for pasta salads. Most imporantly, it tastes delicious (a bit nutty and sweet) and is easy to digest.
Brave Good Kind Hot Honey Tender Chicken Bites
Like many people, I snack on jerky while on the road. But since I’m trying to consume less beef for health and environmental reasons, I’m reaching for these instead. Each pouch contains bite-sized chunks of antibiotic-free chicken packed with a craveable spicy-sweet flavor for a snack that’s high in protein, big on flavor, and kinder to the planet.
Bubbies Pumpkin Mochi Ice Cream
Pumpkin-flavored foods might be everywhere this time of year, but have you tried these? Individually wrapped and clocking in just 90 calories per piece, the Hawaiian-made mochis feature all the warm and sweet spices you love in a cool, chewy, and refreshing treat. Grab them while you can, though, as they’re available for a limited time only.
Catalina Crunch Creamy Ranch Crunch Mix
Filled with assorted crunchy and savory bits, cereal-based snack mixes are popular for obvious reasons. The problem? How many are made with not-so-nutritious ingredients. To remedy that, Catalina Crunch created this snack mix with its signature cereal, pecans, almonds, and chickpea pretzels. The buttermilk ranch flavor is tangy and savory, and because it’s loaded with fiber and protein – even a handful satisfies.
Cleveland Kitchen Dilly Garlic Pickle Chips
From the Cleveland-based company reknowned for quality fermented products comes its newest launch: Dilly Garlic pickle chips. Free of added sugars and preservatives, these pickles are unbelievable crunchy and tangy thanks to turmeric, garlic, and fermented vinegar. Snack on them solo right out of the tub, or layer them in your favorite sandwich.
Colavita Black Olive Paté
This black olive paté from Italy is bold, briny and salty. It’s also endlessly versatile and easy to eat. Simply blended with Colavita’s world-famous extra virgin olive oil, quality olives, and salt, this spread is a natural for sandwiches. It’s also lovely as a simple dip for crudités and crackers. You can even try swirling some into salad dressing for an extra zippy flavor.
Core & Rind Sharp & Tangy Cashew Cheesy Sauce
This vegan sauce looks, smells, and tastes so similar to the real deal – it’s creamy, zesty, and packs a serious umami punch – you won’t miss the dairy (or the other icky additives found in most cheese sauces) one bit. Blended with wholesome ingredients like pumpkin, cashews, and apple cider vinegar, it’s a natural for chip-dipping, topping nachos, and spreading on your favorite sandwich.
DEME Mushroom Drinking Chocolate
The first non-coffee offering by Portland’s ethically sourced Trailhead Coffee Roasters, DEME harnesses the potent powers of medicinal mushrooms (think Reishi, Turkey Tail, and Lion’s Mane) and other proven ingredients to support mind and body health in a delectable hot beverage. Each sip is rich and chocolatey, thanks to Tanzanian Cacao, with subtle notes of warmth from cayenne and cinnamon.
Diamond of California Original Nut Coatings
Breadcrumbs are a pantry essential, but the reality is that many of them are loaded with icky additives like high fructose corn syrup. To resolve that, the beloved brand Diamond of California just launched nut coatings. Made with all-natural pecans and walnuts, they can be used any way conventional breadcrumbs can –to bind meatballs, coat chicken tenders, and top casseroles for a crunchy finish.
Drink Simple Blackberry Lemon Sparkling Maple Water
You’ve heard of maple syrup, but what about maple water? In short: it’s sap from maple trees that looks like water but is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, and is also deeply hydrating. So to help raise awareness of this natural powerhouse, triathletes Kate Weiler and Jeff Rose founded Drink Simple, a company whose beverages (like this fruity sparkler) all star maple water.
Eat Me Cookies
Started in May 2020 during lockdown by sisters Beth and Maddie Barnett, Eat Me Cookies was born from a simple concept: to comfort people and encourage humor during times of stress and uncertainty. Each soft and chewy cookie cake – there’s gluten-free and vegan versions as well – is baked from scratch with quality ingredients, and finished with a personalized message that’s as cheeky and irreverent as you are.
Farmer Focus Organic & Free Range Chicken
Poultry is the most consumed meat in America, but the reality is conventional chicken is unhealthy for the animal, planet, and consumer. To that end, sixth generation family farmer Corwin Heatwole founded Farmer Focus to improve the quality of life for the chickens, farmers, and of course, you. In 2015, the company even launched a Farm ID system to help you to track how and where the chickens were raised. So with Farmer Focus, you can enjoy both peace of mind and quality, delicious chicken.
Get Supr Instant Coffee + Hemp Extract
With these handy packets, getting a a boost in energy – along with a host of other benefits – has never been easier. Simply mix the contents with hot water, and enjoy. The 100% Organic Columbian will perk you up, while the broad spectrum Hemp extract with 20mg of CBD will balance out caffeine jitters to help you feel sharp and clear-headed.
Go Raw Sprouted Organic Pumpkin Seeds
If you want to enjoy the health benefits of tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews) with a smaller environmental footprint, consider snacking on these lightly salted pumpkin seeds. They’re light and crunchy, and packed with powerful antioxidants. Plus, they’re a solid source of plant protein and unsaturated fats, including omega-6 fatty acids. Sprinkle them on soups and salads, or snack on them plain.
Gooey Hazelnut Cocoa Spread
Nutella is a snacking staple for many people, but sadly it’s loaded with refined sugar and saturated fat. So to help you indulge more sensibily, reach for this. Sweetened with organic agave and made with no palm oil, Gooey has the same spreadability and chaseable flavor of Nutella. Dollop it on toast, or eat it straight out the jar with a spoon.
Immi Black Garlic "Chicken" Ramen
To help meet the demands of today’s more health-savvy consumer, friends Kevin Lee and Kevin Chanthasiriphan developed Immi, a whole new kind of instant ramen. Each packet of noodles and soup base is totally plant-based, high in protein, and low in carbs. Most imporantly, it tastes great – even better if you use the brand’s suggested toppings.
Joolies Organic Pitted Medjool Dates Snack Pack
It’s about time you start snacking on dates. And why? These small, crinkly, California-grown fruits are nutritional powerhouses. They’re high in fiber, meaning you’ll feel satisfied after a single serving. They’re also rich in disease-fighting antioxidants. And despite being naturally sweet, they have a low glycemic index so you don’t have to worry about your blood sugar spiking.
Käserei Champignon Camembert Cheese
If you appreciate Brie’s ultra-smooth texture, buttery flavor, and grassy notes, you’ll love this German Camembert. A bit more intense and earthy than its cousin, this bloomy rind, cow’s milk cheese can be used just like Brie but arguably, is most delicious when simply spread on some rustic bread. And the tin it arrives in makes traveling with it a breeze.
Kettle & Fire Regenerative Chicken Bone Broth
Chicken bone broth is a popular sipper, especially as the weather cools down. But this innovative version stands out from the competition by using slow-simmered organic chicken bones and aromatic vegetables expressly sourced from regenerative farms. Why this this important? Unlike conventional farms, regenerative ones prioritizes the health and welfare of the soil, livestock, and workers – which in turn, can help reverse climate change.
KPOP Sea Snacks
As a Korean-American, a favorite food growing up was roasted, seasoned seaweed. The only downside? The amount of time it would take to baste each sheet with sesame oil, roast it over fire, and salt it. These convenient, pre-portioned packages of organic, toasted seaweed with sea salt make it a breeze to nosh on my favorite nostalgic snack whenever the craving hits.
Lady M Purple Yam Mille Crêpes
In honor of the Mid-Autumn Festival (also known as the Mooncake Festival), a holiday celebrated many East and Southeast Asian communities, Lady M released this positively pretty spin on its world-famous Mille Crêpes. This limited-edition flavor uses purple yam in every element, from the whipped cream to the crumbles on top, and is perfectly light, fluffy, and subtly sweet.
Lily’s Sweets Sour Gummy Worms
From Lily’s Sweets, the company that pioneered quality, certified Fair Trade chocolate with no added sugar, comes its first non-chocolate offering. Like the rest of the brand’s lineup, these sour gummy worms are non-GMO, plant-based, and have less than one gram of sugar per serving. As for how the taste and texture? They have a chewy texture and perfectly sweet-tart flavor that rivals their conventional counterparts.
Marshall's Haute Sauce in Bird's Eye Basil
You’re had hot sauce, but how about Haute Sauce? There’s so much to love about this Portland-based, family-owned company that makes all of its zippy condiments with local, farm-fresh ingredients in small batches by hand. And its latest offering, a blend of white balsamic vinegar, basil, Thai peppers, and jalapenos, is packed with flavor and heat. Just a few drops can elevate everything you eat.
Minor Figures Oat Matcha Latte
Iced matcha oat milk lattes are amongst the most popular orders at coffee shops. The issue? How pricey they can get. So with these adorably packaged cans brewed in East London, you can indulge in your habit without going broke. Each one contains just two ingredients: incredibly creamy oat milk and ceremonial grade matcha powder for an earthy, subtly sweet sipper that leaves you feeling sharp and clear-headed.
Nounós Creamery Orange Blossom Honey Handcrafted Greek Strained Yogurt
The sad truth about Greek yogurts is that many are filled with stabilizers and thickeners to mimic the real deal. But Nounós Creamery, a family-owned company from New York, won’t cut corners and abides by the time-honored tradition of using straining bags to produce an exceptionally thick and nutritious product. And this just-unveiled flavor featuring orange blossom honey is a perfectly sweet way to start your day.
Oatly Strawberry Oatgurt
Do you have problems digesting dairy, but want to enjoy the health benefits of yogurt? Don’t worry: Oatly has you covered with its Oatgurts. Made with rich oat milk and ripe strawberry jam, this vegan yogurt with fruit on the bottom is creamy, brims with probiotics and heart-healthy fats, and evokes summery vibes with a pronounced berry flavor.
Pescavore Ahi Tuna Jerky Strip in Caribbean Jerk
At long last: an individually-wrapped snack that’s delicious, healthy, and gentle to the planet. Co-founded by Matthew and Clarice Owens, Pescavore specializes in products made with sustainable wild-caught ahi tuna. So like traditional beef jerky: this strip is high in protein, low in fat, and boasts an irresistibly bold flavor. But unlike the competition, Pescavore only uses fish that’s caught in California, and produces everything locally too.
POM Wonderful Pomegranate Elderberry Boost Tea
There are fruits, and then there are superfruits. Pomegranates squarely fall into the second category, by being packed with antioxidants (like vitamin C), flavonoids, and other key nutrients. But since pomegranate juice can be a bit tart in its pure form, try this new beverage that blends it with black tea for a caffeine boost, and elderberry juice for additional immune support.
Quinn Aged Parmesan & Rosemary Microwave Popcorn
Microwave popcorn is a popular snack because it’s easy to make, affordable, and delicious. The problem? How many brands use trans fats and chemicals like PFOA in their bags. So to give you snacking peace of mind, Quinn developed a version with bags made of recyclable paper and organic ingredients. Just microwave, add the oil and seasoning, and shake for a wonderfully savory and fluffy treat.
Real Food From The Ground Up Salt & Vinegar Cauliflower Chips
Since 2018, Real Food From The Ground Up has revamped beloved snacks like crackers, pretzels, and tortilla chips with an unexpectedly delicious plant-based twist. And its latest launch, cauliflower chips, is poised to become your next snacking staple. The texture is thin and crispy, but it’s the bright, salty-tangy flavor that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Real Good Foods Plant Based Sausage Frozen Pizza
With this forward-thinking brand, we finally have frozen, low-carb, and gluten-free pizza we can feel good about indulging in. The crust is baked with cauliflower, almonds, and eggs – which results in a soft, foldable texture – while the Beyond Meat plant-based sausage crumbles lend spice, texture, and a savory flavor without animal products.
Repurpose Compostables Assorted Utensils
This visionary company by Lauren Gropper was founded on a simple premise: offer disposable tableware that’s kind to the earth. Made of plant-based materials like corn and beets, these utensils break down in commercial composting facility in 90-180 days into a nutrient-rich soil. Even better? They’re totally sturdy, BPA free, and USDA Certified BioBased as well.
Rise Brewing Co. Nitro Cold Brew Coffee
You’ve tried cold brew coffee by now, but what about nitro cold brew coffee? This award-winning version from Rise Brewing Co. is infused with nitrogen, which lends the drink an incredibly rich texture, lightly sweet taste, and almost creamy mouthfeel. On top of that, there’s double the amount of caffeine than traditional drip coffee so you’ll be fueled for hours on end.
Rutherford and Meyer Upcycled Grain Project Parmesan Crackers
The malted barley and other grains that remain after beer is brewed are typically thrown away. But as it turns out: they’re loaded with fiber, protein, and fiber. So in the thoughtful spirit of upcycling, the New Zealand-based company Rutherford and Meyer is baking them into these hearty, substantial crackers. A few make a solid simple snack, or top them with your favorite cheeses and spreads for a more substantial bite.
Setton Farms Scorpion Pepper Pistachios
While nuts are an obvious choice when its comes healthy snacks, they can get a little dull after a while. With that in mind, Setton Farms just unveiled these resealable pouches of premium pistachio kernels seasoned with Trinidad Scorpion Peppers. For the uninititated, these peppers are among the hottest in the world. So if you’re looking to add some heat to your snack routine, consider these the solution.
SmartSweets Cola Gummies
Launched just last week, these fun cola gummies from SmartSweets are wonderfully chewy, plant-based, and clock in just three grams of sugar and 100 calories per entire bag. So enjoy the nostalgic flavor of these treats with peace of mind knowing there’s no sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners.
Sprinkles Matcha Glow Up Cupcake
You’ll have to move fast to score these limited-edition Matcha Glow Up cupcakes baked with Golde Matcha cake, filled with a Golde Coconut Collagen cream, and topped with yuzu buttercream. Pre-order them online today and tomorrow (September 20 and 21), pick up at your nearest Sprinkles location this Friday and Saturday (September 24 and 25), then indulge away.
Spudsy Hot Fry Sweet Potato Fries
Just imagine a nostalgic snack that’s as good for you as it is for the environment. Because that’s exactly what this cheerful bag promises. These light, crispy, and pleasantly spicy fries are vegan, gluten-free, and made with upcycled sweet potatoes that would otherwise wind up in landfills. So nosh away to your heart’s content.
Sunday Scaries Big Spoon Tincture
This creamy and dreamy vanilla tincture has it all to help naturally settle your brain at night for a restorative rest. In addition to CBD, this one stars lesser-known CBN, a cannabinoid that specifically can reduce anxiety and encourage sleep. Other proven ingredients such as chamomile, valerian root extract, and lemon balm extract amplify the already calming qualities of CBN and CBD. Just take 1/2 a dropper at night, and gradually feel a sense of calm wash over you.
Tia Lupita Salsa Verde Cactus Tortilla Chips
If you’re someone who’s sensitive to corn and other grains but love tortilla chips, reach for these. Made with cassava flour and cactus, one of the most sustainable foods in the world, these offer the same satisfying crunch as traditional versions. Plus, the salsa verde flavor, a bold mix of tomatillos and jalapenos, will have you reaching for more.
Tomato Bliss Vadouvan Curry Sipping Soup
This small, but mighty brand owned by Marie Krane is on a mission to showcase how beautifully diverse and delicious heirloom tomatoes are. And this sipping soup – which is equally delicious right out of the fridge or heated up – features over 30 heirloom tomato varietals, along with curry spices, roasted onion, and apple cider vinegar. The result is a wonderfully bright and zippy soup that’ll remind you of sun-drenched, summer days no matter the time of year.
Tracy’s Small Batch Granola
Many of us eat granola, so why not pick one that’s not just delicious and nutritious – but helps others in need as well? That’s what Portlander Tracy Oseran thought when she started making her own organic granola in 2004 , then founded Urban Gleaners, a nonprofit that rescues fresh food and delivers it to the hungry, in 2006. The best part of eating Tracy’s Small Batch Granola is knowing that it’s nourishing you and others at the same time, since all the profits proceed Urban Gleaners.
TruEats Pancake & Waffle Mix
This versatile mix truly caters to all types of dietary preferences and restrictions. It’s suitable for diabetics. It’s rich in fiber and protein, while being low glycemic and gluten-free. It’s also plant-based with no added sugar. As for the taste and texture, it cooks up taller than traditional pancakes and has a slightly denser texture like corncakes. But the best part is how full you’ll feel long after eating just one.
TrueMadeFoods Veggie Ketchup
In recent years: most household foods have been revamped with a more healthful spin, while still tasting like the original versions. Most foods that is, except for ketchup. But this veteran-owned company is out to change that, by swapping out all of the refined sugar with, believe it or not, vegetables. And despite the very short list of all-natural ingredients, it tastes so good that making a permanent swap is a no-brainer.
TRUFF White HOTTER Sauce
From the wildly popular hot sauce brand beloved by celebrities ranging from Oprah to Martha Stewart comes the brand new TRUFF White HOTTER. An even spicier and more intense take on the original White sauce, just a few drops can elevate all your favorite foods, from popcorn to fried chicken. Even better? The chic white box makes it ideal for all your gift-giving needs.
Willa’s Creamy Oat Milk
Oat milk is everywhere nowadays, but the issue is many versions have unnecessary sugar, stabilizers, and preservatives. To remedy that, Willa’s uses organic, non-GMO whole oats for more nutrition and a richer texture, and doesn’t add any sugar to let the naturally sweet oat flavor take center stage. The result is an almost indulgent-tasting milk that’s as lovely as coffee creamer as it is baked up in your favorite recipes.
Zack's Mighty Tortilla Chips
If you’re tired of the typical tortilla chip that shatters easily and can’t withstand your dips, look no further than these. Made with Dent and heirloom Flint corn – Zack’s is the only brand in the world to do this – for a pronounced corny flavor and an extra-sturdy texture. Because these chips are so substantial, they’re terrific for solo snacking but even better with queso, salsa, and guacamole.
