Gone are the days when plant-based snacks meant bland. Today’s options are crave-worthy and shockingly good, even for meat lovers! If you’re looking for healthier alternatives, these plant-based snacks are proof that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to eat clean. Check out these 10 snacks you won’t believe are plant-based.
10. Spicy Roasted Chickpeas
Craving for roasted chicken? Here’s a veggie-based option you’ll love. Roast your chickpeas to crunchy perfection and toss them in chili powder, garlic, paprika, and sea salt. The result? They transform into a protein-rich snack that mimics bacon bits. They’re perfect for adding to your salad for extra crunch.
9. Cauliflower Buffalo Bites
These oven-baked (or air-fried) bites are tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and coated in zesty buffalo sauce that brings the heat. When served with a creamy vegan ranch or blue cheese dip, they become the ultimate bar food, without a single chicken wing in sight. Even meat lovers will be amazed by how yummy cauliflower can taste.
8. Plant-Based Jerky
If you’re a fan of traditional beef jerky, this one will surprise you. They’re made from mushrooms, soy protein, or seitan, and plant-based jerky. These snacks offer a chewy texture and smoky flavor that hits all the right notes. Flavors like hickory smoke, black pepper, or Korean BBQ make it a perfect protein-packed road trip snack.
7. Vegan Nacho Cheese Popcorn
Looking for a healthy snack for movie night? Try the Vegan Nacho Popcorn! This healthy snack uses nutritional yeast, paprika, turmeric, and garlic powder to create a cheesy flavor that’s dairy-free. It’s a crowd-pleasing option for movie nights, especially when you want to munch on popcorn without the grease.
6. BBQ Jackfruit Sliders
Jackfruit’s meaty, stringy texture makes it the perfect stand-in for pulled pork. How? They can be simmered in smoky BBQ sauce and served on slider buns with pickles. These mini sandwiches are so rich and hearty, most people don’t even realize they’re 100% plant-based!
5. Edamame with Sea Salt and Chili Flakes
Nothing beats a simple meal with fewer ingredients when we’re talking about health. These steamed edamame pods are loaded with plant protein. They’re topped with flaky sea salt, chili flakes, plus a drizzle of toasted sesame oil. It’s the kind of snack that feels indulgent but is actually super nutritious and naturally meat-free.
4. Vegan Mozzarella Sticks
Ooey, gooey, stretchy vegan cheese wrapped in a crispy breadcrumb shell, need we say more? These mozzarella sticks use dairy-free cheese alternatives that melt just like your favorite deep-fried mozzarella. They’re the perfect pair for your burgers (or vegan burgers)! You can dip them in your usual marinara.
3. Mushroom “Bacon” Chips
Craving something smoky and crisp? Opt your bacon for thinly sliced mushrooms like shiitake or portobello. After, season them with liquid smoke, maple syrup, and spices, then bake until golden. The result? Bacon-like chips that deliver that craveable salty-sweet flavor and crunch with zero meat.
2. Sweet Potato Fries with Vegan Aioli
These aren’t your average fries. Baked or air-fried sweet potato wedges are naturally sweet and rich in fiber. Want to add in more flavor without compromising the health benefits? Dunk them in a garlicky vegan aioli made with plant-based mayo and a splash of lemon juice. They’re perfect as a healthy work snack that you can pick up from your lunch bag anytime.
1. Vegan Sausage Rolls
Flaky, golden puff pastry wrapped around seasoned plant-based sausage makes for a healthy snack. You can use store-bought vegan sausage and whip up your own with lentils and spices because, let’s face it vegan meat may not come with tasty seasonings. Even meat lovers will go back to get their second roll (and maybe ever their third!).