Take the intimidation factor out of following an anti-inflammatory diet [1] — starting with snack time. While thoroughly reading over labels should always be involved, you can score inflammation-fighting health benefits [2] from some pre-packaged eats, too.
"Being a pre-packaged food doesn't necessarily mean that it is not a great choice," Lauren Manaker [3], MS, RDN, LD and founder of Nutrition Now Counseling, says.
"Snacks like pre-packaged flavoured nuts provide the same anti-inflammatory benefits as a flavoured nut snack you may make at home — just watch the ingredients, as things like sugar that can be added to snacks can tend to be pro-inflammatory, or inflammation-inducing."
To help you more easily navigate the snack aisle, we asked Manaker for five pre-packaged, anti-inflammatory snack options that you can easily toss in your handbag or desk drawer.
Wonderful No Shell Chili Roasted Pistachios
Manaker says the Wonderful No Shell Chili Roasted Pistachios [9] ($7) are filled with flavour, fibre, and plant-based proteins, adding that the polyphenols in pistachios contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Bonus: You don't even have to deal with the shells.
Parks and Nash Tuscan Vegetable Bone Broth Soup
Craving something warm and cosy? Try Parks and Nash Tuscan Vegetable Bone Broth Soup [10] ($14 for a 4-pack). Manaker says it's free of GMOs, dairy, and preservatives, and rings in at 100 calories per serving. It also serves 20 grams of protein.
Crazy Go Nuts Garlic Parmesan Walnuts
"These snacks are perfectly portioned and provide a balance of plant-based protein, healthy fats, and fibre to keep you satisfied when that 3 p.m. slump hits," Manaker says.
Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic and linoleic acids, Manaker explains, which may have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Pick up a 12-pack of Crazy Go Nuts Garlic Parmesan Walnuts [11] ($24 for 12-pack) and store some in your pantry, handbag, and desk drawers.
Epic Maple Glazed Salmon Bites
Whipping up a fillet of salmon for a quick snack isn't exactly realistic for anyone on a time crunch. Instead, Manaker suggests reaching for Epic Maple Glazed Salmon Bites [12] ($48 for 8) for a boost of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
Shroom Snacks Roasted Teriyaki Mushroom Jerky
"Shroom Snacks Roasted Teriyaki Mushroom Jerky [13] ($13) is made from real mushrooms, which are an excellent anti-inflammatory," Manaker says. "Since munching on raw mushrooms as your midday snack isn't always ideal, these are an excellent portable option to get in a low-calorie and antioxidant-rich nosh in the middle of the day."