It's January, and the new year has forced me to take a new look at myself and my choices. The combination of wanting to be a bit healthier and being aware of our planet's climate crisis has led me to make a bold choice; I want to eat a more plant-based diet. [1] This might not seem like a big deal to some, but my grandfather was a butcher. Meat, in my family, is a nonnegotiable. Plus, I love meat. In order to ease myself into this lifestyle change, I'm committing to only one meal with meat a day. The easiest areas for me to incorporate vegan food into my diet, hands down, are snacks.
Now, don't misunderstand me: my favourite snack is a meat and cheese board, so this is definitely a challenge. But, I've done my research, and come up with some pretty tasty vegan snacks [2] that I can keep on hand for when hunger hits. The best part is, they can be delivered straight to my door. Happy snacking!
Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn Popcorn
Angie's Boom Chicka Pop Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn Popcorn [4] ($11 for 4) has been a lifesaver for me. It's the perfect mix of sweet and salty, and I can't get enough. Come Bachelor Mondays, this is what I'll be snacking on.
Larabar Gluten Free Bar, Blueberry Muffin
I really rely on protein bars, and I thought swapping to vegan options would be tough, until I realised these Larabar Gluten Free Bars, Blueberry Muffin [5] ($13 for 16) were plant-based. They're delicious, and I love having one in my bag. Larabar has so many different flavours, this just happens to be my favourite.
Terra Original Chips with Sea Salt
My brother is also trying to be more plant-based, and he got me hooked on these Terra Original Chips with Sea Salt [6] ($19 for 24). They feel like a healthier chip, and they're insanely delicious.
Enlightened Bada Bean Bada Boom Roasted Broad Fava Bean Snacks
I like to get the variety pack of these Enlightened Bada Bean Bada Boom Roasted Broad Fava Bean Snacks [7] ($20 for 24) because I really love all the flavours, but if I had to choose a favourite, it would be the sriracha.
Red Raspberries
I've also started to rely on fruit as a sweet afternoon snack. Red Raspberries [8] ($3) are my personal favourite, and they're relatively easy to find all year round.
One Plant Protein Bars, Chocolate Peanut Butter
Plant protein has a reputation for being chalky, but that's not the case with these One Plant Protein Bars, Chocolate Peanut Butter [9] ($28 for 12). They taste like a candy bar, and I reach for one as a quick breakfast.
Sweat With Bec Cookie Dough Protein Balls
Cookie dough? Say no more. I'm so excited about these Sweat With Bec Cookie Dough Protein Balls [10] ($7).
SmartSweets Sweetfish
The easier I can make this plant-based transition, the better. I've been eating SmartSweets Sweetfish [11] ($32 for 12) for months now, having no idea they were vegan, they're just that good. I'll take this as an excuse to stock up.
Wonderful Pistachios, Roasted & Salted
Recently, salty snacks have reigned supreme, and there's something so satisfying about cracking these Wonderful Pistachios, Roasted & Salted [12] ($13) out of their shell.
Raw Rev Glo Vegan Gluten-Free Protein Bars
These Raw Rev Glo Vegan Gluten-Free Protein Bars [13] ($21 for a 12-pack) taste like candy but pack a whopping 11 grams of protein and 13 grams of fibre. My favourite flavours are the peanut butter dark chocolate and the chocolate brownie.
Hu Dark Chocolate Bars
With just three ingredients, this Hu Dark Chocolate Bar [14] ($37 for four bars) manages to be both clean and delicious. I'll never be able to say no to chocolate, so this is a lifesaver.
Siete Grain Free Tortilla Chips
If you've got a penchant for chips and guac, now you can indulge with these Siete Grain Free Tortilla Chips [15] ($34 for a six-pack). They're slightly lighter than a corn- or flour-based version, and they're so salty and delicious. When I put these out at parties, they're gone in minutes, and nobody misses the grains.