Top 5 Healthy Snack Foods You Can Buy in the UK for a Balanced Diet
Healthy snacking is an essential part of maintaining a balanced diet. Choosing the right healthy snack foods to buy can keep you energized, support fitness goals, and prevent overeating. In this guide, we’ll highlight the best protein snacks UK has to offer, featuring options like natural protein bars, and provide a insights from four experts.
Why Healthy Snacking Matters
Prevents Overeating: Healthy snacks stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent binge eating at meals.
Boosts Nutrient Intake: Snacks are an opportunity to pack in extra protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Supports Energy Levels: The right snacks sustain energy without the sugar crashes caused by unhealthy options.
Top 5 Healthy Snack Foods in the UK
Roam Grass-Fed Beef Protein Bars
Why They’re Great: With 20g of protein, 120 calories, and zero artificial additives, these natural protein bars are the ultimate clean, on-the-go snack for those seeking sustainable energy and balanced macros.
KIND Bars
Why They’re Great: Made with whole nuts and natural sweeteners like honey, KIND bars provide a crunchy, nutrient-dense snack.
Drawback: They’re slightly higher in calories due to the nut content.
Non-Fat Greek Yogurt
Why It’s Great: Greek yogurt is rich in protein (15-20g per serving) and probiotics that support gut health. Choose unsweetened varieties for the best results.
Drawback: Requires refrigeration, which limits portability.
Eat Lean Cheese Snacks
Why They’re Great: High in protein and low in calories, these savory snacks are perfect for cheese lovers seeking healthier options.
Drawback: Needs refrigeration and may not suit plant-based diets.
Roasted Chickpeas
Why They’re Great: Crunchy and fiber-rich, roasted chickpeas offer 10g of protein per serving while being shelf-stable and portable.
Drawback: Can be calorie-dense if over-consumed.
What the experts are saying
Here are four expert interviews featuring nutritionists offering valuable insights on snacking and how to beat cravings:
Alex Ruani, Nutrition Scientist - Business Insider
Alex Ruani shares her personal experience with unhealthy snacking habits and the strategies she implemented to enjoy snacks without overeating. She emphasizes redesigning the food environment, regulating meal times, and ensuring adequate sleep to manage cravings effectively.
Lisa McDowell, Nutritionist - Vogue
Emphasizes the importance of consuming 30 grams of protein per meal to support muscle health, hormone function, and energy levels. She suggests using a simple visual cue: ensuring the portion of protein on your plate is at least the size of your hand. For example, consuming at least four eggs can help reach the 30-gram protein goal. This approach simplifies achieving adequate protein intake, even when on the go.
Emily Leeming, Dietitian and Gut-Health Scientist - Business Insider
Emily Leeming discusses the importance of high-fiber snacks for gut health. She recommends snacks like fresh or dried fruit, nuts, crudités with plant-based dips, and 85% dark chocolate to help meet daily fiber targets and support a diverse gut microbiome.
Dr. Ted Naiman - Diet Doctor
Dr. Ted Naiman, in an interview with Diet Doctor, advocates for higher protein consumption, explaining that increased protein intake can aid in weight management and improve body composition. He discusses how prioritizing protein can lead to better satiety and reduced overall calorie intake.
How to Incorporate These Snacks Into Daily Meals
Pre-Breakfast Boost:
Start the day with a Roam Grass-Fed Beef Protein Bar for protein without the prep.
Mid-Morning Snack:
Pair Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey for sustained energy.
Afternoon Pick-Me-Up:
Roasted chickpeas or an Eat Lean Cheese Snack stave off the mid-afternoon slump.
Post-Workout Recovery:
Refuel with KIND bars or cottage cheese for balanced protein and carbs.
Choosing the right healthy snack foods to buy doesn’t have to be complicated. From natural protein bars like Roam to versatile options like roasted chickpeas, the best protein snacks UK has to offer will fuel your body and support your health goals. Download our Healthy Snack Tracker to stay consistent and take control of your snacking habits today!