If you’re anything like me, you’re probably a snacker. Sometimes I find it hard to sit down and eat a large meal, but I have no problem with snacking. In fact, I actually prefer to graze throughout the day rather than eating 3 large meals.

But there can be a downside to being a snacker – constantly grazing throughout the day makes it all too easy to reach for the closest candy bar or packet of chips, which can really add up to a calorie overload (not to mention being full of unhealthy ingredients.)

That’s why I’ve rounded up 10 of my favorite cheap healthy snack ideas that will stop you from reaching for the chip packet. These healthy snack ideas are all portable and perfect to take to work, pack in kids lunchboxes, take on road trips or carry with you in your purse.

Making sure you have some healthy snacks with you during the day is one of the keys to stop you from impulse buying junk!

10 Cheap Healthy Snack Ideas To Stop You Reaching For The Chip Packet

1. Boiled Eggs

Eggs are one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, and a great healthy, on-the-go snack idea. They’re an excellent, cheap source of protein, containing all of the essential amino acids which help to maintain an healthy metabolism and assist in lean muscle development.

Eggs also contain also contain many vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, biotin which helps to promote healthy hair, skin and nails and lecithin and choline, both of which contribute to cognitive function.

Try to always purchase free-range eggs (or better yet, buy them from your local farmers market or, if you have the space, consider having your own backyard chickens!)

2. Crudites

Crunchy carrot sticks, celery stalks, and sliced red bell pepper are a great healthy snack idea, and even tastier when dipped in hummus. A great idea for a portable snack, try putting some hummus in the bottom of a mason jar and then sticking your sliced veggies in the hummus!

3. Energy Bites

There’s not much better than a delicious, fudgy energy bite, right? I could eat my favorite protein bites all day (and sometimes I do.) Here are 20 healthy no-bake energy bite recipes you can try.

4. Fruit Leather

Fruit leather makes a great healthy, on-the-go snack but make sure you read the ingredients list to make sure there are no unhealthy additions like high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors and artificial flavors. Stretch island fruit strips are a good, organic fruit leather option.

5. Nut Butter Packets

Nut butter is one of my personal favorite healthy snacks, and I love these convenient nut butter packets. Nut butters contain protein, healthy fats, iron, folate, calcium and phytochemicals that help to prevent heart disease.

6. Air-Popped Popcorn

2 cups of air-popped popcorn contains only 62 calories, 1.2 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein, making it an excellent healthy snack. Additionally, popcorn also contains antioxidants call phenols, which help to quench disease causing free-radicals.

Just make sure that you buy air-popped popcorn that isn’t covered in unhealthy seasonings or better yet, pop it yourself!

7. String Cheese

Hands up who doesn’t like cheese? Hello? Let’s be honest, there aren’t many people who don’t love cheese! And luckily, cheese can be a wonderful healthy snack. String cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, however it is relatively high in calories and fat so best enjoyed in moderation – i.e. eat one cheese stick, not 5 🙂

8. Turkey Jerky

Turkey jerkey is a good source of lean protein, containing a low amount of saturated fat compared to other forms of animal protein. Foods like turkey jerkey are also highly satiating, which means that a small amount goes a long way. This is a good thing because although turkey jerky is a good healthy snack, it is usually quite high in sodium so you should avoid consuming large quantities.

9. Pumpkin Seeds

Don’t throw out your pumpkin seeds this Halloween! Also known as pepitas, 1 cup of roasted pumpkin seeds contains 285 calories, according to the USDA. Pumpkin seeds also contain fiber, protein, and are a good source of magnesium, copper, selenium and zinc.

10. Olives

Olives are packed with protein, are low in calories, rich in heart-healthy omega 3’s, and full of antioxidants, making them a perfect healthy snack. Olives are also high in oleic acid which is believed to help maintain heart health and protect against cancer.

Plus, if you’re ever stuck in a situation where you have to get something at a gas station (hello road trips), try these healthy gas station snacks.

Need some extra guidance?

If you’re wanting to kickstart your weight loss in a sustainable, healthy way, then you’ll want to check out my 7-Day Meal Plan & Weight Loss Jumpstart.

The meal plan consists of delicious, easy-to-make, whole foods based recipes, along with a healthy living guide designed to help you trim down and kickstart your weight loss without resorting to fad diets, gimmicks, or weight loss pills.

Click here to get started with the 7-Day Meal Plan & Weight Loss Jumpstart.