20 Healthy Snacks That'll Curb Your Cravings at Work (2024)

These treats will keep you fueled and satisfied through the busy workday.

By Jaclyn London, M.S., R.D., C.D.N. and Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., NASM-CPT

20 Healthy Snacks That'll Curb Your Cravings at Work (1)

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Between hectic work meetings and pressing deadlines, staying fueled throughout the workday is top priority. Whether you're going into the office or working from home, you need nutritious foods and snacks that will keep you focused, energized and powered for whatever is thrown your way. Plus, options that are convenient, portable and simple to enjoy at your desk are imperative.

Enter our nutrition experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab; we've rounded up the best healthy snacks for work, focusing on real whole foods that are packed with fiber and protein, but keep added sugar and sodium counts in check. From savory to spicy, these options are bursting with flavor and are sure to satisfy any craving. Here are our top picks for deskside healthy snacks to have on hand:

1

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

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This delicious and nutritious snack is packed with plant-based protein and crunch. Also known as pepitas, this snack is loaded with tons of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Plus, you can easily make your own at home and they make for the best office snack.

Get the recipe for Roasted Pumpkin Seeds »

2

Fruit and Cheese

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You can easily grab part-skim cheese and an apple on your way out the door, and the combo can pack up to 5 grams of filling fiber from the fruit and 5 to 8 grams of protein per piece of cheese. Fresh fruit of any kind is great, but we'll jump for just-as-nutritious frozen options if I'm in a bind.

3

Protein Bites

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Whether you call them energy bites or protein bites, these protein-packed snacks will help combat your afternoon work slump. From fruit bites to chocolate treats, these make-ahead options make for a filling and delectable pick-me-up option.

Get our favorite Protein Bite recipes »

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4

Wasabi Peas

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If you’re looking for a little heat, keeping wasabi peas on hand for that afternoon slump can be a perfect solution. They are crispy and crunchy, plus packed with flavor and fiber. You can even add them to your lunchtime salad or soup too.

5

Low-Sugar Granola Bars

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Bars are a great fall-back, if you know what to look for! Opt for ones with real food as the first ingredient — whether it's fruit, nuts or oats — and the smallest amount of added sugar possible. They should fall in the 150 to 250 calories range and 3 grams of fiber and protein per bar.

RELATED: The Best Healthy Granola Bars

6

Trail Mix Packs

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Trail mix can be the ultimate snack, packed with fiber, plant-based protein and healthy fats. Consider portion-controlled trail mix packs or making your own trail mix and dividing it into little baggies to store at work. If you’re buying premade, opt for mixes that have a nut or seed as the first ingredient and be conscious of sodium and sugar counts.

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7

Pumpkin Cherry Breakfast Cookies

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These delicious on-the-go treats are packed with protein (and fiber) to keep you energized till noon. Best of all, they aren't just for a quick and easy breakfast; they make for the ideal afternoon snack too. These cooled cookies can be wrapped in plastic and stored at room temperature up to 2 days or frozen up to 2 weeks.

Get the recipe for Pumpkin Cherry Breakfast Cookies »

8

Fruit Crisps

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If fresh fruit is too much of a hassle to bring into the office, try this shelf-stable option. Fruit crisps and dehydrated fruit are convenient options that can help you meet your produce quota and are a healthy snack that doesn't require a fridge. Look for dehydrated or air-dried fruit crisps with no added sugar. Eat as a snack on their own or add to trail-mix for a fiber boost.

9

Chickpea "Nuts"

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Chickpeas can be roasted and then enjoyed on their own or added to your favorite lunchtime salad. You can buy them pre-roasted or simply roast them yourself. Plus, they are loaded with plant-based protein and fiber. Our Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen found the perfect spice combinations to add to your roasted chickpeas, like maple cinnamon and spicy buffalo.

Get the recipe for Chickpea "Nuts" »

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10

Low-Sugar Oatmeal Cups

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You can certainly store oatmeal packets in your office desk drawer, but instant oatmeal cups are even more convenient since no extra special bowls or dishwashing is required. Just add water and zap in the office microwave or simply add hot water and let it sit for a few minutes. But be sure to look for options that don’t have crazy added sugar counts; under 10 grams of added sugar per cup is a good benchmark.

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11

Grass-Fed & Grass-Finished Jerky

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This portable snacks is a loaded with protein and is typically a low-carb option too. Look for jerky options that are grass-fed and grass-finished, and don’t forget to check sodium counts.

RELATED: The Best Beef Jerky Brands

12

Tuna or Chicken Pouches

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No can opener required here! These trusty pouches give you fresh quality and taste in the convenience of an on-the-go pouch. They come in tuna or chicken and can be enjoyed directly from the pouch or pair them with your favorite crackers. You can even keep extra around to use as a protein topping for your work salad. They tend to be protein-rich but take note of sodium levels.

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13

Best-Ever Granola

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Making a batch of homemade granola over the weekend can come in handy for snacking during the week. Enjoy it on its own or assemble a quick yogurt parfait at work; just scoop granola into a portioned cup of your favorite low-sugar Greek yogurt. Our Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen developed granola five different ways to satisfy any flavor preference.

Get the recipe for Best-Ever Granola »

14

Nut or Seed Butter Packs

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The creaminess provides a fill-you-up texture to (almost!) anything you're eating, and it's a super fast and inexpensive way to get protein, fiber and healthy fats from a deliciously decadent source. Peanut butter provides 8 grams of protein in just two tablespoons and makes everything (from toast to fruit slices to dipping sauce) taste better. A portion-controlled pack is portable, can be stored in your office desk drawer or even in your wallet. Have it on its own or pair it with crackers or a piece of fruit.

15

Mini Rice Cakes

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Mini rice cakes are perfect for snacking and now come in a variety of flavors, from cinnamon sugar to white cheddar. Plus, they tend to be pretty low in calories, making them ideal for munching. They pair great with those nut or seed butter packs too.

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16

Very Berry Quinoa Muffins

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Homemade muffins can be the perfect work time snack. These light and healthy muffins have 6 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per muffin to keep you fueled and satisfied. Plus, they feature fresh raspberries for tart fruitiness and flavor.

Get the recipe for Very Berry Quinoa Muffins »

17

Seaweed Snacks

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These increasingly popular seaweed sheets are roasted and lightly salted for crunchy, savory goodness. You can typically find them in the cracker and pretzel aisle. They are naturally low in calories and some brands season them with teriyaki or wasabi for extra flavor.

18

Air-Popped Popcorn

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Whole-grain popcorn can be the ultimate cravings-killer. It satisfies the need for crunch, and it's lower in calories than buttery, oily fried snacks when air-popped. A 1-ounce serving can also puff up to 4 cups, which feels like a lot when you snack! For a flavor boost, I love topping popcorn with chili flakes, sea salt or garlic powder.

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19

Roasted Edamame

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This complete plant-based protein sources is packed with fiber too. You may be more familiar with the steamed variety, but roasted options are typically shelf-stable and come in pre-portioned bags.

20

Pre-Made Protein Shakes

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A ready-to-drink protein shake can be great in a pinch to tide you over between meetings. But not all protein shakes are ideal; you’ll want to keep added sugar numbers in check and be sure to look at ingredient lists. Look for about 15-30 grams of protein per shake and try to get 3 grams of fiber too. Check out the GH Nutrition Lab's top pre-made protein shake picks.

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Jaclyn London, M.S., R.D., C.D.N.

A registered dietitian with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University and a Master of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University, Jaclyn “Jackie” London handled all of Good Housekeeping’s nutrition-related content, testing, and evaluation from 2014 to 2019. Prior to joining GH, she was a clinical dietitian at Mount Sinai Hospital. Jackie has also appeared as an expert guest on The Dr. Oz Show and The Today Show. She is also author of the book Dressing on the Side (and Other Diet Myths Debunked).

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Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., NASM-CPT

Nutrition Lab Director

Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she handles all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is also Good Housekeeping’s on-staff fitness and exercise expert. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.

20 Healthy Snacks That'll Curb Your Cravings at Work (2024)

FAQs

What are healthy treats to share at work? ›

Afternoon meeting snack ideas:
  • Hummus with whole-grain pita bread or low-fat pretzels — or the celery, baby carrots or sliced peppers for dipping.
  • Low-fat pretzels.
  • Low-fat popcorn.
  • Fresh fruit: Tangerines and apples look pretty gathered in a large bowl.
  • Low-fat, low-sugar granola or fiber bars.
  • Water.
Oct 29, 2023

What is the healthiest snack? ›

Tips for Healthy Snacking
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Frozen fruit.
  • Fruits canned in water or their own juice.
  • Whole grain bread, crackers and cereals.
  • Lower fat yogurt.
  • Lower fat cheese.
  • Unsalted nuts and seeds and their butters.
  • Hummus.
Mar 1, 2021

What is a good food to bring for coworkers? ›

20 Office Snacks to Share with Your Co-Workers
  • Tate's Tiny Chocolate Chip Cookies. ...
  • Laughing Cow Babybel Cheese. ...
  • Buddha Bowl Pink Himalayan Popcorn. ...
  • Stacy's Simply Naked Pita Chips. ...
  • HIPPEAS Organic Vegan White Cheddar Chickpea Snacks. ...
  • Sahale Classic Fruit + Nut Trail Mix. ...
  • Bazzini Unsalted Mixed Nuts.
Jan 24, 2024

What to make for snack day at work? ›

No Heat Needed
  • Ants on a Log. Ingredients: Celery, peanut butter, raisins. ...
  • Fancy Rice Cakes. Ingredients: Rice cakes, toppings of choice. ...
  • Chips and Dip. Ingredients: Sour cream, instant onion soup mix, potato chips. ...
  • Peanut Butter and Banana Wrap. ...
  • Strawberry Creme Dip. ...
  • Cheese-Stuffed Dates. ...
  • Fruit Salad. ...
  • Prosciutto and Melon.

What is the healthiest thing to eat for lunch at work? ›

Choose from pasta or rice salads, homemade protein pots, hearty soups or filling wraps and sandwiches. Pack your lunchbox full of nutritious ingredients and look forward to a midday meal that not only tastes great, but is good for you too.

What are the 7 sensible snacks? ›

Take snacks to go:
  • String cheese.
  • Dried fruit.
  • Granola bars.
  • Whole grain crackers.
  • Trail/Cereal Mix.
  • Graham Crackers.
  • Box of raisins.
  • Baby carrots.

What are the best office snacks to order? ›

Aim for a balanced selection

Salty and sweet snacks are good, but you can also slip in a few healthy options. Foods including yogurt, fruit, vegetables, nuts, string cheese, whole-grain crackers, trail mix, and peanut butter help employees create nutritionally balanced snacks that help stabilize blood sugar.

What are sweet snacks for office? ›

23 Healthy Sweet Snack Ideas
  • Walnut Butter Spread: ...
  • Trail Mix: ...
  • Dark Chocolate and Almonds: ...
  • Greek yogurt Parfait: ...
  • Frozen Yogurt Bites: ...
  • Apple and Cheese: ...
  • Protein Bars: ...
  • Chocolate Covered Frozen Bananas:
Jan 30, 2023

What are quick healthy snacks? ›

Here are some healthy snack ideas that are easy to prepare: Apple slices with almond butter. Carrots and celery sticks with hummus. Greek yogurt with mixed berries and honey.

What treats to bring for coworkers? ›

  • Sweets and Single Slices: Brownies. Cake. Cookies. Donuts.
  • Individually Packaged: Jerky. Nuts. String cheese.
  • Wraps and Sandwiches.

What treats to bring to work that aren t donuts? ›

If you want to bring something sweet, bring cake pops, banana bread (already cut), apple turnovers, scones, fritters, dessert bars, hand pies, ice cream sandwiches, and cookies.

What is the best food for shift work? ›

Why not swap to less fatty meats like chicken, turkey or lean beef, or some bean alternatives like falafel. salad. If you want to add mayo or sauce, you can find low fat versions! Soups - good choices have lots of veg and beans and make sure the salt content isn't too high.

What foods not to eat at work? ›

Here are five foods to never bring into the office for lunch:
  • Fish. Fish is awesome when fresh, but leftovers should never be in the office space. ...
  • Onions. I love onions, but I am very aware that many people despise them. ...
  • Hard Boiled Eggs. We all know the smell that hard boiled eggs can give off. ...
  • Broccoli. ...
  • Popcorn.
Apr 25, 2019

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