9 Delicious On-the-Go Snacks for a Quick Energy Boost
Perfect and convenient for any time of the day.
Fact checked by Emily Estep
If you're anything like us, you sometimes need to grab a snack between meals to give your day a boost. All of these recipes are perfect healthy snacks on the go. Whether you're in a rush and your stomach is growling or you just want to plan out your midafternoon snack break in advance, these easy take-along snacks will help hold you over until your next meal.
Blueberry Cereal Bars
Making your own no-bake bars may seem intimidating, but you need only a few ingredients and 15 minutes of prep to whip up a batch of better-than-store-bought bars. Trust us; this is an on-the-go snack worth having on hand when your stomach starts rumbling.
Fudgy Black Bean Brownies
Not every on-the-go snack has to be totally healthy, but the blend of black beans and applesauce in these chocolaty brownies helps satisfy your sweet tooth cravings without a dreaded sugar crash. If you're worried about baking treats with canned beans, we promise it just adds moisture and beneficial fiber rather than taste. Make sure the can is marked "no sodium added."
Peppered Kale Chips
Snacking on crispy, crunchy kale chips is an excellent way to keep your hunger at bay and is also great for sneaking a serving of veggies into your afternoon. Loaded with vitamins and minerals, this is one low-carb snack you can feel good about grabbing when you're on the go.
Buy It: Wilton Baking Sheet Set ($13, Walmart)
Rosemary-Roasted Chickpeas
Here's an easy take-along snack anyone can make. In less than an hour, you can have a batch of chickpeas roasted in a spicy blend of cayenne pepper and hot sauce with a sprinkle of herbal flair. Fill a bag with these sweet and spicy chickpeas before you leave so they're ready to satisfy your cravings later.
Related: 3 Roasted Chickpea Recipes You’ll Want to Snack on Forever
Citrus-Topped Double Blueberry Muffins
Not all grab-and-go snack ideas have to be salty and crunchy. These soft muffins are filled with juicy blueberries and topped with lemon and orange peel, so you'll taste plenty of fruity flavor in every bite.
Related: 13 Muffin Tin Breakfasts for Easy On-the-Go Meals
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Granola Bar
As it turns out, chocolate and peanut butter aren't just for dessert. Much better than store-bought granola bars, these homemade on-the-go snacks are filled with sweet and salty ingredients, so you never have to choose between the two again.
Related: 12 Satisfying High-Protein Snacks to Power Your Afternoon
Parmesan-Ranch Sweet Potato Snack Mix
If you like a little variety in your snacks, an on-the-go snack mix is for you. Before leaving in the morning, grab a bag filled with ranch-spiced corn cereal, chow mein noodles, pretzels, and nuts—so each taste of your afternoon snack is just a little different.
Pita Chips
Get your crunchy snack fix with these homemade pita chips. Brush pita rounds with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and oregano before baking to give these homemade chips their fresh herb flavor.
Roasted Banana Bread
Whether you need a morning or afternoon snack, your day will definitely improve if you bring along a wrapped-up slice of banana bread. The best part? This on-the-go snack recipe lets you customize the flavor, so you can sink your teeth into a slice of blueberry-coconut, mango-ginger, or even PB&J banana bread!
Buy It: Wilton Loaf Pan ($9, Target)
Frequently Asked Questions
What food are natural energy booster?
When you need a midday pick-me-up, reach out for vitamins and antioxidant-filled fruits—bananas, berries, avocados, plums, or apples—and try
to pair them with complex, high-protein carbs like oatmeal, nuts, or even
blended in a protein powder shake. To curb your cravings, avoid processed food, refined oils or sugars, or fried foods as these tend to spike your sugar levels while lowering your energy.
Do I need coffee to boost my energy throughout the day?
You can easily incorporate caffeine in your go-to snacks to boost your energy. You can also have your snacks with a cup of Joe—just make sure to avoid sugary, high-calorie coffees if you’re looking to up your energy levels. Preferably, go for black coffee or coffee alternatives.
Do I really need to snack between meals?
This will depend on your nutritional and weight goals. Healthy snacks are recommended to keep your sugar and energy levels up, especially mid-morning or midafternoon. High-protein meals are usually filling, so try and complement them with natural energy-boost snacks to curb cravings as much as possible. As always, talk to a professional to find what’s best for your needs.
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