We’re just a week into the new year, which means sticking to our resolutions is top of mind. Whether you’re hoping to up your protein intake or just cut back on the junk food, adding some healthy snacks to your pantry will help you stay on track to meet your 2026 goals.
From protein bars to jerky, our team has personally taste-tested just about all of the viral snacks generating buzz in the health sphere right now. Dozens of bags, bars and bites later, Shop TODAY editorial director Adrianna Brach emptied the office snack drawer in Studio 1A to share the full list. Because of their straightforward ingredients and high nutritional value, a lot of these favorites meet the criteria for popular diets, from keto and paleo to gluten-free and vegan.
To get the thumbs up on the picks seen on TODAY, we tapped two TODAY contributors: nutrition and health expert Joy Bauer and fitness expert Stephanie Mansour. So, rest assured that you can fuel up on these snacks guilt-free.
Feeling hungry? Keep scrolling to browse the best healthy snacks.
Sneak some extra protein in with these surprisingly nutritious cookie dough balls.
Grams of protein: 12 | Grams of sugar: 11 | Flavors: 4
It’s cookie dough, but make it way more nutritious! These protein balls are a favorite for those with a sweet tooth. Each pack contains four protein balls, 12 grams of protein and 11 grams of sugar. These are smart to have on hand for busy days when you want to curb cravings and tide yourself over ‘til your next meal. These are the standout pick for Mansour from our list.
“I personally can’t wait to get my hands on the Day Out Protein Balls — YUM!” Mansour exclaims.
This protein bar combines high protein content with a coconut-forward flavor that shines through. The brand recommends eating it before or after the gym.
Grams of protein: 14 or more | Grams of sugar: 5 or less | Flavors: 16
If you’re hoping to get more protein in the coming year, we’ve got you. These bars were a standout among Shop TODAY editors who tried them out against a bunch of other popular protein bars because they’re nothing like the chalky, heavy options you might be accustomed to. They’re more like rice crispy treats, with at least 14 grams of protein and under five grams of sugar per serving in each of the 16 flavors.
Try sea salt, sriracha and buffalo-flavored dry roasted edamame beans in this variety pack.
Grams of protein: 13 or more | Grams of fiber: 5 | Flavors: 3
Have you ever tried dry roasted edamame beans? These are so much better for you than chips or other salty junk food, but they have that crunch and flavor to satisfy your cravings. As a bonus, they’re plant-based and have less than 3 grams of net carbs, which makes it a smart choice for anyone on a vegan, dairy-free or keto diet.
“These are good! Some varieties are higher in sodium/salt than others, which may be a concern to viewers with high blood pressure,” notes Bauer. “But overall, great protein-rich pick and I eat ‘em.”
These vegan, gluten-free and paleo tortilla chips are made with avocado oil and are free of dairy, soy and grains.
Servings per container: 5
These dairy-free and grain-free chips are made with cassava flour and avocado oil.
Servings per container: 1 or 5
If you want a more traditional chip without the guilt, Bauer says she stocks her house with Siete’s options. They’re made with cassava flour, so they’re grain-free, and they use avocado oil instead of vegetable oil. Because of that, they have less carbs than your average tortilla chips, and they’re also paleo and vegan. Instead of queso or dip, try pairing these with a fresh salsa to get extra vegetables or fruit in and keep it light.
There’s just one ingredient in these gummies: mango!
Flavors: 9
One ingredient makes up these leather strips: mango. Truly — that’s it!
Flavors: 12
Another snack straight from Bauer’s own pantry, these treats from the aptly-named brand Solely have just one ingredient: mango. They come in a whole fruit gummy variety and there’s also a faux jerky that’s kind of like a fruit leather. They’re naturally sweet, so no sugar is added. This is a great alternative to fruit gummies or candy for kids and the chewy texture is really satisfying to gnaw on.
These single-ounce meat sticks are the perfect snack for a quick hit of protein.
Grams of protein: 9
This smoky, mildly spicy meat stick is made with 100% antibiotic-free turkey.
Grams of protein: 12
These meat snacks will hit the spot — and pack a ton of flavor and protein in while they’re at it! Bauer recommends these turkey meat stick varieties from Vermont Smoke & Cure and Chomps, which are both low carb and have zero grams of sugar. Right now, Chomps is having a site-wide sale, so you can stock up on favorites for the new year at a discount.
More editor-approved healthy snacks
This turkey meat stick has an herbal rosemary flavor.
Grams of protein: 9
A bonus pick from Bauer? Wegman’s jerky snack with 9 grams of protein per stick. “I reallyyy like Wegmans’ brand of rosemary turkey sticks,” Bauer vouches. “I love and keep in the house.”
These meat sticks are seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, and slow-smoked for an amazing taste.
Features: 8 grams of protein and 0 grams of sugar per stick | Includes: No preservatives
Commerce editor and producer, Julie Ricevuto, is also a fan of Lorissa’s Kitchen jerky, saying it’s one of the more delicious options she’s tried in addition to the 8 grams of protein and 0 grams of sugar. “I love eating the turkey stick after a workout to sneak in some extra protein!” she says. The brand also boasts other flavors, like beef jerky and chicken jerky.
This shake lets you sip your way to your daily protein intake.
Grams of protein: 20 | Size: 10 oz
What we like
- Doesn’t taste chalky
- Easy to grab-and-go
Something to note
- Some disliked the consistency
“I first tried this drink at an event a few months ago and was pleasantly surprised at how delicious it was,” says associate editor Kamari Stewart. “I’ve tried several high-protein yogurts over the years and they all taste either too thick, too chalky or both. This drink goes down smoothly and I would’ve never suspected it was high protein if I didn’t see the label.
These snacks have just 30 calories per pack.
If you pull open the snack drawer in Shop TODAY’s office at 30 Rock, you’ll find a jaw-dropping quantity of these seaweed snacks. Writer Emma Stessman likes snacking on them for a salty, vegan-friendly option.
With a witty fitness-inspired name, this bar is easy to pack into any gym back for a pre- or post-workout fuel session.
Grams of protein: 20 | Grams of sugar: 1 | Quantity: 4, 12 bars per box | Flavors: Chocolate dough, birthday cake, wild cherry, key lime pie, salty peanut, more
What we like
- Creamy, slightly sweet
- Soft texture
Something to note
- Prone to melting in the heat
For a post-run snack, writer Jannely Espinal likes these protein bars from Barebells.
“The texture is soft and not chewy, it’s slightly sweet and doesn’t leave any crumbs behind,” Espinal reports.
Fiber and protein work together in popcorn to keep you fuller for longer periods of time.
Size: 8 oz. bag | Flavors: White cheddar, watermelon, pink lemonade, himalayan gold, himalayan sweetness
Popcorn is a healthy, whole-grain snack that satisfies. This option from Lesser Evil is often spotted on the desks of editors around our office and contains just three ingredients: organic, non-GMO popcorn, coconut oil and Himalayan salt.
For a protein snack that’s reminiscent of your favorite childhood sweet, turn to these nutritious gummies.
Grams of protein: 15 | Quantity: 12 pouches per package; about 15 gummies per package | Flavors: Watermelon
What we like
- Travel-friendly packaging
Something to note
- Only one flavor
- Not widely available
“My husband recently got into Good Gummies and I usually steal a few when he breaks them out,” says senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil. “We both love sour gummy candy, so it’s nice to have an option with some nutrition benefits.”
Nicknamed “liquid gold” by the brand, this protein powder utilizes cow colostrum as one of its main ingredients.
Grams of protein: 24 per serving | Size: 36.7 oz | Flavors: Strawberry crème, vanilla bean, creamy chocolate, maple cinnamon
What we like
- Delicious flavors
- Easy to incorporate into diet
Something to note
- Not widely available in-store
“Sometimes after dinner or in the afternoon — if I need something that’s going to keep me full until my next meal — I just mix some protein powder with water or almond milk,” says Stessman. “I’ve been loving the Ballerina Farm powders because the flavors taste like real chocolate and vanilla, instead of artificial versions… You don’t even need a blender bottle, I just do it right in a mug and it’s super smooth.”
Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest in trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. Products were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team along with Adrianna Brach, Joy Bauer and Stephanie Mansour.
- Adrianna Brach is the editorial director at Shop TODAY, with over a decade of experience as an editor covering beauty, fashion and shopping.
- Joy Bauer, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., is one of the nation’s leading health authorities. She is the longtime nutrition and healthy lifestyle contributor for TODAY.
- Stephanie Mansour is TODAY’s fitness contributor, a certified personal trainer and a yoga and Pilates instructor. She also leads workout routines and challenges in the Start TODAY app.
- Shop TODAY is a team of shopping editors and writers who spend hours every day finding the best new products, tried-and-true favorites and more finds available on Amazon that are worth shopping, according to our high standards.
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