Wren | Actions

This action is part of the Go plant-based guide.

Impact

Medium impact

Cost

Affordable

Time

Long-term

Committing to plant-based snacks can be a great stepping stone to a more sustainable lifestyle, decreasing your meat and dairy intake to reduce the carbon footprint of your diet.

If there are some animal products left in your snack routine, try subbing them out for plant-based options, and be sure to check the ingredient lists on your favorite packaged snacks.

Check out the ideas below to explore new flavors and textures while keeping things eco-friendly:

1. Beef-less jerky

Beef jerky is a common animal-based snack, but more vegan options are popping up online and in grocery stories. Check out Noble Jerky as a starting point or research which brands are available near you.

Hilary from Wren says: Wren's 2023 plant-based challenge overlapped with my backcountry hiking trip. I enjoyed experimenting with Noble Jerky, plant cheeses, and coconut chocolate to fill the gaps for my favorite hiking snacks.

2. Plant-based yogurt

You can find many options for plant-based yogurts at your local grocery store, with a base of coconut or oats but still containing the probiotics that you love. Pair it with granola or fresh fruit for a sweet pick-me-up during the day.

3. Cheese-free crackers

Many people love cheese and say this is a barrier for them to go fully plant-based, but cheese replacements have massively improved over the past few years. Check out Babybel plant-based cheese, the gourmet selection from Nuts For Cheese, or your local grocery store for brands to try.

4. Dairy-free trail mix

Create your own trail mix to customize it to your taste while avoiding added sugars, preservatives, and animal products. Start with a base of nuts and seeds like almonds, cashews, and sunflower seeds. Add dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots, and finish with a touch of dark chocolate or coconut flakes for sweetness.

5. Tasty spreads and dips

Instead of topping your toast with cottage cheese or opting for dairy-based dips, try out some plant-based options. Pair your toast with mashed avocado or nut butter like almond, peanut, or cashew butter. Create a delicious dip by making your own hummus, blending chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, and adding red peppers or beets for color and flavor variations.

6. Sustainable smoothies

Blend your favorite fruits with plant milk or yogurt for a delicious and easy smoothie. Add spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost without altering the taste too much. If you like, you can pour the mixture into molds and freeze for plant-based popsicles during hot summer months.

7. Naturally vegan snacks

There are a bunch of snacks that are naturally plant-based. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts are obvious options, but you can also try popcorn, roasted chickpeas, oat-based energy balls, or vegan snack bars to keep you sustained between meals. Just make sure to avoid whey protein, as this is an animal product.