Going vegan this January or beyond?
In this epic list, you’ll find both recipes and store bought options that actual vegans want to share with anyone looking for easy Veganuary snacks or ideas!
Keep reading to discover the tried and tested as ‘extremely tasty’ vegan snacks!
Disclaimer: This post includes information and personal opinions. It is not individualized dietary advice. Talk to your own licensed health care provider about any health/diet questions and dietary changes. See our disclaimers for more details.
Why You Should Have a Handy List of Snacks as a New Vegan
Ok, so this goes for both new and well seasoned vegans as well (can’t leave anybody out)!
Here’s why a vegan snack list is helpful for Veganuary, or any vegan journey!
- They can help fill in nutrition gaps: Think beyond quenching hunger! If you have a hard time getting enough nutrition in at meal times, or, you’re still learning how to make satisfying vegan vegan meals, snacks can help! They will be more balanced when you include healthy options that have all 3 essential macronutrients: carbohydrates, fat, and protein.
- You’re bound to be in a situation where no vegan options are available – at some point: It’s happened to me a lot ! I learned quickly to make sure I take nourishing snacks, so I’d be remiss to not share that wisdom with you (you’re welcome 😊)!
- Squash Those Hunger Cravings: Perhaps the most well known reason is this: because hangry is not a problem you want to have as a new vegan!
So start veganuary (or any point of your vegan journey) off with an easy snack list – like this one!
Easy Veganuary Snacks
In this epic list, I teamed up with my friends and fellow vegan dietitians – Dietitian Debbie, Christina Bedetta, RDN, LDN, Karla Moreno-Bryce, MDA, RD, LD, Amanda Wagner, M.Ed, RDN, LDN and Leonila Campos, MBA, RD – to share vegan snacks that we actually eat!
Here’s a quick summary of both recipes and store-bought/super easy Veganuary snacks:
- Vegan Popcorn
- Vegan Muffins
- Hummus with Pita Bread and Veggies
- Protein Powered Bites
- Trail Mix
- Oven Roasted Chickpeas
- Avocado Toast with a Twist
- Harvest Snaps Baked Green Pea Snacks (Lightly Salted)
- Vegan Protein Bars
- Lara Bars (or similar fruit and nut bars)
- Banana and Nut or Seed Butter Pack
- Plant Based Yogurt Vegan Cereal
- Hummus and Rice Cakes or Crackers
Easy Recipes
Quick Store-Bought Snacks
I love keeping store-bought stacks on hand for times when I haven’t prepared well, or need something super quick!
Here are some of my favorites that are super tasty and satisfying for a quick on the go!
Harvest Snaps Baked Green Pea Snacks (Lightly Salted)
If I’m in the mood for that chip-like crunch, but want something with a bit more sustenance?
These lightly salted Harvest Snaps is it (well, it’s least it’s one of my favorites for that craving)!
I like it because each serving (about 22 pieces) is a good source of fiber at 4 grams, low sodium, and includes a decent 5 grams of protein from the green peas!
Oh, and did I mention that they are tasty?
Vegan Protein Bars
Vegan protein bars are so handy, especially if I’m on a road trip or going to a party, where the only vegan options might be the fruit salad or raw veggies!
And you’re bound to be in one of these situations as a new vegan too!
Since vegan protein rich options can be hard to find in some places, you’ll often find me bringing a vegan protein bar when I’m out and about.
Here’s a couple of reviews I did on tasty vegan options I’ve tried:
Lara Bars (or similar fruit and nut bars)
Fruit and nut bars usually have less protein than high protein bars, and that’s ok!
They still provide a hunger crushing combo of some plant based protein, fat, and fiber containing carbohydrates.
I like to bring this whole food plant based snack when I need something to tie me over till my next meal.
Banana and Nut or Seed Butter Pack
You get the concept with any easily portable fruit and nut/seed butter combo!
You get a bit of plant based protein and fat with the nuts/seeds, and an energy rich carbohydrate source from the fruit!
Leonila Campos, MBA, RD adds, “I love a small banana with peanut butter and topped with hemp seeds. Such a treat.”
Vegan Cereal and Yogurt
Ok, so you’ll want to make sure you keep the yogurt in a cold pack (and don’t forget the spoon)!
But this option is still super quick and satisfying.
I like to go for yogurts with at least 6 grams of protein per serving (soy based yogurts tend to have this amount) and higher protein cereals to help keep me satisfied!
Hummus and Rice Cakes or Crackers
“One of my absolute favorite and quick balanced vegan snack is hummus and rice cakes. They’re really easy to prepare, especially with a busy lifestyle, and helps meet carbohydrates and protein for a filling snack. If I don’t have rice cakes, I’ll grab any other cracker I have on hand and dip them into hummus while I work at my desk.”
–Karla Moreno-Bryce, MDA, RD, LD
Frequently Asked Questions
Like the name implies Veganuary is a vegan challenge that occurs every January. It is operated by a charity in England and Wales, but Veganuary has grown in popularity in many countries.
When you sign up to take the Veganuary challenge at Veganuary.com, you can get emails and resources, including recipe ideas. While it is heavily promoted in January, anyone can sign up at anytime on their website.
It’s perfectly fine for your vegan journey to take longer than 1 month. Most of the world is not vegan, and learning how to identify vegan products or make plant based recipes can be a learning curve. Always remember compassion and the meaning behind veganism.
And make sure you check out these Veganuary recipe hacks!
I have a couple helpful resources for you! Check out this ‘Vegan For Beginners Guide‘ and my ‘Nutrition Made Simple’ Workshop!
Both are created by both a vegan and dietitian, so you can feel good about learning from a credentialed expert who ‘gets it.’
If you need some personalized nutrition guidance, or you have a medical condition, I’d suggest setting up a consultation with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
Let me know what your favorite snacks for new vegans in the comments below!
If you loved this article, you should check out these posts about being vegan!
–Transitioning to Veganism
–Vegan Challenges We Don’t Talk About Enough
–Vegan Quotes to Come Back To
–Grocery Shopping for Vegans (the 101)
And if you decided to make the switch, you should check out the replay of a talk I gave on ‘3 Common Mistakes New Vegans Make!’
Love these snack ideas—perfect for anyone trying Veganuary!
Love the easy vegan popcorn recipe. Sounds delicious!
It is! I have it just about every week 😋