We’ve all been there: you’re at school, trying to be healthy, but just can’t resist your school’s killer pastry bar. Vending machines are generally no help and when you’re trying to stop the freshman 15 in its tracks, your options seem to be extremely limited. But never fear, Trader Joe’s is here with 9 healthy snacks to fulfill any craving.
1. Trek Mix
Photo courtesy of Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s has more trek mix options than you can count with different nuts, ratios of chocolate, and dried fruit. I’m a huge fan of the almond, cashew and chocolate mix that comes in little bags (to make sure you don’t shovel the whole thing in your face at once). I like to add some dried cranberries in to hide the taste of the almonds, but there’s just enough chocolate to satisfy a sweet tooth and still make it healthy.
2. Freeze Dried Fruit
Photo by Amelia Crabtree
What’s incredible about freeze dried fruit is that it’s so flavorful, delicious and healthier than dried fruit. Trader Joe’s has a killer selection, ranging from all types of berries to mangoes to bananas and more. I’ve learned that fruit is sometimes really challenging to keep in your dorm room, but with freeze dried fruit, you never have to worry about it going bad (usually because you’ll have already eaten it all).
3. Low-Fat Granola
Photo by Amelia Crabtree
Granola is not only a fantastic breakfast food, but it can easily be mixed into yogurt or doused in a bowl of milk. My personal favorite is the mixed berry since it has lots of different sweet fruits, which knocks out more than one food group. I love sprinkling some of this into yogurt to add some crunch.
4. Spinach and Kale Greek Yogurt Dip
Photo by Amelia Crabtree
If you can’t stand kale, never fear for I didn’t even realize this had kale in it when I tried it for the first time. Using greek yogurt makes this a bit zestier than sour cream based dips, but its just as tasty, if not more. Branded as “reduced guilt,” you don’t have to worry about controlling yourself too much with this. Grab some baby carrots or crackers and dip away to your heart’s content.
5. New Zealand Sweet Apple Rings
Photo by Amelia Crabtree
Sometimes you need something sweet and these apple rings fit the bill. These apple rings, shipped straight from New Zealand at the peak of their ripeness, make for the perfect snack. With no added sugar, they’re a guilt-free way to enjoy something sweeter in the afternoon while staying on the healthy side of things.
6. Organic Popping Corn
Photo by Amelia Crabtree
What’s a night in without popcorn? Unluckily for us, prepackaged popcorn is stuffed with additives, sodium, and unneeded fat. While it takes longer to pop corn on the stove, this popcorn is super fluffy with just the right amount of crunch. Fun fact: this popcorn somehow rarely has tons of those unpopped kernels, meaning you’re getting the most out of your favorite movie treat.
7. Greek Yogurt
Photo by Amelia Crabtree
Greek yogurt is an amazing, filling snack that not only tastes great, but also is super healthy. Trader Joe’s has tons of varieties, many of which are cheaper than other brands. Personally, I love the pomegranate one, but you can step-up your game by adding granola or fruit chunks as you eat breakfast on your way to class.
8. Seasoned Kale Chips
Photo by Amelia Crabtree
Ditch the potato chips and jump on the kale bandwagon. These kale chips are so scrumptious you’ll forget that you’re being super healthy. They’re lightly seasoned and super easy to toss in a Ziploc bag to munch on for the rest of the day.
9. Organic Light String Cheese
Photo by Amelia Crabtree
This is a major throwback to your elementary school days. Studies show that college students, particularly girls, are at a high risk for a calcium deficiency, so stock up on some cheese as a healthy snack that will help your bones.
Bonus 10. Scandinavian Swimmers
Photo by Amelia Crabtree
Because who can be healthy all the time?