There’s nothing more frustrating than feeling hungry and not knowing what to reach for. Especially when you’re out and about and surrounded by tempting offers on crisps, chocolate bars or shop-bought smoothies that claim to be healthy but are loaded with sugar.
Ideally, you’d be eating regular meals that keep you full and energised, reducing the need for snacks. But life doesn’t always run on a perfect schedule. Whether travelling, stuck in meetings, or sitting in traffic, sometimes you need something quick and convenient to keep you going.
Here’s a list of go-to snacks we recommend at Foundry. These are things we’ve tried, trust, and often use ourselves. Some are homemade, and some are grab-and-go. All are simple, satisfying, and won’t derail your nutrition goals.
Homemade Snacks That Travel Well
- Celery with Nut Butter
Celery might not sound exciting, but add a teaspoon of almond, peanut, or cashew butter to the grooves, and you’ve got a crunchy, creamy snack that hits the spot. Prep a few sticks ahead of time and rotate your nut butters to keep things interesting.
- Crudités with Hummus
Chop up carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, or broccoli and dip them in hummus. Make your own or buy a simple one from the shop—but always check the label for added sugars or unnecessary oils. Pack them in a container, and you’re sorted.
- Cucumber Boats with Cottage Cheese
Slice a cucumber lengthwise into quarters, scoop out the seeds, and fill the centre with a spoonful of full-fat cottage cheese or cream cheese. If you’re feeling fancy, add a sprinkle of herbs or black pepper.
- Dates with Brazil Nuts
For a sweet treat that still does some nutritional good, stuff a few Medjool dates with a Brazil nut each. This combo gives you natural sugars, fibre and a hit of selenium. Just go easy if you’re sensitive to sugar or if you’re eating these later in the day.
Quick Wins You Can Pick Up Anywhere
You don’t always have time to prep. The good news is that there are now plenty of snack options available in supermarkets or health food shops that are convenient and nutritious.
- Protein Balls
Brands like Bounce or Deliciously Ella offer options with decent protein and no weird ingredients. Keep one in your bag for emergency snack moments.
- Seaweed Snacks
Seaweed snacks are a great alternative to crisps because they are light, salty, and packed with minerals. Look for them in places like Itsu, Waitrose, or health food shops.
- Jerky or Biltong
A solid protein option, choose brands with minimal additives, no added sugars, or MSG. If possible, look for grass-fed or organic.
- Raw Nuts
A handful of raw, unsalted nuts can be enough to tide you over. Cashews, almonds, walnuts, and mixed varieties are all great. Just don’t inhale the whole bag at once.
- Blueberries
Blueberries are a brilliant portable snack. They are naturally sweet and packed with antioxidants. Buy organic if you can, or give them a thorough wash if not.
- Snack Bars (the right kind)
Bars like Nakd or KIND offer decent options without loads of rubbish ingredients. Keep one in your car, coat pocket or work bag when you need something fast.
Keep It Simple, Keep It Consistent
Snacking doesn’t need to feel like a failure or a guilty indulgence. With some planning, your snacks can support your goals, give you energy between meals, and help you avoid the trap of ultra-processed convenience food.
At Foundry, we’re all about making nutrition work in the real world, whether you’re in the office, at home or on the move. If you’d like some help creating a plan that fits your lifestyle, pop into one of our personal training gyms and we’ll help you find something that actually sticks.
Related Articles
- Not Another Diet Article
- Think Outside of the (Cereal) Box
- 3 Healthy Breakfasts for When You’re in a Rush
- 5 Foodie Tips from P.Y.O.
- Nail the Nutritional Basics