20 Healthy (and Tasty) Snacks to Avoid Getting Hangry

Posted by Allison Day on November 14, 2016

Being "hangry," the dreaded feeling of hunger-induced anger, happens to the best of us. This fickle mood appears most often in-between meals, and snacking is the only known cure. Instead of reaching for a bag of chips to get your chipper temperament back, plan on these healthier, more satisfying options. Both salty and sweet snack loving fans will find something in this tasty roundup of healthier hanger helpers.

1 of 20

Simple Hummus

Hummus and veggies are a classic healthy snack that can easily be made at home. Keep a stash in your workplace refrigerator and pair with crackers if fresh veggies aren’t handy. The protein, fibre and iron from the chickpeas will keep you alert and happy until your next meal. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/simple-hummus/18413/" target="_blank">Jamie Oliver's Simple Hummus</a>
2 of 20

Strawberry Bruschetta

Think of this as a sweet, open-faced snack sandwich. Increase the staying power with a smear of almond butter instead of butter, or try cream cheese for a cheesecake-esque flavour. Get this recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/strawberry-bruschetta/16268/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Strawberry Bruschetta</a>
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Baked Falafel Sliders with Tabbouleh and Maple Tahini Sauce

Restaurant-quality falafel made for the most hangry of times can be made at home in the oven, reducing the calories while locking in the flavour. Loaded with protein and fibre, these falafel are garnished with a velvety tahini sauce and nestled in a baby pita. They’re almost too cute to eat! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/baked-falafel-sliders-with-tabbouleh-and-maple-tahini-sauce-35387/" target="_blank">Baked Falafel Sliders with Tabbouleh and Maple Tahini Sauce</a>
4 of 20

Cheese-Stuffed Dates With Prosciutto

Though this recipe has a more involved cheese mixture, you can simplify the snack to make it a 3-ingredient wonder. Sweet, salty and umami tastes combine to make a pretty healthy, hangry-crushing snack or app. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cheese-stuffed-dates-with-prosciutto/10979/" target="_blank">Giada de Laurentiis' Cheese-Stuffed Dates With Prosciutto</a>
5 of 20

Brown Rice Crispy Treats

Swap white rice cereal for brown rice cereal to get more B-vitamins and fibre, while still enjoying the taste of a childhood snack classic. For a bit of extra protein to squash hanger in its tracks, toss in a handful of additional nuts or seeds. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/brown-rice-crispy-treats/18737/" target="_blank">Brown Rice Crispy Treats</a>
6 of 20

Baked Beet Chips

Hanger, beware. No deep fryer is required to make these crispy beet chips, just an oven and olive oil. Switch up the flavour with any hearty root vegetable, like sweet potato or parsnips, and serve alongside some Greek yogurt for dipping. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/baked-beet-chips/15813//" target="_blank">Baked Beet Chips</a>
7 of 20

Pear Nutmeg Walnut Bran Muffins

Muffins are the original hanger-helper, tasting like cake but hiding secretly healthy ingredients, like this recipe featuring bran, pear and walnuts. Grab a cup of coffee and iron out that mood with one of these spiced-to-perfection cakelettes. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pear-nutmeg-walnut-bran-muffins/12479/" target="_blank">Pear Nutmeg Walnut Bran Muffins</a>
8 of 20

Chocolate Pumpkin Truffle Pops

All-natural and bursting with chocolatey goodness, you’ll get the ultimate hanger conquering pair, protein and fibre, in a tasty truffle bite. Skip the sticks if you don’t feel like fussing, just be sure to keep them handy for your mid-afternoon sugar needs. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/blog/vegan-chocolate-pumpkin-truffle-pops/" target="_blank">Chocolate Pumpkin Truffle Pops</a>
9 of 20

Jerk Chicken Wings

Baked, not fried, and packed with some of the spiciest peppers on the planet, these chicken wings have some serious kick. They’re an ideal weekend afternoon snack when you just want to park yourself in front of the television. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/turn-up-the-heat-with-these-jerk-chicken-wings/" target="_blank">Jerk Chicken Wings</a>
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Zucchini and Feta Frtitters with Yogurt Dip

Calling all salty snack fans! This amped-up version of potato pancakes will keep even the most hangry of moods steady. Keep a stash of these in your refrigerator for those just-in-case moments. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/zucchini-and-feta-fritters-with-yogurt-dip/15310/" target="_blank">Zucchini and Feta Frtitters with Yogurt Dip</a>
11 of 20

Raisin Pecan Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal and raisins and pecans (oh my!) come together in a cookie that’s begging for a glass of milk. This snack is sure to please adults and kids alike who are looking to satisfy their sweet tooth while crushing annoying hanger. Get the recipe for <a target="_self" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/raisin-pecan-oatmeal-cookies/17440/">Ina Garten's Raisin Pecan Oatmeal Cookies</a>
12 of 20

Vegan Crispy Cauliflower Arancini

Arancini are an Italian snack usually made with leftover risotto. Here, the concept is turned on its head, made with cruciferous vegetable superstar, cauliflower and a gooey vegan “cheese” sauce. Eat them straight off of the pan, or make a batch ahead of time and heat them up in the oven for those pre-dinner hangry episodes. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/vegan-crisp-cauliflower-arancini-for-a-healthy-snack/" target="_blank">Vegan Crispy Cauliflower Arancini</a>
13 of 20

Morning Glory Yogurt Loaf

Yogurt adds moisture and calcium to this delectably sunny slice. Slather a piece with vanilla Greek yogurt or skyr (very thick Icelandic-style yogurt) to make it feel ultra-indulgent. Double the batch and keep a loaf in the freezer for emergencies. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/morning-glory-yogurt-loaf/12156/" target="_blank">Anna Olson's Morning Glory Yogurt Loaf</a>
14 of 20

Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs

Eggs are high in protein and salmon is rich in healthy fats, but pair the two together in a deviled egg and you've got a snack that eats like a meal. Hanger doesn’t stand a chance with this delicious bite that works as both an entertaining appetizer or casual mid-week snack. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/smoked-salmon-deviled-eggs/15365/">Ina Garten’s Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs</a>
15 of 20

Burnt Toffee Peanut Butter Banana Cups

Peanut butter, coconut oil, dark chocolate and banana combine to make a secretly healthy snack that tastes as good as the original. With no added sugar, you’re less likely to experience a sugar crash (read: another hangry moment). Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/burnt-toffee-peanut-butter-banana-cups/17754/" target="_blank">Burnt Toffee Peanut Butter Banana Cups</a>
16 of 20

Goat Cheese Toasts

We love toast! And it's trendy for a few good reasons, being adaptable, healthy and fast — all things the hangry diner requires. This version is spread with tangy goat cheese and olives, though you can add anything you love; try goat cheese and jam, ricotta and figs or blue cheese and apple instead. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/goat-cheese-toasts/17279/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Goat Cheese Toasts</a>
17 of 20

Tortellini Skewers

Pasta salad made snackable! These festive-looking skewers will keep your belly full thanks to a hearty dose of pleasing, cheesy protein. Cook extra tortellini to keep in the refrigerator for the week — you never know when hanger will strike. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tortellini-skewers/15026/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Tortellini Skewers</a>
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Raw Carrot Cake Balls

Hemp, dates, carrot, coconut and spice are blended together for a portable, healthy snack that's sure to stop hanger pangs. For those who are a fan of the original, consider this your in-between carrot cake slices solution. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/raw-carrot-cake-balls/15314/" target="_blank">Raw Carrot Cake Balls</a>
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Mini Hasselback Loaded Potatoes

Baby potatoes, cheese, bacon, sour cream… What could go wrong? While slightly more indulgent, if you keep portion sizes in check, just one or two of these will crush hanger healthfully. To up the protein and lower the fat, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/mini-hasselback-loaded-potatoes/18684/" target="_blank">Mini Hasselback Loaded Potatoes</a>
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Turkey Waldorf Bites

Lean protein and juicy fruit are a mayo-free, snack-size take on traditional Waldorf salad. If you have leftover cooked chicken or turkey from yesterday’s dinner, use that for an even quicker fix. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-waldorf-bites/17553/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Turkey Waldorf Bites</a> Allison Day is a cookbook author, nutritionist (RHN) and the creator of the award-winning food blog <a href="http://yummybeet.com/" target="_blank">Yummy Beet</a>.
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