Plant-Powered Summer Eats

Good Housekeeping 2021 guide to healthy plant-based snacks

From the LifeMinute.TV Team

July 20, 2021

It’s more important than ever to eat right to keep yourself healthy. So we’re talking plant-based snacks for summer that are bursting with flavor and nutrients. Here are our favorites snacks, all with the Good Housekeeping nutritionist-approved emblem to help you identify healthier choices at the grocery store and shop smarter for you and your family.

Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
This is a great option for those looking to limit sugar because it has no added sugar and is low on the glycemic index. It's lactose-free, soy-free, and gluten-free and has 50% more calcium than dairy milk. Plus, it's a good source of vitamins D and E. It has just 1 gram of carbs and 30 calories per serving, and it's made from real California Blue Diamond Almonds.

Grapes from California
In addition to their great taste, grapes are very good for you. They contain a unique mix of naturally occurring compounds, including antioxidants and other polyphenols. Polyphenols are linked to multiple health benefits, including heart, brain, GI, and skin health. A recent study showed eating 2¼ cups of grapes every day for two weeks increased resistance to sunburn and reduced markers of UV damage at the cellular level, which is amazing news. California grapes are also super hydrating with 82% water content, which can help promote healthy skin. Check out grapesfromcalifornia.com for over 300 awesome recipes.

Wonderful Pistachios
This plant protein powerhouse is one of the highest protein snack nuts, with more than 10% of your daily value in each serving. They’re a complete protein, which means they provide all nine essential amino acids. Naturally cholesterol-free, this pick comes in a variety of delicious flavors and adds fiber to your day. Almost 90% of the fat found in the nut is unsaturated. The trio of nutrients in pistachios, protein, fiber, and fat, may help keep you fuller longer too.

The Cosmic Crisp®
Meet your new favorite apple. They are classically bred and a cross between an Enterprise and Honeycrisp. Grown in Washington state, these are amazingly sweet and juicy, large, and have a perfectly crisp texture. They are the most versatile apple you’ll find and are great for baking too. Check out cosmiccrisp.com for some fabulous unique recipes.

Sweet Northwest Cherries
This incredible superfruit can help prevent chronic inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. Cherries contain powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins, which appear to shut down enzymes that cause tissue inflammation. Anthocyanins may improve memory and cognition in older adults with mild to moderate dementia too. Plus, this superfruit is also a natural source of melatonin, serotonin, and tryptophan, which may improve your quality of sleep. And, of course, cherries are delicious. 

Hampton Farms in-shell Peanuts
They have a whopping 7 grams of protein per serving. The unsalted in-shell peanuts are certified by the American Heart Association, and they're naturally vegan, gluten-free, and cholesterol-free.