7 Sweet (but Healthy) Snacks that Start with Once Again

By Sara Haas, RDN, LDN

Does the following scenario sound familiar? It’s 4pm and you’re hungry. Lunch was hours ago, and you’re craving something sweet. A cookie sounds delicious, and so does an ice cream bar, but you know those things lean more “dessert” than snack. What’s a snacker with a sweet tooth to do? Listen to the craving, but do it in a nourishing way! Luckily, there are plenty of sweet and nutritious snacks to keep you happily fueled between meals. We’re sharing a few of our favorites below.

Sweet Snack Idea #1: Once Again Graham Sandwiches

When you’re hungry and you need something quick and convenient, you’ll love our Graham Sandwiches. Two gluten-free graham crackers sandwich a subtly sweet filling of either peanut butter, chocolate & peanut butter, or sunflower butter, each with only 7 grams of added sugar or less. You’ll get at least 3 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per serving, both of which boost satiety, making it a snack with “staying power!” 

Sweet Snack Idea #2: Almond Butter Overnight Oats

Keep your sweet snack simple by using one of our flavored nut butters, like our Maple Almond Butter, to create something delicious. With only 1 gram of added sugar, but a whopping 3 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein per serving, it’s a satisfying way to cure your sweet tooth. One of our favorite ways to use it is in overnight oats! The night before, mix ½ cup rolled oats with ½ cup milk (or plant-based alternative), ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (or plant-based alternative), 1 tablespoon Maple Almond Butter and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon in a jar. Cover with a lid and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to enjoy it the next day, give it a stir and top with your favorite fresh or frozen fruit!

Sweet Snack Idea #3: Once Again Squeeze Packets 

Carrying a jar of peanut butter in your work bag or backpack isn’t practical. Thank goodness for our Squeeze Packets, which come in a perfect one-serving size. It’s as easy as tearing off the top and squeezing over anything from graham crackers or whole wheat crackers to apple slices or a banana. They also come in a variety of flavors, including peanut butter, almond butter, lightly toasted almond butter, sunflower butter and cashew butter, and have at least 2 grams fiber and 6 grams of protein per serving.

Sweet Snack Idea #4: Peanut Butter Yogurt Parfait

Snacking should be nourishing, but also fun. That’s why we love yogurt parfaits! They’re cute and completely customizable. One of our favorite versions starts with adding ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt to a parfait or other glass, followed by a few dollops of creamy or crunchy Peanut Butter and a handful of fresh or frozen berries, then repeating the layers one more time. Finish it with a dusting of ground cinnamon or a tablespoon of chopped peanuts and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

Sweet Snack Idea #5: Creamy Cashew Strawberry Smoothie

A smoothie can be a deliciously sweet and satisfying snack! To make a creamy banana-strawberry version, start with 1 tablespoon of our Creamy Cashew Butter, then cover with ½ cup milk or other non-dairy milk, followed by 1 small sliced ripe banana and 1 cup frozen strawberries, then blend until smooth! For a bigger nutrition boost, add 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds before blending.

Sweet Snack Idea #6: Nutty Waffle

A great snack can also begin with your freezer! Frozen, whole grain waffles make a great base for any of our nut or seed butters, so pick up a box the next time you’re at the grocery store. When the craving for a sweet snack hits, grab a waffle, toast it, top with 1 tablespoon of your favorite nut or seed butter, then cover with a drizzle of honey and sliced, fresh fruit, like bananas, apples, pears or kiwi.

Sweet Snack Idea #7: Almond-Coconut Toast

A slice of crusty whole grain bread is the perfect way to start this sweet snack! Toast a ½-inch slice, then cover with 1 tablespoon Creamy Almond Butter. Top with ½ cup thawed, frozen cherries and garnish with toasted, flaked, unsweetened coconut. Drizzle the top with any juices left from the cherries after thawing - they add a delightfully sweet touch without any added sugar.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a sweet snack that satisfies, start with nut or seed butter. Pair it with a whole grain and a serving of fruit, and you’ve got the perfect food to fuel you until the next meal.