Healthy Drugstore Snacks

We’ve all been in that situation where you are on a road trip and feel hungry, but aren’t familiar with the local restaurants, or find yourself famished while out running errands and need to grab something quick and easy. Often, that can lead to making unhealthy choices out of convenience, such as swinging through a fast-food drive-thru or grabbing a bag of chips at a gas station. These days, however, it’s actually easy to pick up healthy snacks at your local drugstore. Here are some healthy drugstore snacks to keep in mind next time you need a quick treat!

Hummus

Hummus is made from chickpeas, which have the fiber and protein needed to feel full. Most drugstores have pre-packed hummus and crackers or pretzels, which make for an easy grab-and-go snack.

Nuts

Most drugstores have a variety of nuts and trail mix. Nuts are a source of protein and fiber and are a great snack when you need a quick fix. If you go with trail mix, be sure to choose one without a lot of added sugar. If you choose a pack of nuts, just be sure to check the serving size — nuts can quickly go from a healthy snack to one high in calories if you eat too many!

Cheese

Check the refrigerator aisle for cheese sticks or Laughing Cow rounds to get a snack filled with calcium and protein..

Beef Jerky

If you eat meat, beef jerky is high in protein, and it takes longer to chew than other snacks, meaning you’ll have time to be satiated while eating a reasonable portion. Check the sodium content on the package and try to avoid brands where it’s very high.

Yogurt

Grab a yogurt cup and a spoon for a filling, high-calcium snack. Be mindful when selecting fruit flavors, as sometimes they have a lot of added sugar.

Protein or Granola Bars

A bar is perfect to grab and go quickly. Check the package to make sure the sugar isn’t too high — some granola bars are not much healthier than eating a candy bar! Look for the Kind or Larabar brands for a good option.

Popcorn

We love popcorn for a tasty treat that’s full of antioxidants, B vitamins, iron, protein and fiber. Popcorn on its own is a healthy snack; it’s usually the addition of butter and salt that makes it less than ideal. Look for a brand like Angie’s BoomChickaPop, which uses only a few simple ingredients.

Fruit

Many drugstores now offer a small selection of fresh fruit, which is always the best choice for a quick and healthy treat! Grab an apple, orange, or banana and be on your way!