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Top 5 Vegan Back to School Snacks

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Top 5 Vegan Back to School Snacks!

With back to school season upon us, everyone is looking for quick and easy snack and meal ideas. The easiest way to ensure you eat healthy throughout the day and the entire week is to plan ahead and meal prep. I like making one homemade snack at the start of each week, and that way I have delicious and healthy snacks to pack for my day all week long. Here are my top 5 back to school snacks. Each one is vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free. These vegan back to school snacks are perfect to pack in your lunch, to grab as a quick snack when you get home, or even for a quick breakfast on the go.

1. Cherry Chocolate Chunk Energy Bars

These Cherry Chocolate Chunk Energy Bars are the perfect snack for on the go. They are made with complete carbs, lots of healthy fats, and added protein. They also have unsweetened chocolate which helps satisfy any sweet tooth cravings you may have throughout the day. I like to wrap these up in tin foil so I can easily bring them to work or school. I also freeze any extras I have so I always have some on hand to grab and go!

2. Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins

These Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins are one of my favourite snacks. I also eat these muffins for breakfast, especially if I’m in a rush. They are super moist and fluffy and filled with blueberries. You can also substitute the blueberries for whatever fruit you like. If you need a nut-free snack for school, you can leave out the almonds altogether or substitute with your favourite seeds for protein, and replace the almond milk with coconut or soy milk.

3. Chocolate Protein Muffins

These Chocolate Protein Muffins are a great snack to help you get through your day. They are super chocolaty and fluffy, yet they almost taste like a dessert. They are made with added protein to help keep you full throughout your day at school. These muffins can also be made nut-free by substituting the almond milk for your favourite plant-based milk.

4. Sweet and Salty Peanut Bars

These Sweet and Salty Peanut Bars are a perfect after-school snack. They are packed with protein and healthy fats to keep you feeling full until dinner time. They are chewy and delicious and the perfect combo of sweet and salty.

5. Pumpkin Muffins

These muffins are the perfect fall snack. They are super moist and delicious and perfect to enjoy during this back to school season. For anyone who needs nut-free snacks, these muffins can also be made nut-free by swapping the almond milk with your favourite plant-based milk and leaving out the walnuts.

For easy make-ahead breakfast ideas, try my Overnight Chia Oats, Healthy Toasted Granola, or Classic Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding!

Sweet and Salty Peanut Bars (V + GF + RSF)

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Sweet and Salty Peanut Bars!

These Sweet and Salty Peanut Bars are chewy and delicious. They make a perfect healthy and filling snack, or can also be enjoyed with breakfast. The peanuts and peanut butter add protein, while the oats and puffed quinoa add complete carbohydrates. They are sweetened with date paste, which is a natural sweetener packed with fiber and nutrients. Simply soak your dates in warm water, and then blend into a smooth paste. The added sea salt turns this chewy snack into a delicious sweet and salty combo.

Store them in the fridge for up to a week or try freezing them and taking one or two out at a time to dethaw before eating.

Tag me and follow along on Instagram @livesimplyhealthy for more healthy recipes and nutrition tips!

For more healthy snacks, try my Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Cups, Chocolate Almond Pulp Energy Balls or Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies.

Sweet and Salty Peanut Bars (V + GF + RSF)

Laura Brining
Delicious and healthy Sweet and Salty Peanut Bars!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 16

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Medjool dates pitted
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1/4 cup salted and roasted peanuts
  • 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup puffed quinoa
  • 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
  • 1/8 teaspoon coarse sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Cover the pitted dates in the 1/2 cup of warm water. Let soak for 5-10 minutes, or longer.
  • Add roasted peanuts, rolled oats, puffed quinoa, and shredded unsweetened coconut in a large bowl. Stir to combine.
  • Blend the soaked dates and the soaking liquid in a blender until a smooth paste forms. Add the date paste and natural peanut butter to the oat mixture. Stir until fully combined.
  • Firmly press the mixture in a 9x9 baking dish. Sprinkle the coarse sea salt evenly over the top of the bars. Let set in the fridge for 15-20 minutes, or longer.
  • Once set, slice into 16 bars.
  • Store bars in the fridge for up to a week or freezer for up to a month. I like to individually wrap the bars and keep them in the freezer for when I need a quick snack on the go.

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Sweet and Salty Peanut Bars Vegan

 

Cherry Chocolate Chunk Energy Bars

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Cherry Chocolate Chunk Energy Bars!

These energy bars are so rich and chewy, and make the perfect breakfast or snack. They are loaded with dark chocolate chunks and dried cherries, and have the perfect amount of sweetness. These bars are vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free. I use unsweetened dark chocolate that contains no added sugar, but trust me, the base is already sweet enough on its own! This creates a rich chocolate flavour and includes all the amazing benefits of dark chocolate – including minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats.

I love having these bars with my cup of coffee in the morning for breakfast, or as a snack with a cup of plant-based milk. The carbohydrates give you quick energy, while the protein and healthy fats keep you feeling full. This makes these bars perfect for a quick boost of energy or afternoon pick me up!

Cherry Chocolate Chunk Energy Bars

Laura Brining
Rich and chewy energy bars loaded with chocolate chunks and cherries.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup oats
  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 2/3 cup almonds
  • 1/3 cup pecans
  • 1 cup pitted dates about 10-12
  • 1/3 cup dried cherries
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened dark chocolate chopped into chunks

Instructions
 

  • Add the oats, coconut, almonds, pecans, and pitted dates to a blender or food processor. Blend on high until everything is fully combined and no large chunks remain. This should form a sticky crumb-like mixture.
  • Mix in the cherries and chocolate chunks.
  • Pour the mixture into a 9x9 baking sheet. Press firmly.
  • Set the mixture in the fridge to set for a few minutes. Remove from the fridge and cut into 12 bars.
  • Store the bars in the fridge for a week or in the freezer for up to a month.

Healthy Homemade Hummus

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Healthy Homemade Hummus

Healthy Homemade Hummus

Hummus is one of my favourite healthy snacks and addition to many meals. Made with a base of chickpeas, this snack is a great source of protein and will leave you feeling full and satisfied throughout the day. I love snacking on hummus with my favourite veggies or healthy crackers. One of my all time favourite crackers are Mary’s Crackers in everything flavour – they’re gluten-free, vegan, and made with all natural ingredients without preservatives. I also love to serve this over a bed of warm rice with my Gluten-free Tabouli Salad for a quick and simple weeknight dinner or make my Mediterranean Platter.

By making your own hummus at home, you know exactly what’s going into your food and you can even adjust the flavours to your liking. Feel free to experiment by adding in spicy paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or add red pepper for a flavour boost. This Healthy Homemade Hummus serves as a great base that you can experiment with over time.

This hummus is super easy to make and comes together in minutes. Store in the fridge in a covered container for up to a few days.

Tag me and follow along on Instagram @livesimplyhealthy for more healthy recipes and nutrition tips, or find out more about my personalized nutrition consulting here.

Homemade Hummus Recipe

Laura Brining
Simple and delicious Homemade Hummus Recipe.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • One 540 ml can of chickpeas rinsed and drained
  • 3 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice about half of a lemon
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons water

Instructions
 

  • Add all ingredients except the water to a food processor or blender. Blend on high until fully combined and smooth.
  • Slowly add 1 tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Garnish with olive oil, red pepper flakes, or paprika - if desired.

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Healthy Homemade Hummus

Healthy Toasted Granola

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Healthy Toasted Granola!

Healthy Toasted Granola

This Healthy granola is both vegan and gluten free. Packed with seeds and nuts, this healthy granola is the perfect way to incorporate extra protein into your morning. I like to serve this granola over coconut yogurt with berries, or as a side with my morning fruit. This granola can also be eaten with your favourite nut milk.

To incorporate lots of protein, I added chia seeds, hemp hearts, pumpkin seeds, and almonds. This granola is refined sugar-free and lightly sweetened with maple syrup. The dried fruit also adds additional sweetness.

Feel free to alter the recipe based on your preferences and what you have on hand. If you prefer sunflower seeds over pumpkin seeds or cashews over almonds, you can easily switch them out. You can also select any combination of dried fruit.

For more quick and healthy snack ideas, check out my Healthy Snack Ideas for School and Work or Banana Chocolate Chunk Muffins! 

Tag me and follow along on Instagram @livesimplyhealthy for more healthy recipes and nutrition tips!

Healthy Toasted Granola

Laura Brining
A healthy gluten-free granola with added protein.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings 4 -6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons Coconut oil
  • 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 cups large oats gluten-free if necessary
  • ½ cup pumpkin seeds
  • ½ cup almonds sliced or chopped
  • 4 tablespoons hemp hearts
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
  • ½ cup dried fruit roughly chopped (I used dried cherries and apricots)

Instructions
 

  • Heat a pan over medium heat. Add coconut oil and maple syrup. Add large oats, pumpkin seeds, and almonds. Stir over medium heat until toasted and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and add hemp hearts, chia seeds, coconut and dried fruit. Stir until combined. Store in jars in the fridge for up to two weeks.

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Healthy Toasted Granola