Let’s be honest, most of us need a little snack to get us through the day. According to the National Institute of Health, more than 90 percent of Americans eat at least one on any given day. For that reason, snacks are big business: in 2025, the US market sits at more than $53 billion in value.

Jump to the SNACKS

Not all snacks are the same. While some can benefit our health, others are purely for enjoyment (and honestly, that’s okay). Below, we’ve gathered a list of some of our favorite indulgent, processed snacks (Pringles, Takis, Oreos, Pop-Tarts, you get the drift) that you’ll find in most supermarkets, but we’ve also thrown in some healthy favorites for balance (fruit jerky, nuts, edamame beans, etc). And, we’ve also got snacks that sit in the middle—they’re processed, but they’re still a great source of nutrients.

But before we get to the list (number 11 is one of Leonardo DiCaprio’s favorites, by the way), here’s a little more bit about snacking and how to do it right—according to diet experts, anyway.

Are snacks always bad for you?

Research suggests that in the US, the food supply consists of more than 70 percent ultra-processed foods. Most snacks on the market fall into the ultra-processed category, which means they contain multiple ingredients, including artificial additives, preservatives, and flavor enhancers. Some might call them “junk food”—think of products like Doritos and Pringles, for example.

bowl of potato chipsUnsplash

On the surface, this doesn’t sound great—especially when you consider that some research links excessive ultra-processed food consumption to issues like heart disease and cognitive decline, for example. However, many experts have called for more nuance on the subject of ultra-processed foods. 

Firstly: they’re not all created equal. Some foods, like fortified yogurts, for example, fall into the ultra-processed category, but they also provide us with beneficial nutrients, like calcium and B vitamins. It’s the same with some protein bars and store-bought hummus, for example. Both are processed snack foods, but both also have something to offer in terms of nutrition. 

“Foods classed as ultra-processed which are high in fat, salt and/or sugar should be avoided, but a number of ultra-processed foods are not,” Eric Robinson PhD, of the University of Liverpool, who released a paper on this topic last year, said in a statement.

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Sapna Peruvemba, MS, RDN recently clarified to VegNews that snacks to watch out for “are those calorie-heavy, nutrient-light foods that leave you hungry for more. Chips, candy, soda—you know the drill.” These foods typically undergo extensive processing to modify their texture, taste, and shelf life, making them highly palatable and convenient but often nutritionally poor.

But even with these foods, if you’re snacking on them every now and again, this is unlikely to do you much major harm. Peruvemba added: “Sometimes we just want a treat. The key is to indulge mindfully.” After all, these foods can give us other positives aside from nutrition. We don’t just eat for health reasons, but also for pleasure, comfort, and connection. 

“Pleasure of any kind, including pleasure from food, leads to a release of dopamine in the brain,” Aleta Storch, RDN, MHC told Healthline. “Dopamine is often referred to as the ‘feel good hormone’ because it activates the reward pathways in the brain, which helps to promote happiness, calmness, motivation, and focus.”

The best indulgent vegan snacks, from Pringles to crackers to fruit jerky

Below, we’ve included a mix of our favorite vegan snacks, from indulgent potato chips to healthier options such as dark chocolate almonds and roasted chickpeas. Ready to get snacking? Let’s dig in. 

Chips, pretzels, and popcorn

accidentally-vegan-snacks.chips-and-popcornRichard Bowie

1 Pringles

Pringles have been a firm favorite in the snacking game since the 1960s thanks to their stackable design and range of addictive flavors. While most Pringle varieties contain dairy, the Originals are vegan. Enjoy them as they are or mix them with your favorite homemade dip— we love this vegan garlicky chickpea avocado hummus.
Find it here

2 Takis

A popular American snack with Mexican roots, Takis burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with their intense crunch and fiery spice. Some flavors contain dairy, but varieties like Fuego are vegan-friendly. For more on the history of Takis, check out our guide here (it also includes other vegan spicy snack suggestions).
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3 Doritos

Similar to Pringles, Doritos quickly became a household name in the 1960s. Today, the tortilla chips are loved all over the US (and indeed, the world). While many varieties contain dairy, the Spicy Sweet Chili flavor is vegan, offering a nice balance of heat and sweetness. Again, they’re tasty as they are, but for balance, we recommend enjoying them alongside one of our favorite healthy dips (this black bean dip is delicious and easy to make).
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4 Fritos

A classic since the 1930s, Fritos are one of the simplest chip options on the market—made with just corn, oil, and salt. The Original variety is vegan, and because of its plain flavor, will pair well with dips like guacamole or hummus.
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5 Ruffles

If you prefer a ridged chip, Ruffles is likely already a go-to. Since 1958, this popular brand has been supplying Americans with lots of thick-cut, crunchy goodness. While many flavors include dairy, the Original variety is vegan, made simply from potatoes, oil, and salt.
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6 Lay’s

Founded in the 1930s, Lay’s (known as Walkers in the UK) is one of the biggest names in the chip world. The brand, known for its distinctly thin, crispy, salty chips, has many, many different flavors, but you can always count on the Classic variety if you want a quick vegan snack.
Find it here

7 Snyder’s of Hanover Jalapeño Pretzel Pieces

Snyder’s, founded in 1909 in Hanover, Pennsylvania, is known for its bold-flavored sourdough pretzel snacks, like these vegan-friendly Jalapeño Pretzel Pieces. A good on-the-go snack, they’re spicy, tangy, and satisfying.
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8 Sunchips

Made from whole grains like corn, wheat, and brown rice, Sunchips Original variety is vegan. They’re crunchy, a little nutty, and tasty, but they also provide fiber and are lower in fat than other products in the category, making them a more wholesome chip alternative.
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9 SkinnyPop Original Popcorn

If you’re looking for a simple snack, SkinnyPop’s Original variety is vegan and made with just popcorn, sunflower oil, and salt. Bonus: popcorn is a whole grain, which makes this light crispy snack a source of fiber, too.
Find it here

10 Harvest Snaps Veggie Chips

If regular potato chips aren’t your thing, or you’re just looking for a change, Harvest Snaps, made from whole green peas, black beans, or lentils, are a crunchy, protein-packed tasty alternative. Several flavors, like Lightly Salted, are vegan.
Find it here

11 Hippeas

With DiCaprio as a financial backer, Hippeas has gone from strength to strength since its launch in the late 2010s. The crunchy, puffed chickpea snacks deliver the perfect balance of protein, fiber, and crunch. Top vegan flavors include White Cheddar and Blazin’ Hot.
Find it here

accidentally-vegan-snacks.cookies_720Richard Bowie

Cookies and pastries 

12 Oreos

Oreos are one of the most popular snacks in the US. In fact, research suggests that in 2020, they were consumed by more than 71 million Americans. These sweet, chocolatey favorites are vegan, as the recipe is made without eggs or dairy. We recommend enjoying them with a nice chilled glass of dairy-free milk. For more information on this iconic cookie, check out our guide to Oreos here.
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13 Unfrosted Pop-Tarts

Developed in 1964, Pop-Tarts have long been a nostalgic breakfast treat for millions of Americans. While frosted varieties contain gelatin, the Unfrosted flavors (Strawberry, Blueberry, and Brown Sugar Cinnamon) are vegan. Read more on the story behind Pop-Tarts here.
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14 Nutter Butter Bites

These crunchy peanut-shaped cookies, which contain no dairy or eggs, have been around since the late 1960s, and they’re still a hit with consumers today. Enjoy them alone or dunk them in dairy-free milk for extra indulgence.
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15 Lenny & Larry’s The Complete Cookie

This oversized soft-baked vegan cookie from Lenny & Larry’s is packed with an impressive 16 grams of plant-based protein per serving. Packed with peanut butter and chocolate chips, it’s also tasty, sweet, and indulgent, too.
Find it here

16 Lotus Biscoff Cookies

Originally created in Belgium in 1932, these vegan-friendly spiced caramelized biscuits are now popular all over the world, including in the US. They’re warm in flavor, crunchy, and especially tasty with a mug of hot tea or coffee.
Find it here

Crackers

17 Ritz crackers

Ritz crackers might be known for their buttery taste, but there is actually zero dairy in the recipe—their signature light, flaky texture comes from vegetable oils. They’re great for pairing with vegan cheese, dips, or peanut butter.
Find it here

18 Nabisco Triscuit Crackers Baked Whole Grain Wheat

If you’re looking for something a little healthier, Triscuits are simple yet hearty crackers made from just whole wheat, oil, and salt. They’re particularly tasty with a generous serving of homemade guacamole.
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19 Nabisco Original Grahams

Graham crackers have an interesting history that dates all the way back to the 1800s (you can read more about that here). While many brands add honey, Nabisco Original Grahams are vegan. They’re great for snacking, s’mores, or crumbling into desserts or plant-based yogurt.
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20 Wheat Thins

Launched in 1947 by Nabisco, Wheat Thins are savory, a little nutty, and satisfyingly crunchy. Many varieties are vegan, including Original, Basil, and Sundried Tomato & Basil. Enjoy them straight out of the packet or with your favorite vegan cheese.
Find it here

21 BelVita Crunchy Breakfast Biscuits

Designed for sustained energy, BelVita biscuits are made with whole grains and contain fiber, making them a great breakfast-time snack. While some flavors contain dairy, the Cinnamon Brown Sugar and Golden Oat varieties are vegan. They’re especially tasty with nut butter—find some of our recommendations here.
Find it here

accidentally-vegan-snacks.chocolates-and-barsRichard Bowie

Chocolate and energy bars

22 Lindt Vegan Chocolate

Swiss chocolatier Lindt, which is known for its smooth, rich chocolate, has many vegan options. While plenty of its dark chocolate bars are dairy-free, the brand also now offers a range of creamy indulgent oat milk truffles and chocolate bars.
Find it here

23 Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars

Since the 1970s, Nature Valley has been a go-to for crunchy snacks. Its Pecan Granola Bars are vegan-friendly and loaded with whole grains for long-lasting energy. In fact, each pack boasts around 22 grams of whole grains per serving.
Find it here



24 Clif Bars

Clif Bars, created in the 1990s as an energy-boosting snack, are a staple for athletes and adventurers, sure, but they’re also a great everyday snack, too. Most flavors, like Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Brownie, are vegan—they’re the perfect combination of delicious and nutritious.
Find it here

25 Larabars

Larabars focus on minimal, whole ingredients—usually just fruit, nuts, and spices. Vegan and gluten-free, these bars provide fiber and healthy fats with no added sugar. Look out for unique, tasty flavors like Cashew Cookie and Apple Pie.
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26 Trubar Protein Bars

If you want to increase your protein but you always find yourself craving sweet, dessert flavors, Trubar is for you. The brand offers plant-based protein bars with dessert-like flavors like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Whipped for Key Lime.
Find it here

27 Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars

These soft-baked fig bars are inspired by the classic Fig Newtons but made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. The whole wheat crust and real fruit filling provide fiber, natural sweetness, and sustained energy.
Find it here

28 Hu Hunks Chocolate Almonds

Hu isn’t totally vegan, but it does offer plenty of dairy-free choices, including these  Chocolate-Covered Almonds. Made with simple ingredients, like dark chocolate and organic almonds, they offer a rich, crunchy, satisfying snack for chocolate lovers.
Find it here

accidentally-vegan-snacks.whole-foodsRichard Bowie

Whole foods

29 Mixed nuts

Whether they contain almonds, cashews, walnuts, or pistachios, mixed nuts are a classic, protein-packed snack. They also contain healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients like magnesium and vitamin E.
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30 Gimme Seaweed Organic Roasted Seaweed Sheets

Seaweed sheets might sound like an odd snack at first, but trust us, these roasted sheets from Gimme Organic are tasty and light. They’re also a good source of iodine and omega-3, too.
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31 Biena Roasted Chickpeas

If you’re not in the mood for potato chips, Biena’s crunchy roasted chickpeas offer a high-protein, fiber-rich alternative. Made with real chickpeas and simple seasonings, the bite-sized snacks are satisfying and tasty.
Find it here

32 Baby carrots

Naturally sweet and crunchy, baby carrots are a zero-prep, vitamin-rich snack loaded with beta-carotene. Grab some hummus or guacamole (or make your own if you have the time and the desire) and get dipping.
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33 The Only Bean Crunchy Roasted Edamame Beans

High in plant-based protein and fiber, these roasted edamame beans make a great alternative to nuts for those with allergies (or those who just don’t like the flavor of nuts). They’re crunchy, satisfying, and nutrient-dense.
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34 Cherry tomatoes

If you’ve got cherry tomatoes on hand, you don’t have to whip up a salad to enjoy them. They’re also tasty on their own as a bite-sized snack. They’re juicy, sweet, refreshing, and full of antioxidants like lycopene.
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35 Apple slices

Simple, low-effort, crisp, and hydrating: Apple slices can’t be beaten. They provide fiber, vitamin C, and natural sweetness without added sugar. Need a little more? They pair well with peanut butter or cinnamon for extra flavor.
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36 Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

Pepitas might be small, but they are still a pretty satisfying snack choice, especially when paired with fruit or nuts. They also have a slightly nutty flavor, and are rich in magnesium, protein, and zinc, making them a nutrient-dense snack option.
Find it here

37 Berries

Got a sweet tooth? Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are simple easy-to-grab snacks that are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins to support brain and heart health. Even better, they are naturally sweet and juicy.
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38 Solely Organic Pineapple Fruit Jerky

Made with just one ingredient—real organic pineapple—this chewy, naturally sweet fruit jerky delivers tropical flavor with no added sugar or preservatives. It’s an easy, shelf-stable snack that provides fiber and vitamin C for a burst of natural energy.
Find it here

For more about vegan snacks, read:

Here at VegNews, we live and breathe the plant-based lifestyle, and only recommend products we feel make our lives amazing. Occasionally, articles may include shopping links where we might earn a small commission, but in no way does this effect the editorial integrity of VegNews.

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