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Hello! I’m Anjali. I’m a board certified health coach, author, wife, mom and food lover from the SF Bay area (now living in Seattle, WA!); with a passion for delicious food and a desire to make healthy eating easy, tasty and fun! Learn more about me here and stay for a while!

Anjali Shah

20 Easy Healthy College Snacks

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These 20 healthy college snacks will come to your rescue when you need something to fuel up for a study session, or when you’re on the go between classes. Stock your mini fridge with healthy balanced foods, and keep these non-perishables on hand for an anytime healthy snack!

healthy college snacks - snack box pictured next to computer and notebook

So here’s the dilemma: we all want to eat healthy, but sometimes it’s just impossible to cook, especially if you’re a college student with limited kitchen access!

As a result, you may fall back on ramen noodles, processed (boxed) mac and cheese, and high sugar energy bars.

When I was in college, I never cooked and it was really hard for me to figure out which snacks were the healthiest to eat.

I’m here to take all the guess work out when it comes to healthy dorm snacks. In this post you’ll find exactly what you need to stock your mini fridge (so you can make a quick snack or meal on the fly), to protein packed snacks that will improve your brain power.

These healthy college snacks are tasty, fresh, and as simple as it gets! With a little creativity, and the right ingredients, enjoying nutrient rich foods when you’ve got limited resources will be easier than you think!

Why Is It Difficult To Eat Healthy When You’re A College Student?

When you’re in college and living in the dorm you’re at the mercy of what is provided for you in your school’s dining hall.

Over the years college campuses have gotten a lot better about providing students with a variety of options, including healthy fresh foods.

However, when you come back to the dorm and have the munchies, relying on non-perishable processed food is a lot easier and faster!

That’s especially because, for most college students, it’s often difficult to get to a real grocery store. If you don’t have a car, and you’re living on campus, you may stop in the nearest convenience store to get your snacks.

The problem is, convenience stores have very limited fresh produce and healthy snacks, but have numerous processed foods since they are shelf stable.

As a result, college students tend to stock up on energy bars, frozen pizzas, and ramen. It’s what’s available, easy, and doesn’t require any cooking!

How Can College Students Eat Healthy?

The first important aspect of eating healthy when in college is simply understanding the nutritional value in the foods you eat. When you go to the dining hall, you’ll then be able to sort through what is going to fuel your body with nutrients, and what is filled with empty calories and fat.

Choose wisely by filling your plate with fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit the amount of high sugar foods you consume.

Eat slowly so that you give your body enough time to send the signal to your brain that you are full.

When you feel full, stop eating! You don’t have to have that extra cookie or bowl of froyo!

Tips for Eating Healthy as a College Student

  • Eat a nutrient rich breakfast. (Learn more: Vegetarian Breakfast Ideas)
  • Keep healthy snacks in your dorm.
  • Pay attention to how much added sugar you consume (there are even added sugars in foods that look healthy, like flavored yogurt!).
  • Always stop by the salad bar at the dining hall. Choose a veggie rich salad, with a small amount of dressing.
  • Drink lots of water daily.
  • Understand portion sizes. It’s easy to eat 2 or more servings of chips and other high calorie foods without realizing it!
  • Consider adding in a daily vitamin. Hiya is the healthiest chewable vitamin (for kids or college students) that I’ve found, and Ritual for Women or Men is the best pill-style vitamin I’ve found.
  • Increase your consumption of fruits and veggies.
  • Stock your dorm room’s mini fridge with healthy options.
  • Buy healthy non-perishable snacks.
  • Limit the amount of junk food you eat.
healthy college snacks - snackbox full of fruit, nuts, and other healthy snacks

Healthy College Snacks

Healthy Snacks for College Students: Fruits and Vegetables

Here is a list of fresh fruits and vegetables to keep on hand when you feel like snacking. Not all fruits and veggies need to be refrigerated. However, if you have a mini fridge, you can keep some of these cool to lengthen their shelf life.

  • Apples, Bananas, Oranges: These are both super portable fruits that don’t perish easily, and have 80-100 calories and 3-5g fiber each (3g for bananas, 4-5g for apples).
  • Carrot Sticks and Hummus: Carrots are high in fiber, while hummus is high in protein. As long as you don’t go overboard with the hummus you can keep this snack to around 100-150 calories.
  • Pre-Washed Vegetables: Mini bell peppers, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, and tomatoes are simple and low calorie, as well as full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. You can pair them with a healthy dip like hummus, nut butter, or protein-rich string cheese to keep you fuller longer!

Perishable Snacks: Stock Your Mini Fridge

When it comes to stocking your mini fridge think of snacks like low-fat dairy, pre-cooked hard boiled eggs, and unprocessed dips that you can use for veggies, and crackers.

  • Cheese: Low fat cheese sticks, cheese cubes, and cheese slices are easy grab and go snacks you can eat with whole grains crackers, or whole grain bread slices.
  • Yogurt: It’s best to choose plain Greek yogurt. This type is high in protein and low in sugar. Add fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey for sweetness. One container of Greek yogurt is 80-90 calories and has 14g protein. Add 1 Tbsp honey and a handful of cereal or nuts, and you’re looking at a 200-250 calorie nutrition packed snack.
  • Hard-Boiled Eggs: It’s possible to buy pre-cooked hard-boiled eggs that are already peeled. Hard-boiled eggs are high in protein and low in calories.
  • Dips: Hummus, salsa, guacamole, and low-fat ranch or yogurt dips are great to pair with veggies and whole grains crackers and bread. You can buy these in individual serving sizes.
  • Nut Butters: When it comes to nut butters you have to be careful not to go overboard. One serving is 2 tablespoons. Nut butters are high in protein, and healthy fats.

Healthy College Snacks: Grab and Go Snacks

  • Nuts and Seeds: 1/4 cup of nuts has about 140 calories and is a good source of fiber and protein. Walnuts are my favorite. Opt for raw nuts for the highest nutrition benefit.
  • Applesauce: Another great way to get your daily serving of fruit in a non-perishable way. Just be sure to get the unsweetened apple sauce with no additional sugar added
  • Dried Fruit: If you can find it, opt for dried fruit that has no added sugar. Freeze dried fruit is an even better option! Raisins, dried cranberries, apricots, cherries, apples, blueberries, and prunes are high in fiber.
  • Whole Grain Crackers and Bread: About a 250 calorie snack if you add peanut butter and banana. And it’s a healthy twist on the old pb&j!
  • Trail Mix: When choosing a trail mix opt for one that has a variety of nuts, and dried fruit, but does not have added chocolate or salt.
  • Low-Sugar/Natural Energy Bars: I recommend choosing one of these protein bars that are made with all natural ingredients, are extremely delicious and low in added sugars. Depending on the bar, they can make a great snack or dessert substitute, or a meal replacement (for the ones higher in calories and protein).
  • Popcorn: If you have an air popper you can buy corn kernels and pop your own no salt, oil, or butter added popcorn. You can also make popcorn in an instant pot, or try different flavors and variations like this jalapeno popcorn or unicorn popcorn!
  • Rice Cakes: Try brown rice cakes, they have 2g fiber and 60 calories per cake. Add 1 tbsp almond butter and that’s a 160 calorie snack!
  • Kale Chips: Probably one of the healthiest snacks out there, and if you don’t want to make your own, choose an organic pre-packaged option.
  • Healthy Breakfast Cereals: choose any one of these healthy cereals; and you’ll end up (on average) with a 1 cup snack around 120-150 calories, with 5-6 grams of fiber and only 5-6 grams of added sugar.
  • Shelf Stable Soups: a great way to get your serving of vegetables, and they last FOREVER unopened. Once you open them, you just need to use them within 10 days which is totally doable, and they are delicious.
  • Snap Pea Crisps: 22 pieces are only 150 calories, and provide 5g protein and 2g fiber.
  • PopChips: A great substitute for potato chips, with half the fat and only 120 calories for 23 chips.
  • The Good Bean Chickpea Snacks: These chickpeas pack a nutritional punch! 1/2 a package has only 140 calories, but provides 6g fiber and 7g protein. And they are delicious!
  • Ginger Chews: A great substitute for sugary candy, 2 pieces will run you only 40 calories and have only 5 grams of sugar each.

Healthy Snacks for College: Make it in a Mug

If you have a mug and a microwave you can whip up a home cooked snack in no time flat!

  • Scrambled Eggs: Add an egg to a mug, scramble with a fork, add a few chopped veggies, and you have a high protein veggie filled meal.
  • Oatmeal: Add quick oats and water to a mug and microwave. Sprinkle with cinnamon, and a chopped banana (or berries, pear or apples) and nuts.
  • Yogurt Parfait: Layer low fat plain Greek yogurt with fresh berries, and top with crunchy granola, nuts, or cereal.

FAQS

How many snacks should you eat in a day?

It is recommended that you eat 2-3 snacks per day at the most. If you’re more active, you may need an additional snack. If you’re more sedentary, you may want to limit it to one snack.

Is snacking healthy?

Snacking is healthy if you make healthy choices as suggested above. Nutrient dense snacks that are high in protein and fiber will help keep you satiated between meals, and give you added energy.
Snacking becomes unhealthy if you end up eating processed/packaged foods that are high in salt/fat and/or sugar, and those foods end up “crowding out” healthy options like fruits & veggies.

What snacks are good for studying?

Choose snacks that are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. These types of snacks such as apples and peanut butter will help improve your brain power. Whereas high sugar, high salt, and snacks high in saturated fat will make you feel lethargic.

20 Easy Snack Recipes

These are some of my favorite easy snack recipes that you can quickly pull together in your dorm or small apartment.

Mushroom toast with spinach and roasted garlic on a wooden cutting board.
Mushroom Toast
When you sink your teeth into this mushroom toast, you’ll know you’ve found your next favorite lunch, breakfast, or snack combination! Soft tofu, roasted garlic, mushrooms, onion, and baby spinach are sautéed with spices, then topped with parmesan cheese on a whole wheat baguette toast. 
View this recipe
fruit and vegetable smoothie, served in a glass mason jar, topped with pineapple and spinach leaves
Fruit and Vegetable Smoothie
A nutritious fruit and vegetable smoothie that's super tasty and refreshing and has 2-3 servings of fruits and veggies in each glass.
View this recipe
Easy homemade vegan nutella in a glass mason jar.
Vegan Nutella
Dark, rich, creamy vegan nutella is made with raw hazelnuts, dark chocolate, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup. It is a decadent chocolate hazelnut spread for dipping fruit, or slathering over pancakes, toast, and more!
View this recipe
Easy Grape Salad
This refreshing recipe for grape salad brings sweet and savory together to create the perfect side dish! The sweet red grapes are well-balanced with the addition of jalapeno peppers, creamy avocado, and soft cotija cheese. It's vegetarian, gluten-free, and ready in just 20 minutes!
View this recipe
feta salad with lentils, cucumbers, tomatoes, corn in a bowl
Simple and Fast Lentil and Feta Salad
This simple and quick Lentil and Feta Salad is made with cucumbers, juicy grape tomatoes, red onion, corn, and bell pepper for a high protein, nutrient-packed salad hearty enough to make a meal!
View this recipe
Powdered peanut butter cookies stacked on a sheet of parchment paper.
Powdered Peanut Butter Cookies
Delicious powdered peanut butter cookies are moist, chewy, perfectly sweet, and so easy to make! This sweet treat is a fun twist on a traditional peanut butter cookie, and much healthier too. Low sugar, low calorie, and with a vegan and gluten free option – these pb powder cookies are great for the whole family!
View this recipe
Instant pot popcorn served in a white bowl on a white countertop.
Instant Pot Popcorn
Make your favorite movie-time snack in your pressure cooker! This instant pot popcorn is easy, mess-free, and perfectly crisp. You only need four ingredients and less than 20 minutes to make it.
View this recipe
Homemade Lara Bar Recipe - bars stacked on wire rack
No Bake, Vegan, Date Bars Recipe (Homemade Lara Bar)
Made with just 5 ingredients, this no bake recipe for date bars has zero added sugar but is still amazingly sweet and decadent!
View this recipe
A pile of chocolate donuts served on a white plate.
Chocolate Donuts
Start your day with these decadent, easy chocolate donuts! They are light, fresh, delicious, and healthier when homemade! Perfect for a special breakfast, brunch or dessert!
View this recipe
no bake peanut butter bliss balls on a white platter
Peanut Butter Bliss Balls
These healthy, no bake peanut butter bliss balls are easy to make, super delicious, kid-friendly, and decadent. They also happen to be dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free, and low in sugar. At less than 100 calories, they make for a healthy and tasty snack or dessert!
View this recipe
Peach banana smoothie served in a glass with a straw and mint leaves as a garnish.
Banana Peach Smoothie
Start your day off right with this delicious, healthy banana peach smoothie! This easy recipe is creamy, thick, perfectly sweet and takes just 5 minutes to make! It's a great breakfast for busy mornings or when you need a mid-afternoon pick me up. Refreshing, tasty, easily made vegan and family friendly too!
View this recipe
Stack of vegan protein balls made with peanut butter, oats, protein powder, and chocolate chips, in a white bowl.
Vegan Protein Balls
These delicious vegan protein balls are the perfect healthy snack for a boost of energy and nutrition. Plus, they have no refined sugar and happen to be gluten free! The best part? This easy recipe comes together in only 10 minutes, and has 5 grams of protein per ball!
View this recipe
baked and crispy courgette chips with parmesan, stacked on an oven rack
Baked Courgette Chips With Parmesan
Crispy and cheesy oven baked courgette chips are a healthy alternative to fries or potato chips.
View this recipe
air fried sweet potato fries in a yellow basket
Air Fried Sweet Potato Fries
These Air Fried Sweet Potato Fries are spicy, crispy, and bake up to a perfect golden brown. Easy and quick they're a healthy alternative to traditional fries!
View this recipe
Healthy air fryer mozzarella sticks served on a wooden cutting board with tomato dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Air fryer mozzarella sticks are a fast and delicious way to make one of America’s favorite snacks! This recipe is so easy and full of delicious flavor. There’s nothing like that gooey melty cheese and that perfect cheese pull. It makes a great cheesy snack or appetizer, and is perfect for happy hour or a game day party too!
View this recipe
Low calorie healthy guacamole recipe served in a bowl with a tortilla chip garnish.
Healthy Guacamole Recipe
This easy, homemade healthy guacamole recipe is packed with flavor and is so simple to make! Serve it as a topping on tacos, nachos, and enchiladas, spread it on sandwiches or toast, or enjoy it as a dip. Ready in just 15 minutes, this low calorie guac also just happens to be vegan and gluten free friendly too!
View this recipe
Edamame guacamole with tortilla chips in a white bowl.
Edamame Guacamole
This delicious edamame guacamole is the perfect healthy dip! Low in calories and fat, and easy and quick to make, this tasty vegan edamame guacamole will be the star of your next party!
View this recipe
Loaded veggie nachos piled with veggies, jalapenos, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, olives served on a white platter.
Loaded Veggie Nachos
Making loaded veggie nachos has never been easier! Layers of chips, melty cheeses, and the best toppings come together to make the perfect side dish or main dish. These nachos are easily customizable making them great for the whole family. Enjoy them for cinco de mayo, game day, or movie nights – this no meat nacho recipe is delicious any time of year!
View this recipe
Homemade Vegan Ferrero Rocher truffles stacked on a grey cutting board.
Vegan Ferrero Rocher
These lightened-up vegan Ferrero Rocher truffles are a healthier version of the classic Ferrero Rocher recipe! These treats are chocolatey, nutty, and easy to make – and they taste just like the real thing!
View this recipe
Strawberry smoothie bowl topped with banana slices, strawberries, nut butters and seeds on a white countertop.
Strawberry Smoothie Bowl
This strawberry smoothie bowl is naturally sweet, filled with fruit, and so simple to make. With just 4 ingredients, you can easily customize this creamy smoothie bowl for a healthy breakfast, lunch, or snack. Vegan, gluten free, and perfect for any smoothie lover!
View this recipe

Check Out These Other Easy Snack Recipes You Can Make in Your Dorm Room!

If you have tried these Healthy College Snack Ideas or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOKTWITTERINSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious, healthy, family friendly food!

39 responses to “20 Easy Healthy College Snacks”

  1. I think SLOW bars would be a perfect fit for this list! The California bar is like a salad for your back pocket!

    • Oh nice! I got your other email too Lake! Thanks for the suggestion — will get back to you now! 🙂

    • Ha well Lara bars taste like they’re “naughty” but they’re actually not bad in terms of ingredients! All of the sugar in the bars (while there is a lot) comes from dates vs. cane sugar, so that’s something I can get behind 🙂

  2. Thank you so much for all the helpful ideas 🙂
    I needed something to help me in the morning to start off my day when I head to school. Some of these really look good 🙂

  3. I’m never in one place for too long so I’m always looking for good, healthy on-the-go options. Thank you for posting! I’m a big fan of carrots and hummus 🙂

  4. Hi, the site looks great.

    I was just wondering what you would recommend for quick and easy meals that can be taken to university? Keeping in mind there are no fridge or heating facilities. I really struggle trying to find good tasting food that can be taken with me.

    Also I have heard that the ginger chews in the picture above can sometimes help with indigestion 🙂

    Thanks

    • Hi Briana! So glad you like my blog! So as for quick and easy meals to take on the go, I’d recommend sandwiches, salads and wraps that you make at home and then take with you. For sandwiches/wraps — make sure you’re getting an all-natural, low sugar, 100% whole wheat or sprouted wheat bread/tortilla. Fill it with tons of veggies: spinach, tomatoes, onions, red peppers, etc; a lean protein; and spices/salt/pepper to taste. For salads – load them up with all kinds of veggies, nuts/seeds, lean protein and make a simple dressing with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar to drizzle on top! And yes, ginger chews can help with nausea, stomach aches and indigestion – they’re best taken right after a meal. Hope that helps!

  5. This is a great article for college students like me! Thank you! An almond butter and jelly sandwich sounds soooo good right now! My tummy is growling! Thanks for all the healthy ideas!

    • No problem at all!! I’m so glad it’s helpful for you! I hope you ended up having that AB&J! 🙂

  6. Hello Anjali,

    Great blog and great article! I represent the Marketing & PR for a new line of better-for-you snacks called “Hi I’m Skinny” sticks. The line was developed in house by Cornfields, Inc., the better-for-you snack company.

    I came across your blog and this article and thought I would reach out to you to see if “Hi, I’m Skinny is something you’d like to review. You can read all about us at http://www.hiimskinny.com. Essentially we’re a grain based, all natural, heart healthy snack that has up to 40% less fat than traditional snacks. With 6 different flavors to choose from, you’ll be getting up to 19g of whole grains in one serving and only 4 calories per stick. Also, all of our products are Non-GMO. If after reading about us, you’d like me to send you a sample pack of our line, just email me back and I’d be happy to!

    I’d also like to note, that I do not expect anything to come of reaching out to you. I just came across your blog and this article and thought this would be perfect for your followers.

    Thank you!
    Brandy

    • Hi Brandy!

      Thanks so much for reaching out to me and for your kind words about my blog! I’d love to learn more about your products – I’ll send you an email and we can take it from there. Thanks!

      Anjali

    • Thanks Sarah! To your question – they look similar but I can’t totally decipher the nutritional info so I can’t be sure. But if they are roasted with minimal oil, then they should be pretty close to The Good Bean! Btw – if you really want to try The Good Bean you can order it online here. Oh and don’t worry about the questions – I’m happy to answer any others you have! 🙂

  7. Thanks for the tips! Will pass on to my sis. who’s going off for college next year! 🙂 And what’s better than sprouted grain bread? I love French Meadow Bakery’s-esp. the one with the yummy nutty flax and sesame seeds!

    • No problem!! Hope your sister likes these tips as well! And totally – sprouted grain bread is the best. I’ve never tried French Meadow Bakery’s version though, I usually use Ezekiel’s. I’ll have to try that next time!

  8. Love your snack list! I’ll know what to suggest to my daughter when she goes to college. I still have a few years to go (thank goodness!).

    • Thank you so much!! And yes, it’s nice that you still have a few years before you have to think about your daughter going to college! 🙂 Btw – these make great after-school snacks too, especially if you’re on the go. Hope she likes them when she tries them!

  9. These are all great snacks! I would add instant oatmeal. I used to eat that every morning before heading off to class. Quick and easy 🙂

    • Great point! Plain Instant oatmeal with no sugar added (the flavored kinds have tons of sugar) is a perfect option! 🙂

  10. I love carrots and hummus. I have that snack almost everyday.
    I also love popcorn. I can get 100 cal bags and they are very filling.
    Great tips. I will have to look for some alternatives I can get in Australia.

    • Thanks – so glad you like these ideas! I totally agree with you about popcorn – if you season it with spices and a bit of salt (vs. butter) it’s a very healthy snack!

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