Alternative snacks for the workplace
Get our top five healthy alternatives to the typical grab and snack.
Whilst at work we are all tempted to indulge in a sweet treat or something easy to grab from the shops, canteen, fridge, or vending machines.
Having items ready to go and relatively cheap can influence our eating habits. Many of these items including ultra-processed food, crisps and confectionery are high in fats and salts but low in vitamins and nutrients our minds and body truly need more of.
The best snacks to eat in the office:
1. Grapes
Grapes are readily available from nearly every grocery shop and supermarket, are full of goodness and easy on the pocket.
A large pack of grapes can cost under £2, slightly more expensive than a packet of chocolate buttons but much healthier for you and will last longer.
A serving typically consists of 0.6g protein, 62 calories and 15g sugar to help satisfy that sweet tooth.
Grapes also contain vitamins C and A, potassium, iron, and folate. Eating grapes can also help treat indigestion, fatigue, and kidney disorders.
2. Popcorn
An alternative to the packet of crisps, popcorn is a high fibre snack packed with energy.
Typically, around 6g less fat per serving than a packet of ready salted crips, popcorn provides around 44 calories per serving with 1.1g fibre and 5.7g carbs.
There are of course indulgent variations of popcorn. However, instead aim for a healthier option such as Propercorn.
3. Hard-boiled eggs
A high protein diet can often lead us to look for processed meats to help hit our protein goals.
For a mere 22p each you can hard boil an egg and take it with you to eat when you need that high protein snack.
At 156 calories and 12g protein for 2 eggs, this simple 5-minute make can be a great and cheap alternative to processed meats.
Embrace the whiff! Add them to sandwiches, salads, or toast to turn a quick snack into a lunchtime meal.
4. Baked sweet potato fries
Potassium, protein, fibre, a great taste and less than 5g of sugar.
Baked sweet potato fries make for a great on the go snack.
A typical serving is around 150 calories and ticks all the boxes. Dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free can all be achieved when made from home and can take less than 30 minutes to prepare.
Add them as an alternative to chips for a main meal for a healthy switch up.
5. Walnuts
A snack for the whole office, walnuts are vegan friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free, less than 5g sugar, 180 calories per serving and have a great shelf life for a healthy top drawer treat.
A great alternative to fish for Omega-3, walnuts are also rich in antioxidants and promote a healthy gut.
For further reading, why not check out our article on ultra-processed foods.
If you want any nutritional advice for your workforce, from seminars and webinars to one-to-one consultations to canteen consultancy, please contact us.