During pregnancy, you may have become a serious snacker.
From cravings to random hunger pains, it might feel like you need food on you at all times. But what snacks are good to keep in your purse for on the go? Unfortunately, many of the most convenient options aren’t healthy. But there are still many alternatives that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
Read on to learn 24 store-bought and homemade pregnancy snack ideas for on the go.
What Makes a Healthy Pregnancy Snack?
When it comes to pregnancy snack ideas, what should you be looking for? Here’s a quick run-down that will help you choose better foods and read nutrition labels.
- Protein helps you feel fuller longer. It’s also critical for your baby’s growth.
- Dairy and non-dairy products contain calcium that helps your baby develop strong bones and teeth.
- Vitamins A, C, and D are all important to help your baby develop properly.
- Whole grains. When you have the option, always stick to food with whole grains.
- Whole foods. Healthy pregnancy snack ideas contain whole foods, rather than being flavored by salts, sugars, and artificial additives. If you’re reading a label, pay attention to the ingredients you don’t recognize. Try to stick to snacks where you know exactly what’s in it.
11 On-The-Go Pregnancy Snacks to Buy
When it comes to pregnancy snacks to buy, it can be hard to know what you should choose. Most pre-packed snacks aren’t as healthy as they appear to be.
Although it’s usually better to make your own snacks at home, it’s easy to reach for the convenience of store-bought items. In those times, try to make the healthier option by paying close attention to nutritional labels. Compare brands. In general, look for varieties without added ingredients or flavors, like salt or sugar.
Below are the healthiest on-the-go pregnancy snacks to buy.
#1 Trail Mix
Pay attention to the brand because not all trail mixes are healthy. Look for varieties containing mostly nuts, seeds, and dried fruits and that limit unhealthy ingredients. Added salt and sugar is also something to watch for.
#2 Granola Bars
Most granola bars aren’t healthy. Look for a brand that’s low in sugar and has whole grains. Here’s 16 Granola Bars That Are Actually Healthy.
#3 Nut Snack Packs
If you’re buying nuts as a snack, make sure you choose a brand low in sodium with no artificial ingredients. Many brands are flavored and coated in salt.
#4 Nut Butter Packs
Purchase nut butter squeeze packs to keep in your purse for a quick on-the-go snack that’s both healthy and filling. Make sure to pair it with a portable fruit, like an apple or banana.
#5 Hummus Packs
Keep hummus packs in your purse along with a bag of crackers or carrots.
#6 Guacamole Packs
Guacamole packs can also be paired with low-sodium crackers for a healthy pregnancy snack to buy. Try to choose a brand with the least added ingredients.
#7 Dried Fruit Packs
Dehydrated fruit is another delicious and healthy pregnancy snack idea. Since they’re high in sugar, a snack pack can help with portion control. Make sure to choose a brand with no added sugar or ingredients.
#8 Coconut Date Rolls
With only two ingredients, these coconut date rolls might become a sweet go-to pregnancy snack idea. Dates are high in fiber and contain some protein too.
#9 String Cheese or Pre-Wrapped Cheese
String cheese provides a good dose of calcium along with filling protein.
#10 Bagged Popcorn
If you’re purchasing bagged popcorn, try to find a plain variety with low sodium.
#11 Applesauce
Choose unsweetened brands with natural ingredients.
#12 Homemade Pregnancy Snack Ideas for On The Go
If you have a little extra time, it’s usually healthier to prepare your snacks at home. Luckily, there’s many quick foods you can make and take in your purse wherever you go.
Here are the best healthy pregnancy snack ideas for on the go.
#1 Trail Mix
The healthiest trail mix is usually the one you make at home. You can craft the perfect balance of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also a good way to combine all of your favorite cravings in one bag of deliciousness.
On TheHealthyMaven.com, Davida says there’s 4 components to a healthy trail mix:
- Nuts— Any type of raw nuts without salt or unhealthy oils.
- Seeds— Seeds add extra protein along with iron.
- Dried fruit— Stay away from varieties with added sugar.
- Fun stuff—Chocolate, popcorn, pretzels, or whatever else you’re craving during pregnancy!
See Davida’s Go-To Trail Mix Recipe with optional add-ins.
#2 Granola
Granola can be added to yogurt or fresh fruit for breakfast. However, it’s also great alone as an option for pregnancy snacks on the go. Just throw a few handfuls into a bag before you leave home.
You can make your own healthy granola using just a few ingredients: oats, nuts, seeds, oil, and spice. Add-ins include dried fruit, citrus zest, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and more! You can also make different flavors like cranberry-orange or gingerbread.
Learn about optional granola add-ins on CookieAndKatie.com.
#3 DIY Nut Butter Snack Packs
Make your own nut butter snack packs. In a small Tupperware container, add a few tablespoons of nut butter. Pair it with cut-up celery, apples, or a banana.
#4 DIY Hummus Snack Packs
In a small Tupperware container, add a few tablespoons of hummus. Nestle in crackers or your favorite cut vegetables, like cucumbers, carrots, or cherry tomatoes.
#5 Peanut Butter and Banana Energy Bars
These bars are easy and quick to make with only a few ingredients, perfect to meal prep and enjoy throughout the week. Using bananas, peanut butter, oats, almonds, and honey, simply mix and bake. You can also bake a bunch and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
See the 5-Ingredient Energy Bar Recipe on BowlOfDelicious.com
#6 Plain Popcorn with DIY Seasonings
Pop popcorn over the stove using only as much oil as required. Separate into plastic bags to eat throughout the week. To keep things interesting, prepare a variety of seasonings to sprinkle on.
Learn how to make the Perfect Stovetop Popcorn on CookieAndKatie.com.
Get the Recipes for 4 Homemade Popcorn Seasonings on NeighborFoodBlog.com.
#7 Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas
Like chips, roasted chickpeas are a crunchy snack that’s easy to take on the go. They make the perfect pregnancy snack idea thanks to their protein content. You can also customize the spices to your food cravings or food aversions.
Learn how to make Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas on ItDoesntTasteLikeChicken.com.
#8 Hardboiled Eggs
Simply throw one or two hardboiled eggs in a plastic bag or container for a pregnancy snack on the go.
See how to make the perfect hardboiled eggs on TheStayAtHomeChef.com.
#9 Homemade Salsa and Chips
Instead of salt-laden, store-bought salsa, make a fresh, healthy version at home. Pair it with oven-baked tortilla chips (store-bought or homemade) for a snack you can throw in a container and take to work.
Learn how to make fresh salsa with just 7 ingredients on APinchOfHealthy.com.
#10 Baked Sweet Potato Chips
For another chip option that you can throw into a bag, try sweet potato chips. Use a mandolin slicer to cut thin slices of potato and bake. They can be customized with your favorite seasonings.
Get the recipe for Baked Sweet Potato Chips on TheCookieRookie.com
#11 Raw Veggies or Fruit
Make your own fresh vegetable or fruit snack packs by combining your favorites into a small Tupperware container. Berries, carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower are all good options.
#12 Healthy Muffins
Muffins bought in-store are usually packed with sugar and unnecessary ingredients. However, muffins made at home can be healthy—as long as you choose the right recipe. Experiment with a few to find your favorite and take on the go in a plastic bag.
Get the recipe for Healthy Banana Blueberry Muffins on InspiredTaste.net or try this Classic Bran Muffin recipe on AllRecipes.com.
#13 Cheese and Crackers
Cube your favorite cheese and add it to a container with low-sodium crackers for an easy but filling snack.
More Pregnancy Food Ideas
Looking for more help in the food department during pregnancy? Check out our other guides:
- 33 Satisfying Pregnancy Snacks Perfect for Morning Sickness
- 10 Surprisingly Easy, Deliciously Healthy Pregnancy Dinner Recipes
- 9 Life-Altering Healthy Pregnancy Meal Hacks If You HATE Cooking
- Pregnancy Smoothies: 8 Recipes
Summary: Pregnancy Snack Ideas On The Go
If you’re looking for pregnancy snack ideas on the go, you don’t have to compromise health! Whether you’re making your own snacks at home or searching for store-bought alternatives, there’s better options available. When choosing what to eat, consider the food’s nutritional content, such as the protein, vitamins, and minerals offered. Try to stick with whole foods that don’t contain artificial flavors. Often, these snacks are packed with unnecessary salts or sugars.
P.S. Have you tried a fetal doppler yet? These handheld devices allow you to listen to your baby while she’s still inside the womb. Many parents find the experience rewarding because it gives them an extra opportunity to bond before birth.
Hear Heartbeats Between Prenatal Appointments. Try a Fetal Doppler!