The Best Low-Sugar Snacks We’re Stocking Up on for Fall

As many of us head back to the office and back to school, those post-Zoom “grazing breaks” in front of the fridge are no longer possible. (And, honestly, they’re probably not the healthiest habit either.)  No matter where you’re spend your days these days — work desk, school desk, on the road, on a trail — we can all use some reliably delicious fall snacks that keep hunger at bay without the energy crash that comes from too much added sugar. 

So we scoured all the snacky options out there to find the best munchies with no added refined sugar. We skipped the more savory options, like whole grain crackers and veggie chips, and focused on things geared toward sweet-tooth-satisfaction. We also avoided products with sugar substitutes, since those are in a category of their own.

Instead, we looked for things sweetened naturally with fruit, or that could crush a serious chocolate craving (you know the kind) without resorting to oodles of sugar. Without further ado, here are our favorite fall snacks.

1. Lara Bars

So many protein bars have tons of added sugar or a laundry list of additives. Lara Bars are the rare exception — and you can find them at nearly any supermarket. They’re made with just fruit and nuts, and depending on the flavor, spices and chocolate chips too. Most have 4 to 5 grams of protein and no added sugar aside from chocolate chips. They come in tons of flavors too, so you can keep snack time interesting. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip and Pecan Pie get our top votes.

Buy It: Lara Bars, $18 for 16 bars

Photo Credit: love + chew

2. Love + Chew Cookies

They’re called cookies, but these soft and tender goodies are almost like snack cakes. Sweetened with dates and made with almond flour for extra protein, these gluten-free, vegan treats are healthful enough to tuck in your gym bag for a proper post-workout bite. They come in four flavors and two sizes (regular and mini).  Best of all, kids love them — especially the banana bread flavor. This is a cookie you’ll be happy to add to your kid’s lunch box.

Buy It: Love + Chew Cookies, $20 for 8 cookies

Photo Credit: Amazon

3. Solely Fruit Jerky

Sometimes (all the time?) you want a pineapple. But packing around half a pineapple isn’t easy — unless it’s in jerky form. These fruit bars are made with organic pineapple and nothing else, so you can satisfy your craving with minimal effort.

Buy It: Solely Fruit Jerky, $16 for 12 strips

Photo Credit: Amazon

4. Honestly Cranberry Unsweetened Dried Cranberries

Cranberries are packed with polyphenols and antioxidants, including some that prevent UTI-causing bacteria. But most dried cranberries are soaked in sugar syrup or juice. These dried cranberries from a family farm in Wisconsin are unadulterated, so you get the full benefits without all the sugar. Their sour power can take some getting used to at first, but if you love tart flavors, they’ll quickly become addictive. 

Buy It: Honestly Cranberry Unsweetened Dried Cranberries, $10 for 3 ounces

Photo Credit: Hu Kitchen

5. Hu Hunks Chocolate-Covered Almonds

Chocolate-covered almonds are the hands-down best snack for studying, or really anytime you need to stay alert and fueled up for the long haul. The combo of whole nuts and buzzy chocolate can’t be beat. But eat too many and a sugar crash ensues. Enter organic Hu Hunks, which coat the nuts in a thick layer of cocoa powder and cocoa butter with a smidge of unrefined coconut sugar instead of traditional chocolate coatings. A hit of sea salt gives them grown-up flair. They make cashew and sour goldenberry versions too.

Buy It: Hu Hunks Chocolate-Covered Almonds, $13 for 2 4-ounce packs

Photo Credit: Wildway

6. Wildway Snack Mix

Trail mix with chocolate chips or candy-coated chocolates seem somewhat virtuous, until you find yourself digging through the bag for just the chocolate bits. Wildway snack mixes are smart — they coat the dried fruits and nuts in a layer of cocoa powder so each bite delivers. But they let the dried fruits sweeten the cocoa naturally, so they have 0 grams of added sugar, and you can munch away to your heart’s content. 

Buy It: Wildway Snack Mix, $10 for 6 1.5-ounce packs

Photo Credit: Nature’s Garden

7. Nature’s Garden Probiotic Apricots

Sweet-tart, plump and chewy, dried apricots are truly nature’s candy. Bonus: These plump Turkish apricots are enhanced with probiotic powders containing Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG and Lactobacillus Plantarum to help maintain good gut health. 

Buy It: Nature’s Garden Probiotic Apricots, $11 for 12 ounces