“Non-perishable snacks can be transported and stored without refrigeration,” says Oregon-based dietitian and recipe developer, Megan Byrd, RD. “If a food can be kept at room temperature for a few days without going bad, it’s considered non-perishable.” Well, that settles that. But allow your mind to wander beyond the nearest vending machine. “If you have a snack that is full of refined carbohydrates and sugar but has very little fiber or protein (think chips and crackers, or candy and fruit snacks) it probably won’t keep you full, and you’ll end up feeling hungry again within an hour or two,” Byrd says. So these healthy non-perishable snacks should do the trick. Whether you need a hold-me-over until your next meal or you’re looking for a snack that’s more nutritionally sustainable, read on for the best non-perishable snacks.
30 Healthy non-perishable snacks
“The best and healthiest snacks are the ones that are filling,” Byrd says. “That means they contain protein, fiber, and healthy fats, too.”
1. Straight-up fruit
Bananas, pears, oranges—they can all last for days.
2. Nuts
Whether you reach for almonds, walnuts, pistachios, or peanuts, you can’t get more natural (or convenient) than a one-ingredient snack; plain nuts contain protein and healthy fats.
3. Sliced fruit + nut butter
Combining two of Captain Obvious’s favorite non-perishable snacks pays off: The fruit contains fiber, while the fat in the nut butter serves up healthy fats and protein, all of which slows digestion to ward off hunger pangs.
4. Homemade protein cookies
Byrd’s sugar-free peanut butter-oatmeal protein cookies recipe is stuffed with flax seeds chia seeds—two ingredients you never thought you needed in a cookie, but they secretly keep you full.
5. Roasted chickpeas
“They’re filling, nutritious, and they taste good,” Byrd says.
Non-perishable breakfast snacks
The irony here: Your beloved morning meal probably didn’t do the trick if you’re itchy for snacks midday.
6. Protein cereal (with almond milk)
Look for a brand that contains more grams of protein than added sugars, like Special K Protein, Magic Spoon, or Three Wishes. Almond milk is optional but won’t go bad in your bag or glove compartment.
7. A single-serving oatmeal cup or packet
Just add hot water to fool anyone who thought you stored this piping hot snack on a shelf.
8. Breakfast bar
Rx Breakfast Bars are made with simple ingredients like egg whites, nuts, and fruit—sure sounds like a continental breakfast spread!
9. Coffee protein shake
Ripple makes a dairy-free version with 20 grams of pea protein—no refrigeration needed.
10. Homemade muffins
You were today year’s old when you learned that homemade muffins can last a few days at room temperature.
Non-perishable snacks for people who choose salty over sweet
11. Salted peanuts
Like almonds, they contain a dose or protein and healthy fats to stop you from reaching the next snack. And the next snack. And the…
12. Pretzels dipped in hummus
Wild Garden sells shelf-stable hummus packets that belong in your bag. After all, hummus contains healthy fats and proteins that hit the spot and make any crunchy snack more satisfying.
13. Roasted edamame
Pop a single-serving pack for the protein, stay for the salty crunch.
14. Seasalt seaweed snacks
The perfect snack to end an afternoon of snacking, these airy, uber-low-calorie sheets deliver when you honestly just need something in your mouth.
15. Popcorn
Skinny Popmakes single-serving packs full of crunchy, popable, and salty kernels—they’re everything you’d ever want in a snack (with a dose of fiber to boot).
16. Jerky
Whether you go for classic beef or alligator, elk, or kangaroo, salt satisfaction is coming for you.
17. Kale chips
Unlike potato chips, you can’t miss the memo that kale chips are full of produce.
Non-perishable snacks that deliver throwback lunchbox feels
18. A box of raisins
Coulda woulda shoulda shown up in your childhood lunchbox.
19. A tuna pack-topped rice cake
If your mom or dad never packed you a soggy tuna sandwich for lunch, you haven’t lived. Rice cakes add a snack-like crunch and are the queens of non-perishable fare since you’d probably never know if they were stale.
20. Protein shake
Did someone say, “Gogurt for grownups”?
21. Pop-Tarts
You lived off them when you were 9; may they always live in your adult pantry!
22. String cheese
Immediately abort the rule that these are just for children. While they technically belong in the fridge, they’ll last for days in your bag.
23. A can of soup
Extra points for SpaghettiOs—especially if you remember the “Oh-Oh” jingle.
24. Cheese cracker sandwiches
You bet they still make these!
25. Applesauce
It’s fruit that lasts forever—sprinkle with crushed nuts for sustained energy.
Non-perishable snacks for people who meant “dessert” when they said “snack”
26. Chocolate pudding cups
You bet Snack Packs are shelf-stable! (Even if they taste better chilled.)
27. Dates
They’re surprisingly sweet but pack more fiber than a spoonful of sugar.
28. A packaged cookie
Lenny & Larry’s The Complete Cookie Snack will completely hit the spot with plant-based protein, to boot.
29. Chocolate trail mix
Make your own with chocolate chunks, mixed nuts, and craisins, literally nature’s candy.
30.Snacking chocolate
Because the genius forces who took “snacking” and “chocolate” and made things official deserve your money—all of it. Next, check out these 43 expert-approved ways to save on all your shopping trips (including for groceries)!
