Stay Healthy While Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth! 10 Scrumptious Healthy Sweet Snacks for a Guilt-Free Indulgence (2020)

When humans were still cavemen, the sweetness of something was an indication that it was safe to eat like fruits were considered safe as it is sweet. Our fixation with sugar began way back in 6,000 B.C when sugarcane was discovered in New Guinea. Even after all these centuries, the sweet taste holds sway! According to experts, the craving for fat and sugar is biological, as it gives us quick energy. Also, many people are more inclined to sweet foods.

What is the reason for this insatiable sweet tooth? Well, studies have found that it is mostly genetic. Those who have sweet tooth have a higher threshold for sweetness, so they crave for more sugar to satiate their taste buds. You can satisfy your cravings for sweets and also lead a healthy lifestyle by looking for something healthy to snack on. Say no to rich bakery products, packaged cookies and processed candy. Get your dose of sweet snacks from healthy wholesome foods like dark chocolate, nuts and fruits. We have listed a few healthy sweet snacks that are packed with nutritional punch and are not just empty sugar bombs!

Whenever you crave for dessert then go for fruit-based desserts, which makes it a healthy option. Fruits are available throughout the year and are super nutritious, naturally sweet and everybody loves it. You can top fruits on cakes, ice cream or low-fat pudding. Fruits will not only make the dessert nutritious but will also increase the portion size.

Natural sweeteners contain nutrients and minerals and taste good too. Honey is packed with antioxidants and can be used to sweeten your oats, toast or tea. You can replace sugar with honey in baked treats as well. Agave is another liquid sweetener that is derived from the agave plant. Compared to other sweeteners it has a lower glycaemic index. Maple syrup is not just for pancakes, but you can add it in sauces, baking, and smoothies.

You can modify your favourite cakes, or cookies by giving it a healthy makeover. Use canola oil or applesauce instead of fat and whole-grain pastry flour. Make the recipe extra nutritious by adding nuts and dried fruits. When you make treats, there is all liberty to trim fat, sugar and calories making it healthier.

Chia seeds are edible and are obtained from Salvia Hispanica, a desert plant. This unprocessed, whole-grain food is absorbed by the body easily. The nutty and mild flavour makes it easy to add to beverages and foods. It is a very good source of iron, fibre, calcium, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. It is a nutritious addition to your daily diet. A combination of chia seeds and chocolate makes a healthy snack and satiates your sweet tooth.

The creamy texture of ricotta cheese and the sweet taste of pear slices make it a satisfying snack. A small chopped pear and 100 gram of ricotta cheese provide 12 grams of protein. If you want to trim down calories and fat intake, then this is a perfect dessert.

Surprised! Yes, truffles can be healthy. Dates, vanilla and almond butter makes this snack an easy way to balance your health and sweet snacking. This is the best alternative to processed chocolate truffles.

The rich combination of almonds and dark chocolate not only makes a satisfying snack, but it is also loaded with several health beneficial compounds. Both almond and chocolate are high in magnesium and the flavanols in dark chocolate are known to reduce the risk of heart disease and blood pressure. Healthy sweet snacks need not be complicated. This nut and chocolate combination is incredibly satisfying.

Yogurt is a powerhouse of calcium, vitamins, protein and probiotics, which help boost the immune system. It is also known to protect us from several diseases. Combining a fresh bowl of creamy and fresh curd with fruits makes it one of the simplest foods to enjoy. It is visually pleasing, healthy and a perfect way to start your day. You can top yogurt with healthy fruits to give an energy boost. You can use varied fresh fruits like Kiwi, Strawberries, Blueberries, Pineapple, Cherries, Bananas, Oranges, Peaches, Mangoes and Coconut Flakes. Take yogurt in a bowl, and top it with fresh fruits you have. You can sweeten the yogurt with Honey, Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup or Stevia.

Zucchini has zero fat and is rich in fibre, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. An interesting way to include this nutrient-dense food in your daily diet is making Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies. Kids will also love it without realising that they are eating zucchini.

This American Dessert Pie is a refreshing pie with filling consisting of key lime zest and juice, sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks in graham cracker crust. It tastes like tropics and in summers it is a must. Replace sweetened condensed milk and yogurt with the fat-free version to reduce calories.

The crisp apple cookies make a perfect snack. Apples, as we all know, has several beneficial properties and it is rich in fibre, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Apple cookies are the perfect way to enjoy the benefits of apples.

This is a simple and wholesome snack that is easy to prepare and is made with only five ingredients. You can ditch the flour and butter to prepare this gluten-free recipe. Almonds are also a good source of vitamin E, fiber, healthy fats and protein.

If you are a big fan of fruit-filled, and nutty energy bars then these little bars are perfect for you. This is a convenient way to fuel your body pre and post-workout. You don’t have to worry about messy protein shake as this small package has most of the nutrients that your body needs.

If you are hungry at night then instead of raiding your kitchen for leftovers, or you are not in the mood to prepare any midnight snack then the following snacks available online are great not only at night by any time of the day too.

Sweet Potato Chips – This diabetic-friendly, low calorie, gluten-free and heart-healthy snack is available in peri peri, pani puri and spicy flavours. This is a quick energy boost. It is available on active8me.in for Rs. 186 for a pack of 4.

Fruit and Nut Trail Mix – Available on nourishorganics.in, this is a delicious blend of cashews, walnuts, raisins, cranberry, dehydrated apple, sunflower seeds and almonds. Packed with fibre, antioxidants, plant protein, this mix is a perfect snack. The price of a 120-gram pack is Rs. 275.

High Protein Snacks – This diabetic-friendly snack has high fibre and protein content that is perfect for kids and fitness freaks. It will satiate hunger pangs unlike corn or potato-based snacks that cause immediate ‘sugar rush’. The product contains natural ingredients and is available in masala, cheese and tomato flavours. The 200-gram pack will cost Rs. 200 and is available on qtrove.com.