Sometimes your lunch doesn’t keep your hunger tamed all day, or, worse yet, sometimes you just don’t have time for lunch (skipping lunch is something we’re very against at Fooda, but we understand it can happen in dire circumstances).
But we all know that a 2 PM slump hits differently when your office snack options are limited to stale pretzels from the break room or mystery candy from your coworker's drawer. We've unfortunately all been there. It’s hard to stay focused and productive when you're running on empty.
Not to mention, snacking has changed as more people try their best to be health conscious in their day-to-day life. That’s why healthy snacks for the office are becoming a must have for workplaces to keep employees energized. But, it can be hard to meet every employee's preferences.
Whether you're looking for protein-packed options, quick energy boosters, or nutrient-dense choices that keep you full until dinner, having a variety of smart snacks within reach makes all the difference.
To get some new ideas, browse this list of 10 healthy snacks to stock your office pantry. There’s something for everyone:
We had to top the list with nuts because raw or lightly salted almonds, like those from Blue Diamond, are one of the most convenient and nutritious office snacks available.
These heart-healthy nuts are packed with vitamin E and fiber, helping you stay full between meals. Studies from the National Institute of Health show that eating almonds regularly may help lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
As an added bonus, they have an incredibly long shelf life, making them perfect for keeping in your desk drawer.
If you already have office snacks, there’s probably a big box of SkinnyPop from Costco in your pantry. But unlike the buttery movie theatre option, popcorn can be a healthy office snack when prepared the right way with just popcorn, oil, and salt.
This whole-grain snack is surprisingly low in calories and high in fiber, which helps keep you satisfied. Individual bags make portion control easy, and the texture hits that craving for something crunchy without the guilt of traditional chips.
Everyone craves an occasional sweet treat and dark chocolate isn't just delicious– it's genuinely good for you, in moderation. Brands like Ghirardelli offer high-quality options that maximize health benefits and minimize added sugar.
Studies have shown that dark chocolate has many health benefits! Believe it or not, it’s one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet. It can also improve heart health and reduce inflammation. Keep a bar in your desk and break off one or two squares when you need a mood-lifting treat.
High-quality granola or oatmeal can be a nutritious desk snack, but don’t just grab any bag off the shelf. Many store bought options are loaded with sugar and are high in calories. You’ll want to look for a brand like Kind Healthy Grains or Purley Elizabeth with fewer additives and extras.
Granola’s oats deliver an impressive amount of fiber and iron, and blends with nuts and seeds that add in those unsaturated fats we mentioned earlier. But packaging can be deceptive, so be sure to double check ingredients.
For a lighter option that brings international flair to your snack drawer, rice cakes and seaweed snacks are having a (much deserved) moment. Both are low in calories and come in all sorts of flavors while delivering crunchy umami bites.
These snacks are particularly popular in offices with diverse food cultures and offer a refreshing alternative to standard salty snack fare. They're light enough that you won't feel weighed down during afternoon meetings, but satisfying enough to tide you over until dinner.
If you're truly ready to upgrade your office snack game, options like Farmer's Fridge take workplace snacking to the next level. These smart fridge services use healthy ingredients like quinoa or chickpeas, dishing out snack packs (and meals) that taste fresh.
While Farmer's Fridge requires a bigger commitment than stocking your cabinets with non-perishables, it's becoming increasingly common in offices that want to prioritize employee wellness and convenience.
Protein bars from brands like RXBar or Perfect Bar offer a portable source of sustained energy. RXBars are known for their simple ingredient lists, featured on their packaging (usually egg whites, nuts, and dates). While Perfect Bars stand out with their refrigerated approach - combining nut butter, honey, and organic ingredients for a creamy texture.
These bars typically pack 10+ grams of protein and come in multiple flavors, making them substantial enough to serve as a mini-meal replacement when you're truly pressed for time.
Greek yogurt from brands like Fage deliver nearly twice the protein of regular yogurt, making it one of the most filling healthy snacks for the office. Choose plain varieties to avoid added sugars and keep a small container of fresh berries at work to add natural sweetness and antioxidants.
The probiotics in yogurt support digestive health, while the calcium strengthens bones. This snack does require refrigeration, so it's best if your office has a shared fridge or you have a mini fridge at your desk.
Citrus fruit like clementines or mandarin oranges are nature's perfectly portioned snack. They're easy to keep fresh and deliver a refreshing burst of vitamin C that supports immune function.
The natural sugars provide a quick energy boost without the crash that comes from processed sweets, and the fiber content helps stabilize blood sugar levels throughout the afternoon.
Of course there are other great fruit options, like apples, bananas and grapes. It’s just a matter of having the ones that your team prefers!
There’s an endless number of veggies to pick from, but we’ve found that baby carrots are a crowd pleaser. They carry the perfect balance of crunch, protein, and vitamin A for eye health (which we all need since we’re constantly staring at screens).
When paired with a healthy dip like hummus, you’ll add plant-based protein and healthy fats into the mix. This combination keeps you full and energized, making it an ideal mid-afternoon snack that won't weigh you down.
While keeping healthy snacks for the office at your desk works well on an individual level, many workplaces are moving toward comprehensive pantry programs that provide snacks, beverages, and fresh food for all employees.
We work with local vendors in your city to provide workplace pantry solutions that typically include options like micro markets, coffee & water machines, grab-and-go meals, or fully stocked snack areas.
If you’re ready to start providing healthy snacks or more lunch options for the office, get in contact with Fooda today!
Avoid snacks that are highly processed, loaded with unnatural sugars, or extremely high in sodium. This (sadly) includes most chips, candy bars, cookies, and sugary granola bars. Messy snacks that leave crumbs or grease on your keyboard are also best avoided.
It depends on your meal schedule and activity level, but most people benefit from one or two small snacks during an 8-hour workday. A mid-morning snack around 10 AM and an afternoon snack around 3 PM tend to align well with natural energy dips. Listen to your body and if you're genuinely hungry between meals, snack. If you're just feeling bored or stressed, maybe take a quick walk instead.
Generally, a snack is 100-200 calories and meant to tide you over between meals, while a small meal is 300-400 calories and more substantial. In the office context, snacks should be quick and easy to eat at your desk, while meals ideally deserve a proper lunch break away from your computer.
