Dive Into 10 Plant-Based Snacks to Stay Focused While Working

Good plant-based snacks include fruits, nuts and seeds, edamame and more. These options are nutritious, convenient, and help maintain energy levels throughout the day. Let’s make snacking better!

When people who aren’t vegan think about vegan food, they often imagine ultra-healthy dishes—kale salads, green smoothies, and maybe a sad-looking carrot stick.

But here’s the thing: when you’re new to a plant-based diet, finding easy healthy vegan snacks can feel like a mission impossible. Most restaurants seem to have fries as their only 100% vegan option. But, while fries are delicious, they’re not exactly the healthiest choice.

Plant-based snacking doesn’t have to be boring, unhealthy, or complicated. With a little creativity, you can enjoy tasty, nutrient-packed snacks that keep you energized and focused throughout the workday. Plus, studies show that healthy eating at work can boost productivity!

What Are Good Plant-Based Snacks?

If you’re wondering what to munch on that’s both vegan and satisfying, you’re in the right place. Here are some easy, delicious, and healthy snacks that will keep you fueled and focused.

1. Fruits

Fruits are nature’s candy. They’re sweet, refreshing, and packed with vitamins. Plus, many of them—like bananas and mandarin oranges—come with their own natural, recyclable packaging (it’s called a peel, actually).

And don’t believe everything you hear from suspicious health coaches online. Unless you have severe diabetes or an allergy, the natural sugar in fruits (fructose) won’t harm you. In fact, the mix of natural sugars and fiber provides sustained energy without the crash.

2. Nuts and Seeds

Delicious and easy to take anywhere, nuts and seeds are a great choice of office snacks.

Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are perfect for snacking. They’re portable, filling, and loaded with healthy fats that keep you full for a long time—while being low in carbohydrates.

Whether you’re in a meeting or at your desk, a handful of nuts or seeds can give you the energy boost you need to power through the afternoon.

3. Edamame

If you’re looking for something different and tasty, edamame is your answer. These young soybeans are a protein powerhouse. Steam them and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for a savory snack that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Edamame is high in protein and fiber, making it a great option for staying full and focused. Plus, it’s fun to pop the beans out of their pods—perfect for a quick break during a busy workday.

4. Popcorn

Wait, popcorn can be vegan? Absolutely! Not only does it fit a plant-based diet, but popcorn can also be part of a healthy diet. Opt for air-popped popcorn and season it with nutritional yeast, chili powder, or a dash of olive oil.

Popcorn is a low-calorie, whole-grain work snack that’s perfect for munching during long meetings. It’s light, crunchy, and endlessly customizable—just the way a snack should be.

5. Rice Cakes

Rice cakes might seem basic, but they’re a blank canvas for your favorite toppings. Spread on some avocado, hummus, or almond butter for a quick and easy snack. They’re light, crunchy, and endlessly customizable.

Whether you’re craving something savory or sweet, rice cakes are a versatile snack option that’s perfect for the office.

6. Seaweed Snacks

Imagine a snack that’s as light as a whisper but packs a punch of flavor. That’s seaweed for you! Crispy, salty, and oh-so-satisfying, these ocean-inspired treats are like the cool, sophisticated cousin of potato chips. 

They’re low in calories but high in nutrients, like iodine (great for your thyroid) and antioxidants (hello, glowing skin!). Next time you’re craving something crunchy, skip the greasy chips and dive into a pack of seaweed snacks. Your taste buds—and your body—will thank you.

Read More: 10 Creative Team Lunch Ideas to Enhance Engagement

7. Protein Bars

Life gets busy, and sometimes you need a snack that’s ready when you are. Enter: plant-based protein bars. 

These little powerhouses are great no-prep snacks made with wholesome ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. They’re perfect for tossing in your bag when you’re running out the door, or stashing in your desk drawer for that mid-afternoon slump.

Not all protein bars are created equal, though, so look for ones with minimal added sugar and whole ingredients. Think of them as your trusty sidekick for when hunger strikes unexpectedly.

8. Energy Balls

Energy balls are like tiny bites of joy. Made with oats, nut butter, and natural sweeteners like dates or maple syrup, they’re the perfect no-bake treat. 

Roll them up, pop them in the fridge, and you’ve got a snack that’s ready whenever you are. These little guys are here to save the day.

9. Yogurt

Thanks to almond, coconut, and oat milk yogurts, you don’t have to give up this creamy favorite. Plant-based yogurts are rich in probiotics (great for your gut) and calcium (strong bones). Top them with fresh fruit, a sprinkle of granola, or a drizzle of honey for a snack that feels like a treat.

10. Smoothies

When the sun’s blazing, and you need something cool and refreshing, smoothies are your best friend. Toss your favorite fruits, a handful of leafy greens, and some plant-based milk into a blender, and voilà—you’ve got a nutrient-packed drink that’s as filling as it is delicious. 

Add a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost, and you’re ready to conquer the day. Pour it into a thermal bottle, and you’ve got a portable snack that’s perfect for sipping at your desk, in the park, or on the go. Smoothies are like a hug in a glass—cool, comforting, and totally customizable.

Healthy Food is a Smart Move for Businesses

You know what we eat directly impacts how we work, right? Swapping out processed, sugary snacks for healthier options isn’t just about eating without feeling guilty afterwards. Here are only some of the benefits of having a healthier diet: 

• Boosts productivity: Nutrient-rich snacks provide steady energy, improving focus and efficiency.
• Promotes health: Encouraging healthy eating reduces illness and absenteeism.
• Enhances morale: Small wellness perks, like fresh snacks, increase employee engagement.
• Attracts talent: Wellness-focused benefits help recruit and retain top professionals.
• Strengthens reputation: Prioritizing employee well-being improves company image.

By making small, thoughtful changes in workplace nutrition, businesses create an environment where employees don’t just show up—they thrive.

Read More: Top 11 Corporate Wellness Trends to Watch

Making the Switch: A Gradual Approach

We get it—changing eating habits isn’t always easy. People are creatures of habit, and when it comes to workplace snacks, many employees are used to grabbing whatever is quick and convenient. But introducing healthier, plant-based options doesn’t have to be an overnight overhaul.

Begin by adding a variety of healthy office snacks rather than removing familiar favorites. 

Swap out processed snacks with delicious, nutrient-rich alternatives. Gradually increasing the availability of plant-based options allows employees to explore new flavors without feeling like they’re being forced into a lifestyle shift.

Find Delicious Plant-Based Snacks at Picnic!

If you’re looking for an easy way to bring better food choices into the workplace, Picnic has you covered. With a diverse selection of restaurants and snack providers, Picnic makes it simple to offer fresh, plant-based options that everyone will enjoy—without the hassle of coordinating multiple orders or worrying about dietary restrictions.

From protein-packed grain bowls to fresh smoothies and wholesome vegan office snacks, Picnic partners with top local restaurants to provide meals and snacks that fuel employees while keeping things delicious. 

Whether you’re planning a full office lunch delivery or just looking to stock up on healthy workplace snacks, Picnic ensures that your employees have access to flavorful, energizing food that supports both productivity and well-being.

Healthy Eating for a Healthier Workplace

At the end of the day, food fuels more than just our bodies. By incorporating more plant-based options, businesses not only support employee health but also enhance productivity, morale, and overall workplace culture.

A gradual shift toward nutritious, satisfying snacks leads to a work environment where employees feel energized, valued, and ready to perform at their best. 

And the best part? It doesn’t require a massive budget or complex planning—just a commitment to providing better choices.

Want more tips on workplace wellness? Explore more strategies for a healthier, happier workplace on Picnic’s Blog.