Hitting that afternoon slump at work can really drag down your day. We’ve all been there, watching the clock and feeling our energy start to dip just when we need to be our most productive. That’s why this list of easy-to-make, energizing snacks is a game-changer. Packed with both sweet treats and savory bites, it offers something for everyone looking to keep their productivity up and power through the rest of the day.
Trail Mix Popcorn
For those who love a mix of sweet and savory, this trail mix popcorn is filled with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and chocolate chips. It’s a fun snack for powering through any afternoon task.
Get the Recipe: Trail Mix Popcorn
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bites
Like a healthier Reese’s cup, these no-bake balls are perfect for a sweet afternoon snack. They’re made with real food ingredients, making them a great choice for a quick energy boost.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bites
Eggplant Chips
For a crunchy snack, try these eggplant chips. Seasoned with Mediterranean spices and made crispy, they’re perfect with your favorite dip. A great way to keep your energy up in the afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Chips
Buffalo Sauce Beef Jerky
Make your own beef jerky with a kick of buffalo sauce. It’s easy, healthier than store-bought, and much cheaper. Plus, it’s a great snack for powering through the afternoon work slump with its bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Sauce Beef Jerky
Snap Pea Crisps
Make your own snap pea crisps with spices and a cheesy flavor. They’re much better than store-bought and a great snack for staying alert and focused during the workday.
Get the Recipe: Snap Pea Crisps
Homemade Chocolate Granola Bars
With no added sugar, these oat-based chocolate granola bars are customizable and nutritious. They’re a great snack for when you need a boost without reaching for something unhealthy.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chocolate Granola Bars
Cinnamon Crunch Chickpeas
These chickpeas are roasted with maple syrup, coconut oil, and cinnamon to mimic cinnamon toast crunch. They’re a healthier option for an afternoon snack, giving you a sweet treat without the guilt.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Crunch Chickpeas
Parmesan Crisps
Ready in just 5 minutes with one ingredient, these parmesan crisps are the perfect crunchy snack. They’re great on their own or as a topping, adding a bit of excitement to your afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crisps
Banana Zucchini Muffins
These muffins mix oat and whole wheat flour with banana and zucchini for a great snack. They’re perfect for when you need a healthy pick-me-up to keep focused on work or for packing into lunchboxes.
Get the Recipe: Banana Zucchini Muffins
Nutella Cookie Dough Balls
These no-bake cookie dough balls taste like Nutella but are surprisingly healthier. They’re a perfect treat for that afternoon slump without overdoing it on calories.
Get the Recipe: Nutella Cookie Dough Balls
Banana Chia Bites
Grab three of these banana chia bites when the afternoon energy dip hits. They’re moist, sweet without added sugars, and don’t contain grains. A great choice for a quick snack to power through your work.
Get the Recipe: Banana Chia Bites
Chewy Cherry Oat Bars
If you’re looking for something chewy with a touch of sweet, these cherry oat bars with an optional chocolate drizzle are perfect. They’re great for snacking or to fuel up before a late-afternoon meeting.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Cherry Oat Bars
Sweet Potato Oat Bars
These bars are filling and nutritious, made with oats and sweet potatoes. Add in your favorite mix-ins for a personalized snack that’s great for the afternoon energy dip.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Oat Bars
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
