Credit: Dan Simantov
Published Apr 26, 2026
By Stefani Sassos, Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., NASM-CPT
As a dietitian, mom of two, and someone juggling a very full schedule, I aim for balance in my eating. Most days, my snacks are simple and fresh: sliced vegetables, fruit, a handful of nuts, maybe some sliced turkey or Greek yogurt. But life gets busy, and I’m a big believer in having a few thoughtfully chosen, convenient staples on hand.
The right options can bridge the gap between meals, keep energy levels steady, and make it easier to stay nourished without overthinking it. These are the snacks I always keep stocked in my pantry, fridge, and office desk drawer, and are options I genuinely enjoy and feel good about feeding my family, too.
Elmhurst Clean Protein, Pistachio Crème
I like having a premade protein shake on hand for extra-busy days, and this vegan option from Elmhurst tastes like an almond-pistachio cookie. It’s made with incredibly nutritious yet simple ingredients, packs in 27 grams of protein and only 4 grams of sugar, a rarity in the protein shake aisle.
It’s best chilled, and I like that I can sip on it and put it back in the fridge if I didn’t get a chance to finish it. It’s smooth and easy to drink, not overly thick or heavy, which I really appreciate when I’m on the go.
