Healthy Snack Traditions From Around The World
Bigstockphoto.com/Side portrait of beautiful young black woman eating ice cream outside
America’s snacking industry is a big one, but it’s not exactly a healthy one. Snacks get their own aisle at the grocery store, but that aisle doesn’t have refrigerators because—you guessed it—that food isn’t fresh! It comes in shiny aluminum bags or wrappers with colorful logos on them. Snacks that do come in refrigerators aren’t something to brag about either. Most snack packs are some combination of crackers, meat, cheese and (if you’re lucky) fruit or nuts. Then there are the vending machines around every corner. Perhaps because our snacks aren’t healthy, the act of snacking has become taboo. That is a shame because, when done right, snacking can actually be an ally in your healthy eating goals. In fact, there is a good chance that the healthiest people you know are major snackers. So let’s try this: here are healthy snacking traditions from around the world.
Bigstockphoto.com/A closeup of traditional south african biltong on a wooden chopping board
South Africa
When South Africans need a quick source of protein that won’t go bad in the car, they grab Biltong. Biltong is similar to jerky and usually made into lean strips that are easy to carry.
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
- Why Women Get The ‘Ick’ More Than Men — It Might Just Prolong Their Lives
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Here’s Why You Should Never Pee In The Shower, According To Health Experts
- Simone Biles Accepts The 2025 TIME100 Impact Award For Mental Health Advocacy
Bigstockphoto.com/White plate full of delicious raw protein balls. Healthy sweets for sport people. Homemade dessert. Raw sweets made of nuts coconut dates and cacao
Morocco
Moroccans are known for being creative with dried fruits and that’s certainly the case with their Haroset. Eaten for dessert, breakfast, or a quick snack, these tasty balls are made from dried fruit, honey, and almonds, offering protein, fiber, and a natural source of sugar.
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
- Why Women Get The ‘Ick’ More Than Men — It Might Just Prolong Their Lives
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Here’s Why You Should Never Pee In The Shower, According To Health Experts
- Simone Biles Accepts The 2025 TIME100 Impact Award For Mental Health Advocacy
Image Source: Shutterstock
Greece
Greeks make delicious mezze platters for friends and family to snack on between meals or during social visits. These might contain an assortment of seasonal vegetables, but they’ll almost always have hummus, which has lots of protein and little fat.
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
- Why Women Get The ‘Ick’ More Than Men — It Might Just Prolong Their Lives
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Here’s Why You Should Never Pee In The Shower, According To Health Experts
- Simone Biles Accepts The 2025 TIME100 Impact Award For Mental Health Advocacy
Bigstockphoto.com/ethiopian cuisine isolated on white background
Ethiopia
When Ethiopians need a quick pick-me-up, they might have some Injera (soft, flat bread made from highly nutritious teff flower) and load it up with either honey and yogurt or vegetables.
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
- Why Women Get The ‘Ick’ More Than Men — It Might Just Prolong Their Lives
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Here’s Why You Should Never Pee In The Shower, According To Health Experts
- Simone Biles Accepts The 2025 TIME100 Impact Award For Mental Health Advocacy
Bigstockphoto.com/Chicken Satay; barbecued skewered chicken shown on white plate with peanut dipping sauce on the side.
Indonesia
You can find satay sold on street carts in Indonesia. It’s a portable, delicious source of protein you eat off a stick and won’t make a mess.
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
- Why Women Get The ‘Ick’ More Than Men — It Might Just Prolong Their Lives
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Here’s Why You Should Never Pee In The Shower, According To Health Experts
- Simone Biles Accepts The 2025 TIME100 Impact Award For Mental Health Advocacy
Acai berries. Photo: YouTube.com
Brazil
Acai bowls are very popular in the United States now, but they originated in Brazil. These bowls contain the superfood they’re named after, plus other ingredients like grains and various fruit.
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
- Why Women Get The ‘Ick’ More Than Men — It Might Just Prolong Their Lives
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Here’s Why You Should Never Pee In The Shower, According To Health Experts
- Simone Biles Accepts The 2025 TIME100 Impact Award For Mental Health Advocacy
Bigstockphoto.com/Anchovies in breadcrumbs and fried in oil. Cooked and ready. Italian culinary specialties.
Spain
If you have a hankering for something fried, try fried anchovies—that’s what they snack on in Spain. These little fried fish are a good source of protein and omegas, and healthier than French fries.
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
- Why Women Get The ‘Ick’ More Than Men — It Might Just Prolong Their Lives
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Here’s Why You Should Never Pee In The Shower, According To Health Experts
- Simone Biles Accepts The 2025 TIME100 Impact Award For Mental Health Advocacy
Bigstockphoto.com/Canapes with smoked salmon
Norway
Norwegians eat smoked salmon on knacker bread (a dark, cracker-like bread that’s high in fiber) when they need some rapid energy. It’s a great source of protein and fiber.
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
- Why Women Get The ‘Ick’ More Than Men — It Might Just Prolong Their Lives
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Here’s Why You Should Never Pee In The Shower, According To Health Experts
- Simone Biles Accepts The 2025 TIME100 Impact Award For Mental Health Advocacy
Bigstockphoto.com/fresh sliced halva on a board on a table
Egypt
In Egypt, you might find Halawa on the breakfast, snack or dessert table. It’s made from sesame paste, which has plenty of vitamins, mixed in with pistachios. It’s the Egyptian’s energy bar.
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
- Why Women Get The ‘Ick’ More Than Men — It Might Just Prolong Their Lives
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Here’s Why You Should Never Pee In The Shower, According To Health Experts
- Simone Biles Accepts The 2025 TIME100 Impact Award For Mental Health Advocacy
Bigstockphoto.com/Peruvian-style ceviche made out of raw mahi-mahi fish (Spanish: perico) red onions and aji (Peruvian hot pepper) and served with roasted corn (cancha) and cooked corn. In the back Peruvian cocktail called “Pisco Sour” limes and a flower. (Selective Focus
Peru
In Peru, ceviche can be eaten as an entree, appetizer, or a quick snack. It’s often served over cancha, roasted corn kernels.
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
- Why Women Get The ‘Ick’ More Than Men — It Might Just Prolong Their Lives
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Here’s Why You Should Never Pee In The Shower, According To Health Experts
- Simone Biles Accepts The 2025 TIME100 Impact Award For Mental Health Advocacy
Image Source: Shutterstock
Nigeria
Nigerians snack on fruit salad. They favor tropical fruit like mango, dragon fruit, kiwi, and pineapple. You may also find mulberries, soursop and mint leaves in these salads.
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
- Why Women Get The ‘Ick’ More Than Men — It Might Just Prolong Their Lives
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Here’s Why You Should Never Pee In The Shower, According To Health Experts
- Simone Biles Accepts The 2025 TIME100 Impact Award For Mental Health Advocacy
Bigstockphoto.com/Edamame soy beans in a white ceramic dish
Japan
Edamame isn’t just an appetizer—it also makes a simple, tasty snack that’s high in fiber and protein. For a more portable variety, try dried edamame.
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
- Why Women Get The ‘Ick’ More Than Men — It Might Just Prolong Their Lives
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Here’s Why You Should Never Pee In The Shower, According To Health Experts
- Simone Biles Accepts The 2025 TIME100 Impact Award For Mental Health Advocacy
Image Source: Shutterstock
Mexico
If you hang out in Mexico, you may hear little carts ringing their bells—they might be selling dressed up corn. This is simply corn on the cob, smothered with chili powder and mayonnaise.
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
- Why Women Get The ‘Ick’ More Than Men — It Might Just Prolong Their Lives
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Here’s Why You Should Never Pee In The Shower, According To Health Experts
- Simone Biles Accepts The 2025 TIME100 Impact Award For Mental Health Advocacy
Shutterstock.com/Tea party
Britain
If you get into British tea time, you may lose a little weight. All of that liquid helps you feel full without much food. Obviously, choose healthier mini sandwiches like cucumber and cream cheese or pate.
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
- Why Women Get The ‘Ick’ More Than Men — It Might Just Prolong Their Lives
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Here’s Why You Should Never Pee In The Shower, According To Health Experts
- Simone Biles Accepts The 2025 TIME100 Impact Award For Mental Health Advocacy
Bigstockphoto.com/Red caviar close up on a sandwich in a female hand with red nails. Healthy food. Fish appetizer. Russian kitchen. Overlay caviar on bread.
Sweden
In Sweden, the kids eat caviar—it’s true! But they have a child-friendly version that’s turned into an orange paste and comes out of a tube. They add it to crackers the way American children add peanut butter to everything.
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
- Why Women Get The ‘Ick’ More Than Men — It Might Just Prolong Their Lives
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Here’s Why You Should Never Pee In The Shower, According To Health Experts
- Simone Biles Accepts The 2025 TIME100 Impact Award For Mental Health Advocacy
Image Source: Shutterstock
Italy
If you want a snack in Italy, try panino con rapini (Italian for broccoli rabe). It’s a simple snack of bread holding deliciously seasoned broccoli.
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
- Why Women Get The ‘Ick’ More Than Men — It Might Just Prolong Their Lives
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Here’s Why You Should Never Pee In The Shower, According To Health Experts
- Simone Biles Accepts The 2025 TIME100 Impact Award For Mental Health Advocacy
Bigstockphoto.com/raw chickpea in bowl and on a table
India
Indian cuisine contains a lot of chickpeas, but they don’t have to be recently cooked. In nearly any Indian store you can find baked chickpeas that are like a healthier version of chips.
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
- Why Women Get The ‘Ick’ More Than Men — It Might Just Prolong Their Lives
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Here’s Why You Should Never Pee In The Shower, According To Health Experts
- Simone Biles Accepts The 2025 TIME100 Impact Award For Mental Health Advocacy
Image Source: Shutterstock
Thailand
Wander down the snack aisle of a Thai market, and you’ll find bags of dried banana, packaged in what looks like chip bags. They pack vitamins and potassium, and natural sugar.
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
- Why Women Get The ‘Ick’ More Than Men — It Might Just Prolong Their Lives
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Here’s Why You Should Never Pee In The Shower, According To Health Experts
- Simone Biles Accepts The 2025 TIME100 Impact Award For Mental Health Advocacy
Shutterstock.com/Spring rolls
Vietnam
Veggie spring rolls are often on the appetizer menu at Vietnamese restaurants, but they’re easy to make at home and take on the go. You can put nearly anything you want in that sticky rice paper, but bean sprouts, tofu, peanuts and mint leaves are a good star.
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
- Why Women Get The ‘Ick’ More Than Men — It Might Just Prolong Their Lives
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Here’s Why You Should Never Pee In The Shower, According To Health Experts
- Simone Biles Accepts The 2025 TIME100 Impact Award For Mental Health Advocacy
Image Source: Shutterstock
France
The French don’t snack! So if you don’t always have the time to pack healthy snacks, you can just be French that day, and stick to your three meals.
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
- Why Women Get The ‘Ick’ More Than Men — It Might Just Prolong Their Lives
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Here’s Why You Should Never Pee In The Shower, According To Health Experts
- Simone Biles Accepts The 2025 TIME100 Impact Award For Mental Health Advocacy
![Why Actress Amber Iman Calls 'Goddess' A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]](https://ionemadamenoire.staging.go.ione.nyc/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/05/17468188616796.png?strip=all&quality=80&w=102&crop=0,0,100,153px)
