Who doesn’t love a fresh start? There’s no better time to start a habit of healthier snacking than spring.
No need for extreme diets or costly changes – even the smallest swaps can lead to the biggest energy differences.
Take a peek at your pantry and see where you can de-clutter the not-so-good-for-you snacks and transition to a healthier, still-delicious way of eating.
Hidden Sugars in Everyday Snacks
Sugar spikes mean energy crashes and increased cravings, rather than the fuel we need to tackle the day. But shop down any snack aisle, and you’ll be immersed in a sea of so-called smart snack choices that are actually packed full of sugar.
They’re hidden in plain sight, packaged with bright colors covering up the fact that there’s more sugar than meets the eye.
We’re talking flavored yogurts, granola bars, and juice boxes. Take a look at the backside of all these favorites and check the label to see how much sugar is being snuck in.
Don’t be surprised if it’s in the double digits, but know there are healthier snack ideas that can keep those sugar levels lower.
How to Read Nutrition Labels (Without Overthinking It)
A simple rule of thumb when reading labels is the shorter the ingredient list, the better. The first listed ingredients should be healthy, whole foods, not unnatural additives, colorings, or preservatives.
As a general rule of thumb, look for:
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Protein (8g+ per serving)
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Added sugars under 5g (ideally 0g)
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No preservatives or hard-to-pronounce ingredients
A crave-worthy snack that checks all the boxes is Perky Jerky. Simple ingredients, bold flavors packed with protein, and zero-sugar options to meet hunger head on.
Try Zero Sugar Simply Smoked Jerky
Healthy Snack Swaps for Common Cravings
In addition to high-protein jerky, there are other alternatives to chips and candy. No need to overthink the snack swap to reduce sugar intake and focus on stabilizing fuel with higher protein. Try:
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Peanut butter protein balls
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Whole granola mixed with honey
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Mixed nuts and dried fruit
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Turkey and cheese roll-ups
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Plain Greek yogurt with berries
There’s a whole lineup of snacks where you get maximum flavor and a mix of nutrients without the added sugar.
Fill your cabinets with convenient, healthy snack swaps to stave off cravings and make it easy to grab for the good stuff.
Why Beef Jerky Is One of the Ultimate Smart Snack Choices
Preparation reduces the impulse to grab the extra sugary or salty snacks, but doesn’t require an entire overhaul to snack better. Your fresh start can begin today with easy, tasty swaps.
Stash convenient, resealable bags of Perky Jerky in your car, at your desk, and in your kitchen drawers and cabinets. That way, you’ll always have a high-protein, low-sugar snack for after-school pickups, between meetings, and all the other times snack cravings strike.
From spicy flavors like Hot & Bothered Turkey Jerky for an afternoon pick-me-up, to everyone’s favorite, Sea Salt and Pepper Wagyu Beef Jerky, every bag of Perky Jerky is so satisfying you won't ever miss the sugar.