As much as we’ve cleaned up our diets and try to make healthy choices, we can’t help but hanker for a bag of Doritos or Twix bar from time to time. The temptation becomes stronger when we spot junk food at deli check-out lines or office vending machines. (Strategic placement, we think so.) Thankfully, there are some inventive food bloggers out there who have taken our favorite childhood junk food and recreated them into guilt-free treats. From gummy bears to barbecue chips to Goldfish and peanut butter cups, we’ve got all the recipes your nine-year-old heart desires. Save your quarters!
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11 Healthy Snack Recipes to Satisfy Every Junk Food Craving
1. Fruit Rolls
Fruit leathers at the grocery store are usually loaded with sugar and preservatives. This dried fruit snack relies on the natural sweetness of the fruit and is seasoned with warming spices, like cinnamon and cardamom, fresh mint leaves, vanilla extract and shredded coconut. This recipe features three flavor combinations: strawberries and banana (red); kiwi; mango and mint leaves (green); and blueberries and grape juice (blue). Photo and recipe: David & Luise Frenkiel / Green Kitchen Stories
2. Vegan Doritos
A tortilla chip is just a tortilla chip until you add the addictive flavors and it becomes Doritos. Now you can make you own “Cool Ranch,” “Nacho Cheese” and “Spicy Taco” chips at home. Chili powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and dried chives are just some of the spices that make the secret seasoning. A boost of nutritional yeast makes this recipe an even healthier snack. Photo and recipe: Cara Reed / Fork & Beans
3. Whole-Wheat Goldfish
We give this kid favorite a healthy makeover by swapping in whole-wheat flour and real sharp cheddar cheese — unlike what the store box may tell you. These cheesy crackers are so good that kids won’t know the difference. Photo and recipe: Deb Perelman, Smitten Kitchen
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4. Chili and Lime Popcorn
Sure, there are some healthy popcorn snack options out there. But nothing beats popping it fresh in your home. Here, spicy chili powder pairs with zesty lime for a surprisingly satisfying flavor. A drizzle of coconut oil (full of healthy fats) gives the snack an extra decadent finish — hold the butter. Photo and recipe: Dana Sandonato / Killing Thyme
5. Gummy Bears
Cold-pressed juice combined with honey, vanilla and gelatin make these an easy snack to assemble. Even cooler? Do as blogger Ursula does and make these gummies your custom multivitamins. Consider adding probiotics, elderberry syrup to help prevent or fight a cold, or cod liver oil to boost the immune system. Get creative with your juice combos for a different flavor each time. Photo and recipe: Ursula Herrera / Creative & Healthy Fun Food
6. No-Bake Quinoa Peanut Butter Cups
By combining puffed quinoa with peanut and coconut butters, the crunchy cups have an even more satisfying texture than the traditional candy. Not to mention, a boost of lean protein and healthy fats. Maple syrup and vanilla extract keep the treat sweet. The best part? Once you spoon the nutty mixture into muffin liners and pop them into the freezer to set, you’ll only need to wait an hour to enjoy your snack — no baking necessary. Photo and recipe: Ashley Melillo / Blissful Basil
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7. 3-Ingredient Homemade Larabars
This is probably the easiest homemade snack you’ll make. Nuts, medjool dates and dried fruit (such as cranberries, cherries, raisins or figs) make up this delicious knock-off. Try different varieties of nuts, like almonds, cashews, walnuts or pecans, to keep the flavor and texture interesting! Photo and recipe: Renee Blair / Life by Daily Burn
8. Protein Rice Krispie Treats
If protein isn’t making its way into your snack routine, this delicious treat has a substantial serving. All-natural peanut butter (or any nut butter) offers a healthy dose, and three scoops the Daily Burn Fuel-6 Vanilla Protein Powder packs serious punch. What better reward than a rice krispie treat after a workout? One bar has eight grams of protein and puts you back only 212 calories. Photo and recipe: Lee Hersh / Life by Daily Burn
9. Healthy Donut Holes
These munchkins are way healthier than a box from Dunkin’ Donuts or Entenmann’s. Raw cashews, shredded coconut, vanilla powder and dates make the filling and decadent donut dough. For the glaze, sweeten things up with maple syrup and coconut sugar. Photo and recipe: McKell Hill / Nutrition Stripped
RELATED: 12 Healthy Homemade Chips Recipes
10. Homemade BBQ Chips
This tasty alternative will make you forget all about the regular ol’ bag of crisps. You can’t go wrong with sweet potato chips, which are an excellent source of beta-carotene. Dusted with paprika, onion powder, brown sugar and chili pepper, the flavorful coating complements the crunchy chip. Photo and recipe: Jessica Merchant / How Sweet Eats
11. Vegan Homemade Twix
Baked coconut flour shortbread, almond butter “caramel” filling and a coconut-cocoa chocolate topping keep the traditionally sugary recipe healthy yet indulgent. The list of plant-based ingredients makes this recipe 100 percent vegan and paleo-friendly, too. Photo and recipe: Rachel Connors / Bakerita