Step away from the Oreos and put down the Coke. A mid-afternoon pick-me-up can ward off a hangry outburst without filling your body with junk. We've collected some of our favorite healthy snacks for a go-to guide to satisfy the next 3 o'clock craving.
1 | Gluten-free with a twist.
A tasty combination of ancient grains and sunflower oil, these gluten-free pretzels delight taste buds as much as a buttery Ritz without corn, soy or processed sugar. Bonus? They’re created by Suzie Carpenter, a Berks resident! Clean, Lean and Sexy Pretzels, $3.99 per bag, at Nature's Garden Natural Foods and Shoes, 4360 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading, 610.779.3000. naturesgardenonline.com or direct at cleanleansavvyshop.com
2 | Freshness by the batch.
An energy boost doesn't have to come pre-packaged. Rice cereal, oats, peanuts, craisins, dried dates, ground flax seed, peanut butter, honey and dark chocolate make this homemade bar indulgent. Energy bars baked to order, $35 for 15, 3 o'clock snacks, 484.269.7837. 3oclocksnacks.com or facebook.com/3oclocksnacks to order. Door-to-door delivery within 5 miles of Wyomissing is free. $35 minimum order.
3 | Granola goodness.
Granola squares are an on-the-go classic, whether you're on the hiking trail or rushing to get to your next meeting. This crunchy version is a customer and staff favorite made locally. Sally B Munch Bars, $4.19, Kimberton Whole Foods, 1139 Ben Franklin Highway West, Douglassville, 610.385.1588. kimbertonwholefoods.com
4 | Elixir of life.
Quench your thirst with something nutritional, not more empty calories. Organic fermented teas blend with proprietary probiotics to nourish your body inside and out. Kombucha Gingerade and Multi-green, $4.25 for 16 oz., Kulp Nutrition & Wellness Center, 52 Morgantown Rd., Reading, 610.208.0404. kulpchiropractic.com
5 | Coconut crunch.
Can't shake the love for salty snacks despite a dedication to healthier choices? Swap your regular fried potato chips for a variety cooked in coconut oil, a GMO-free delicacy including a healthy fat that actually helps to burn fat. Jackson’s Honest potato chips, $3.47 per 5 oz. bag, Nature's Garden Natural Foods & Shoes, 4360 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading, 610.779.3000. naturesgardenonline.com
