Score with sustainable Super Bowl snacking
Here are some tips to help you 'snack like a champ' with snacks that are kind to the planet and yummy. We’re talking snacks that:
Use plant-based or minimally processed ingredients and avoid meat/dairy
Are made with whole foods instead of ultra-processed mystery ingredients
Can be homemade or come in low waste packaging
Are things people will actually eat!
Plant-based versions of classic Superbowl snacks
Transform regular classics into sustainable snacks with plants. Some of these use of an air fryer, which uses 50% less energy than an oven and is healthier than frying.
Buffalo cauliflower wings: A plant-based twist on an all-time favorite that avoids the meat but not the flavor. A good chance to use your airfryer for a healthier alternative.
Air-fried pickles: Crunchy, tangy, and surprising!
Veggie chilli. Who says chili needs to be meat-forward? (Beef production is one of the most problematic industries around with regard to its carbon footprint.) This chili is certified delish!
Homemade Crunchy & Healthy
Improve taste (and health!) and reduce waste with homemade salty snacks.
Baked sweet potato chips: simple ingredients, crispy goodness, and zero waste packaging.
Roasted chickpeas: high in fiber and unbelievably crunchy, I love making these to add some protein and texture to my salads.
Baked spicy Kale. You’d eat a whole bowl of it in no time! (Think of the fiber and anti-oxidants!)
Dips and Veggies
What superbowl is without a good dip and some veggies to dunk? Think plant based, avoiding meat and dairy to be greener (use the search term “vegan dips.”)
Choose crunchy colorful veggies to cut up for dipping. Consider the Dirty Dozen and Green 15 veggies, and choose organic when you can.
Think plant based yummy dips like hummus, white bean, guacamole, etc. These are easy to whip up yourself, but no shame in purchasing them!
Go truly green with this green vegan dip!
No-cooking snacks
These are perfect if you’re short on time and still want something healthy.
Nuts & seeds: Your best protein bet! The most sustainable nuts and seeds generally have low water footprints, low carbon emissions, and support a balanced ecosystem. Top choices include walnuts, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, and sunflower seeds. Avoid almonds and cashews. If you want to nerd out on the subject, check out this journal article. You will be popping those sunflower seeds just like the baseball pros!
Granola bars: Adding a bowl of granola bars would be a crowd pleaser! Just watch for hidden sugar and other sus ingredients! Some greener bars are RxBar, Go Macro, and Purely Elizabeth. Making them is also an option, HERE are a few recipes.
Crunchy healthy packaged snack.Our favorites include kale chips, chickpea snacks, Harvest pea snacks, potato chips fried in avocado oil and lentil chips. We are finding more and more of these healthier snacks at good prices at Aldi and Trader Joes (the two best places for packaged snacks, IMHO!)
Sweet treats
Give the people what they want - something sweet!
Energy bites -no-bake: My daughter lived on these during volleyball tournaments. They come together easily and involve chocolate chips! We used a sunbutter as she did not like peanut butter (and it is better for the planet!)
Fruit platters and skewers: Built in biodegradable packaging! Slice up fruit and put on a skewer to make them a little more fancy. The “greenest” fruits are seasonal (and local if possible) such as: apples, pears, berries, figs, and citrus like my favorite, cuties. Other eco-friendly options include avocados, mangoes, pineapples, and papayas due to their low pesticide usage and uptake. See “dirty dozen” link above.
Deserts with benefits. A great website with healthy (or healthy-ish!) deserts.
Serving up green
Skip single-use cups (no, a party does not HAVE to have red solo cups!)
Use reusable plates and utensils. What’s a little more washing up?
Use cloth napkins. They seem fancier and reduce waste.
Provide compost bins for scraps (this is your sign to compost!)
Choose snacks in recyclable or compostable packaging or make your own!