When it comes to snacking, everyone has their own preferences. Some may opt for a refreshing fruit salad, while others crave the salty crunch of potato chips. However, for those who prioritize sustainable and ethical food practices, finding a snack that aligns with their values can be a challenge.
Fortunately, there are plenty of eco-friendly options out there that not only taste great but also come in sustainable packaging. In this article, we will explore some of the best sustainable snacks on the market that are both healthy and ethically sourced. From sweet treats to savory bites, these snacks are sure to satisfy any craving while also supporting a more sustainable food system.
The Full List Of Sustainable Snack Brands
1. Bulk Snacks
For those who want to indulge in sustainable snacking without generating any waste, bulk snacks are the perfect solution. In most grocery stores, you can find a bulk aisle that offers a wide range of snackable items, including nuts, seeds, dried fruits, granola, and candy. These snacks are not only packaging-free, but they are also generally considered sustainable foods. To avoid packaging waste, it is recommended to bring your own container, such as recycled glass jars or plastic-free food storage containers, and make sure to weigh it empty before filling it up.
2. Patagonia Provisions
Patagonia Provisions is a brand that offers a variety of sustainable snack brands suitable for eco-friendly food fanatics. They prioritize ethical food sourcing practices and offer snacks such as dried fruit, sprouted almond butter, and packaged soups with bags that double as a cooking pot and bowl. In addition, they provide eco-friendly high protein snacks sourced from ethical meat sources, such as grass-fed free-range bison jerky, smoked venison sausage links, and canned fish that are either wild-caught or from self-sustaining fish hatcheries. All products are Non-GMO Project-verified, containing USDA-certified organic ingredients without synthetic preservatives or chemicals. Patagonia Provisions partners with vendors that support small, family-run businesses like The Regenerative Organic Alliance and The Wild Fish Conservancy. Their eco-friendly packaging consists of BPA-free recyclable fish tins, glass jars, and compostable cardboard.
3. Sun & Swell Foods
Sun & Swell Foods is a brand that offers a wide range of eco-friendly packaged snacks made from plant-based ingredients that never contain added sugars, preservatives, and artificial flavors. They offer vegan snacks such as trail mixes, brownie bites, dried fruits, energy balls, and a bulk food section full of an assortment of dried fruits, nuts, hemp seeds, and dates. All products are sold in compostable packaging, and if you don’t compost yourself, they allow customers to send back packaging to be properly composted. Sun & Swell Foods is part of 1% for The Planet, source fair trade from US farms as much as possible, and offer the option to choose carbon-neutral shipping at checkout.
4. Nature’s Path Organic
Nature’s Path Organic is a family-owned business that offers a variety of environmentally friendly snacks, including organic cereals, oats, and waffles. Their portable sustainable snacks include granola, pastries, and tortilla chips, all with ultra-minimal, organic, and whole ingredients—no artificial preservatives, added sugar or flavor, or unsustainable seed oils. Many of their healthy snacks can be found in grocery bulk sections and health food stores around the country. Nature’s Path invests in the environment by supporting regenerative agriculture. They created the world’s first Regenerative Organic Certified instant oatmeal and are actively working on sustainable packaging for snacks, aiming to make all of their packaging plastic-free, reusable, recyclable, or compostable. Nature’s Path offsets their electric bills in their zero-waste packaging facilities with renewable energy credits that support green energy products.
5. One Degree Organic Foods
One Degree Organic Foods is a brand that offers wholesome snacks made with wholesome ingredients sourced from 100% traceable, wholesome farms. Their organic ingredients are Non-GMO Project verified, third-party Glyphosatem tested, and free from artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives. Each snack has a QR code that can be used to trace back ingredients to specific farmers. The owners personally visit each farm, co-op, and processing facilities to ensure ingredients align with their values. They only work with small farmers and producers who use organic, sustainable, and plant-based farming methods and prioritize producers dedicated to reducing water consumption. You can read the stories of their farmers on their website.
6. ReGrained
ReGrained is a brand that offers a range of snacks made from upcycled ingredients. Their products include mushroom jerky, dark chocolate, spirulina, adaptogens, seaweed snack, rind, pulp, peels, stems, flour, sorghum, barley, and more. They use upcycled ingredients to reduce food waste and create a more sustainable food system. They partner with breweries to use the spent grain from the beer-making process to create their snacks. Their packaging is made from compostable materials and is fully recyclable. ReGrained is committed to creating a sustainable future by reducing food waste and creating delicious snacks.
7. Barnana
Barnana is a brand that offers sustainable snacks made from upcycled bananas. They use bananas that would otherwise go to waste and
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How We Found The Best Sustainable Snacks
When searching for the best sustainable snacks, it is important to consider the ingredients and sourcing, sustainable and ethical practices, and the packaging. By following these criteria, eco-conscious consumers can make a positive impact on the planet while still enjoying their favorite snacks.
Ingredients & Sourcing
Organic and non-GMO ingredients are essential components of sustainable snacks. Locally sourced products are also preferred as they cut down on carbon emissions. When sourcing ingredients that are not local, it is important to ensure that they are ethically harvested, especially when they contain palm oil. To ensure the quality of the ingredients, certifications from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA Organic), Regenerative Organic (ROC), Non-GMO Project, and Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) are preferred.
Sustainable & Ethical Practices
In addition to using organic and environmentally friendly ingredients, sustainable snack brands should come from companies that are making a positive impact on the planet. This could mean companies with carbon offset programs, that partner with environmental agencies, or that support local farms and regenerative agriculture. To avoid greenwashing, it is important to include companies that are officially certified. Certifications such as B Corporation, Fair Trade, Certified Humane, and Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) are preferred.
Sustainable Snack Packaging
Sustainable snack packaging is an essential component of eco-friendly snacking. Brands that have zero waste or compostable packaging or that are actively working on developing sustainable packaging solutions are preferred. Reusable containers, compostable wrappers, or plastic-free packaging are always the best options. If the packaging is made of recycled materials, that is even better.
Final Thoughts On Sustainable Snack Brands
In conclusion, sustainable snacking is possible by following the criteria of using organic and non-GMO ingredients, sourcing locally when possible, supporting companies with sustainable and ethical practices, and choosing brands with sustainable packaging. By making these choices, consumers can make a positive impact on the environment and support companies that are making a difference. It is important to remember that limited consumption is always the most sustainable option, so enjoy your sustainable snacks in moderation.
