Is your diet damaging the environment? Every day, we consume grains, meat, and dairy products that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and increase our carbon footprints.
But what if there were healthy and delicious alternatives to these foods?
Keep reading as we explore sustainable snack alternatives to help you lower your carbon footprint while providing your body with superior nutrition.
Why Do You Need Sustainable Snack Alternatives?
We can’t survive without a balanced diet, and this includes having convenient and healthy snacks at hand. Snacks provide us with calories between meals to keep us going throughout the day.
If you’re not conscious of your nutritional carbon footprint, your diet and snacks could impact the environment in the following ways:
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Production emissions – potato chips and other processed foods are made using manufacturing and agricultural processes that are resource-intensive, contributing to the emission of greenhouse gases and other nasty fumes.
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Waste – the packaging materials and excessive packaging of snacks can increase the amount of litter in our landfills. This makes our planet unsightly and can harm ecosystems by impacting local wildlife.
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Transportation – transporting snacks imported from distant locations requires more energy and can produce significant carbon.
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Food waste – Many non-sustainable foods have a short shelf-life, meaning they are often thrown away due to spoilage before they even reach the customer. When this food decomposes in a landfill, it can cause the production of methane, contributing to carbon emissions.
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Deforestation – Some snacks contain palm oil and cocoa, which are frequently sourced from processes that involve deforestation. Deforestation releases the carbon trees absorb and reduces the oxygen produced in our atmosphere.
Sustainable snack companies aim to reduce these factors in food production, allowing you to enjoy healthy and tasty snacks without worrying about the harm you’re doing to the planet. Here are some of the other advantages of choosing sustainable snack alternatives:
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Increased nutrition – Sustainable snacks are often less processed and richer in nutrients. They incorporate whole foods that provide more vitamins, minerals, and beneficial ingredients for your body.
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Fewer additives – A sustainable snack company will make greater effort to avoid using preservatives, additives, and enhancers, which can wreak havoc on your body. They are a much healthier alternative.
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Low sugar – the natural sweeteners in sustainable snacks are more ethically sourced and help you manage weight.
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Healthier fats – nuts, seeds, avocados, and other healthy fats are frequently used in sustainable foods, providing a healthier fat source to support feelings of fullness throughout the day.
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Diversity – grains, fruits, vegetables, and plant-based proteins in sustainable snacks will provide more dietary diversity, ensuring you’re not living on a high-carb diet with potatoes as the main component!
Sustainable Snack Alternatives
Want to start living a greener life? Start with these snacks to make your diet greener!
Potato chips are highly processed; switching them out for a tasty alternative can reduce your carbon footprint. Pea and protein chips come in delicious flavors like hickory BBQ and sea salt. Switching out nasty processed potato chips for pea and protein chips can reduce the carbs in your diet while providing you with more protein – supporting a vegan diet or helping you with those gym gains!
There are many sustainable granola companies out there, so why not make some tasty oat bars to keep you going throughout the day? Try using flavored granola to make yourself some cookie dough flapjacks. Who said sustainable eating had to be boring? Get inspired and create some sustainable culinary masterpieces!
Popcorn is often recommended to people on diets, as it provides a snack to enjoy while you kick back and watch a movie (only without the excessive calories). With a low-calorie content and low environmental impact, you can enjoy popcorn without a care in the world. Just be sure to choose a brand that uses sustainable packaging and manufacturing processes!
Made with dates, nuts, and plant protein, a protein ball is the perfect substitute for your favorite chocolate snack. With delicious flavors like peanut butter and chocolate, you’ll prefer them to your typical treat. And your body will thank you! The extra protein and fiber they provide will have you feeling stronger and more satisfied while aiding your digestion!
Most cereals are made using resource-intense processes. You can make your diet greener by switching out your regular cereal for a sustainable alternative. And most sustainable cereal brands try to incorporate more nutritional value into this quick, easy breakfast food. So, you’ll get more bang for your buck the next time you enjoy the morning show and a piled-high bowl of crunchy goodness.
Ready to feed your soul with some nourishing and environmentally friendly foods? Try these sustainable snack alternatives! Not only will you reduce your carbon footprint, but you’ll stop wasting calories on low-nutrient snacks. These tasty alternatives won’t leave you wanting and can support your fitness journey or vegan lifestyle.
Howie is a freelance writer interested in tech, legal, and property trends.
When she’s not writing, she works in commercial property management.