12 Healthy Summer Snack Swaps Challenge

Looking for healthy summer snacks that don’t taste like cardboard? You’re in the right place.

Whether you’re packing for the beach, a road trip, or a lazy afternoon by the pool, these healthy snack swaps prove you can eat better without sacrificing flavor—or fun.

These 12 delicious summer snack ideas are gluten-free, nutrient-rich, and perfect for keeping your energy up while still feeling light. Many of them feature our Plantiful Kitchen gluten-free breads & cookies so you can snack smarter without spending hours in the kitchen.

1. Regular Bagels with Cream Cheese → Everything Bagels with Avocado Spread

Instead of: Refined flour bagels with heavy cream cheese that spike your blood sugar
Try: Our Real Simple Everything Bagels (50% fewer carbs) topped with mashed avocado, sea salt, and hemp seeds. High protein and high fiber = long-lasting energy for your summer adventures.

2. Store-Bought Ice Cream Sandwiches → Homemade Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Instead of: Processed ice cream sandwiches loaded with artificial ingredients
Try: The World's Best Chocolate Chip Cookies with your favorite clean ice cream or frozen yogurt in between. Naturally low in sugar, 6g protein per cookie, and a serious crowd-pleaser.

3. Basic Sandwich Bread → Herb-Infused Gourmet Sandwiches

Instead of: White bread with processed fillings that lack nutrition
Try: Gluten-free bread infused with Herbs de Provence and garlic, layered with fresh turkey, lettuce, and tomato. Soft, tender texture with just 2g net carbs per serving.

4. Sugary Breakfast Bagels → Cinnamon Walnut Morning Treats

Instead of: Bagels with sugary jam that cause energy crashes
Try: Cinnamon Walnut bread topped with almond butter and fresh berries. 4g net carbs, plus protein and fiber to keep you full all morning.

5. Mass-Produced Chocolate Chip Cookies → Fudgy Double Chocolate Walnut Cookies

Instead of: Cookies made with refined flour and excess sugar
Try: Dairy-free, grain-free, gluten-free cookies made with almond flour and coconut oil. 50% less sugar than traditional cookies—but twice as satisfying.

6. Processed Garlic Bread → Fresh Garlicky Bread

Instead of: Artificial flavors and preservatives
Try: Gluten-free bread brushed with olive oil, fresh garlic, and herbs. Bold, fresh flavor for summer dinners.

7. Refined Hamburger Buns → Nutrient-Dense Slider Buns

Instead of: Empty-calorie burger buns
Try: Gluten-free slider buns with 4g net carbs, 9g protein, and 11g fiber. Great for BBQ sliders, breakfast buns, or mini sandwiches.

8. Sugar-Loaded Granola Bars → Chocolate Macadamia Cookies

Instead of: Packaged bars with artificial chocolate and excess sugar
Try: Chocolate Chunk Macadamia Nut Cookies—naturally sweet, protein-rich, and free from blood sugar spikes.

9. Plain Store-Bought Bagels → Flavorful Plant-Based Bagels

Instead of: Basic bagels with little nutrition
Try: Gluten-free, grain-free, vegan bagels topped with cashew cream cheese and cucumber slices. High in protein and fiber.

10. Processed Crackers → Sesame Seed Bread Bites

Instead of: Crackers with seed oils and additives
Try: Gluten-free sesame seed bread cut into bite-sized pieces and served with hummus. 2g net carbs, 7g fiber, and zero junk.

11. Artificial Caramel Cookies → "Buttery" Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies

Instead of: Preservatives and fake flavors
Try: Cookies made with organic coconut sugar, real pecans, and a perfect sweet-salty crunch.

12. Commercial Chocolate Truffles → Homemade Hazelnut Truffles

Instead of: Refined sugars and mystery ingredients
Try: Vegan Ferrero Rocher-style truffles made with hazelnuts, dates, and cacao powder. Plant-based, paleo-friendly, and naturally indulgent.

Tips for Your Healthy Summer Snacks Challenge

• Prep ahead so snacks are ready to grab and go

• Use insulated containers to keep food fresh at the beach or park

• Freeze breads and bagels for up to 6 months (stock up while you can!)

• Mix + match toppings so you never get bored

• Share with friends and spread the clean eating joy

Final Bite 🍉

Your mission: Pick at least 3 of these healthy snack swaps to try this week.

They might just become your forever snacks—and your friends will be asking for your recipes.