The 11 Best Healthy Snacks in the Golden State

There is something so satisfying about the crunch of chips, the fizz of a freshly opened can of soda, and the gooey texture of biting into a chocolatey candy bar. But for many, this joy is short-lived. The immense happiness of consuming these treats is often replaced by the striking realization of just how bad they are for us—even as we try to convince ourselves that it’s okay to eat them in moderation. So, we went out in search of the best healthy (well, healthier) California snack foods to find a more pleasurable experience that won’t leave you full of regret. 

The Best Organic Snacks To Purchase From California Brands

1. Sunfood Superfoods

Based in: El Cajon

Sunfood Superfoods is a family-run Southern California business dedicated to promoting good health, a long life, and natural energy through a healthy diet and proper nutrition. Offering a range of supplements, plant-based proteins, and even cacao, Sunfood provides something for every aspect of your health—including snack time. Stock up on the Whole30-approved snacks such as the Berry Adventure trail mix (which only has three ingredients: organic, raw goji berries; organic, raw golden berries; and organic, raw cashews), or switch up your nut butter or veggie sandwiches with the vegan- and paleo-friendly Moringa Coconut Wraps.  

2. Pure Organic

Based in: Solana Beach

Rich with fruit flavors and vacation vibes, Pure Organic’s deliciously chewy bars are the perfect California snacks to throw in your bag. Pineapple passionfruit, strawberry banana, and raspberry lemonade are all the delicious flavor concoctions currently available, and we’re obsessed with them all.

3. OCHO Candy

Based in: Oakland

OCHO Candy makes totally gluten-free and organic sweet treats that are the perfect grab-and-go California snack foods. The OCHO bars and mini pouches come in a variety of mouthwatering and decadent flavors that skimp on neither taste nor health benefits. One bite is all you need to get hooked on the gooey chocolatey goodness of these sweet Bay Area-made snacks.

4. Numi Tea

Based in: Oakland

Numi Tea is made with 100-percent real ingredients and is a great alternative to unhealthy beverages. Crafted from organic teas, flowers, fruits, and spices, and created with the intention of promoting positive health, this healthy drink is the perfect addition to a cozy night in. Brew a cup of aged Earl Grey, Moroccan mint, or jasmine green tea to feel rejuvenated and refreshed—no sugar crash involved.

5. Luna Bar

Based in: Emeryville

LUNA Bars are owned by Clif Bar & Company, so it’s understandable why these goodies made the list as well. With a wide variety of flavors and even more sizing options, these delicious, high-protein California snacks can satisfy any need. And unlike most Clif Bars, LUNA Bars have a better balance of protein and sugar, making them a snack choice you can feel entirely good about. 

Healthy Snack Brands To Satisfy Your Cravings

6. Clif Bar

Based in: Emeryville

Clif Bars are one of my go-to healthy California snacks because they are easy to eat whether I am working in the office or hiking on the trails. Packed with 9 grams of protein, the chocolate chip Clif Bar is a guilty pleasure that isn’t too guilty (sugar content aside). This made-in-the-Bay-Area snack is the perfect thing to reach for if you need a little pick-me-up between meals.

7. SUNCHIPS 

Based in: Modesto

Looking for the best healthy chips to buy? With several different SUNCHIPS flavors, there is a chip for every mood. SUNCHIPS’ brightly colored packaging and location in the traditional chip aisle may trick you into thinking you’re eating junk food, but the nutrition facts help to put your mind at ease. The Garden Salsa, Harvest Cheddar, and Sweet Potato and Brown Sugar flavors tap into the best of sweet and savory options, making for a tasty whole-grain California snack food that can tackle any craving. Featuring 10 percent or less of your daily value in any given category, a bag of SUNCHIPS provides a snacking experience that feels indulgent without disrupting the rest of the day’s meals.

8. Quest Nutrition

Based in: El Segundo

Chips and cookies that are actually good for you? I’m sold. Quest Nutrition carries an entire line of California snack foods—plus protein bars and powders—that will make you forget about the processed, sugar-laden treats of the past. In addition to promoting overall health, many of Quest Nutrition’s products comply with gluten-free and keto diets. Try the double chocolate chip cookies to see what 15 grams of protein, 10 grams of fiber, 5 net carbs, and less than a single gram of sugar can taste like. Then, get your crunchy munching on with the original-style BBQ protein chips to pack on another 21 grams of protein.

9. Dang Foods

Based in: Berkeley

Dang Foods chips deliver that satisfying crunch without any of the bad stuff, seriously. These vegan snacks from California are free of gluten, GMOs, dairy, soy, and preservatives. Try the surprisingly sweet tang of the Sriracha Sticky-Rice chips, featuring garlic, chili, and a touch of sweetness from watermelon juice. To fully indulge your sweet tooth, go with the Paleo-friendly caramel sea-salt coconut chips, and for a keto snack, look no further than the lemon matcha Dang Bar.

10. Olipop

Based in: Oakland

While the bubbling flavors of Olipop may not satisfy your hunger, this soda alternative will give you all the fizzy fun you need. With eight plant-based ingredients and 9 grams of dietary fiber per can, this guilt-free beverage feels like a blend of modern luxury and childlike nostalgia. The Cinnamon Cola tastes like the holiday season, while the Strawberry Vanilla and Ginger Lemon transport you to summertime. Try Olipop for yourself, and you may never drink another soda again.

11. The Good Bean 

Based in: Berkeley

Enjoy a good crunch with The Good Bean’s roasted chickpeas (which offer 6 grams of protein per serving) or crispy fava beans and green peas (which boost the protein up to 7 grams per serving). These plant-based protein snacks come in several delicious flavors; try the chili-lime or Thai-coconut chickpeas, and grab some of the balsamic-herb or habanero-citrus favas and peas to take your healthy California snacking game to a new level.

Need more California snack foods in your life? Check out the goodies at Los Angeles’ SeaSnax, Compartés Chocolatier, and Sqirl; Berkeley’s Annie’s; and Disneyland.