Healthy Snacks at CVS and Duane Reade

How many times have you been on the run and needed a healthy snack? I get asked this question by my clients all the time. The key here is a snack that’s convenient and quick! And something like natural peanut butter on a sliced apple isn’t going to cut it. So what’s more convenient that your local CVS or Duane Reade?  It seems they’re on every corner in NYC. Read on to get my top picks for healthy snacks at CVS and Duane Reade, including low carb snacks.

My four criteria for healthy snacks:

1. Individual grab and go portions. Who wants to eat from a huge bag of skinny pop as you run down the street?
   
2. Something healthy. I guess this one is kind of obvious as I’m a registered dietitian! Now keep in mind these snacks may not be super healthy, but I had to do the best I could when in a pharmacy/convenience store.
3. Some options for low carb snacks. Many of my patients have diabetes, prediabetes, PCOS, insulin resistance – or just prefer to follow a low carb diet.
4.  Some options for low FODMAP snacks. 20% of people have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and  find relief of symptoms by following a Low FODMAP diet.

Healthy snacks at CVS and Duane Reade

These snacks are 225 calories or less. Many are also low carb snacks with less than 15 grams of carbs. Now keep in mind these may not be the MOST healthy snacks on the planet! But I’m trying to be realistic and provide you with options if you are on the run.

Dairy
2 HB Eggs
String cheese
Baby Bell
Volpi Roltini Mozzarella & Proscutto Ham stick
Laughing Cow Cheese Dipper (cheese & breadsticks)
Sargento Balanced Breaks, White Cheddar, Almonds & Dried Cranberries
Sargento Pepper Jack with Jalapeno Peppers, 1.5 oz
Yogurt (many different types)
Fage 2% Plain
P3: Portable Protein Pack: Ham, Almonds, Cheddar

Nuts  (these are all mini bags)
Nice Roasted Whole Cashews, lightly salted, 1 oz
Nice Almonds, Unsalted, 1.5 oz
Nice Almond and Pistachio Mix, 1 oz
Abound Unsalted Pistachios (in the shell), 1.5 oz
Nut Harvest Pistachios (in the shell)
Sahale Nut Snacks (while not as healthy as plain nuts, these can be a good snack if you are craving something sweet with the nuts):  Honey Almonds or Pomegranate Vanilla Flavored Cashews

Meaty
Epic 100% Bison Uncured Bacon & Cranberry

Fruit
Fresh whole fruit including apples, oranges, bananas, even avocados!
Cut up fresh fruit, including mixed fruit

Other
Graze Veggie Protein Power
Graze Dark Chocolate Cherry Tart
Graze Berry Oat Squares with Flaxseeds
Graze Maple Oat Squares with Maca
Yu Ma Mi Black Bean Go-DipYu Ma Mi Edamame Go-Dip

Energy Bars
There are tons of energy bars. Some are healthier than others! Some of my favorites include:
Kind, any type with dark chocolate
Simply Protein
Lara

Low FODMAP snacks
If you have IBS and follow a Low FODMAP diet,  you know all too well there aren’t many appropriate snacks for you on the run. Here are some favorites:
Almonds (small portion – 1/2 oz)
Orange
String cheese
Baby Bel Cheese
P3: Portable Protein Pack: Ham, Almonds, Cheddar
Sargento Pepper Jack with Jalapeno Peppers, 1.5 oz
Go Macro Bars: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate Almond, Coconut Almond Butter Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter and more (FYI: pea protein is now low in FODMAPS as per Monash)
Bobo Bars: Coconut Oat, Chocolate Chip, Original, Stuffed Bars (many flavors) and more

What are your favorite snacks at CVS or Duane Reade?