Healthy study snacks you need to try this semester

Making healthy choices with a busy, stress-filled schedule can be hard. Luckily, these tasty snacks make it easy to choose healthy foods while studying. 

Artwork by Kathy Cao/The Barnard Bulletin

By Mia Cariati

November 13, 2024

As a self-proclaimed stress-eater, I always need to have a snack with me while I am studying. Sadly, many healthy snacks are inconvenient to make or simply unsatisfying. However, it's important to prioritize food that makes you feel good while studying, and there are some tasty ways to do so. I have compiled a list of some easy, flavorful, and nutritious study snacks that you can make in your dorm. 

Fruits and Dips

Though the quality of dining hall fruit can vary, adding a fun dip can make even the most tasteless apple a delicious treat. I like to add Nutella to my apple slices, but you can also add peanut butter or sunflower seed butter if you prefer, all of which are available at various Columbia dining halls. Strawberries, bananas, and pears can also pair well with the aforementioned dips. This particular snack is a great way to get more fruits into your diet when you are low on time while studying. 

Chips and Dips

Most students have a bag of chips lying around somewhere in their dorms, and if you don’t, you can head to JJ’s and use their express swipe to pick up a few packs. While this snack on its own may not be the most satisfying, adding healthy dips can make chips a lot more fulfilling. I like to add hummus to pita or tortilla chips, as it’s is high in fiber and protein, making it a great choice for snacking. Guacamole can also be a great choice for a dip, as it is high in healthy fats and fiber. 

Vegetables and Dips

Want to incorporate some extra vegetables into your diet in a convenient way? Snap peas, carrots, green beans, and celery have a great crunch that can be a compatible addition to any dip of your choice. I like to pair my vegetables with salsa or hummus, though ranch could also be a tasty option. This snack is tasty way of incorporating some extra vegetables into your diet when you are preoccupied with studying, 

Flavored Popcorn

Popcorn is a great choice for a study snack. I like to heat up Pop Secret in the microwave for a warm and tasty snack, but pre-popped brands like Boomchickapop work just as well. Both brands can be found at Target and other local supermarkets. In addition to being high in fiber, popcorn is a high-volume snack, meaning you can eat a lot of it while you study. While plain popcorn is delicious in its own right, I like to drizzle a little caramel sauce on top of mine, or even add powdered cheese. You can also add household seasonings like oregano or garlic powder to give your popcorn a flavorful punch. 

Chocolate Covered Fruit

If you have the time to take a longer break from your studies, chocolate-covered fruits are a fun and easy treat you can make in your dorm’s kitchen. To make this treat, you simply need melting chocolate and some type of fruit; I prefer strawberries. Once you have melted the chocolate according to the package's instructions in a microwave, simply dip the fruit in and allow it to cool in your dorm’s mini-fridge for at least 30 minutes. 

If you want something even more nutritious, you can substitute the chocolate for yogurt, and simply freeze your fruit overnight to create a tasty treat with a crunchy, creamy shell. I like to use the Oikos brand of yogurt because it is high in protein, but any type of yogurt would work. Both options are a simple and fun way to add more fruit to your diet.

Homemade Trail Mix

This is probably my favorite snack to make while studying, simply because it is so customizable. Your trail mix can be sweet, salty, or spicy. I like to make mine a bit sweet, typically adding cashews, peanuts, some type of chocolate like M&Ms, and raisins into a plastic bag. After mixing, I have created a satisfying, high-protein snack. 

If you prefer savory snacks, instead of chocolates and raisins, you can add salted popcorn and pretzels to your mix. This snack is also a great opportunity to use some extra seasonings like garlic powder, chili flakes, or pepper. Since this snack is very satiating, it is a great choice while studying. It will give you the energy you need to tackle your exams and assignments. 

Final Thoughts

It is important to provide your body and your mind with the fuel it needs to thrive, even when you have a jam-packed schedule. These study snacks are not only delicious but also easy to make. Incorporating them into your study routine can make exam season a little less stressful.