Allrecipes.com states that “Research confirms that snacking accounts for nearly half of all eating in the United States.” The trend towards small portions and healthy calorie friendly snacks continues to gain popularity in 2012. Fast paced lifestyles leave little time for large meals and meal preparation. Watching their weight and their wallet many people want convenience, health benefits and affordability while incorporating snack foods or replacing some meals with snacks.

Today there are healthier options when making snacking decisions. Healthy, flavorful snack foods like dried fruits, snack mixes, granola and seeds are beneficial choices. Additional health snack options include Garden Chips instead of potato chips. No time for dessert? A Banana Split Grabeez Snack Cup instead of ice cream is a great snack on the fly. For a dual meal snack assist, try some dried fruit at breakfast and dinner. Add some dried fruit to oatmeal in the morning and add dried fruit for a sweet, low calorie dessert at dinner.

Snack options are not limited to a single aisle in stores anymore. Granola bars, dried fruit, nuts and snack mixes give unique snacking options that are convenient and satisfy. When looking for healthy foods Tropical’s Nut House has snacks and specialty foods to include for the grocery list.