What comes to mind when you think of orange snacks? We’re not talking Cheetos, think healthier! Here are the nine best orange snacks to grab when you’re hungry.
When you think of orange snacks, what comes to mind?
If you instantly think Cheetos or Doritos, we can’t blame you!
However, though delicious, those types of snacks are not wholesome in any way, shape, or form.
If we ask you what comes to mind when you think of healthy orange snacks, you think of fruits and vegetables, right?
And that’s what we’re talking about today, the nine best orange healthy snacks to eat.
These orange fruits and veggies are delicious, chock full of nutrients, and fun to eat anytime, anywhere.
1. Oranges
Indeed, oranges are a healthy orange snack! You probably already know they’re a tremendous source of vitamin C, but they have so much more to offer.
They contain phytochemicals called flavanones that decrease the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Additionally, oranges contain lots of fiber, calcium, potassium, and vitamins A and B. They also promote antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
How to Snack on Oranges:
- Just as they are, slice by slice
- Juiced as a healthy morning drink
- As part of a fruit salad
2. Carrots
Carrots are a tasty source of beta carotene, vitamin K, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.
They come in a rainbow of colors, but the most common is the standard orange carrots you can find just about anywhere.
They’re low in fat and have a high water content, helping to make them more filling than other snacks.
How to Snack on Carrots:
- Enjoy crunchy carrot sticks all on their own for a light snack.
- Dip them into hummus or ranch dressing when you want something more substantial.
- They are also wonderful when freshly juiced.
3. Nectarines
The smooth, hairless cousin of the peach, nectarines are juicy fruits brimming with nutrients.
They contain vitamin C, beta carotene, fiber, and lutein. Because of their anti-inflammatory properties, they can prevent heart disease, cancer, and other serious ailments.
How to Snack on Nectarines:
- They are delicious as-is; just wash and munch away (and mind the pit!)
- You can also dice them and add them to yogurt for a tasty midday treat.
- Make this nectarine jam and slather it across crackers for a fancy, wholesome snack option.
4. Cantaloupe
This juicy orange fruit is bursting with vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, zinc, calcium, iron, and folic acid.
Besides a slew of vitamins and minerals, cantaloupes have phytonutrients that combat inflammation and ward off diseases.
They are 90% water, low in carbs, and have a low glycemic score, meaning you can snack on them shamelessly.
How to Snack on Cantaloupe:
- Carefully cut open a cantaloupe and dice the orange flesh into chunks. Eat as is.
- You can also find pre-cut packaged cantaloupe chunks in most grocery stores.
- Cantaloupe is also an excellent addition to a summery fruit salad.
5. Apricots
Apricots are another orange superfood packed with vitamins A, C, E, and B5, as well as potassium, lutein, and fiber.
Their flavonoid content makes them a superb antioxidant that can prevent obesity, heart disease, inflammation, and diabetes.
When shopping for fresh apricots, be sure to choose those with a golden orange or red-orange hue. Shy away from the underripe yellow or green varieties.
How to Snack on Apricots:
- Washed and eaten by hand for a simple snack.
- Chopped and added to yogurts and smoothies.
- You can also find dried apricot snacks at the market that are portable and superb in homemade trail mix.
6. Mangoes
Mangoes boast an impressive array of vitamins and minerals, namely A, C, K, lutein, fiber, and antioxidants.
They can prevent obesity, digestive disorders, prevent cancer growth, and boost immunity.
People in the know snack on mangoes at night, as they promote sleep and do not spike blood sugar levels.
How to Snack on Mangoes:
- You can wash, peel, and dice mango and eat it au natural.
- It’s delicious when juiced or blended as part of a smoothie.
- You can also use it as a salad topper since it pairs well with sweet and savory ingredients.
7. Bell Peppers
All bell peppers are nutritional powerhouses, and orange bell peppers are no different.
They contain vitamin C, B6, lutein, fiber, and antioxidants. Orange bell peppers promote skin health, help eye and nervous system function, and prevent cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
How to Snack on Orange Bell Peppers:
- Simply wash and slice these crunchy beauts for a tasty anytime snack.
- They’re also excellent when dipped in hummus or guacamole.
- They can make a colorful addition to a snack platter when entertaining guests.
8. Papaya
Papaya is an exotic fruit with edible seeds that tastes similar to melon when ripe.
It is chock full of vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants, providing an immunity boost and lowering cholesterol.
Papayas fight inflammation, reduce cancer risks, lower blood glucose levels, and aid digestion.
How to Snack on Papaya:
- Wash the papaya and cut it in half lengthwise. You can eat the seeds, but most people scoop them out and just enjoy the papaya flesh as is.
- Make fresh papaya juice with your juicer, or whip up a papaya smoothie with your blender.
- It’s also fabulous as part of a fruit salad.
- Like apricots, you can also enjoy dried papaya as a portable and tasty snack.
9. Turmeric
Most people have heard about the amazing health benefits turmeric brings to their diets.
And turmeric may not look like a snack food, but hear us out.
It is a potent anti-inflammatory that can aid digestion, lessen arthritis symptoms, heal liver damage, help respiratory infections, promote better skin health, and reduce depression.
How to Snack on Turmeric:
- Since it’s a spice with a mild, slightly spicy taste, use it as a seasoner.
- Sprinkled on popcorn and pita chips or mixed into hummus, smoothies, and guacamole are a few of our favorite ways.
Conclusion
Orange snacks contain antioxidants that preserve our eye health, regulate nervous system function, and boost our energy levels. They can also ward off several scary diseases.
And some even taste great, like the nine we mentioned here!
So the next time you want a scrummy, wholesome snack, think orange. You’re doing your taste buds and your body a huge favor.
[Author bio]
Caitlin Sinclair is the Property Manager at Reveal Playa Vista with five years of property management experience and many more in Customer Service. She shares her passion for her community and looks forward to making Reveal Playa Vista the place to call home.
