There was a time when I had a serious sweet tooth. I’m talking full-on candy addiction. And not just any candy… I was hooked on those Trolli gummy worms. I’d be driving down the street, spot a Seven Eleven, and immediately make a detour because I knew that sugary goodness was waiting for me.
But then acne came along and stuck around well into my early adulthood. When my dermatologist told me that my candy habits might be causing the inflammation and cystic breakouts, I knew it was time for a change. As much as I loved those worms, I couldn’t keep dealing with skin that looked like I was still in middle school during my 20s. So, I quit almost cold turkey. They had to go.
Still, cutting out sugar wasn’t easy, and I missed my sweet treats. That’s when I set out to find healthier options that would satisfy my cravings without sabotaging my health. Thankfully, I discovered better-for-you sweets.
The best lower-sugar snacks should give you the same sweetness and satisfaction without all the sugar drawbacks, and many even come packed with nutrients like fiber and protein. But the thing is, so many of these alternatives fall flat, either tasting bland or overly artificial. As a self-proclaimed sweet treat savant, I wasn’t gonna settle for that.
I spent hours online and in local health food stores looking for sweet treats that use natural sweeteners and clean ingredients, but still actually taste good. Here are five of my favorites.
1) Chobani Less Sugar Greek Yogurt
Chobani’s Less Sugar Greek Yogurt proudly claims to have “45% less sugar than other yogurts.” When I saw this on the label, I didn’t expect much. I thought it might be bland because of the low sugar. I was so glad I was wrong!
This yogurt is the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and fruity (depending on the flavor you pick). I’ve tried many yogurts that claim to be super creamy, but this one really lives up to it. It’s smooth and has a fantastic nutrition profile. A 5.3 oz serving has just 9g of sugar (5g of which is added sugar) and 12g of protein. Compared to other yogurts, Chobani gets the balance of cost, flavor, and nutrition just right.
2) Erin Baker’s Better Cookie, Almond Butter
These soft, chewy almond butter cookies taste like a comforting oatmeal treat without the sugar crash. With only 7 grams of sugar for two cookies, Erin Baker’s Better Cookies are perfect when you want something sweet.
I love how clean the ingredients are—there are no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or fillers. They use whole foods, which makes them even better. If you’re looking for a healthy snack that’s satisfying but doesn’t mess with your eating habits, these cookies are a winner.
3) Health Warrior Chia Bars
Did you know that ounce for ounce, chia seeds have more protein than an egg, more omega-3s than salmon, more fiber than flax, and more calcium than milk? Chia seeds are small but mighty. Once I learned about all these amazing benefits, I started adding chia seeds to my yogurt and smoothies. But then I discovered Health Warrior Chia Bars, and it changed everything. These bars are made with chia seeds as the main ingredient, making them the perfect convenient snack when you’re in a hurry and don’t have time for a smoothie or fancy yogurt mix-ins.
At just 100 calories and 3 grams of sugar per bar, these are a great fit for anyone looking for a healthy snack that fills you up. Made with real, plant-based ingredients, these bars are also dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, non-GMO, and 100% vegan. The apple cinnamon flavor is my personal favorite, but I’ve heard the other flavors are just as good.
4) Oatmega Bar
Oatmega Bars are often called some of the best-tasting protein bars, and I have to agree. They hit the perfect balance between sweet and savory, and the ingredients are clean and easy to understand—no weird fillers. With 14 grams of protein, 7 grams of fiber, and only 5 grams of sugar, these bars give you a satisfying snack without the sugar overload. They’re made with sustainable, grass-fed whey protein, which is a big plus. My favorite flavor is Cinnamon Bun, but Chocolate Mint is a close second.
5) BEAR Yoyos Fruit Rolls
When I started trying to eat healthier, I was skeptical about processed fruit snacks. But BEAR Yoyos changed my whole perspective. Made from gently baked fruit, these fruit rolls are clean, healthy, and surprisingly tasty. They have no added sugar or preservatives, and each roll counts as one of your five servings of fruit for the day. They’re 100% plant-based, gluten-free, and allergen-free. I’ve tried the apple pear, raspberry, and strawberry lemon varieties, and each one has its own distinct flavor— not just some mushy, bland fruit paste. The chewy texture and natural sweetness make these an addictive snack, but each bag is just enough to satisfy your cravings.
Closing Thoughts
Food marketed as “super healthy” food often gets a bad reputation for being tasteless or overpriced. But as I’ve laid out with these five treats, it’s definitely possible to find snacks that are both delicious and good for you. So if you’re on a health kick but still have a sweet tooth, these treats might just be what you need to keep both your taste buds and your diet happy.
