Day-to-day living often means getting comfortable with familiarity, and this is especially true for food and snacks. American pantries are often stocked with all sorts of ingredients that have surprising versatility -their true potential is never quite reached. Everyday staples like peanut butter and oats are usually only saved for sandwiches and oatmeal. Just by combining a few ingredients that are in most pantries, you can make simple and easy-to-make snacks that will have you falling in love with healthy eating.
Peanut Butter Snacks
Energy and protein bars are a popular everyday snack for many people who live busy lives and need a quick hunger buster on the go. For those craving something similar that can be made right at home and prepared in less than an hour.
All you need from your pantry is:
- Peanut Butter
- Rolled Oats
- Honey or Maple Syrup
- Optionally, nuts or chocolate chips
To start, grab a bowl and mix together 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter), and 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup. You can add 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, chia seeds, or dried fruit based on your preference.
Once mixed properly, roll into balls and leave in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes. Once chilled, they are a healthy snack that can be packed on the go or eaten at home.
Roasted Chickpeas
Pantries are often stocked tall with cans of different varieties for their staying power, but cans of chickpeas can be a surprisingly underutilized ingredient. For this healthy and savory snack, you’ll need:
- Can of Chickpeas
- Olive Oil
- Seasoning of Choice
Start by draining the can of chickpeas and patting them dry before adding to a bowl, then drizzling with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add any seasoning based on preference, like salt, pepper, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, etc.
Once well-seasoned, spread the chickpeas onto a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown. Once done, these chickpeas are a crunchy, healthy snack that can be an alternative to junk food.
Banana-Oat Muffins
Muffins are an extremely popular snack that helps Americans beat hunger, whether they’re busy adults or children with packed lunches. The recipe for these muffins requires surprisingly few ingredients and doesn’t need sugar, making them a healthy hunger-buster for anyone. You’ll need:
- Oats
- Baking Powder
- Salt and Cumin
- Bananas
- Optionally, nuts or chocolate chips
Start with 2 ripe bananas and mash them into a paste before adding 1 1/2 cups oats, 1 tsp baking powder, a pinch of salt, and cinnamon. You can add a cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture. Once mixed thoroughly, pour the mixture evenly into a muffin tray before baking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes.
These muffins are a naturally sweet snack that children and adults will love.
Sources:
EatingWell, Peanut Butter Energy Balls, August 2, 2025
Love and Lemons, Crispy Roasted Chickpeas, June 9, 2024
Laura Fuentes, Healthy Banana Oat Muffins, May 7, 2025