5 Healthy Fall Snacks To Help You Crush Your PSL Craving

For many, the arrival of the Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks in early September is every bit as synonymous with “fall” as sweater weather and changing leaves. And, while the Carepoynt team loves Starbucks and a PSL as much as anyone—perhaps more—we also understand that the sweetened seasonal coffee drinks are best enjoyed as an occasional splurge. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up a handful of healthy fall snacks that deliver all of those glorious fall flavors…with none of the guilt.

1. Crispy Kale Chips

Kale is definitely having a moment right now, and not without reason; it’s low in calories, free of fat and loaded with fiber, key vitamins and powerful antioxidants. For a low-carb alternative to potato chips, take one bunch of kale, remove the stems and tear into two-inch pieces. Toss in a ½ tablespoon olive oil and 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce, then bake at 250 degrees until crisp—about an hour. 4 servings.

2. Baked Sweet Potato Fries

With high levels of vitamins A and C, fiber, potassium and iron, sweet potatoes are one of the healthiest starchy vegetables available. For an easy afternoon treat, slice half a medium-sized sweet potato into thin strips, spray with fat-free cooking oil and toss in the herb or spice of your choice—rosemary is an excellent choice, as are cinnamon and allspice. Bake at 350 degrees for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.

3. Roasted Curried Chickpeas

Get the crunchy vibe of salted nuts, without the high fat and sodium content! Take one 15-ounce can of chickpeas, rinse, drain and allow to dry. When dry, spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees until crispy—about 45 minutes. While warm, toss in ½ tablespoon of olive oil, ½ teaspoon curry powder, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon chili powder. Allow to cool, and enjoy! Makes 4 servings.  

4. Quinoa, Kale + Cranberry Salad

Kale also is the perfect green for make-ahead or mason-jar salads—it’s at its nutritional peak in fall and winter, and is unlikely to wilt overnight. Start with a half-cup each of diced cucumber, carrots and grape tomatoes. Next, layer a handful of cranberries, with 1/3 cup of cooked, chilled quinoa. Top with one cup of chopped kale and handful of thinly sliced shallots, and you’re ready to go! Perfect with any balsamic vinaigrette. 

5. Smart Snacks from our Partners

For those days when you haven’t planned ahead—it’s Carepoynt partners to the rescue! Earn and redeem Poynts with Naturebox, which offers hundreds of smarter snacking choices like Sriracha Roasted Cashews and Blueberry Almond Quinoa Bites. Or, grab something 100% pure (and 100% portable) from one of our natural food partners, like PorroVita; we recommend the NRG juice, with ginger, carrot, apple and (you guessed it) kale.