We all know one thing high schoolers love to do: eat. But what about that time in between main meals? You know how it feels: it’s not quite lunch, but you’re not going to make it without a pick-me-up. That’s where snacks come in, and teenagers especially love them. There’s a reason why so many snack brands market to teen audiences: they have the disposable cash (well, Apple Pay) and the appetites for profitable snacking habits. But what snacks are students choosing to feast on throughout the day?
Some students opt for healthier options. Senior Kyra Plagainos swears by pomegranate seeds, which she claims are “full of antioxidants” and “help heart and digestive health, and they reduce inflammation, [which are] all good things for athletes.”
Science backs her up: Medical News Today corroborates her claims of their richness in antioxidants, and the fiber in pomegranate seeds can aid digestion and decrease the risk of heart disease.
For a quick pre-workout snack, senior Dean Mendejar endorses caramel rice cakes.
“[They] don’t make you feel bloated,” he says, “but [they] fill you up enough before a workout.”
Another favorite offered by junior Sarah Rivera is craisins with cheddar cheese.
“I’ve had little charcuterie boards with them and it’s yummy,” Rivera contends.
As a vegan, it can be difficult for junior Cindy Mazariego to find snacks. However, she has compiled a long list of vegan-friendly options to crush her cravings and enjoy food as much as any omnivore would.
“I love purple Doritos, popcorn, roasted chickpeas, veggies and hummus,” she says. For vegan-friendly packaged snacks, she recommends Hippeas Chickpea Puffs, Made Good Granola Balls and LesserEvil Outer Planet Pizza SpaceBalls.
Some of the other snacks students swear by include fruit snacks, banana chips and chocolate-covered almonds.
Of course, healthy snacks are great; they provide the energy and satiation needed to fuel learning. But, students need to treat themselves, too. Some sweeter snacks recommended by students include Irish chocolates and Swedish Fish.
Whether you opt for whole fruits and veggies or the crispy crunch of a potato chip or the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of a pack of M&Ms, you’re sure to find Nanuet students who share your snack preference. They probably aren’t willing to share their snacks, though!