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The best snacks are there for you when you’re overbooked and don’t have enough time to take care of yourself, when you’re hangry, and when you need a mental pick-me-up on an otherwise dreary day. They’re easy to have close by (or eat by the handful), satiating, and genuinely tasty. Sometimes they’re nostalgic (a bag of something popped, puffed, and cheesy will do), and other times they’re truly nutritious (like jerky packed with protein or fruit with a nice amount of fiber). No matter your fancy, you’ll probably eat thousands (millions?) of crackers, chips, nuts, popcorn kernels, cookies, and pretzels over the course of your life, and things sure wouldn’t be the same without them.
Sadly, not everything you spot on the grocery store shelf is created equal. Enter SELF’s 2024 Pantry Awards, where editors, registered dieticians, chefs, foodies, and home cooks spent months testing hundreds of snacky delights to weed out the meh (and the straight-up gross) from the truly outstanding. All in all we crowned 74 winners—and below, you’ll find all of the reigning snacks. Whether you choose to serve these to your friends with some dip and a martini or keep them stashed in your desk drawer like a hidden treasure, we hope you enjoy every last lick.
Be sure to check out the rest of SELF's 2024 Pantry Award winners: Find delightful sauces, spreads, oils, and condiments here, and our favorite elevated pantry staples here.
Think! Chocolate Mint High Protein Bars
Why we love them: Protein bars are hard to do well—many are chalky, leave a chemical aftertaste, or are otherwise unpleasant. This one did none of that: Not only was it filling, but it actually tasted…great.
One tester said: “It was a perfect, quick hunger fix while traveling and as part of my weekday breakfast.”
Gluten-free, vegan
Sweet Loren’s Breakfast Biscuits
Why we love them: A perfect little treat, these Sweet Loren’s cookies are satisfying and satiating, ideal for anyone who wants “just a nibble” of something sweet that will actually keep you full.
One tester said: “These were a smash hit in our house (don’t think I’ve ever used that phrase before). My husband and I devoured several boxes of them—he likes them first thing in the morning with his coffee and a yogurt; I like them as a post-lunch or afternoon snack.”
Dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, vegan
Nature Valley Sweet & Salty Granola Bars
Why we love them: For many of us, Nature Valley bars bring back memories of a simpler, crumblier time. Their Sweet & Salty granola bars offer much of the same joy with less of a crunch—which you might prefer in your car, home, or office anyway.
One tester said: “Love this one! The portion size is good, and if you like peanut butter, this is the snack for you.”
Vegetarian
Mary’s Gone Cheezee Crackers
Why we love them: These Mary’s crackers are a tasty snack that packs plenty of flavor without leaving your fingers coated in dust. They’re thicker than a crisp—almost more like a graham. Testers recommend using them for dipping; the Cheese & Herb variety actually paired nicely with cheese. Bonus: They’re allergy-friendly for school or group hangs.
One tester said: “I miss Cheez-Its as a gluten-free girlie, so I loved these.”
Dairy-free, gluten-free, Kosher, nut-free, vegan
Back to Nature Organic Roasted Garlic & Herb Stoneground Wheat Crackers
Why we love them: A flavored cracker can go a long way. These are delightfully herby—not boring when eaten alone but still versatile enough to pair with whatever you please.
One tester said: “They’re delicious on a cheese board with some brie or boursin.”
Dairy-free, Kosher, nut-free, vegan
Goldfish Crisps
Why we love them: Dare we say we’ve never tried anything like this before…? They are puffy, crispy, and, according to multiple testers, reminiscent (taste-wise) of Pringles—but in the shape and size of the classic Goldfish you know and love. We wouldn’t be shocked if the iconic brand’s new Crisps became an instant classic.
One tester said: “This puts all other snacks to shame. Like, it is a 12 out of 10. Perfect light texture. Perfect amount of crunch without being hard to chew. Flavor literally out of this world. Had a visceral reaction. Like, no snack will ever be so good.”
Firehook Organic Baked Crackers in Sea Salt
Why we love them: Firehook’s signature long, thin, rectangular crackers instantly elevate any party spread—it’s as if you see them and know immediately: “This host knows what they’re doing. This is going to be good.”
One tester said: “They’re the perfect thickness—slender but not too delicate—and have the right amount of crunch and flavor to go with any cheese.”
Dairy-free, Kosher, nut-free, vegetarian
Firehook Crispy Graham Crackers
Why we love them: We didn’t know we needed a Fancy graham cracker until we tried these—and now we’re not sure we can ever go back.
One tester said: “These are probably the best grahams I’ve tasted. They’re so crispy and flaky and sweet and delicious?! I’m also really into the packaging: It’s cute and the crackers come already in a square shape, which all grahams should! Would be fab in a s’more.”
Vegetarian
G.H. Cretors Cheese & Caramel Mix Popcorn
Why we love it: If you’re wary of this flavor profile, we encourage you, gently, to buck up and give it a chance: Cheddar and caramel make an excellent salty-sweet pairing. G.H. Cretors’s take on the mix has a great shape and texture too—perfectly popped and round kernels fill each bag.
One tester said: “Chicago is known for its caramel-cheese popcorn, and this one tastes just as delicious as the classic.”
Nut-free
Simply Smartfood
Why we love it: You know the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”? That’s basically how we feel about white-cheddar popcorn brand Smartfood. And the “Simply” take on the pantry staple (Simply is Frito Lay’s line of snacks without any artificial coloring or flavors) is really nice if you’re looking for a slightly less intense flavor…and, according to our testers, slightly cleaner hands.
One tester said: “I love Smartfood. This tasted like Smartfood ‘lite,’ but in a good way, actually: It had slightly less cheese dust and was easier on my stomach when I ate it in large amounts. There was still a solid amount of flavor—really satisfying.”
Stellar Pretzel Braids
Why we love them: Fancy-tasting pretzels? Sign us up. These, from Stellar, are wonderfully savory and won’t dry out your mouth. We also appreciate the resealable packaging, perfect for bringing your stash on the go.
One tester said: “My new favorite snack! So delicious. Sweet yet salty.”
Kosher, nut-free, vegan
Glutino Pretzel Twists
Why we love them: Just because you don’t eat gluten doesn’t mean your life should be devoid of pretzels. Glutino’s do the job better than all the rest we tried.
One tester said: “Gluten-free alternatives can taste so cloying or bland—not these. You could have told me these were from a high-end gourmet brand, and I'd be like, Obviously. These are great!”
Gluten-free, vegetarian
Boulder Batch Classic Dill Pickle Kettle Style Potato Chips
Why we love them: Testers raved about the thick, sturdy crunch of these chips, but what really captured their hearts was the dilly flavor: not too funky but actually just right. Pair them with onion dip and you’re golden.
One tester said: “YUM. The ridges add a really great texture and the taste is incredible. I say this as someone who hates pickles!”
Gluten-free, Kosher
Utz Potato Chips Mike’s Hot Honey
Why we love them: Is this…the collab of the year? Sweet, spicy, and salty come together to create one gorgeous little deli-style chip.
One tester said: “As a newly converted Mike’s Hot Honey fan, I can tell you these didn’t disappoint. They’re the perfect marriage of two classic tastes.”
Gluten-free, Kosher
Siete Foods Maíz Totopos
Why we love them: You know how the chips at your favorite local Mexican joint are always better than the ones you have at home? Well with these from Siete, you may not have that problem any longer. They nail the just-right thickness (not too thin and not too solid), amount of flavor (tasty but won’t overpower your dips), and crunch.
One tester said: “If you like salty, homestyle chips, these are perfect to keep in your pantry. I recommend sticking them in the toaster oven for a cozy little warming.”
Dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, vegan
Gimme Roasted Seaweed Snacks, Sea Salt
Why we love them: Do not—and we repeat, do not—overlook seaweed packs! These make an excellent on-the-go bite, are more dynamic-tasting than crackers or chips (umami, please), and do, truly, bring a bit of brightness to an otherwise boring afternoon.
One tester said: “A bit messy, but worth it. They’re fairly addicting.”
Dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, vegan
Hippeas Flavor Blast Chickpea Puffs
Why we love them: Finally, a finger-licking snack that allergy peeps need not miss out on. Hippeas Chickpea Puffs are an airy, crunchy, grab-’em-by-the-handful type of nosh, and their Flavor Blast variations (Blazin’ Hot and Vegan White Cheddar Explosion) bring back memories of after-school treats and long car adventures.
One tester said: “I actually cannot believe they’re vegan. They’re a great (better) Cheeto Puffs dupes, and I love them.”
Dairy-free, gluten-free, Kosher, nut-free, vegan
Now Cinnamon Honey Almonds
Why we love them: Crunchy, satisfying, and slightly messy, Now’s cinnamon honey almonds are a satiating snack that’ll also nurse your sweet tooth. One tester compared them to apple cider donuts on a perfect fall day.
One tester said: “Chomp! Tasted like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and I could see myself housing an entire bag. Warm and spicy flavors!”
Dairy-free, gluten-free, Kosher
Favorite Day Monster Trail Mix
Why we love it: The hallmark of a good trail mix? You’re happy with what you grab in every handful. This one from Target-exclusive brand Favorite Day is just that: Loaded with M&M’s, peanut butter chips, and raisins (amongst some nuts, of course), it’s got a little bit of everything good.
One tester said: “This is an excellent pregnancy craving snack—at night, midday, etc. It’s got a perfect candy-to-nut ratio (60 candy to 40 nut), and it reminds me of something I’d want to eat in a movie theater.”
Vegetarian
Diamond of California Snack Walnuts
Why we love it: These nuts were made for snacking, and that’s just what you’ll do. Testers said Diamond’s snacking walnuts were “surprisingly delicious”; flavor varieties brought to mind hints of toffee and sugar cookies. We recommend adding them to your yogurt or granola.
One tester said: “Like candy! Very chewy and you could eat a lot at once—they’re filling and hit my brain's pleasure center. I’m inclined to have the whole thing in one sitting.”
Vegetarian
Pescavore Ahi Tuna Jerky Strip
Why we love it: We tested a dozen different jerkies—meat, fish, and vegan—for this year’s Pantry Awards, and Pescavore’s came out on top by a large margin. So if you’re wary of the tuna of it all—don’t be. It’s absolutely delicious. And smell-wise, it’s subtle enough to chew on at your desk without anyone noticing.
One tester said: “This was flavorful without going too hard on the seasonings, though it's more teryaki-ish than jerk-ish. It had SO much protein—14 grams per pack!—and far less sugar and sodium than other jerkies often do.”
Dairy-free, gluten-free
Dole Good Crunch Original Pineapple Bites
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Why we love them: Dole’s dehydrated pineapple is light and airy. It comes in a conveniently resealable pouch, is made from the company’s excess fruit scraps (yay, less food waste!), and offers a nice amount of fiber at 5 grams per bag.
One tester said: “These are great—nice and crunchy, plus a bit sweet.”
Dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, vegetarian
Nature’s Garden Probiotic Strawberry Yoggies
Why we love them: Yoggies—part fruit snack, part yogurt bite—quickly became a bona fide hit amongst the SELF staff: We put them up for grabs in our office, and when the supply ran out, a dark cloud of disappointment took over our Slack chatter. They’re made with real fruit, filling for a 4 p.m. bite, and come in perfectly-portioned packs.
One tester said: “These are incredible—a lovely sweet, gummy, and creamy combo. I would eat 27 more bags of them right now if I could.”
Kosher, nut-free, vegetarian
Photography: Chelsea Kyle
Prop styling: Amy Elise Wilson at Laird and Good Company
Creative Director: Amber Venerable
On-Set Producer: Melissa Kramer
Editor in Chief: Rachel Wilkerson Miller
Executive Editor: Alisa Hrustic
Associate Director, Special Projects: Hannah Pasternak
Associate Art Director: Amanda K Bailey
Web Producer: Caroline Acosta
Editorial Assistant: Grace McCarty
