Snacking is a popular pastime in the western world. However, you may be surprised (or not) to learn that many countries don’t snack. The most obvious ones are France and Italy, where three square meals a day are the norm. It’s rare for anyone to buy candy bars or bags of crisps (potato chips). A pastry at the weekend yes, but snacking no.
Use vegan butters with no palm oil. Use a reusable silicone baking liner or unbleached parchment paper (in compostable packaging). Keep recipes away from pets, due to toxic ingredients.
Vegan Snacks & Munchies offers 60 recipes to quit convenience snacks full of salt, sugar and dairy and instead choose a healthier way to graze. Find nuts and other nibbles, pocket-size energy balls and other foods for when you’re on the move. Whip up a dip for friends or for larger gatherings, find a crunchy creole cauliflower recipe, perfect for party platters. Recipes include:
- Spicy Burgers & Wedges
- Cocoa-Almond Freezer Fudge Pops
- Carob Coconut Snacks
Should We Graze (or eat 3 square meals?)
Eating Healthy with Dr Francis offers lots of lovely snacks, the book is co-written by an emergency doctor from the Caribbean.
There are varying opinions on whether we should snack or not. Some say three meals a day is better, others prefer us to ‘graze’ throughout the day. It’s up to you, your blood sugar levels and your lifestyle. A top athlete is likely wanting to graze to keep energy levels up, whereas someone more sedentary may wish to just take their time with a couple of long meals, and a hearty breakfast.
Another tip is to watch portion sizes. French women are aghast at the size of ‘snack muffins’ in the USA, saying they are around 10 times the size of what they would call a ‘snack muffin’. Likewise, it’s good to stay away from 2-for-1 supermarket offers, or giant bags of crisps because they are cheap. This why making your own snacks if often a better option.
It’s better for health and pocket. Dr Katja Rowell who specialises in eating habits says that if children snack all day, they become ‘fussy eaters’ as they don’t develop proper appetites. And Professor Karen LeBillon from University of British Columbia (who has lived in both France and Canada) says that in France, children never visit the fridge to ‘root around for a snack’. It’s just not the culture.
How to Make a Vegan Platter Board
Vegan Boards offers ideas with 50 stunning plant-based boards with instructions and a colour photo of each one. Using roasted veggies, quesadillas or bruschetta, you’ll find guidance on how to use equipment and utensils to make serving food on boards, both beautiful and safe. Recipes include:
- Mediterranean Grazing Board
- Sweet & Spicy Melon Sparkler Board
- Ombre Farmers’ Market Board
- Front Yard Picnic Board
- Overnight Guest Welcome Board
- Midsummer Backyard BBQ Board
- Backyard Campfire Board
- Family Movie Night Board
- Date Night Vegan Cheese Board
- Mini Berry Pie Board
- Frozen Banana Pops Board
Install a Healthy Vending Machine
Vinny is a unique business that offers plant-based vending machines for offices, schools, gyms and anyone that presently uses vending machines to serve snacks and drinks to others. These stylish vending machines are fully monitored, replenished and maintained by the company, with remote services to monitor stock levels, temperatures an sales. The system benefits from a fully contactless QR code payment experience, for a touchless and COVID-proof purchase journey.
The machines are super-smart and hygienic, built with groundbreaking features in a post-COVID world. Each brand is carefully selected for its goodness and deliciousness, and the vegan-friendly food excludes 0% of the population. Snackers will be pleasantly surprised to find goodies, not found on standard supermarket shelves.
The standard machines feature cash-free and contactless payments, with real-time stock management and 24/7 control via the VendLive™ platform. There is a large, welcoming HD touchscreen with easy-to-use filters for selection, alongside helpful nutrition information. And the fun attractive design is ideal to get noticed. If needed, you can use local advertisements on the machine, to help pay for the upkeep.
The optional add-ons include microbial screens to offer 24/7 anti-bacterial protection, UVC light to destroy bacteria and an automated flap that opens automatically with no unnecessary touching, or getting your hands caught in annoying vending flaps. If not compostable packaging, recycle the wrappers with business waste, or place in supermarket bag recycling bins.
