We’ve all been locked up for a long time. We don’t go out like we used to, we don’t travel like we used to, we don’t do much of anything like we used to. All this extra time at home has created an opening for some new snack foods in your mundane life. You’re tired of the same quick bites that you’ve liked your whole life and you need a change. We’re here to help. No cooking, no peeling, no prep work, these are all foods you can eat as soon as you walk out of the store. Grab a package of any of these snacks and take them to your kitchen table/desk and eat so many you don’t need dinner. Thank us later.
Trader Joes Worlds Puffiest White Cheddar Corn Puffs
The first bite of one of these puffs will make you wonder why you wasted your money. They’re very light, very crunchy, and the taste is kind of subtle. They pretty much dissolve as soon as you bite down. Why is this a good snack? You’ll wonder the same thing on the second bite. And the fifth handful. Before you know it, the bag will be gone and you’ll shake your head and wonder why. Then you’ll be mad you didn’t buy another bag. So, buy three. Available at Trader Joes.
Cheez-Its Extra Toasty
You’ve had Cheez-Its before. They’ve been around forever. So what? Well, these are burned. “Extra Toasty” means that they cooked them longer and when you look at one you’ll understand. They’re dark. Like toast that spent an extra minute in the toaster. But that extra baking turns these from a ho-hum every day snack to a full-box-at-one-sitting salty crunchy guilt trip. It’s OK, you aren’t going out anyway. Who cares if your immediate area is covered in Cheez-It crumbs? Tip: buy the jumbo-sized box.
Gold Emblem Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets
This is the CVS house brand and you can probably find them other places, but why? There’s a CVS on every corner in America and it’s easy to get in and out fast with very few people seeing your stained sweatpants. Just like it says, they’re peanut butter filled pretzels. Sure, it sounds a little gross. Lots of good things sound gross. But you can’t eat just one. Plus, the big plastic jug they come in is resealable so you can save some for tomorrow. They can last for weeks if you’re able to keep yourself from devouring them.
Rold Gold No 5 Savory Butter Pretzels
Not your everyday pretzel, these are twisted sticks dusted with butter flavor instead of coarse salt. Warning: it’s a snack that will require you to lick you fingers, wipe your hands on your jeans, or use a napkin. You remember napkins don’t you? You used them before you wore sweatpants every day. These actually work pretty well with dips, they’re strong enough to dig through the thickest creamy dip, but there’s not a lot of surface area for the dip to cling to.
Mission Organics Blue Corn Tortilla Chips
You can feel good about yourself, you bought “organic” chips. Tell your vegan friends. These are a great alternative to the boring tortilla chips available in 300 varieties. You can serve them and look hip and modern. Who serves blue chips? You do. Great with salsa or on their own.
Kettle Brand Sea Salt and Vinegar Chips
Make sure you have a large drink nearby when consuming these extra-salty chips. They’re crunchy, salty, and have just a hint of vinegar flavor. Some salt and vinegar chips go too heavy on the vinegar, these don’t have that problem. It’s difficult to stop eating these before you’re all the way through the bag.
Archer Farms “Monster” Trail Mix
This trail mix is more of a dessert than a snack. Loaded with M&M’s, Milk Chocolate Candies, peanut butter chips, peanuts, and raisins, this mix leans more towards sweet than salty. Available in a 2+ pound bin for $8 at Target, this is a favorite of ours and we’re sure it will be a favorite of yours, too. Try not to eat more than 1/8th of the tub at a time, or you’ll regret it for the rest of the day.
Goldfish: Flavor Blasted Xtra Cheddar
A slightly different alternative to your standard goldfish, these “Xtra Cheddar” version come with additional cheddar seasoning for an even better taste. The additional seasoning does start to build up on your fingers after eating 50+ of these, so be prepared with a paper towel. Or use your pre-stained sweatpants.
Ruffles
Ruffles might be a cop-out since everyone knows about them, but we felt they needed to be included. A very versatile chip, great for dipping with enough flavor to eat by itself if needed. Not to be confused with the vastly inferior Wavy Lays, Ruffles are chips for people who enjoy the finer things in life. Pair with your favorite French onion dip and enjoy.
Trader Joes Ridge Cut Potato Chips
Yes, we’ve already mentioned a Trader Joes snack. We aren’t playing favorites. But you need to know about these. These chips are so thick you can feel your teeth losing a little strength with every bite. The only dip these chips can’t stand up to is concrete. They feel like they’re half an inch thick. These are chips for men. And tough women. They’re ridiculous and that’s why we love them. They come in a few flavors, try the Salt and Pepper.
