by Stefanie Plum, Gather Partner Team
Member since:
February 19, 2008

Smart Snacking Choices. Share Yours for a Chance to Win RITZ CRACKERFULS!

September 14, 2009 10:00 AM EDT (Updated: September 28, 2009 01:42 PM EDT)
views: 355 | comments: 154

I have a confession…

While I'm working in the Gather office, I sometimes make poor snacking choices.

Though it's a kind gesture, I always feel uneasy when I see one of my co-workers bring in sweets to share with the office. Currently there are three bags of chocolates and one with chewy candies less than a 10-second walk from my desk. But for me, that wouldn’t leave me satisfied. What I am looking for is a delicious savory snack that’s satisfying and tastes great.

There is a terrific new product from RITZ called CRACKERFULS that tastes delicious. Made with real cheese and 5 grams of whole grain per serving? 130 calories and 7 grams of total fat per serving? That works for me!

Instead of candies and chips, what do you recommend snacking on? Tell us about the satisfying snacks you eat. Include your comments in the field below by Sunday, September 27th and you could be one of five people drawn to receive a box of RITZ CRACKERFULS.


http://media-files.gather.com/images/d265/d830/d745/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg

One entry per person who participates in the chat. No purchase necessary. See official rules.
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Comments: 154

Jenn P. Sep 14, 2009, 10:05am EDT
I like to snack on grapes :)
Lune Wolfsong Sep 14, 2009, 10:07am EDT
The most satisfying snack I've had recently was some raw cucumber sticks, with a little nondairy "ranch" dressing to dip in. They were a gift from a relative, fresh from the garden. What a treat. I was surprised when my kids went nuts over them, too. They like raw veggies, but hadn't had that one before.
Elizabeth R. Sep 20, 2009, 7:04am EDT
Cucumber sticks with that ranch dressing sounds great. How about with non-fat yogurt? That would be good, too.
colleen m. Sep 14, 2009, 10:08am EDT
I like to snack on Jack Links jerky that is high in protein but low in fat and carbs. I also enjoy a oil-less peanut butter called PB2 that I buy at www.bellplantation.com - it has only ~2g fat per 2tbsp and tastes better than Peter Pan - I just love it!
Stacey *Mamasaid* D. Sep 14, 2009, 10:11am EDT
We love baked apples, especially now that they are in season. We pick our own then bring them home for snacking. I bake them with just a bit of apple juice and cinnamon. The house smells like autumn and we have a healthy snack in just minutes!

We also enjoy yogurt with fruit, it wards off the hunger and we get plenty of energy from this wholesome snack. Calcium, probiotics, vitamins and minerals - who could ask for anything more ;)
dreama e. Sep 14, 2009, 10:14am EDT
I like to make a veggie plate with all kinds of different vegetables.
anne ( way 2 crazy of a life ) c. Sep 14, 2009, 10:16am EDT
one of the best snacks i have that leave me feeling like I ate something... was quaker rice cakes. They come in a decent size bag and they have awesome flavors
Marsha S. Sep 14, 2009, 10:19am EDT
I find crackers to be a good snack....and I eat either Cheez-Its or Ritz.
I really like the Ritz Crackerfuls, in fact we just bought the 4 cheese kind to give a try.
Vera B. Sep 14, 2009, 10:24am EDT
My favorite All Time snack is Cheese-its, I use to buy them by the box and now I buy the packs for the kids to take to school not for my kids BUT for me because if I open a box I'll eat the whole box before the day is over. If I buy the small packages I'll eat 1 or 2 only.
Well to be honest, I like chocolate chip cookies, but who makes those as a healthy snack, unless you eat the organic kind that paul newman brand. But those can be a bit pricey. Basically anything healthy for you will have a price, you just got to pay it.
Cindy B. Sep 14, 2009, 10:30am EDT
I love my celery stick's with peanutbutter on them. I lack protein, so it keep's me going. =)
Jennifer O. Sep 14, 2009, 10:32am EDT
I like celery and cream cheese or almonds.
penni d. Sep 14, 2009, 10:33am EDT
for some reason, cheese and grapes go together well
Teresa W. Sep 14, 2009, 10:34am EDT
I like vegetables and fruit for snacks except as a diabetic, they don't work for me. If I have to have a snack, then I will eat a cheese stick or two and a handful of crackers, maybe a scoop of cottage cheese. It's harder to snack as a diabetic because if you eat something that has even natural sugar in it like the fruit, then you'll feel sick. Or at least that's what happens to me. Generally I try very hard to avoid snacks and eat smaller, more frequent meals.
Teresa W. Sep 14, 2009, 10:35am EDT
Oh and I forgot to mention nuts. I like walnuts, almonds, cashews and sometimes have those. Also some beef jerky can be tasty as a snack too.
penni d. Sep 14, 2009, 10:39am EDT
I want nuts
j - Frugal Mom - r. Sep 14, 2009, 10:35am EDT
My personal favorites are grapes and cold watermelon, but lately I have added wholewheat Ritz crackers with cheese.
j - Frugal Mom - r. Sep 14, 2009, 10:35am EDT
Pita chips or veggies with hummus is another favorite.
Elizabeth R. Sep 20, 2009, 7:07am EDT
This was a major success as a pot luck last week. We had the pita chips and a different flavors of hummus. Was wonderful.
Cynthia J. Sep 14, 2009, 10:35am EDT
I usually don't snack. If I do, I try to munch on some carrots or some kind of veggie or fruit. I do find it very tempting to not give in when co-workers bring goodies in. It happens too often where I work. And honestly, I do cave in at times.
Katie Scarlett (Site Bouncer Wanna Be) O. Sep 14, 2009, 10:36am EDT
Cheese! Cheese plain (all varieties). Cheese Pizza! Cheese & Crackers! Cheese dip & crackers! Cheese and pretzles! Cheese & Fruit. Cheese & Wine! Cheese & Bread!
Get the idea?
penni d. Sep 14, 2009, 10:38am EDT
~ sneaking in to steal katie's cheeses~
penni d. Sep 14, 2009, 10:38am EDT
Dried apple peels baked with cinnamin
penni d. Sep 14, 2009, 10:39am EDT
Beef jerky with mixed fruit trail mix
penni d. Sep 14, 2009, 10:40am EDT
peanut butter mixed with chocolate sauce and marshmellows.....microwaved
penni d. Sep 14, 2009, 10:41am EDT
Um, I don't recommend the above...it's just good tasting,lol
penni d. Sep 14, 2009, 10:40am EDT
Boxes and boxes of CRACKERFULS!!!
April H. Sep 14, 2009, 10:46am EDT
I snack on an apple almost every day, and also carrots and celery with a little bit of veggie dip. I often add some crackers to the plate as well!
Dusty Hubbard Sep 14, 2009, 10:52am EDT
Almonds are great and just about anything tastes good if you dip it in all natural peanut butter. Carrots and bananas are very good to dip.
Monica Kennedy Sep 14, 2009, 10:55am EDT
Hummus with whole grain crackers or pita chips or pitas is a satisfying snack for me and it feels like you are eating something bad for you! YUMMY! I have never tried the crackerfuls and would love the chance to try them.
Vicky K. Sep 14, 2009, 10:57am EDT
I like nuts or some yogurt that has added fiber which is more filling.
☀ Aunt Shanny Sep 14, 2009, 11:01am EDT
I like low fat cheese (or a cheese dip) and whole wheat crackers.
penni d. Sep 14, 2009, 11:07am EDT
All this snack talk is making my mouth needy...since I don't have any CRACKERFULS ((WAHH)) I shall take my whole grain Ritz crackers, put lil circles of cheddar cheese on them, and bake for a few minutes...
Sara J. R. Sep 14, 2009, 11:14am EDT
For a healthy snack, I like Green Giant's fresh baby cut carrots. They come washed with no preservatives. One reason [besides taste!] junk food is chosen is because it's so convenient - no muss, no fuss. These carrots are ready to eat, a finger food that's naturally sweet and crunchy. Sometimes I just need to chew on something!
Lori A Sep 14, 2009, 11:14am EDT
one of my favorite snacks is a apple salad with sliced red grapes -I shred the apple by grating it after I peal it and mix it with slices of red grapes, a bit of shredded cheese and salad spritzers its healthy and filling and very tasty -sometimes I also add crushed croutons for flavour
♠~Dnbuster~♠ ~. Sep 14, 2009, 11:15am EDT
my fav snack is anything with cheese:)
ChrisJerri S. Sep 14, 2009, 11:26am EDT
Before opening this up I just made juice from one carrot, one celery stick and one apple, all organic. My mother-in-law got Chris and I a juicer for both our birthdays. Later in the day I'll probably do a smoothie with bananas and strawberries. I don't always snack this healthy.
Jonbonjovious M. Sep 14, 2009, 11:27am EDT
Apple slices with peanut butter is my favorite!
Elizabeth R. Sep 20, 2009, 7:09am EDT
I like apple slices with Cheddar cheese. Just tastes so good.
Gessy D. Sep 14, 2009, 11:30am EDT
Lately I have been snacking a lot on cantaloupes and plums. I should be eating more bluberries.
Brittney R. Sep 14, 2009, 11:31am EDT
I like almost any fruit, but I usually have grapes or an apple. I also like high fiber granola bars--the ones with a little chocolate drizzed on top help with the sweet tooth too.
Shannon W Sep 14, 2009, 11:34am EDT
I love snacking on fresh fruit, cheese sticks, veggies, crackers.
Stephanie B. Sep 14, 2009, 11:41am EDT
I have really been favoring those extra long and thick pretzel rods. I switched jobs a few years ago and my new boss brings a basket full of pretzels to our weekly staff meetings, and I have been on a pretzel kick ever since.
Christine Zibas Sep 14, 2009, 11:49am EDT
I love string cheese and fresh fruit for snacks. Sometimes when I realize that I need something to eat and get ready to eat something bad, I reel myself back in and make a veggie sandwich (fresh lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and avocado) instead of succumbing to the cookies and chips.
Dagmara H. Sep 14, 2009, 11:50am EDT
I like to snack on watermelon or crackers with some cheese
Carla B. Sep 14, 2009, 11:52am EDT
I usually snack on whatever my son wants for his snack. Luckily, at 3, he understands that chips and other junk food are the occasional snack, and not an everyday one. Usually we have cheese and crackers, yogurt, fruit, or veggies as our snack. Sometimes we do granola bars for our morning snacks as well.
carolyn b. Sep 14, 2009, 11:55am EDT
So many, my entire family loves the Kelloggs Nutri Grain bars, they are so good and they are a good snack. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich is good too or some fruit.
Cindi P. Sep 14, 2009, 11:55am EDT
I Love sunflower seeds and dry honey nut cheerios for snacks!
golds g. Sep 14, 2009, 12:06pm EDT
different fruit depending on my mood and the season!
penni d. Sep 14, 2009, 12:43pm EDT
Star fruit
John S. (arizona) Sep 14, 2009, 12:08pm EDT
I like cheese and crackers, or cheese and rye flavor Triscuits.
Nancy * Sep 14, 2009, 12:15pm EDT
celery and cream cheese
cheese crackers (many different varieties)
pickles
Chex-mix
penni d. Sep 14, 2009, 12:41pm EDT
Chex mix is good.... I add a bit of steak sauce and bake in the oven
penni d. Sep 14, 2009, 12:43pm EDT
Any kind of fruit..... if I do want a sweet treat, i mix up whatever is in the kitchen. I'm sure I have saved a few thousand bucks by not buying junk food or candy in 30 years or so........
Mary G. Sep 14, 2009, 12:53pm EDT
I love to eat fruit; specially green seedless grapes frozen. The crunch is the fastest way to have some me time, as my husband doesn't like grapes. My favorite fruit are cherries and would really like some today.
Cindy K. Sep 14, 2009, 12:55pm EDT
For a quick snack on the run, I like Planters Big Nut bars. If I'm sitting home I enjoy cucumbers with salt, trail mix, or baby carrots, but I will confess to eating potato chips with onion dip, or tortilla chips with fruit salsa, as well!
sally g. Sep 14, 2009, 1:07pm EDT
I like to snack on apples,oranges,vegetables of all kinds and triskit garlic crackers.
Brooke S. Sep 14, 2009, 1:12pm EDT
I try to slice apples and sharp cheddar and put them in little snack baggies in the refrigerator. Keeping them already prepared allows me to have something quick and easy when I'm feeling snacky... I add a drop or 2 of lemon juice to the apple slices to keep them from turning brown, and they'll keep in the fridge for a couple days.
Trish A. Sep 14, 2009, 1:20pm EDT
I love watermelon as a snack. It has a sweetness and is quite filling. Another option is sliced pieces of cucumbers.
Crystal R. Sep 14, 2009, 1:24pm EDT
I enjoy apples and peanut butter or bananas and peanut butter.
Crystal R. Sep 14, 2009, 1:24pm EDT
I also like cucumbers and tomatoes sliced up.
Sandre M. Sep 14, 2009, 1:48pm EDT
I love Ritz crackers as a snack, because my snack needs to be a little crunchy. My favorite snack is a Ritz with a little sharp cheddar, a piece of smoked salmon, topped off with a whisper thin piece of green apple. MMMMMMMM. Perfect!
Ashley M. Sep 14, 2009, 2:25pm EDT
I usually have a light or fat free yogurt. When I'm feeling really naughty I'll stir in some cheerios.

Of course, I don't have anything naughty around to tempt me...I know better. Self-control is not my forte.
DiAnA D. Sep 14, 2009, 2:57pm EDT
almonds!!!
Tara C. Sep 14, 2009, 3:00pm EDT
I love to snack on pita bread with hummus. It is so yummy and healthy!
brittany c. Sep 14, 2009, 3:26pm EDT
I found some 100 calorie packs of almonds in the nut/beef jerky aisle. There's quite a few in the pouch and you get 7 pouches per box!
Also the Fiber One Bars are sooooo good. They have different flavors - I like the oats and chocolate - and they don't taste healthy or like carboard, they taste really good and they fill me up for a long time.
Aubrey :) Sep 14, 2009, 3:33pm EDT
I usually eat stuff that is not so good for me like chips and stuff but if I was doing the way I wanted to I would be eating raw veggies, crackers, and fruit. I would also eat nuts.

I do snack on that stuff from time to time when it's in the house.
Nettie R. Sep 14, 2009, 4:07pm EDT
Yummy one from me.... grate some fresh parmasean over several ritz crackers, sprinkle with granulated garlic, place a small thin slice of tomato on top & nuk for 5-6 seconds. or just eat cold. Great substitute for garlic toast...best part, no butter!
Johnica D. Sep 14, 2009, 4:36pm EDT
Hey Guys. How is everyone? Here is my favorite snack. You take a block of your favorite cheese. Mine are Colby jack or mild cheddar and cut it into squares and top them with an olive ( i like regular green olives) and stick a toothpick through them to hold them together and viola you have a great little snack that is quick and tasty.
Crystal T. Sep 14, 2009, 4:40pm EDT
I usually snack on green seedless grapes or ripe mangoes from our tree out front of our house; or we have guava trees in the back of our house that my kids usually pick and we have banana trees all around the back yard, so we usually have fresh local fruits to snack on.
Karen L. Sep 14, 2009, 4:47pm EDT
Raw vegetables: baby carrots, raw green beans, cucumber slices, grape tomatoes, green pepper strips, etc. I take a baggy full of whatever I have in the house, usually 3 types of the above to work to munch on when others are snacking on candy, cookies, etc.
Mary A. Sep 14, 2009, 5:03pm EDT
Currently red pepper hummus with melba rounds
DesertDarlene L. Sep 14, 2009, 5:29pm EDT
I just snacked on a bunch of dates. It's a near perfect snack. Also, nuts are great if you're not allergic to them, too. Sometimes, I like grapes and raisins, too, or all of the above in a trail mix with a little salt.
Ruth Luce Sep 14, 2009, 6:13pm EDT
I do love the mozarella cheese stix with some pita or any sliced cheeses on flavored Triscuits and if I got them around that is what I will grab. Have to admit to not having healthy habits though and if those aren't around I tend to grab absolutely any and everything that happens to be around and I snack pretty much all the time, rarely having a formal sit down meal any da.
Sarah...Thyroid Cancer Survivor.... G. Sep 14, 2009, 6:16pm EDT
whatever type of fruit that is in the house, mac n cheese and mountain dew
Kerry Dexter Sep 14, 2009, 6:16pm EDT
unsalted peanuts are one of my favorites. also most sorts of fruit, and fruit paired with cheese
Jan S. Sep 14, 2009, 7:28pm EDT
I love cheese on crackers, chewy granola bars and peanut butter on celery. Ritz Crackerfuls are such a quick, easy way to enjoy a healthy snack on the go. During my carpooling days, I always kept granola bars or cheese & cracker snacks in the car. If I didn't eat them, someone in the carpool did on the way from school to soccer practice.
Joy McCormick Sep 14, 2009, 7:34pm EDT
At night,., right before bedtime, I always seem to get a hankering for something sweet.
Well we all know or have heard how anything you eat that time of night tends to gather up on your thighs and stay with ya.... not a good idea.
I found a solution to that problem!
FROZEN BLUEBERRIES.
Yeah I picked a bunch of them in July and washed them, froze them on cookies sheets and then dumped them into ziploc bags. That way they aren't all stuck together and can be eaten one at a time.
So when I get that craving for sweets before bed I just throw a handful of those into a little cup and snack away. Guilt free sweets! (and good for ya, too!)
Winona Morris Sep 14, 2009, 7:38pm EDT
When I'm trying to snack better, I will buy a huge back of sunflower seeds. I can sit and eat sunflower seeds FOREVER and still not have eaten enough to be counter as one serving.
April H. Sep 14, 2009, 8:00pm EDT
IT is fall so I stock up on Dipping chocolate or carmel and dip apple slices till I am satisfied. And I wash it down with a tall glass of cider
Ruthi C. Sep 14, 2009, 8:24pm EDT
Bricks of colby cheese and Ritz crackers...and the dogs and I have been sharing this snack for years!
Kat W. Sep 14, 2009, 8:29pm EDT
Since I stopped smoking I have been eating walnuts, fresh fruit, yogurt, string cheese, an unsweeted, unsalted trail mix as snacks.
Ruthi C. Sep 14, 2009, 8:37pm EDT
A healthy non-smoker thou art! You know I'm still proud o' you!
Michelle S. Sep 14, 2009, 9:18pm EDT
grapes & bananas are a favorite. i do like string cheese, too.
Linda J. Sep 14, 2009, 9:34pm EDT
Grapes and bananas are a few of my favorites too. I also like chocolate crunch rice cakes; 60 calories each. Some other fresh fruits I like to snack on are honeydew melon, cantalope, strawberries, peaches and pears.
Christina L. Sep 14, 2009, 9:57pm EDT
I hate to admit it, but I love sweets, so my fave snacks are cookies, cake and brownies, but if I want something healthy, I snack on yogurt and fruit or veggies. I like salty snacks too, so I often snack on potato chips, tortilla chips and salsa and popcorn. I have tried Ritz Crackerfuls and like them, so I will occasionally snack on them as well.
Kimberli T. Sep 15, 2009, 12:18am EDT
I have two favorite snacks. The first is a saltine cracker with cream cheese on it and a dollop of real strawberry jam. My mom says it tastes like cheesecake... I don't get that, but it is yummy and if you get the right jam it's pretty healthy.

My second favorite snack involves Ritz dinner style crackers. I get this cream cheese dill mixture at Aldi's and I use it as a dip for the crackers. It's not SUPER healthy, but it is better than some other snacks.
Karen R. Sep 15, 2009, 4:32am EDT
I like the little Ritz Bits crackers with cheese in the plastic cup. They are great to keep in my desk at work. I only have a few quick minutes for snacks at work. They are quick and easy to eat and to store. I also snack on nuts, too.
kimberly g. Sep 15, 2009, 7:41am EDT
gotta love my fruit! I gotta watch the fruits though, I am diabetic.
I love snacking on carrots and cucumbers too!
R B Sep 15, 2009, 7:48am EDT
Anything will do. Just have to be smart enough to remember to bring it. I'll come visit if you have all that candy nearby.
Michelle W. Sep 15, 2009, 8:14am EDT
I adore raw vegetables (carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.) and ranch dressing. add some cheese cubes or string cheese and you have a nice snack!
Jen K. Sep 15, 2009, 10:08am EDT
I like to snack on a ton of different things but when Im really craving something a little fancy and savory I take a cracker and put a little piece of cheese on it and a half of a green olive on it.. pop it in the toaster oven or oven ~I usually make a few of them for each member of the family~ at about 350 degrees for a few minutes.. til they get melty ... and enjoy! Its really good on triscuits, wheat thins, and even ritz crackers!!! I also love to snack on grapes or watermelon... and raw veggies and everything else! LOL
Brian H. Sep 15, 2009, 11:13am EDT
I like to snack on popcorn!
Denise B. Sep 15, 2009, 1:47pm EDT
fruits and raw veggies are always good but I admit chocolate is my weakness and cookies are my downfall :)
Tracy F. Sep 15, 2009, 6:31pm EDT
I like to put peanut butter or nutella (chocolate hazelnut spread) on the crackers, and when I'm home and have time, I'll mix canned tuna with some mayo, celery and salt and put that on the crackers.
Lorelei aka:Ladymermaid Sep 15, 2009, 6:53pm EDT
I am a muncher, but not just any muncher mind you, I am one in love with crunchy snacks. To combat my cravings, and keep me away from chips and cheezies, I have a number of boxes of munchable cereal that I keep in my cupboard. Most of these are 110 calories per cup so provide a lot of snacking for not too large amount of calories. I have Fruit Loops, Captain Crunch, Cheerios, Sugar Pops, and Shreddies. I add a little of each to provide me with one and a half cups of pure snacking heaven. Because they are tiny tidbits I can draw out my snack time and they work to satisfy my snack cravings.
Try it!
Ladymermaid
Rachel W. Sep 15, 2009, 10:42pm EDT
I like to snack on Crackers and cheese or just a slice of American cheese sometimes. I usually go for Wheat Thins or Triscuits. I may even melt some Velveeta on them, or eat them plain.
Deb J. Sep 16, 2009, 8:15am EDT
Oh how I do love to snack!! Some of my favs are fresh fruits and veggies when they are in season like blueberries, strawberries, peaches, pears, plums, avocadoes, and I am ravenous about tomatoes. Did anyone know that an avocado and a tomato are considered fruit? I forgot...love the fresh raspberries!
I forgot of course, I love the apples...which are very plentiful here in MI. Of course then there are the fresh veggies...my mom does grow a small garden. I love kolrabi, green beans, corn on the cob, brocolli and cauliflower and of course carrots and cabbage!
Even when the fresh fruit and veggies are in season I love munching on crackers a lot of times while I am on the computer or watching TV. Sometimes I eat them with (my fav) mild cheddar cheese cut into small pieces and eaten with them. Even my 10 year old has learned to like to snack like I do. I think we get almost all our nutrition as it really should be in the summer months esp.
Frances Virginia M. Sep 16, 2009, 2:55pm EDT
I like to snack on fruit and vegetables, cut into handy bite size pieces.
Julie F. Sep 16, 2009, 3:21pm EDT
One cubicle over from me, the occupant has a constant jar of mini candy bars...it's just too close and just too tempting, so I've started bringing almonds to work. If I feel the need to get up and have a candy bar, I'll whip out my almonds!
Shaunee C. Sep 16, 2009, 5:25pm EDT
I love snaking on oranges and watermellon. Two of my favorite fruits.
Joanne Vicente Sep 16, 2009, 7:46pm EDT
I love to snack on mild cheese, like Swiss or Havarti, and fruit!
Heather Johnson Sep 17, 2009, 1:45am EDT
One of my favorite snacks is pickles, I also love to snack on any kind of fruit and of course the not so good for me cookies and chips to, can't forget ice cream. And I love peanut butter crackers to
Victoria H. Sep 17, 2009, 8:30am EDT
Without reading any other comments, because I'm sure this answer is up there somewhere, probably many different places, I'm gonna say FRESH FRUIT. It's healthy and filling. And good!