I kept myself very busy throughout college and didn’t have much time for cooking, so I gravitated toward food that was easy to make or or could travel with me in my backpack. My list of dorm room snacking essentials is perfect for busy college vegans and vegetarians. Parents, try making a care box with these items for your college kid.

Snacks were a big part of my college years, and having wholesome ones is what gave me the fuel to power through it all. Here were some of my vegan college dorm room staples!

Hummus

Hummus is everywhere now, and it’s my favorite food! I eat this pureed chickpea dip almost every day. You can find many flavors at the grocery store and easily store it in your dorm fridge. Some don’t need to be refrigerated, like this kind pictured from Dip In.

Chopped Veggies

I have a weekly or bi-weekly ritual where I clean and chop a bunch of veggies, then store them in the fridge so I have them for snacking throughout the week. As a college kid, I liked pre-chopped veggies for their convenience, especially baby carrots and bell peppers.

Image: the usual bliss

Hemp Granola

Hemp is a complete protein source, making the Hemp Plus Granola from Nature’s Plus a good choice for snacking. I have been eating this brand for years. It’s made with rolled oats, brown rice flour, and flax seeds. Plus, it’s USDA certified organic.

Peanut Butter or Tree Nut Butter

Good old PB is the classic food for college kids, families, lazy eaters, and anyone, whether they’re vegan or not, because it’s tasty and can be eaten off the spoon. It’s also a good source of protein, fiber and healthy fat. If peanut butter is getting old and non-exciting to you, you can find any type of nut butter you can image: almond, hazelnut, cashew, brazil nut etc.

Image: Well + Good 

Organic Sprouted Grain Bread

I’ve been eating this bread for more than eight years. Ezekial 4:9 Organic Sprouted Grain Bread from Food for Life is made with all-natural, sprouted organic grains and legumes like lentils, barley, soybeans, spelt and millet.

Image: Natalie Hodson

All-Natural Crackers or Chips

I loved spreading some PB on some bread or crackers for a quick meal or snack. Make sure to look for crackers that offer some nutritional benefit (like fiber, protein, whole grains) and contain no preservatives or artificial colors or flavors. Currently, I like Pasta Chips.

Non-GMO Protein Bars

I used to eat Cliff bars in many flavors, but now I eat only the vegan ones. The peanut butter flavor in their Builder Bars collection is vegan! I also like Squarebar protein bars and D’s Naturals No Cow Bars, which I discovered after college.

Chia Bars

I discovered these things during my last couple years in college. They’re amazing. They contain 100 calories of energy and sustenance in a little bar. Just watch out for the seeds that stick in your teeth afterwards!

Dried Nut, Fruit and Seed Mixes

Trail mix is an amazing college kid food. I used to pack little baggies of it and eat it while snacking and studying on campus. It went well with coffee and was just the right amount of food to hold me over until meal time.

Image: Eat Run Write Love

Mac n’ Cheese

You can find non-dairy versions of mac n’ cheese from Earth Balance, So Delicious and Daiya. These are so easy to make on Friday nights when all you want to do is veg out for a few hours with Netflix and a bowl of comfort food.

Popcorn

Lastly, don’t forget the popcorn! You can find some great brands out there that nix the butter and use simple ingredients. You an also find versions with cool flavors. Lately, I’m obsessed with Pop Art Thai Coconut Curry Gourmet Popcorn.

College students, what snacks do you like? Or, when you were in college, what were your go-to snacks?

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