8 Clean Plant-Based Snacks for Game Day

Gathering with friends and cheering on your team is always a good time...but everyone knows half the fun of a game day get-together is the snack spread! While traditional game-day snacks tend to fall in the greasy, salty, and sugar-packed categories, these recipes prove that it really is possible to make clean plant-based snacks that everyone will love.

Even better, these easy wholesome game day snacks are a great way to ensure everyone has something they can enjoy, regardless of dietary needs. Whether you’re tailgating or kicking back at home, these eight sweet and savory options are sure to be crowd-pleasers.

What Snacks Can You Eat on a Plant-Based Diet?

Eating a plant-based diet doesn’t mean giving up delicious snacks! In fact, going plant-based might inspire you to shake up your snack routine and find some fun new favorites.

Plant-based snacks can include simple whole foods such as fruit, raw veggies, nuts, seeds, popcorn, and smoothies. You can also find a wide variety of plant-based snacks, such as vegan snack bars, veggie chips, crackers, crunchy chickpeas, dried fruit, and even frozen plant-based appetizers in many stores today. Try mixing and matching your favorite snacks with dips like hummus, vegan ranch, nut butter, or plant-based yogurt to change things up.

If you’re ready to try something new, there are plenty of easy recipes online for vegan desserts, wholesome snacks, and plant-based versions of your go-to goodies.

Easy, Clean Game Day Snacks (That are Plant-Based!)

From sweet treats to delectable dips, these clean game-day snacks are perfect additions to the lineup. You can even make a few of your favorites for a balanced spread with something for everyone!

1. Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

It’s not game day without wings – and if you think cauliflower could never replace traditional buffalo wings, these Cauliflower Buffalo Wings might just prove you wrong! A light batter and quick roast in the oven make these extra crispy, while a delicious vegan buffalo sauce brings all the spicy flavor everyone loves. They’re delicious both hot or room temperature, making them the perfect party snack.

2. Potato Balls

Just when you thought you’d found every way to enjoy potatoes, this recipe comes swooping in to give you yet another reason to love them. With a savory spice blend, crispy breadcrumb crust, and creamy mashed potato center, these Potato Balls will go so fast, you might want to make an extra batch. Serve with ketchup, vegan ranch, or even the Cashew Sriracha Aioli below.

3. Cashew Sriracha Aioli

This spicy, creamy sauce is the perfect dip for, well, almost any snack at your game day gathering! Pair it with potato bites, sweet potato fries, grilled veggies, or even top off a veggie burger. Made with cashews, it’s a satisfying alternative to highly processed condiments and store-bought dips.

4. Hummus Crostini

Upgrade the crackers and dip to these savory hummus crostini! They’re easy to customize with a variety of toppings to suit everyone’s preferences, or you can set out several options for a totally personalized build-your-own-crostini setup. Use your favorite store-bought hummus to keep things simple, or make your own for a delicious twist.

5. Vegan Ranch Dip

A veggie tray is a game-day classic – but that doesn’t mean it can’t get an upgrade. This homemade vegan ranch has all the flavor of the dip everyone loves without the questionable ingredients. Along with carrots, celery, broccoli, and your other favorite veggies, this dip is also perfect with chips or Cauliflower Buffalo Wings.

6. Grilled Veggie Kabobs

If your game day schedule involves a cookout, these Grilled Veggie Kabobs definitely need to be on the menu. The skewers are a convenient way to serve a crowd, and you can utilize whatever vegetables are fresh and in-season. Just be sure to choose vegetables that all have a similar cooking time, such as zucchini, yellow squash, peppers, onions, and mushrooms to avoid over or undercooking.

7. Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars

Don’t forget to add a sweet treat to your clean plant-based snack lineup! Made with cashews and coconut cream along with lemon juice and zest, these Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars are a tangy twist on the classic dessert. Make them a couple of days ahead and store them in the refrigerator so all you have to do is slice and enjoy on game day!

8. Chocolate Crispy Treats

Everyone will go crazy for this chocolatey take on classic crispy treats! Left the snack-making for the last minute? No problem! These Chocolate Crispy Treats have just a handful of ingredients and don’t require any baking. Just melt, stir, and chill for a nostalgic dessert with an indulgent twist.

Next time you’re headed to a tailgate or hosting a game day celebration, skip the store-bought dips and try out one of these plant-based recipes! They might not help your team win, but they’re sure to score some major brownie points with your crew. And if you need an on-the-go snack to toss in your bag for game day, don’t forget to grab your favorite MacroBars!