The Best WW (Weight Watchers) Snacks to Buy or Make at Home

WW (formerly known as Weight Watchers) snacks are a key part of the popular program’s success. When you join WW, no foods are off-limits. Feel free to eat whatever you want between meals as long as you don’t go over budget on your total “points” for the day. Sticking to approved WW snack ideas makes it easier to keep your SmartPoints values in line, especially when you’re just starting out.

Get the Most Out of Your SmartPoints

When following WW, calculate SmartPoints for snacks, meals, and beverages. There’s no need to bother with additional details like fat grams or calories. “The SmartPoints plan makes healthier eating simple by translating complex nutritional information into one simple number,” says Laura Smith, Product and Food Program Innovation Manager at WW.

Smith explains that each member has a daily SmartPoints target personalized to their weight, height, sex, and age. “We encourage members to plan for snacks to fit into their daily SmartPoints target goal.”

The specific formula for calculating SmartPoints values is taught to members when they join. Ideally, you want to aim for snacks that are packed with nutrition and low in empty calories. “The new plan nudges members toward a pattern of eating that includes more lean protein, fruits and vegetables, less sugar, and less saturated fat.”

Low in SmartPoints (Eat More)

  • All fruits and most vegetables have 0 points

  • Foods high in protein (like chicken and seafood)

High in SmartPoints (Eat Less)

  • Foods with higher amounts of sugar and saturated fats

  • Sweet treats like muffins and cookies

  • Sugar-sweetened beverages

7 Snack Ideas on WW

Purchase WW snacks directly through the program or make your own. Preparing your own snacks helps save money but requires more planning and effort. The bars and treats produced by the company can be a convenient way to stay on track.

Here’s the lowdown on some of Smith’s favorite WW snacks:

Chocolate Pretzel Mini Bar (2 SmartPoints)

Smith says this treat helps satisfy a sweet tooth. Get them at a WW meeting or on WW online or Amazon. You don’t have to be an active member of WW to buy them. 

Sweet & Salty Toffee Twist Snack Bar (4 SmartPoints)

If you like sweets but still enjoy a salty, crunchy snack, this bar might be best for you. Crunchy snacks and minibars like these are easy to grab-and-go. You can also find these at a WW meeting or online.

Hummus Snack Packs (3 SmartPoints)

Hummus snack packs have 8 grams of protein per serving. Choose the classic hummus flavor or a roasted red pepper style hummus with an extra kick.

Air-popped Popcorn (2 SmartPoints per 2-cup serving)

If you prefer to make your own snacks, popcorn is one of the best WW snacks. Air-popped popcorn is simple, convenient, and easy to carry. And if you don’t like plain popcorn, Smith recommends flavoring it with a bit of coconut oil, sugar and cinnamon, or lime juice and chili powder for a savory version.

Mini Packs of Peanut Butter or Almond Butter (6 SmartPoints)

Peanut butter is delicious and nutritious, but it’s easy to eat too much of it. Pre-portioned packs of nut butter are perfect WW snacks. Brands like Justin’s provide mini packs that make portion control a no-brainer. 

Freeze-Dried Fruit (1 to 2 SmartPoints per 1/4 cup serving)

Eat a handful of dried fruit on its own or sprinkle some on top of oatmeal or plain non-fat Greek yogurt. Be sure to check the food label to avoid brands with added sugars. 

Homemade Ice Pops (2 SmartPoints per serving)

On a hot summer day, ice pops are a refreshing snack. Smith recommends the recipe for raspberry yogurt pops in the WW Family Meals cookbook. Or, you can make up your own recipe.

Blend 2 cups of fruit, like banana, strawberries, or peaches, in a food processor with ¼ cup of unsweetened almond milk. Pour into ice pop molds and freeze for at least 4 hours. Choose ice pops as a lighter alternative to ice cream.

Satisfy Your Snack Cravings

It’s normal to experience food cravings from time to time, especially if you’re following a structured meal program. Whether you have a sweet tooth or a hankering for crunchy snacks, keep WW-friendly snacks on hand for when the mood strikes.

Here are different types of WW snacks to satisfy your specific tastes:

Eat For Your Lifestyle

There is no recommended number of snacks to eat each day when you’re on the Weight Watchers program. “Members are encouraged to eat in a way that works for them,” says Smith. So you should create a snack plan that works with your lifestyle and your schedule.

Smith says, “Many members choose to incorporate snacks between meals, such as fruits or veggies with a healthy fat or protein like a few nuts or seeds, hummus or low-fat or fat-free cheese, and occasionally a small post-dinner treat. We also work with our members to encourage small behavioral changes that they can use to stay on track throughout the day.”

So, what snacks does Smith use when she needs a quick bite? “I always turn to fruits and vegetables first as they’re full of nutrients like vitamins and minerals and naturally-occurring sugars, and they’re zero SmartPoints.”

She uses those foods as a base and then adds toppings or sides that are also full of nutrition, such as peanut butter, skim or low-fat cheese, hummus, or hardboiled eggs. This combination helps make snacks feel more substantial and filling. 

A Word From Verywell

WW is a sound nutrition program because it doesn’t cut out entire food groups. Although you’re free to enjoy any type of food on WW, choosing low-sugar foods that are high in protein and fiber can help you feel full and maintain steady energy levels. Use WW as an opportunity to practice eating in moderation and develop a more balanced and inclusive philosophy around food.