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From protein-packed power-ups to guilt-free sweet treats, these smart drugstore choices will hit the spot.
Rory HalperinSenior Commerce Editor
Updated
Thu, September 18, 2025 at 7:06 PM UTC
Who knew? Your corner CVS is stocked with snacks that a nutrition pro would totally grab.
(CVS)
I'm going to let you in on a little secret. CVS — yes, the same drugstore you hit up for prescriptions and last-minute errands — is one of the best places to grab a snack. And I'm not talking about run-of-the-mill potato chips or sugary candy bars. I've walked out more than once with healthier finds like blue corn tortilla chips, pistachios, protein bars, meat jerky sticks and even dried fruit.
It's no surprise: In recent years, plenty of stores have been stocking up on protein-packed bites, lower-sugar treats and nutrient-dense staples that make snacking on the go a lot smarter. CVS even recently launched its Well Market line, made up of snacks with no artificial preservatives, sweeteners, colors or trans fats.
So which snacks are actually worth tossing in your bag? I asked Kelli McGrane, Yahoo Wellness Writer and a registered dietitian, to take me on a virtual tour of the CVS snack aisle. She pointed out five smart picks — both sweet and savory — that earn her stamp of approval.
If your taste buds are craving a bold punch of flavor, these almonds deliver — and they'll actually help you fill up. "Unlike traditional salt and vinegar chips, which lack staying power, this snack packs 7 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per 26-almond serving," McGrane says. "They're also low in saturated fat and contain just 150 milligrams of sodium — a claim few chips can make."
Pro tip: Pair them with Well Market Olive Oil & Sea Salt Popcorn for added crunch and volume without overshooting your calorie needs.
"These crunchy puffs have been a staple in my snack rotation for over a decade, and the white cheddar flavor never disappoints," McCrane says. They're made with organic chickpea flour, plus they're vegan-friendly, certified gluten-free and free of major food allergens, making them a fit for plenty of diets.
Each serving packs in enough protein and fiber to help keep you satisfied. Another plus: There's no saturated fat.
If you prefer a heartier crunch, McGrane suggests these pita chips, also made from chickpea flour. They're packed with 5 grams of protein and an impressive 10 grams of fiber per serving — that's more than a third of your daily fiber needs.
While the ingredient list is slightly longer than it is for some other snacks, the nutrition payoff is worthwhile, McGrane says. Add a single-serve guacamole or hummus cup for a nutritious boost — there are just 100 calories for every 16 chips, so you've got some wiggle room.
When hunger strikes, many of us head to the protein bar aisle. McGrane says these RxBars stand out among what seems like endless options. "Many are packed with additives or more candy than nutrition, but these have a short, recognizable ingredient list and zero grams of added sugar. Each bar provides 12 grams of protein, along with 5 grams of fiber and 9 grams of fat to keep you fueled until your next meal."
Her favorite flavor? Chocolate Sea Salt, though she says Blueberry is a close second.
If, like me, you crave a sweet treat come 3 p.m., you'll be thrilled that these hot cocoa-flavored almonds made McGrane's list. "They hit the spot with a blend of sweet, salty and a subtle kick of heat," she says. "A ¼-cup serving supplies 5 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber and 12 grams of fat, which are digested slowly and help minimize blood sugar spikes from the sugar."
Longing for something a bit more candy-like? Skinny Dipped Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups have an ideal peanut butter-to-chocolate ratio and contain just 2 grams of added sugar.
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