Healthy Football Snacks: 23 Ideas

Sundays during football season are a time to get together with friends, watch the game (or zone out until the commercials hit) and enjoy your favorite foods and drinks together. Why not try to mix in a few healthy options this year instead of just pizza and wings? Add some of these healthy football snacks to your game-day spread and balance out your favorite junk food with some lighter options.

1. Guacamole

No football snack spread is complete without a heaping bowl of guacamole. This delicious dip is full of healthy fats and fiber. It also makes a great sneaky Greek yogurt recipe — add a scoop or two for a tangy flavor and a protein boost.

2. No-fuss hummus

Hummus is a great fiber-packed dip that comes together in just a few minutes with canned chickpeas, olive oil, salt, garlic, lemon and tahini. You can make this recipe your own with flavorful, healthy additions like roasted peppers or artichokes. Serve with fresh veggies for that perfect crunch that makes this such an ideal football snack.

3. Black bean and corn salsa

What could be healthier than a veggie-packed salsa leveled up with black beans for some extra protein and fiber? There’s no need to sacrifice taste to get a low-calorie snack with this classic dip. Just be sure to make extra — this salsa is sure to go fast and leave your guests wanting more.

4. Avocado dip

This avocado dip is guacamole’s suave, smooth cousin. It’s blended with Greek yogurt for a creamy, protein-packed football snack that’s balanced with the tang of lime juice and herby cilantro. Serve it with a unique vegetable tray and watch how even the pickiest eaters will reach for the celery.

5. Cottage cheese dip

Cottage cheese is a nutritious powerhouse, full of calcium, vitamins and protein. This fresh and tangy dip is perfect for crudité, as a spread for sliders or served on its own with fresh crostini. 

6. Caprese skewers

Caprese skewers are the perfect healthy game-day food. They’re a quick and easy crowd-pleaser that can also satisfy any gluten-free or vegetarian party guests. 

7. Cabbage slaw

No game day is complete without this American classic. Our version adds extra veggies beyond the traditional cabbage, upping the nutrient game with carrots, bell peppers and fresh herbs. This colorful addition is the perfect healthy recipe to round out your menu.

8. Greek salad

It can be tough to make a truly tasty homemade salad. Unless it’s a Greek salad — then tastiness is a given. Tangy olives and salty feta balance out crunchy cucumbers and juicy tomatoes. Make it your own by adding chopped nuts, quinoa or other grains for an extra filling and delicious side.

9. Eggplant fries

These eggplant fries are a flavorful twist on classic french fries, leveling them up from just a side dish to their own appetizer. With a crispy outside and creamy inside, they’re the perfect pair to a homemade dip or a great side for turkey and veggie burgers.

10. Spring rolls

Spring rolls are a great healthy football game snack idea, with a thin rice wrapper that gives way to crunchy veggies and fresh shrimp, all with an addicting sweet and salty dip. It’s also easy to swap shrimp with other protein options like tofu for an allergy-friendly snack.

11. Grilled chicken wings

The appetizers are often the best part of the football watch party food, and wings are the undisputed MVP of game days. While restaurant chicken wings are often deep-fried and heavily breaded, this version is grilled for a healthier alternative. If you’re still missing that crunch, you can also air-fry or bake breaded wings for all the taste without the deep fryer hassle.

12. Cauliflower wings

Whether you’re looking for football food ideas to please vegetarian guests or ways to sneak more veggies onto the kids’ table, these will do the trick. Serve alongside some yogurt-based ranch dip for a healthy game-day snack that even die-hard meat lovers can enjoy.

13. Cauliflower crust pizza

Sunday football is basically a code word for a pizza party. Cauliflower crust pizza has all the taste and crunch of your favorite slice, with some extra fiber and nutrients. Show off your family’s famous tomato sauce recipe (or use store-bought pizza sauce — we won’t tell) and top with lots of cheese for guaranteed happy dances at halftime.

14. Zucchini fritters

Zucchini fritters are packed with vitamins and always hit the spot when you’re craving fried food. Top these with your favorite dip, or pair them with your famous buffalo wings. For an extra health boost, you can also bake or air-fry these fritters instead of frying them.

15. Barbecue sweet potato fries

Meet the french fry’s cool, healthier older sister. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, giving a nutritious boost to your game day. Their slightly sweet flavor is a perfect complement to barbecue seasoning for a tasty yet healthy football snack.

16. Steak tacos

Tacos are the best food for a crowd because you can set out different toppings and fillings and let your guests build their own perfect bite. They’re also filling and satisfying. Get creative and serve with different homemade salsas for a healthy meal that will please everyone on your guest list.

17. Chicken lettuce wraps

Chicken lettuce wraps are a classic keto recipe to round out your healthy football snacks. Crunchy lettuce is the ideal vehicle for protein-packed chicken filling that will keep guests powered so they can cheer for every touchdown.

18. Greek meatballs

Meatballs are a game-day classic. Try a new take on them this Sunday with these irresistible Greek meatballs, served with authentic and delicious tzatziki sauce. For a lighter twist, swap the ground beef for chicken, turkey or your favorite lean protein. 

19. Grilled shrimp

A classic shrimp cocktail is great, but if you’re tired of serving the same appetizers, why not try something new? These grilled shrimp are marinated in fresh lemon juice and parsley, adding a punch of flavor to enjoy on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.

20. Bell pepper nachos

Nachos are everyone’s favorite Mexican-inspired finger food. This version uses bell peppers instead of tortilla chips for a healthier alternative with all the classic flavor you and your guests will be craving after each touchdown.

21. Oatmeal cookies

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a cookie that’s a bit healthier than the rest. Because oatmeal cookies use oats in the dough, they have more fiber and nutrients than the classic chocolate chip. For an even healthier football snack, you can substitute butter for the same volume of applesauce, adding a bit of fruity flair.

22. Peanut butter balls

These no-bake peanut butter balls are protein-packed and beyond tasty, whether your team is celebrating a sweet victory or you need a comforting bite to forget the loss. Creamy peanut butter, rolled oats, mini chocolate chips and other goodies come together in these unforgettable treats.

23. Fruit salad

There’s no beating fruit salad for a healthy football snack to bring your game-day party to the end zone. Chop up all your favorite fruit and garnish with mint leaves and a hint of lemon juice, or spice it up with chili lime seasoning for an unforgettable fruit salad.

Tips on making your football party a healthy success

There are a few things you can do to ensure your food is on the healthy end at your party. Moderation is key, so think of ways you can add or swap healthier options to your game-day menu, rather than taking away those comforting classics your guests crave:

• Forget the deep fryer: Bake, grill or air-fry your recipes instead of using a deep fryer to give your snacks a lighter touch without losing any flavor.

• Offer variety: Offer a spread with vegetarian options and different types of protein to provide different nutrients and vitamins in each bite.

• Focus on protein: Use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese as a replacement for mayo or cream cheese for healthier, protein-packed dips.

• Make smart swaps: Offer healthier alternatives to chips, like fresh-cut veggies, gluten-free crackers, fresh tortillas and slices of pita bread.

• Don’t forget the drinks: Keep your guests hydrated with infused ice water and low-sugar drink options.

Order your game-day essentials through Instacart

Meeting your health goals can be difficult — especially on game day. Whether you’re hosting your annual bash or a low-key get-together, these recipes will hit the spot for any diet or preference your guests throw your way.

You can order any ingredients you need to make these healthy football snack recipes via Instacart. Pick same-day delivery or schedule a delivery in advance so you have everything in time for your party. 

To find out more about what Americans are craving for the big game, check out Instacart’s 2026 Snacktime Report.