33 Delicious Soft Snacks [Dietitian Approved]
“33 Delicious Soft Snacks [Dietitian Approved]” was written by Balbina Herrera & edited/reviewed by Aly Bouzek, MS, RDN. Balbina is a dietetic intern at Larkin University.
If you’re looking for soft snack ideas to adapt to your diet, then you’re in the right place! Read below to learn more about when a soft foods diet is convenient, its benefits, and more!
JUMP TO OUR 33 DELICIOUS SOFT SNACKS
Who Needs Soft Snacks or a Soft Foods Diet?
People may choose to eat foods that are softer in varying situations.
These situations may include:
- after dental procedures
- after oral surgery
- swallowing difficulties
- digestive issues
- older age (elderly)
- illness recovery
- transition period after fasting
Follow along below as we learn more.
After Dental Procedures or Oral Surgery
Following dental surgeries or treatments, people may opt for soft foods to help the healing process. In the case of oral surgeries, or other injuries that can affect chewing ability, consuming soft foods may be a safer way to get the nutrition you need.
Swallowing Difficulties or Digestive Issues
People with dysphagia or other swallowing disorders may find it easier to eat soft foods, as they require less chewing and may be less likely to cause choking or aspiration.
Individuals with gastrointestinal problems such as gastritis, ulcers, or bowel inflammation might choose a soft foods diet to minimize irritation and promote easier digestion.
Age
Aging can bring about changes in dental health, jaw strength, and swallowing abilities. Soft foods can be beneficial and less demanding for older individuals.
Illnesses Recovery
After certain illnesses or surgeries, you usually have a reduced appetite or have difficulty eating. Soft foods can provide your body with much-needed nourishment while being gentle on the digestive system.
Transitioning After Fasting
When resuming eating after fasting or being on a liquid diet, try to gradually reintroducing your body with soft foods. This can be helpful as you transition back to your normal diet.
It’s important to note that individual preferences and dietary restrictions can influence the choice of a soft foods diet in various situations.
Benefits of Soft Snacks and Foods
Soft snacks and soft foods diet offer several potential benefits, including:
Easier digestion: soft foods are generally easier to break down and digest compared to harder or more fibrous foods.
They are beneficial for individuals with digestive issues or those recovering from gastrointestinal conditions.
Reduced chewing and swallowing effort: soft foods require less chewing and jaw strength, making them suitable for individuals with dental problems, jaw injuries, or those who have difficulty chewing due to age or other factors.
By choosing foods that are easier to swallow, the risk of choking or aspiration can be reduced.
Increased nutrient intake: soft foods can be especially beneficial if you are experiencing a decrease in appetite or have difficulty swallowing. It is a great way to ensure that you still receive essential nutrients.
Flavor variety: despite the softer texture, there is still a wide range of flavorful options available for a soft foods diet.
Suitable for elderly: older adults who may have specific dietary needs or challenges can benefit from a soft foods diet tailored to their capabilities and preferences.
It’s important to note that individual nutritional requirements may vary, and consulting with your healthcare professional or registered dietitian is recommended.
This can help ensure that a well-balanced and appropriate diet is chosen for your individual health conditions.
33 Delicious Soft Snacks
Here are some ideas of soft snacks that are both tasty and easy to eat. We’ve separated these soft snacks into three sections: cold sweet, room temp/warm sweet, and savory.
If the temperature of your food affects how you eat, then be sure to jump to the section that works best for you and your eating habits. If cold foods are a no-go for you, then scroll farther down for the room temp/warm snacks (and visa-versa).
Sweet Soft Snacks (Cold)
- Smoothies
For a refreshing snack, find a smoothie recipe that contains your favorite fruits and/or vegetables. You can also add protein powder or nut butter for extra protein.
- Puddings
There are plenty of ready-made packaged pudding options, or you could even make your own. Enjoy different flavors like chocolate, vanilla, banana, lemon, etc.
- Applesauce
Opt for unsweetened applesauce or try different fruit flavors for a naturally sweet and smooth snack. You can eat it on its own or pair it with yogurt or cottage cheese.
- Yogurt Parfait
Choose Greek yogurt or other creamy yogurts and enjoy them plain or add fruit, cereal, nut butter, or honey. Opt for full-fat yogurts, as they can help with weight gain and are great high calorie soft snacks!
- Chia Pudding
Mix chia seeds with milk or yogurt, and add flavorings like vanilla, honey, or cocoa powder. Let sit overnight to thicken and enjoy a soft and nutritious pudding when thickened.
- Soft-Serve Ice Cream
Make your own soft-serve ice cream at home using an ice cream maker, or blend frozen bananas and other fruits until creamy and smooth.
- Soft Fruit Salad
Combine a variety of soft fruits like berries, melons, bananas, and grapes in a bowl for a naturally sweet and refreshing snack.
- Jell-O
A versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in a variety of flavors such as grape, strawberry, lime, etc.
- Kefir
Kefir is similar to yogurt, it can be consumed on its own, or you can pair it with your favorite fruit.
- Chocolate Milk
Mix chocolate syrup or cocoa powder into your glass of milk. Looking to gain weight? Check out our Weight Gain Milk recipe as a base and add chocolate or another syrup flavor.
- Popsicles
Popsicles come in a variety of flavors too! Enjoy your favorite flavor for a refreshing snack.
Sweet Soft Snacks (Room Temperature – Warm)
- Energy Balls
Combine soft dates, protein powder, and add-ins like cocoa powder, coconut flakes, or chia seeds. Roll into bite-sized balls for a quick and nutritious snack.
- Muffins
Follow your favorite recipe and bake a batch of moist and tender muffins. Some ideas include blueberry, chocolate chip, or banana.
- Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Mix together oats, mashed bananas, honey, and add-ins like raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips. Bake until soft and chewy.
- Stuffed Dates (Snickers Candy Bar Dupe)
Remove pits from dates and stuff with your favorite nut butter. Then drizzle with melted chocolate and add a pinch of sea salt to enhance flavor.
- Baked Apples
Slice apples and bake until soft and tender. Sprinkle with cinnamon and drizzle with honey for a sweet and soft snack.
- Cinnamon Rolls
Prepare a soft dough using flour, yeast, sugar, and butter. Roll it out, spread with cinnamon sugar, and roll up. Bake until golden brown and drizzle with icing. Let cool before eating.
- Rice Pudding
Enjoy a comforting and creamy bowl of rice pudding flavored with cinnamon, vanilla, or honey.
- Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a great soft snack, as it nourishes your body and gets you moving throughout the day. You can enjoy it warm or make overnight oats (chilled in refrigerator).
- Baked Goods
If you’re looking for dessert options, then try a soft baked good! Examples include brownies, sponge cakes, and cheesecake.
- Canned Fruits
Canned fruits are a great option as soft snacks, especially when you’re in the mood for a sweet and healthy snack.
- Jam
Enjoy flavors like apricot, berry, peach, and more. Spread on a soft pastry or soft bread and enjoy.
- Nutrition Supplement Drinks
Nutrition supplement drinks are fortified with additional nutrients and are great post-surgery soft snacks options! Talk with your health care team before adding consuming.
Savory Soft Snacks
- Cottage Cheese
A great source of protein, and can be enjoyed plain, or with toppings like fresh fruit or cherry tomatoes.
- Mashed Avocado or Guacamole
Avocado is a great source of healthy fat, and it’s naturally soft. Enjoy it as is, or make guacamole by adding lime juice, diced tomatoes, onions, and seasonings.
- Hummus
Hummus is a great choice for soft snacks. Pair with your favorite veggies or as a dip for soft pita bread.
- Deviled Eggs
A high-protein snack perfect for the energy boost! Make a soft and creamy filling with egg yolks, mayonnaise, mustard, and spices to stuff into halved hard-boiled eggs.
- Soft Cheese Dip
Combine soft cheeses like cream cheese or goat cheese with herbs, spices, and other flavorings to create creamy and delicious dips. Serve with soft sides like sliced soft vegetables or soft bread.
- Soft Cheese Sticks
Slice soft cheeses like mozzarella or Brie into thin slices and enjoy them on their own or with soft crackers or bread.
- Soft Avocado Toast
Mash ripe avocados and spread them on your favorite soft bread. Add toppings like cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Caprese Skewers
Choose soft mozzarella balls and thread them on in thin slices. Add cherry tomatoes and basil leaves, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar glaze for added flavor.
- Soft Crackers with Nut Butter
Spread your favorite creamy nut butter on soft crackers as delicious and tasty soft snacks.
- Cowboy Chili
Chili is a great comfort snack. Ground meat, hearty beans, and loads of spices make this a dish that’s both satisfying and filling.
Soft Food Meal Ideas
If you’re looking for more than soft snacks, then take a look at some soft food meal ideas below!
Mashed Potatoes and Steamed Vegetables
Prepare creamy mashed potatoes using butter, milk, and seasonings. Serve alongside steamed or sautéed soft vegetables like carrots, peas, or zucchini.
Soft Tacos or Burritos
Fill soft tortillas with shredded chicken, ground beef, or refried beans. Top with avocado, salsa, and sour cream for extra flavor. You can also opt for lettuce wraps if tortillas are too chewy.
Macaroni and Cheese
Enjoy a soft and creamy bowl of macaroni and cheese. Let cool before eating.
Pureed Soups
Prepare delicious and nourishing soups by blending cooked vegetables, legumes, or meats with broth. Options include: tomato soup, butternut squash soup, broccoli soup, or pureed lentil soup.
Soft Scrambled Eggs
Cook eggs until they are scrambled, creamy, and soft. Add cheese, herbs, or cooked vegetables for extra flavor and nutrients.
Soft Meatballs
Tender meatballs using ground beef and seasonings. Serve with a savory gravy or sauce of choice. Pair with mashed potatoes or soft noodles.
Soft Baked Falafel
Make or buy soft falafel and serve with a side of tahini sauce or yogurt-based dipping sauce.
Soft Bean and Cheese Quesadilla
Mash cooked beans and spread them on a soft tortilla. Add shredded cheese and fold tortilla in half. Heat in a skillet until the cheese melts and the tortilla is soft and pliable.
Remember to adapt these meal ideas based on any dietary restrictions, food preferences, or specific nutritional needs. Refer to your health care team before adding new foods to your diet.
Additional Soft Snacks and Soft Foods Resources
Be sure to check out our Soft Foods archive or the soft foods archive over on our sister site, High Calorie Recipes, for even more information.
Some of our favorite and helpful articles include:
- 25 Best Healthy Soft Foods [Dietitian Approved]
- Soft Food Ideas [According to a Dietitian]
- Pureed Food for Adults [Homemade & Premade]
- 75 Soft Foods to Eat When Chewing Hurts
- 15 Best Foods You Can Eat Without Chewing
Soft Snacks: Foods to Avoid
There are some foods that you should avoid when following a soft foods diet. Here are some top contenders:
- Chewy or sticky candy
- Tough meats
- Nuts or seeds
- Fruits with skin
- Popcorn
- Hard bread/ breads with tough crust
- Raw, hard vegetables
- Crunchy crackers, chips, pretzels
To ensure a healthy and balanced diet, make sure to refer to your doctor or health care team before adding or avoiding any foods or food groups.
Soft Snacks Conclusion
It is important to consider individual dietary restrictions, preferences, and nutrition needs when following a soft foods diet. Healthcare professionals or a registered dietitian can provide you with personalized guidance to ensure a well-balanced and appropriate approach.
Ultimately, embracing the benefits of a soft foods diet with soft snacks can enhance your overall well-being, promote healing, and can make eating an enjoyable and comfortable experience. Now, get snacking!