It’s peak football season, and regardless of how your team is doing this year (or even if you're just here for Taylor Swift), one thing is for sure: nothing beats classic tailgating food. The comfort of gathering with super-fans and rivals while eating delicious appetizers, snacks, and meats is hard to beat. This week, we’ve crafted a list of products that capture the football season spirit but without the questionable ingredients. Keep an eye out for some swaps that will have you cheering, regardless of the score!
Eating Healthy During Football Season
Eating healthy during football season doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or fun. By making smart choices, you can enjoy delicious and healthy game day snacks that keep you feeing great. Swap out greasy, high-calorie options for Trash Panda approved, wholesome options.
Want more game-day inspiration? Head over to our full premium list of healthy game-day snacks!
Premium List
Game Day Snacks
Healthy options to put on your table for game day!
View List (40)
Wholly Guacamole Classic Minis
These portable, perfectly portioned guacamole minis are a game-changer for guilt-free, delicious snacking. Whether you're a fan of tortilla chips, veggie sticks, or even as a condiment for your game-day burgers and sandwiches, Wholly Guacamole Minis are the MVP of your football season snacking lineup.
Siete Grain Free Sea Salt Tortilla Chips
Next up, Siete Grain-Free Sea Salt Tortilla Chips. Siete has mastered the restaurant-style tortilla chip game and does so with whole, natural ingredients. We don’t know how they do it, but we do know that your tailgating dips need these chips!
Primal Kitchen Plant-Based Queso
We suggest Primal Kitchen's No Dairy, Plant-Based Queso for our healthy game-day snack. This product is perfect for our dairy-free fans and those who love the warm nacho flavor.
Capello's Almond Flour Cheese Pizza
Check out Capello's Almond Flour Cheese Pizza - made with high-quality ingredients and free from gluten; this pizza satisfies your cheesy cravings without guilt. Plus, it's quick and easy to prepare, making it a winning addition to your game-day snack lineup.
Cascadian Farm Spud Puppies
Another fan favorite is Cascadian Farm Spud Puppies. Cascadian Farms offers a delicious option for your game-day snack list. These crispy potato bites are a crowd-pleaser and a healthier alternative to traditional frozen game-day fare.
Amy's Organic Chili
Lastly, there’s no combination quite as perfectly paired as football and chili, and Amy’s Organic Chili is our favorite pick. Full of organic vegetables, this chili is easy to prepare and sure to impress.
The Perfect Healthy Game Day Recipe
Trash Panda Approved Nachos
Ingredients:
For the Cheese Sauce:
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Nachos:
8 oz tortilla chips
1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Sliced jalapeños (optional, for heat)
Salsa and guacamole (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
1.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of milk until it forms a smooth paste.
2.
In a saucepan, heat the remaining milk over medium-low heat. Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese starts to melt.
3.
Add the cornstarch mixture, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Continue to stir until the cheese sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
4.
Once the cheese sauce reaches your desired consistency, remove it from heat and set it aside.
Assemble the Nachos:
1.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2.
Arrange the tortilla chips on a large baking sheet or an oven-safe platter.
3.
Drizzle the prepared cheese sauce over the chips, ensuring even coverage.
4.
Sprinkle the black beans, diced tomatoes, red onion, black olives, and sliced jalapeños (if desired) over the cheese-covered chips.
5.
Place the nachos in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the nachos are heated through.
6.
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately.
7.
If desired, offer salsa and guacamole on the side for dipping.
These healthy queso nachos are a delicious and satisfying snack or appetizer, perfect for sharing with friends and family. The homemade cheese sauce ensures you get all the creamy goodness, and the whole-grain tortilla chips add extra fiber for a nutritious twist on this classic favorite. Enjoy!
Whether in preparation for a watch party or simply to enjoy quality food, we hope this list makes your grocery shopping a little bit easier. Remember to check the ingredient labels and use the Trash Panda app to help locate the healthier options when shopping!
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