The midterm season already? Before you embark on days of studying in the library, prepare your mind (and stomach!) for the long haul. These vegan snacks are cruelty-free and bound to ease your late-night cravings. Your brain requires proper nutrition to run smoothly, so lucky for vegans, some of the foods you already eat can improve your studying habits. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables are a few brain-foods that fuel your body with energy -- time to snack!
1. Kale chips
Time to jump on the kale train! This vegetable packs a major punch with over 100 percent of your daily Vitamin A and C needs in a single cup. Snag kale chips from the store, or, if you have an oven, bake some fresh with a little salt, pepper and oil.
Pacific Northwest Kale Chips - Cascade Ranch
2. Chocolate
Yes, chocolate. Vegans can enjoy the delicious, non-dairy dream of a dessert. Dark chocolate is a flavonoid-rich food, which means it can improve your cognitive function and taste good! Chocolate bars fit conveniently in your backpack for when you need a quick sugar fix in the library (no shame).
Charm School Chocolate - Vanilla Bean White
3. Mac and cheese
Vegan companies revolutionize the cheese game with dairy-free options for cheesy-mac-lovers. Cheddar and Alfredo? Count yourself in! Comfort food is often used to "self-medicate" for stress, but vegan mac eliminates the dairy fat and sugar that can put a slump in your day and make you extra sleepy! Treat yourself to a mac and cheese dinner after a long day of studying and cramming for your next midterm exam.
Daiya - Cheezy Mac
4. Granola bar
Simple yet revolutionary, the granola bar brings you back to your middle school days. Vegan granola bars are not difficult to find -- read through the ingredient list to double check! Indulge in a sweet and salty bar packed with protein and carbohydrates, like KIND bars, to push you through your 10-hour study sesh.
KIND Fruit & Nut - Almond and Coconut
5. Yogurt
Yogurt can be a source of plant protein, calcium and Vitamin D. Non-dairy yogurt, like Silk's vegan alternative, is typically made with soy, almond or coconut milk -- each with live and active cultures (similar to dairy yogurt!). These yogurts are quick and easy to grab on the go, especially if you have only a few minutes of free time!
Silk - Almond Dairy-Free Strawberry6. Ice cream
I scream, you scream, we all scream for (dairy-free) ice cream! Crushed your midterm? Celebrate with vegan ice cream that tastes better than the dairy version. Popular ice cream brands, like Ben & Jerry's and Haagen Dazs, jumped on the vegan and dairy-free trend to please their plant-based customers! It may not be the healthiest study snack, but it is definitely a treat worth studying for.
Ben & Jerry's - P.B. & Cookies Non-DairyGood luck on your midterms, vegans!