Skip to Content

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Produce
Mike Garten / Good Housekeeping

Fresh, Crunchy, and Seriously Snackable: The Best Produce Picks of the Year

From flavor to function, the top produce snacks in Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Snack Awards stand out for their taste, nutrition, and innovation.

By

Produce is the ultimate hero of healthy snacking—vibrant, versatile, and naturally packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more. From crisp vegetables to juicy, flavor-filled fruit, these everyday essentials make nutritious eating feel effortless.

For Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Snack Awards, our judges highlighted standout produce picks ranging from irresistibly crunchy cucumbers to perfectly sweet berries along with thoughtfully chosen dried fruit options. Whether enjoyed straight from the fridge or styled into a colorful entertaining platter, these winners bring both beauty and nutrition to the table. Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing, they’re an easy way to keep both kids and adults happily fueled throughout the day.

EXPLORE ALL OF GOOD HOUSEKEEPING’S 2026 SNACK AWARD WINNERS

Transport yourself to the tropics with this ready-to-drink coconut from Frieda’s. Imported from Thailand, each real coconut is filled with naturally light, slightly sweet coconut water and has a pull-tab opening and an included straw for sipping.

TEST RESULTS: GH dietitians highlighted that it’s naturally low in calories (about 45 per 8 oz) and a good source of electrolytes like potassium as well as vitamin C and antioxidants. Taste testers said it seemed like a refreshing treat with a fun, tropical vibe.

Fun pickled perfection, this Veggie Confetti blends a colorful medley of crisp vegetables into a crunchy, crave-worthy slaw that adds bold, approachable flavor to snack time with zero prep.

TEST RESULTS: Chef Alejandra Ramos called the concept and taste “top-notch,” praising the vibrant colors and great flavor. Testers appreciated how the resealable packaging made it easy to add a nutritious punch of fermented flavor to sandwiches, rice bowls, and salads without adding extra fat or sugar.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

The ultimate showstopper, Fresh Del Monte’s Pinkglow pineapple is a rare premium variety with stunning blush-pink flesh and a delicately sweet flavor that’s less acidic than traditional pineapple while still being juicy and refreshing.

TEST RESULTS: It was a hit with taste testers of all ages, and GH Senior Food Editor Susan Choung praised its standout appeal, calling the pale rose color just as impressive as the flavor. She said it was “outstanding,” noting that when ripe it’s sweet and fragrant without the sharp acidity or prickliness of conventional pineapples.

Known for its popular fruit “jerky,” Solely creates gummies that are made with just organic, sun-ripened mangoes and raspberries and come in convenient packets for on-the-go snacking.

TEST RESULTS: Taste testers preferred the new berry shape over the previous square design, saying it made the gummies easier and more enjoyable to snack on. They also loved the mango-raspberry flavor combination. GH’s nutrition director highlighted that these are a great family-friendly option without added sugars, gums, or dyes.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Adorable Uno Bites mini cucumbers deliver crisp, refreshing crunch in every bite. Their bite-size shape makes them easy for kids to enjoy and fun to snack on with no cutting or other prep needed.

TEST RESULTS: GH food pros noted that their skin was noticeably less bitter and tough than that of larger cucumbers, making them especially enjoyable to eat. Food influencer Lindsay Ostrom said that as a mom she appreciated being able to serve them without any preparation, calling it “a delightful experience” to eat an entire cucumber in just a couple of bites.

Slow-cured for months to deepen their naturally rich flavor, these organic Kalamata olives from Kosterina are harvested in southern Greece and preserved in sea salt. Pitted and dry-packed with no brine, they are clean and mess-free whether eaten straight from the jar or added to salads and dishes.

TEST RESULTS: Chef Alejandra Ramos thoroughly enjoyed these and said they stood out from other olive brands she’s tried. She praised the dry-packed format, without extra oil or brine, for making them easy to use, adding that this allowed the flavor to come through more clearly.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Naturally jewel-like and bursting with sweet-tart flavor, Pom Wonderful Pomegranate Arils deliver a refreshing, antioxidant-rich snack in a ready-to-eat cup without mess.

TEST RESULTS: Testers loved how easy it was to enjoy the arils straight from the container or sprinkled over yogurt parfaits and salads. GH nutrition pros highlighted them as a good source of fiber, with 4 g per half cup, along with antioxidants.

Crafted in Atlanta in small batches using real ingredients and traditional pickling methods, this snack from Pickles delivers a garlic-dill profile with a hint of sweetness for a balanced sweet, tangy, and savory bite.

TEST RESULTS: GH Senior Recipe Editor Susan Choung praised the “good crunch” and the fantastic brine, noting that it was bright and well balanced. She highlighted that the thin slices hold their structure, delivering a satisfying snap with every bite, and said they’re just as good straight from the jar as they are in sandwiches or mixed into tuna salad.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Driscoll’s Sweetest Batch line delivers an intensely sweet, candy-like strawberry experience. These extra-juicy berries are left on the plant longer to develop bold sweetness and are available only for a limited time, typically late spring through early fall (June through September).

TEST RESULTS: Testers praised their sweetness, size, and nutritional value, noting a standout balance of juicy texture and satisfying bite. Many said they were “perfectly sweet” without the usual tartness found in supermarket strawberries, with excellent freshness and quality.

Made with just two ingredients and with 100% real fruit, these Blue Stripes gummies contain no added sugar and deliver natural sweetness straight from the source.

TEST RESULTS: GH dietitians highlighted that the treat is made with upcycled cacao, helping reduce food waste from chocolate production while preserving the fruit’s nutrients and fiber. Taste testers loved the convenient single-serve pouches for easy on-the-go snacking.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11
Best Celery Sticks

Dandy Celery Sticks

<strong>Celery Sticks</strong>

Celery minus the stringiness: This new variety from Dandy is naturally sweeter and less fibrous than other celery in the aisle while still delivering that classic refreshing crunch.

TEST RESULTS: Taste testers noticed a clear difference between this and other celery, giving it high marks for texture and saying it was easier for kids to snack on. They praised the convenient resealable packs and the ideal portion size, calling it a crisp, healthy snack on its own or with a sprinkle of sea salt or peanut butter.

These snackable kits from Frieda’s feature fresh, mild shishito peppers paired with a special sesame seed and soy seasoning blend. Simply heat in a skillet and serve as an easy appetizer or a standout side with minimal prep.

TEST RESULTS: GH’s nutrition director highlighted its nutrient density, with it packing vitamin C and antioxidants while having just 45 calories per serving. Testers found it easy to prepare and enjoyed the savory seasoning, mild heat, and creamy-crunchy texture.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

These convenient 4-oz snack cups from Fruitist are filled with premium juicy blueberries, perfect for at-home snacking, school lunches, work breaks, or on-the-go moments.

TEST RESULTS: Families loved them, noting that there wasn’t a single bad blueberry in the cups. Food influencer Yumna Jawad called them “some of the best blueberries I’ve ever had,” praising their crunch, size, and lovely natural sweetness.

Packed with fresh garlic, dill, and onions, these fermented pickles from Olive My Pickle deliver bright, tangy zing in each bite, with green olives adding a savory finish.

TEST RESULTS: Registered dietitian Valerie Agyeman described them as “as pickley as it gets,” highlighting their bold, tangy profile and their versatility beyond snacking. She also pointed out that they deliver 14 billion CFUs of Lactobacillus bacteria per serving along with electrolytes, making them functional option as well as flavorful.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15
Best Citrus

Sumo Citrus

Citrus

A unique citrus hybrid blending mandarin, satsuma, and orange, Sumo Citrus is prized for its oversize fruit, easy-to-peel skin, and perfectly balanced sweet-tart flavor. Seedless and juicy, it’s best enjoyed during its seasonal window, from January through April.

TEST RESULTS: GH’s dietitians noted that just one fruit provides a full day’s worth of vitamin C. Taste testers said the flavor consistently stood out, with GH culinary pro Susan Choung calling it “juicy, sweet, and easy to peel.”

A cross between Honeycrisp and Fuji, EverCrisp apples bring together the Honeycrisp’s signature crunch and juiciness with the Fuji’s sweetness and rich flavor in every bite.

TEST RESULTS: GH dietitians noted that it’s a good source of fiber and naturally hydrating. Testers loved how crisp it was, calling it highly versatile for snacking and more. Dietitian Valerie Agyeman said, “You can never go wrong with a crisp, juicy apple packed with fiber and nutrients to keep you energized.”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

With their deep red hue and naturally bold sweetness, Sweet Northwest Cherries are nutrient-rich seasonal fruits that shine at peak ripeness from June through August. Their versatility makes them easy to enjoy fresh or preserved for year-round use.

TEST RESULTS: Cherries are having a moment, and for good reason—GH’s nutrition director highlights that they’re packed with antioxidants like anthocyanins. Food influencer Yumna Jawad called them “some of the best I’ve ever had,” noting that they were plump, juicy, and sweet but not overly sweet.

18
Best Mandarins

Wonderful Halos

Halos

Naturally sweet, seedless, and easy to peel, Wonderful Halos mandarins are a kid-size citrus snack designed for effortless eating. Non-GMO and available from November through May, they’re a simple grab-and-go option for the whole family.

TEST RESULTS: Registered dietitian Valerie Agyeman is a big fan, noting that Halos are sweet, juicy, and perfectly bite-size. She added, “I enjoy them on their own or paired with string cheese for a filling mini meal, and they pack just the right amount of vitamin C to support immunity.”

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below