The Healthy Snack That Celebrities All Love

I have conducted and published 70 celebrity interviews this year, and I learn so much about each person I talk to, whether it’s an award-winning actor, renowned chef or a decorated Olympic athlete. Through these conversations, I tend to notice trends in lifestyle factors, focused nutrients and even simple eating habits like their favorite snacks.

Even with different backgrounds, celebs like dancers Julianne Hough and Derek Hough, Team USA track star Sha’Carri Richardson and chefs Carla Hall and Alton Brown all have something in common: the snack that they swear by. And this healthy snack is salty, satiating and a humble handful that we’re fans of.

What are the celebs’ go-tos? It’s nuts! From mixed nuts to specific varieties, there are so many reasons to love this snack outside of their delicious, savory taste.

Nuts are definitely a healthy option, no matter your preference. A handful of almonds, cashews, peanuts, walnuts and other nuts are bound to be packed with protein and fiber. These nutrients will help keep you satisfied in-between meals, which is why many stars depend on nuts during busy work days. And thanks to its nutrient density, nuts can help support weight maintenance, lower inflammation and reduce cancer risk. 

“I’ve been really into macadamia nuts, they’re so good and delicious,” Derek Hough shared in an interview back in August. “And I like cashew nuts, but my all-time favorite is almonds. Just a handful of almonds is delicious. I just love it and they’re so filling.”

For Richardson, peanuts and almonds are her go-tos: “I keep it very light and straightforward when it comes to snacking.” You can’t go wrong with the classics, and Brown agrees, saying that he always has a bag of nuts when he travels.

Julianne Hough is team almond, but she also loves walnuts and, like her brother, cashews. And let’s not forget Hall, who says she “loves nuts” like almonds or mixed containers alongside fiber-packed granola for a filling bite.

Nuts are truly the perfect snack. Some honorable mention snacks that I noticed other celebs have called out include apples and peanut butter (pop star Tate McRae and soccer star Kristie Mewis share a palate here) as well as effortless fruit, like berries (Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky and World Cup winner Alex Morgan agree). No matter your choice, all of these snacks are fiber-packed choices that help each celeb perform their best, whether it be in a studio kitchen, on a stadium tour or in a worldwide tournament.