Comfort foods are familiar and simple. Usually conjuring up memories of home cooking and often warm, comfort snack foods nourish the body and bring up happy feelings of friends or family. Comfort snack foods may be sweet or savory, and are not always nutritious. Comfort snack foods do not always fall into the category of convenience foods, says Brian Wansink and Cynthia Sangerman of the University of Illinois, but resemble things like casseroles and main dishes.
Salty
Potato chips were the No. 1 comfort food reported by over 1,400 people in research compiled by Wansink and Sangerman. Pretzels, popcorn and corn chips may also fall into this category. Warm, salty options like nachos, onion rings or French fries may also provide comfort. People tend to reach for these types of comfort snacks when they are bored, say Wansick and Sangerman.
Creamy
Soup makes a warm, satisfying comfort snack. Classic flavors such as tomato or chicken noodle may bring up memories from childhood. Ice cream and milkshakes are snacks that appeal to both males and females. Homemade pudding, peanut butter or custard are other comforting snack foods.
Sugary
In the research presented by Wansink and Sangerman, people sad or depressed reach for sugary options for comfort. Home-made baked goods like chocolate chip cookies and muffins provide a comforting snack, especially if they fill the house with the smell of baking. Some people reach for candy or candy bars for comfort. Cinnamon rolls or donuts may be a comforting snack for others. A favorite cereal from childhood may also serve as a comfort snack.
Meal-Based
A slice of pizza or a small serving of macaroni and cheese can be a satisfying, comforting snack. Warmed-up, leftover mashed potatoes offer warmth and memories of holiday meals. A classic grilled-cheese sandwich on white bread with American cheese may bring up memories of childhood and offer comfort.
Healthy
Comfort snacks do not have to be unhealthy. Melon and cottage cheese offers a creamy, nutritious snack with a high level of vitamin C, which can help combat stress Dr. Mallika Marshall told CBS News in August 2006. Small servings of nuts provide healthy unsaturated fats and may satisfy an urge to crunch without all the sodium and trans or saturated fats found in chips. Consider oatmeal sweetened with a bit of honey and cinnamon as a warm, creamy and high-fiber comfort snack.
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