When it comes to snacking, there are generally two categories that snacks fall into: sweet or savory. Sweet snacks satisfy a craving for something sugary or dessert-like, while savory snacks have more savory, umami flavors. So what exactly makes a snack “savory”? Here’s a quick rundown of what qualities make a snack savory rather than sweet.
Salty Snacks
One of the defining characteristics of savory snacks is saltiness. Salted pretzels, chips, crunchy snack mixes, and popcorn are some classic examples of salty savory snacks. The salt enhances the other flavors in the snack and gives that crave-worthy taste. Some popular salty savory snacks include:
- Potato chips
- Pretzels
- Tortilla chips
- Crackers
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Trail mix
- Cheetos
- Goldfish crackers
Salt makes these snacks more palatable and satisfying. The saltiness balances out other flavors like cheeses, seasonings, and oils. Salty savory snacks are often crunchy as well, providing a pleasing textural element.
Umami Flavored Snacks
Umami is considered one of the five basic tastes, along with sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. Umami flavors are savory, meaty, brothy, and rich in glutamates. There are many snacks flavored with umami ingredients like:
- Cheese crackers
- Pizza flavored snacks
- Bacon flavored popcorn
- Roasted nuts
- Beef jerky
- Smoked salmon rolls
- Parmesan crisps
These umami snacks often contain cheese, tomato, meat flavors, mushrooms, soy sauce, and other ingredients high in naturally occurring glutamates. The rich savoriness balances the salt and fat to create an irresistible snack.
Oily and Fatty Snacks
The mouthfeel of oil and fat contribute to a snack feeling more savory as well. Chips fried in oil, nuts roasted in oil, and creamy dips all have a rich fatty component that feels indulgent and satisfying. Some oily, fatty savory snacks include:
- French fries
- Fried mozzarella sticks
- Guacamole and chips
- Hummus and pita chips
- Nachos with cheese
- Potato skins
- Fried chicken bites
The pillowy crunch of fried foods and rich creaminess of fatty dips and cheeses give snacks a more substantial mouthfeel. The fats act as flavor carriers and provide a rich contrast to the salt and seasonings.
Spicy and Zesty Snacks
Heat and zest also lend a savory flavor profile to snacks. Spicy seasonings like chili powder, cayenne, paprika, and pepper flavors bring out savory notes. Zesty herbs and citrus add fresh flavor. Some spicy, zesty savory snacks include:
- Hot wings
- Jalapeno poppers
- Zesty nacho Doritos
- Hot Fries
- Spicy pita chips
- Flamin’ Hot Cheetos
- Chili lime peanuts
The tangy heat keeps these snacks exciting. They satisfy a craving for bold flavors over sweet ones. The seasonings add depth and a savory kick.
Crunchy Snacks
The textural element of crunch also lends itself to savory snacks. Crunchy snacks provide a crisp, crackly mouthfeel that is satisfyingly contrasted by chewy and creamy components. Some crunchy savory snacks include:
- Potato chips
- Pretzels
- Celery sticks
- Pita chips
- Popcorn
- Seed crackers
- Baked vegetable chips
- Rice cakes
- Snap peas
The crispness and hardness of crunchy snacks provide a pleasant texture. The crunch makes them more interactively enjoyable to eat.
Hearty and Filling Snacks
Savory snacks also tend to be more hearty, dense, and protein-packed. These snacks have more heft and are filling. Some hearty savory snacks include:
- Nuts
- Hard boiled eggs
- Edamame
- Seeds
- Nut butter on crackers
- Protein bars
- Cheese slices
- Deli meats
- Greek yogurt
The protein, fiber, and healthy fats make these snacks satiating. You feel full and satisfied after noshing on these savory bites.
Savoury Baked Goods
Some baked goods like crispbreads, crackers, and biscuits also have a savory edge. Things like:
- Oyster crackers
- Whole wheat crackers
- Pretzel crisps
- Flax seed crispbreads
- Whole grain toast
- Pita chips
- Bagel chips
- English muffins
These baked goods use whole grains and seeds to give a hearty, savory taste and dense texture. They make for satisfying snack bites.
Savoury Condiments and Dips
Condiments and dips also count as savory snacks when paired with dippers. Things like:
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Hummus
- Baba ganoush
- Tzatziki
- Spinach dip
- Artichoke dip
- Cheese dip
- Ranch dressing
These creamy, umami-rich condiments complement crunchy crackers, cut veggies, pita, and potato chips.
Conclusion
Savory snacks run the gamut from crispy chips to nutty protein bites. Some common threads of savory snacks include:
- Salty flavor
- Umami flavor
- Oil and fat for richness
- Zesty and spicy seasonings
- Crunchy or crisp textures
- Hearty and filling ingredients
- Whole grain baked components
- Savory dips and condiments
These qualities distinguish savory snacks from sweet ones. The next time you’re looking for a snack that satisfies a salty craving, look for these savory elements.
Common Savory Snacks Table
| Salty Snacks | Umami Snacks | Oily Snacks | Spicy Snacks | Crunchy Snacks | Filling Snacks | Savoury Baked Goods | Savoury Dips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potato chips | Cheese crackers | French fries | Hot wings | Potato chips | Nuts | Crackers | Guacamole |
| Pretzels | Pizza snacks | Fried mozzarella | Jalapeno poppers | Pretzels | Hard boiled eggs | Pretzel crisps | Salsa |
| Tortilla chips | Bacon popcorn | Nachos with cheese | Spicy Doritos | Celery sticks | Edamame | Pita chips | Hummus |
| Popcorn | Roasted nuts | Potato skins | Flamin’ Hot Cheetos | Popcorn | Seeds | Bagel chips | Baba ganoush |
| Cheetos | Beef jerky | Fried chicken | Chili lime peanuts | Rice cakes | Nut butter and crackers | English muffins | Tzatziki |