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You finished studying around 4 p.m. on a Friday and are starting to get the munchies. A quick glance shows that the cafe menu includes pasta in some kind of sauce with steamed veggies. While pizza is always an option, you recall that it’s Friday, so the cafeteria isn’t serving it. Bummer. What do you do? I am sure you have found yourself in a similar situation at one point or another: None of the food options on campus sound appealing, and an off-campus trip is not worth the time and effort. 

Enter a hungry college student’s best friend: snacks!

Whether you are team “savory” or “sweet,” there is no doubt that snacks have probably saved your life at one point or another. Okay, maybe not your life, but they likely saved your mental health and satisfied your hunger cravings. So, what are some of the best snacks to have? I sent out a survey asking students to respond with some of their most favored snack options and the results, although varied, created quite the snack collection with some clear favorites. 

Team Sweet suggested the following:

• Fresh fruit: Easy to eat, healthy and delivers the right amount of energy to give you the boost needed to finish that assignment.

• Granola Bars: Filled with nutritious oats, dried fruits, nuts and chocolate chips, they provide a nice snack while reading. They are also less messy of a snack.

• Candy: Whether you prefer chocolate or gummies, candy is a nice rewarding treat after a long day of classes.

Team Savory offers these options:

• Cheese: If you watched as a kid, you may remember Rocky’s obsession with cheese. And while Rocky’s obsession may have been a bit excessive, cheese is a worthwhile snack.

• Cheez-Its and Ritz crackers: Provide, for some, a taste of home, childhood and comfort all in one bite. And for those who did not grow up eating these as a child, they are still a fun food.

• Ramen: Nothing speaks “college” more than a bowl of steaming ramen. With many types of noodles and flavorings available, ramen is one of the most versatile meals for college students.

• Pretzels: Be it a soft pretzel with a cheese dipping sauce or a bag of pretzel chips, there really is no wrong way to eat them.

• Popcorn: A classic movie-going treat, which doesn’t have to be limited to movie theaters.

• Chips: Tortilla chips, potato chips, veggie straws and so many other options are available as another classic with dips as an added bonus. 

Not included in the survey, but also worth considering, are drinks:

• Smoothies: Healthy, sweet and versatile. For extra protein and satisfaction, you can add some protein powder.

• Juice: All of us, at one point or another, used to enjoy juice boxes or Capri Suns, and to be honest, we probably still do!

• Hot drinks: Be it tea, coffee, chai, hot chocolate or apple cider, when the weather gets chilly, there are so many benefits to grabbing yourself a nice cup of something to warm your hands, heart and soul.

• Soda: Cola, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, Sprite, 7-up, Fanta, the list goes on and on!

These are all great options, you say, but how can I ensure that they’re in my snack drawer when I need them?

There are a variety of store options you can choose from:

• Our very own Gazebo: Home to Hi-Chews, chia-seed pudding cups, yogurt parfait cups, a wide assortment of drinks, vegetarian jerky, and hummus and guacamole cups, the Gazebo snack options are bound to have something for everybody. 

• Apple Valley: Offers dried and fresh fruit, unique ethnic foods like rice noodles and sauces, all veggie meat imaginable and healthy, organic products.

• Family Dollar: Within walking distance of campus and with a range of unique items offered alongside the classic drinks, chips and candy, and easy place to access more affordable snacks.

• Dollar General: Offers much of the snacks similar to Family Dollar, however, its proximity to Baguette may be worth the longer walk.

• Hardings: The local grocery store that will have, well, anything you would expect to find in a local grocery store!

• Walmart: A cheap convenient store for any variety of snacks. And no need to drive there. They have free shipping on all orders over $35!

• Meijer: Another great option if you are looking for a variety of snacks for a good price. They can also ship to you, however, they have an $8 delivery fee, so this may be better as an in-person stop.

• Costco: Who doesn't love getting more for less? So if you or someone you know has a membership card, arrange for a Costco date and stock up on some much-needed goodies!

There you have it, a run-down of not only the best snacks but also the best places to get snacks. Choose your most convenient shopping method—whether online delivery, a drive or a walk—pick your favorites and be content that you have now surrounded yourself with plenty of friends, I mean, snacks.