Published Dec 12, 2020

11 Delicious, Low-Sugar Holiday Dessert Recipes That Don’t Require Eggs—Or Tons of Effort

See a roundup of 12 vegan holiday desserts that are also low in sugar but still totally delicious. Gift them to loved ones or to enjoy them all yourself!

11 Delicious, Low-Sugar Holiday Dessert Recipes That Don’t Require Eggs—Or Tons of Effort

See a roundup of 12 vegan holiday desserts that are also low in sugar but still totally delicious. Gift them to loved ones or to enjoy them all yourself!

Published Dec 12, 2020

Written by

Emily Laurence

Photo: Beaming Baker

Published Dec 12, 2020

Written by

Emily Laurence

I can’t remember all of the cool, tech-y presents I was given growing up, but I can definitely remember the holiday desserts people have made me over the years.

I remember being in middle school when my sister’s boyfriend’s mom gave my family a tin filled with all sorts of German cookies she’d made from scratch. Or the chocolate chip ones my friend Megan gave me in high school—along with a homemade Christmas ornament with my name on it. And I remember spending hours with my mom in the kitchen, using cookie cutters shaped like Christmas trees and Santas to make dozens of red, green, and white sugar cookies for all our relatives.

This year, gifts that are simple and sweet take on extra meaning. But if you’re giving someone a homemade gift, you want to make sure they can fully enjoy it—which isn’t exactly easy given all the different eating plans people follow these days (not to mention any potential allergies and food intolerances). It can be especially hard to find holiday dessert recipes that don’t require eggs or heaps of sugar. But in reality, you don’t need either to make delicious cookies, cakes, and other holiday classics.

All of the vegan holiday desserts featured here are also low in sugar, too. So whether you want to give one of your favorite holiday desserts a twist or are looking for something to make for the very first time, we’ve got you covered. Consider it our gift to you.

Keep reading for 11 delicious vegan holiday desserts

1. Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles are a classic cookie—and thankfully can be easily made without eggs or other animal products. They feature cinnamon, maple, and vanilla to add lots of holiday flavor to each bite. Besides being vegan and low-sugar, they’re also gluten-free and nut-free.

Get the recipe: Snickerdoodles

2. Chocolate matcha sticky buns

Incorporating matcha powder into your sticky buns gives them a festive green hue. Matcha and chocolate taste delicious together and what better way to enjoy the pairing than in the form of hot sticky buns? It’s perfect for a Christmas morning breakfast.

Get the recipe: Chocolate matcha sticky buns

3. Matcha chocolate chip cookies

Another way to incorporate matcha into your holiday baking is by folding it right into your chocolate chip cookie batter. You don’t need to use any eggs to make this recipe; a banana helps bind the ingredients together instead. Just add an extra tablespoon or two of water to the batter to help with the moisture.

Get the recipe: Matcha chocolate chip cookies

4. Chocolate peanut butter balls

Chocolate and peanut butter go together like Rudolph and his red nose. These holiday balls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser and they only take six ingredients to make. Guess what’s not on the list? Yep, eggs—you don’t need ’em. In the video, honey is used as a sweetener but maple syrup works just as well.

5. Panforte Italian Christmas cake

This dessert is made with nuts, fruit, spices, and cocoa, all of which add their own layer of flavor and texture. The end result is a rich, chewy cake that isn’t too overly sweet. In addition to being vegan, it’s also gluten-free and Paleo.

Get the recipe: Panforte Italian Christmas cake

6. Gluten-free vanilla cookies

If you have a lot of people you’re making cookies for, this recipe is truly lifesaving. Not only is the end result super downright stunning, the cookies only take 30 minutes to make and the dough doesn’t require any chilling. Plus, you only need six ingredients to make them.

Get the recipe: Gluten-free vanilla cookies

7. No-bake holiday energy balls

These holiday energy balls are sweet in every sense of the word and the recipe is simple enough that if you have kids, they can easily get in on the baking fun, too. All you need is a banana, gluten-free rolled oats, maple syrup, and chocolate chips.

Get the recipe: no-bake holiday energy balls

8. Gluten-free sweet potato tart

Japanese sweet potatoes‘ vibrant purple hue makes them so fun to incorporate into vegan holiday desserts. They taste absolutely delicious when blended with coconut cream, which is exactly how the filling for this show-stopping tart is made. The crust consists of almond flour, cashews, Medjool dates, and coconut oil. Not only is it gluten-free, but the ingredients are full of protein and fiber.

Get the recipe:Gluten-free sweet potato tart

9. Coconut lemon energy balls

Who wouldn’t love these little snowballs you can actually eat? Made with high-protein foods almonds and walnuts, they’ll give you the energy you need to play outside in the snow (or just get through your workday). They only require five ingredients and 10 minutes to make, too.

Get the recipe: Coconut lemon energy balls

10. No-bake candy cane mint brownies

Rich cocoa powder, winter fresh peppermint, naturally sweet coconut cream…there are so many layers of delicious flavor to these brownies. The end result is rich and fudgy without tasting sickly-sweet.

Get the recipe: No-bake candy cane mint brownies

11. 4-ingredient peppermint chocolate crunch bars

Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free…this dessert checks all the boxes. They’re also made with just four ingredients and take just 15 minutes to make. The end result is a holiday version of classic Crunch bars.

Get the recipe: 4-ingredient peppermint chocolate crunch bars

Get more holiday recipe ideas—and share your own—in Well+Good’s Cook With Us Facebook group.

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Food Nutrition

Published Feb 21, 2025

PSA: Walmart’s Stock of Protein-Rich Snacks Is Major—Here Are an RD’s Favorites

Published Feb 21, 2025

Written by

Helen Sidebotham

Photo: Stocksy/valbar STUDIO Barcelona

Published Feb 21, 2025

Written by

Helen Sidebotham

Tinned fish! Cottage cheese! Colostrum smoothies! Eating protein is very *in* right now (just peep its nine billion views on TikTok)—but unlike the original Paleo eaters, most of our hunting and gathering is taking place in the grocery aisles. The issue: Sifting through the ever-growing array to find high-quality, healthful options requires some skill (and some patience).

That’s why we tapped registered dietitian Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, CDN for a little navigational help. For starters, here’s a quick refresher on the super nutrient that’s taken center stage: “Protein plays a vital role in overall health, including hormone and immune function, making it a crucial part of any balanced diet,” Shapiro says. “Short-term benefits include improved satiety, blood-sugar control, mental clarity, and muscle recovery after exercise. Long-term, a protein-rich diet can support muscle retention [and] bone health, boost immunity, support hair and skin integrity, and [support] weight management by helping preserve lean body mass.”

According to Shapiro, it’s the more recent focus on fitness, weight management, and muscle maintenance that has given protein its current spotlight. “Many people are looking for ways to feel fuller for longer, maintain lean muscle, balance blood sugar, increase metabolism, and fuel active lifestyles—making protein-rich foods a top priority," she says.

Okay, now back to the grocery aisles: Not all protein products are created equally, Shapiro warns, so she recommends scanning ingredient labels for artificial additives and unnecessary fillers. Her general rule of thumb? “Look for products with five to 10 grams of protein per serving [and] ideally more protein than sugar.” (Minimal added sugar is best, she says.) “[Opt for] high-quality protein sources like whey, casein, plant-based proteins, or collagen.”

Getting hungry yet? You can find tons of top-notch, budget-friendly protein products at Walmart, and Shapiro has rounded up her favorites to make your next grocery haul a bit less stressful. Check them out, fill your cart, and get snacking.

RD-Approved High-Protein Snacks from Walmart

Quest Tortilla-Style Protein Chips — $3

Chips-and-salsa connoisseurs, rejoice: These crunchy bites deliver all the same zesty flavor with way more protein (like, 20 grams worth) and fewer carbs (only three grams) than your average bag. “Perfect for a high-protein, low-carb diet,” Shapiro says.

The Good Bean Sea Salt Crunchy Chickpeas — $10

For another salty, on-the-go option, Shapiro recommends crunchy chickpeas. She loves that these are plant-based, contain minimal processed ingredients, and come with a solid serving of fiber alongside their six grams of protein.

The Only Bean Crunchy Roasted Edamame Beans (3-Pack) — $12

“This is a plant-based complete protein with minimal ingredients and no added color,” Shapiro says. “It’s savory and crunchy—a whole food option.” Enjoy the sea salt, sriracha, or buffalo flavors by the handful, or sprinkle them on a salad for a little extra spice.

Built Bar Puff Protein and Collagen Bar (4-Pack) — $9

This soft, brownie-batter-flavored bar is made with collagen, which Shapiro says can help with joint and skin health, plus 17 grams of protein. “I like that this is sweetened with sugar, but not too much, and the protein outweighs the sugar.” Close your eyes as you take a bite—it’s just like licking the spatula.

RXBAR Nut Butter and Oat Gluten-Free Chewy Bars (5-Pack) — $9

For an energy boost, Shapiro recommends these honey-cinnamon-PB (the ultimate triple threat?) bars. “Although there is more sugar than protein here, it still has 10 grams of protein, is made with whole food ingredients like nuts and oats, has no artificial colors or sweeteners, and contains four grams of fiber.”

P3 Chocolate Nut Clusters, Turkey, and Cheddar Cheese Protein Snack Pack — $2

While Shapiro’s all for high-quality protein bars and chips (when they’re made with the right ingredients, of course), she seeks out whole-food ingredients over processed ones whenever she can. This low-sugar, high-protein snack fits the bill with a satisfying blend of crunchy, savory, and sweet.

Chobani 15G Protein Greek Yogurt Drink — $2

Prefer to sip your nutrients? This yogurt drink, which is made with probiotics and packed with protein to help with gut and muscle health, checks Shapiro's boxes. (Psst: You can find it in flavors like mango, peach, and strawberry banana if tropical punch isn't your thing.)

Owyn Protein Shake (4-Pack) — $7

Shapiro calls this “a convenient shake with a great protein-to-calorie ratio, perfect for meal replacement or post-workout recovery and easy to consume on the go.” Try it in dark chocolate, chocolate, or vanilla.

Wilde Buffalo-Style Protein Chips — $6

These chips are made with whole-food sources like chicken breasts (yes, seriously), egg whites, and bone broth—plus no artificial colors or added sugars—for 10 grams of high-quality protein, Shapiro says.

Jack Links Teriyaki Beef Jerky — $4

Real talk: Jerky can be polarizing—but Shapiro says it’s a great way to get your protein fill (this one packs 11 grams per serving) with limited ingredients and more protein than added sugar. Trust her and try it.

Mighty Sparks Chicken Snack Sticks — $6

“These are high-protein, low-calorie snacks with no added nitrates that provide clean protein without any fillers,” Shapiro says. “Even have two to meet your needs!” The sweet-and-spicy sticks are easy to eat anywhere—so stash a few in your bag and bring protein wherever you go.

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Food Nutrition

Published Feb 21, 2025

Why Are People Suddenly Eating Handfuls of Spinach Straight From the Fridge?

TL;DR: You don’t have to eat raw spinach out of the container like a raccoon to get the nutritional benefits.

Why Are People Suddenly Eating Handfuls of Spinach Straight From the Fridge?

TL;DR: You don’t have to eat raw spinach out of the container like a raccoon to get the nutritional benefits.

Published Feb 21, 2025

Written by

Emily Ziemski

Photo: Getty

Published Feb 21, 2025

Written by

Emily Ziemski

TikTok is full of microtrends, especially when it comes to food. Eating a whole cucumber, making protein Diet Coke; remember the baked feta pasta? The list is endless and frankly, can be a bit silly. The latest: Creators shoving a whole handful of spinach into their mouths, citing a “max nutritional benefit boost” by doing so.

Searching for videos about eating a handful of spinach yields hundreds of people looking vaguely uncomfortable while trying to chew and swallow, well, a whole handful of raw, unseasoned spinach. Of course, I have questions. Is this the cinnamon challenge but with vegetables? Do you hate joy? And, the most important, is this *actually* the best way to get nutritional benefits from spinach?

What is this trend, exactly?

Cropping up in feeds in early February, the TikTok videos hinge on two key factors: The spinach has to be raw, and you have to eat it first thing in the morning. One handful seems to do the trick for most, and it appears that nothing else is consumed alongside the spinach. Just a whole bunch of raw spinach. That’s it. That’s the tweet.

Surely, it would be easier to incorporate it into the smoothie you’re already planning to have, or the omelet you just made, but here we are.

Why are people doing this?

According to these videos, besides kicking off your day with multiple vitamins, iron, and potassium, some claim it can also “curb carb and sugar cravings” while others assert that doing this every morning helps “train your tastebuds for the day.”

For me, this feels like it’s veering into the 90s and early aughts culture of “no pain no gain,” a mindset that had us doing things like scrubbing our faces with apricot shells every night, and only eating cabbage soup for every meal.

Not to say those things aren’t great in moderation (gentle exfoliation is wonderful for the skin, and cabbage is a great, nutritionally dense vegetable), but banking your health on one, singular thing isn’t a great road to success. “I think that spinach is obviously a very nutritious food, but it doesn’t contain the full spectrum of vitamins and minerals that one needs daily,” says Christina Manian, RDN, a sustainable food systems professional. “In terms of claims that doing this first thing in the morning hacks your body’s cravings for the rest of the day, I’m not sure whether that’s true.”

So, what’s the actual science behind this trend?

Realistically, there’s just not a lot of science that backs up these claims of tastebud training and curbed hunger. Research done by the University of Buffalo on bitter foods showed that when feeding bitter foods (like leafy greens) to rats, a protein-based salivary compound that was activated when eating something bitter could be trained to increase over time.

Basically, the press release stated that when that protein was activated, “the bitter tastes like water.” So, the rats could eat more of the bitter foods without minding the taste. It is important to note that studies done in mice and rats don’t translate well to human consequences, as our physiological differences, like hormonal makeup and immune systems, vary too much from these lab mice/rat studies to be able to draw any definite conclusions. In fact, human-based studies show that denying food cravings can actually lead to increased appetites, and even bingeing behaviors.

However, it’s not all bad news. There is a lot of info that shows food sequencing—starting each meal by eating vegetables, then protein, then everything else—*does* indeed help with hunger cues, satiety, and better blood sugar control. “I often enjoy spinach in the morning (usually cooked with tofu or eggs and whole grain toast) but don’t feel called to eat it raw as the very first thing I put into my body,” says Manian.

Should you do this trend?

There’s truly no harm (except maybe a minor choking hazard?) in trying this trend. “Considering how most Americans aren't eating enough veggies, I'll count this as a win,” says Lauren Manaker, RDN, a women’s nutrition expert and consultant. “They are still getting fiber and plant compounds when they eat it by the handful.”

If you’re like me, and seeing a new internet trend makes you feel like the oldest, crankiest person on planet earth, take solace in knowing that dietitians believe adding spinach to any part of your daily meal plan is a total win. “Overall, eating raw spinach is an excellent practice, as is eating cooked spinach,” says Manian. “I think if [people] are doing this any time of the day, that’s fantastic, and if they feel inclined to eat spinach in the morning, then that's also wonderful.”

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