On Valentine’s Day, show yourself all the self love by not breaking up with your favorite treats while sticking with your healthy eating habits or dietary restrictions (whatever they may be). Of course, we adore all the candy and chocolate lining store shelves, thinking about going out to (or making!) a romantic dinner, and baking sweet desserts to share with our friends and loved ones. But you know what we absolutely hate, though? The idea that anyone following a certain diet or trying to eat healthier might have to miss out on all the fun. We’ve compiled this list of tons of sweet and salty healthy options so no one is left out and everyone can indulge in all the best this holiday has to offer. Check out our list of 29 better-for-you Valentine’s snacks for ideas, and remember: When it comes to homemade, it’s always the thought that counts.
We know health looks different to different people, so we’ve included options for every diet, like low-carb, vegan, gluten-free, and less-processed. Looking for homemade alternatives to the candy aisle? Check out our chocolate-covered strawberries, our kettle corn, our Valentine strawberry roll-ups, and our peanut butter cups. Bonus? They’re also way cheaper than buying the artisanal kind.
Avoiding animal products this V-Day? Try our vegan brownies, our vegan sugar cookies (use heart-shaped cookie cutters!), or our vegan chocolate cake. We bet you won't even miss the eggs or butter.
Trying to keep keto this Valentine’s? We feel for you, it’s tough out there. We know you’ll love our keto red velvet cake, our keto fudge, our keto chocolate truffles, or our keto magic cookies. They're sure to surprise and delight any low-carb sweetheart you might have too.
Though Valentine’s is ALL about the sweets, we’ve also included some health-conscious savory options here too. Try our Buffalo fried artichoke “hearts”, our veggie peel chips, our honey-garlic cauliflower, and our sweet potato chips. If you’re the type to indulge in one too many conversation hearts or Hershey’s kisses (we can relate!), these homemade salty snacks will help keep you from a sugar crash this Valentine's.
1
French Macarons
These delicate French cookies are somehow simultaneously crispy, chewy, soft, and light as air. This makes them the perfect blank canvas for creative flavors and colors. Make sure all your ingredients are room temperature to achieve the greatest success for these naturally gluten-free cookies!
Get the French Macarons recipe.
2
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Is there anything better than chocolate-covered strawberries? We think not. They're indulgent and classy (while still being so easy), romantic and a little cheesy—just sweet enough to make you and your loved ones smile.
Get the Chocolate-Covered Strawberries recipe.
3
No-Churn Strawberry Shortcake Vegan Ice Cream
Ice cream lovers, get ready to scoop, because this crave-able ice cream isn’t going to last! Plant-based, dairy-free, vegan… no matter what you want to call it, this ice cream is as good as—if not better—than any dairy counterpart, making it a guaranteed favorite scoop.
Get the No-Churn Strawberry Shortcake Vegan Ice Cream recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
Air Fryer Loaded Zucchini Skins
These loaded zucchini skins are a fresh, healthy twist on potato skins. They're stuffed with cheddar, tomato, and avocado for intense flavor you're gonna love.
Get the Air Fryer Loaded Zucchini Skins recipe.
5
Keto Red Velvet Cake
Come Valentine's Day, here might be nothing more stunning than a deep red velvet cake covered in bright white frosting. Thanks to this recipe, even those following a low-carb diet can enjoy!
Get the Keto Red Velvet Cake recipe.
6
Almost Flourless Chocolate Cake
Flourless chocolate cakes are fudgy and naturally gluten-free, so why add flour? Adding just 2 tablespoons of flour gives the cake a bit more structure. Topped with some candied orange peel, this cake is rich and decadent, but still a little lighter than your average chocolate cake.
Get the Almost Flourless Chocolate Cake recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta
Panna cotta is a creamy, chilled dessert often found throughout Italy. While delicious, it tends to be pretty rich—it literally translates to “cooked cream.” We put a slightly more nutritious spin on the popular dessert by incorporating Greek yogurt and honey into the recipe and swapping out most of the cream. The result is a rich panna cotta that isn’t overly sweet, perfect for enjoying again and again.
Get the Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta recipe.
8
Veggie Peel Chips
Food is expensive these days, and there’s no reason to waste good-for-you and tasty vegetable peels that often get discarded. Instead, turn them into a crispy snack everyone will love. Serve as is or alongside a tasty dip, like our caramelized onion dip, ranch, or queso!
Get the Veggie Peel Chips recipe.
9
Fried Buffalo Artichoke Hearts
We bet you've heard of Buffalo wings made from cauliflower or tempeh, but what about artichokes? Bonus: Valentine's almost always falls near the Super Bowl, and these are the perfect compromise appetizer. Be still our beating hearts!
Get the Fried Buffalo Artichoke Hearts recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
10
Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries
No time to cook? These cuties are the perfect no-bake treat for Valentine's.
Get the Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries recipe.
11
Baked Plantain Chips
If you love a wildly crunchy chip, plantains are the way to go. With a bit more fiber than your average spud chip, these plantain chips only require 3 ingredients. They're hard to put down on their own, but can pair nicely with some creamy dips like a bowl of guacamole or Greek feta dip too.
Get the Baked Plantain Chips recipe.
12
Strawberries 'n' Cream Granola Bars
These strawberries 'n' cream granola bars are so much better than the store-bought kind. Packed with rolled oats, coconut flakes, pepitas, and freeze-dried strawberries for a hit of tart flavor, these are perfect for Valentine's breakfast or an on-the-go snack.
Get the Strawberries 'n' Cream Granola Bars recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
13
Homemade Kettle Corn
This sweet and salty popcorn makes for a deliciously sugary treat that’s perfect for a Valentine's movie night, an afternoon craving, or on the snack table at your holiday party.
Get the Homemade Kettle Corn recipe.
14
Sorbet
The perfect homemade fruit sorbet is creamy, smooth, and just as easy as making homemade ice cream. We show you how to use strawberries and raspberries here, but any fruit will work. As long as you keep the same proportions, you can totally get creative.
Get the Sorbet recipe.
15
Antipasto Bites
Fresh tortellini make these the healthy savory snack of our Valentine dreams. If you're not a fan of olives, pepperoncini peppers would be a delicious substitute! Just don't skip those artichoke... hearts!
Get the Antipasto Bites recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
16
Sweet Potato Chips
Sure, no one can resist a bowl of potato chips, but they can be a little boring. Switch things up by making these delicious and absolutely gorgeous sweet potato chips. The natural, earthy sweetness of the potatoes add an another dimension of flavor that is lacking from a regular potato chip.
Get the Sweet Potato Chips recipe.
17
Honey-Garlic Cauliflower
Much like our Parmesan cauliflower bites, these little guys have just enough crunch and flavor to keep you going all Valentine's long. These sticky-spicy bites are a wonderful foil to all the candy and chocolate too!
Get the Honey-Garlic Cauliflower recipe.
18
Keto Fudge
Fudge never gets enough credit around Valentine's—everyone is so fixated on all the other chocolates! Fudge is simple, extra chocolatey, and just as festive. Plus, it makes a better DIY food gift.
Get the Keto Fudge recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
19
Vegan Sugar Cookies
Soft, buttery, with crispy edges, these are the classic, quintessential sugar cookie, veganized and ready to bring to any of your holiday gatherings. Whether frosted, sprinkled, or eaten plain right out of the oven, we can't get enough of them.
Get the Vegan Sugar Cookies recipe.
20
Flourless Fudge Cookies
These gluten-free cookies are perfect—fudgy in the middle, and crispy on the outside.
Get the Flourless Fudge Cookies recipe.
Camille Lowder
Digital Food Producer
Camille Lowder is the digital food producer at Delish, otherwise known as our resident queen of recipe galleries. Previously, she attended the Natural Gourmet Institute for culinary school and worked at/managed a number of New York restaurants. She loves anything vegan, foods masquerading as other foods (hello, cauliflower), and a well-used Oxford comma.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As a food enthusiast and expert, I am well-versed in the topic of Valentine's Day treats and healthy eating habits. I have extensive knowledge and first-hand experience in creating delicious and nutritious snacks that cater to various dietary restrictions and preferences.
Valentine's Day is a time for indulgence and celebrating love, but it doesn't mean we have to compromise our healthy eating habits. I believe that everyone should be able to enjoy this holiday without feeling left out or restricted.
In an effort to provide options for everyone, I have compiled a list of 29 better-for-you Valentine's snacks. This list includes a variety of sweet and salty options that are suitable for different diets, such as low-carb, vegan, gluten-free, and less-processed.
For those looking for homemade alternatives to the traditional candy aisle, I recommend trying our chocolate-covered strawberries, kettle corn, Valentine strawberry roll-ups, and peanut butter cups. Not only are these options healthier, but they are also more affordable than buying artisanal treats.
If you are avoiding animal products, I have delicious vegan options for you. Try our vegan brownies, vegan sugar cookies (heart-shaped, of course!), or vegan chocolate cake. These recipes are designed to make you forget about eggs and butter altogether.
For those following a keto diet, I understand the challenges you face. That's why I have created recipes specifically tailored for you. Indulge in our keto red velvet cake, keto fudge, keto chocolate truffles, or keto magic cookies. These treats are sure to surprise and delight any low-carb sweetheart you may have.
While Valentine's Day is often associated with sweets, I haven't forgotten about savory options. Our Buffalo fried artichoke "hearts", veggie peel chips, honey-garlic cauliflower, and sweet potato chips provide a healthier alternative to the traditional sugary snacks. These homemade savory treats will help you avoid a sugar crash while still satisfying your cravings.
In conclusion, I am passionate about helping people enjoy Valentine's Day without compromising their health or dietary restrictions. I have provided a range of options to cater to different diets and preferences. Whether you're a fan of sweets or savory snacks, there's something on our list for everyone. Remember, when it comes to homemade treats, it's always the thought that counts.
