Buying snacks online might seem straightforward, but the sheer range can make comparing products tricky. Whether you're looking for dog treats, cat treats, meat snacks, Asian snacks or snacks for on the go, the key things to look out for vary depending on the product category.
An eye-catching packet doesn't always tell the full story. A snack might boast a high meat content, yet still contain plenty of salt, sugar or other ingredients. With pet food, it's also important to know whether it's a complementary treat and which species and age group it's intended for.
Terms like "rich in meat", "natural" or "high in protein" only mean something once you've checked the ingredients list and nutritional information. Look out for:
With products like beef jerky and salami snacks, the protein content might look appealing, but the salt content can also be relatively high. Bifi Mini Original, for example, states 24g of protein and 4.2g of salt per 100g. That makes it suitable as a small treat, not as an unlimited between-meal option.
Dog treats and cat treats are usually complementary pet food. They are not a replacement for a complete meal. Give treats according to the feeding guidelines on the packet and keep an eye on the total calorie intake.
Bonzo Beggin' Strips are intended for adult dogs as a treat or reward. The manufacturer advises adjusting the main meal if necessary. Whiskas Cat Sticks Beef are also intended for adult cats, not kittens. So always check the species, age and recommended amount.
Not every snack can be stored in the same way:
With Ajinomoto Gyoza Pork Dumplings, you must not refreeze the product once it has been thawed. So when ordering online, don't mix ambient and frozen products without checking the delivery information.
For human snacks, allergens and nutritional values are the first things to check. Instant noodles often contain wheat, soya or milk derivatives. The Instant Rice Noodles Chicken Oh! Ricey list soya, wheat, barley and milk as allergens, among others. The rice noodles with spare rib flavour may contain soya and wheat according to the product information.
With Asian snacks such as duck drumsticks, gyoza and hotpot products, soya, wheat, sesame, fish, egg and molluscs are common. Always read the current packaging if you have an allergy or intolerance; recipes and labels can change.
A large multipack is handy if you eat snacks regularly, but it's not always better value if the product loses its quality quickly after opening. So pay attention to:
Jack Link's Beef Jerky Original comes in 12 x 25g pouches. That's practical for lunchboxes and eating on the move. A snack box with five portions, such as the MjAMjAM Snack-Box, is handy if you want to store pet treats in separate portions.
Instant noodles are usually ready in a few minutes with boiling water. Oh Ricey Ribs state a cooking time of three to five minutes. Hotpot meatballs must be heated through thoroughly; Meng Fu recommends boiling for five to seven minutes and reaching a core temperature above 75°C.
Gyoza can be fried, steamed or prepared according to the instructions on the packet. With frozen products, check you have enough freezer space and whether the delivery will be chilled or frozen.
Why this fits the profile: This soft dog treat is intended as a complementary reward for adult dogs and can be given in small moments between meals.
The product information clearly states that it is complementary food for adult dogs, not a complete meal.
Bacon-like flavour, soft texture and 15.7% protein according to the stated product specification.
Why this fits the profile: Ideal for anyone looking for a dog treat with a specified fish ingredient and no added grains according to the product description.
The stated salmon percentage, weight and absence of artificial colours, flavours and preservatives are clearly described.
150g, soft strips and according to the product information 97% salmon with a low fat content.
Why this fits the profile: The individual pouches are perfect for work, travel, lunchboxes and other occasions where a shelf-stable meat snack is handy.
The portions are pre-divided, so you don't automatically open or take a whole large bag with you.
12 x 25g pouches and according to the product description 41g of protein per 100g.
We've put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.
If you want a quick meal at home, you can compare instant noodles or rice noodles on preparation time, portion size, salt and allergens. For an Asian meal, gyoza dumplings and hotpot meatballs are practical, but always check the freezer instructions and cooking time.
For pets, alongside dog treats there are also cat treats, such as Whiskas Cat Sticks Chicken or Beef. A snack box with MjAMjAM Ostrich Fillet contains 100% ostrich fillet according to the product information and is divided into five portions. For dogs that need small rewards, breakable sticks or soft dog treats are more convenient than large pieces.
Individually wrapped products such as beef jerky, salami snacks and small snack bars are practical for eating on the move. Pay attention to the shelf life, portion size and whether they need refrigeration. For pets, breakable sticks or small dog treats are easy to portion out during a walk.
That depends on the ingredients, but instant noodles don't automatically contain all the nutrients of a complete meal. Check the nutritional values and add vegetables, an egg or another source of protein if you like. Pay particular attention to the salt content per portion.
Follow the guideline on the packet and adjust the main meal if necessary. Treats should remain supplementary; the product information for several of the pet products mentioned states that they should make up no more than around 10% of the daily calorie intake. If you're unsure about weight, age or diet, it's wise to consult a vet.