Dear Melissa,
I am on Day 15 and really enjoying my Whole30 meals. I can’t believe my “ingredients” meals are so delicious. I can actually appreciate the sweetness from my sweet potato, and grapes taste like candy! I can’t believe how fast my taste buds have changed. But I am missing one thing… crunch. My meals seem to have every texture BUT something crunchy or crispy. Any ideas? —Too smooth
Hi Smooth,
I hear this all the time, and I get it. Many crunchy foods are off the table (literally) during your Whole30, like chips, crackers, and croutons. That texture is so satisfying, I can see why you’d be missing it.
Good news, though—you don’t have to sacrifice crunch on the Whole30! In fact, there are tons of Whole30-compatible ways to add that crispy-crunchy bite back into your meals. Let’s talk about some creative and delicious ways to keep things crunchy on your Whole30.
1. Nuts and seeds (the OG crunch)
Let’s start with the obvious: nuts and seeds. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds—they’re all fair game, as long as they don’t contain added sugar. Toss a handful on your salad, mix them into a roasted veggie dish, or toss them with your berries. If you toast them in a dry skillet, you’ll draw out even more flavor and crunch.
2. Air-fried or roasted veggies (crispy edges, big flavor)
If you have an air fryer and you’re not using it for your veggies, what are you even doing? An air fryer is basically a crunch machine. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, green beans, bell peppers, asparagus, carrots, and potatoes—they all get that crispy edge with just a little oil and some seasoning. (Bonus: Lightly steam or pressure cook your broccoli first, then smash it and finish in the air fryer.)
No air fryer? Roast those veggies in a super hot oven (425°F or higher) longer than you think. Don’t pull them out until the edges are caramelized and crispy. You’ll get that satisfying bite without a breading or batter in sight.
3. Crispy nori or seaweed sheets (salty, savory snap)
This is one of my go-tos when I want a salty crunch but don’t feel like roasting anything. Grab some plain roasted seaweed sheets (just seaweed, oil, and salt), and crumble them over a salad, soup, or bowl. I also love them crumbled over eggs! They provide instant crunch with a bonus hit of umami.
4. Coconut chips (tropical crunch)
Unsweetened coconut chips or flakes are another sneaky-good way to add crunch. Eaten raw, they’re more chewy than crunchy—but a little heat completely transforms them. Toast the chips or flakes up gently in a dry skillet. Then sprinkle over a salad, a bowl, or a curry. Their subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with spicy or tangy flavors. You can also use them as the added fat in your on-the-go snack. (Read your labels, because many coconut “chips” contain added sugar.)
5. Crispy shallots or garlic chips (restaurant-level crunch)
These take a little more effort, but trust me—they’re worth it. Thinly slice shallots or garlic, pan-fry them gently until golden brown, and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle on everything from soups to sautéed greens for a fancy and flavorful crunch.
6. Raw veggies (fresh and snappy)
Don’t overlook raw vegetables! Radishes, jicama, sugar snap peas, and carrots bring the crunch and the fiber. These are best enjoyed in their whole (or thickly chopped) form, as shredding or slicing reduces their crunchability. Jicama sticks with Tajín (or your favorite Whole30-compatible chili lime seasoning) are chef’s kiss.
7. Bacon (salty, smoky crunch)
Crispy, crumbled, Whole30-compatible bacon absolutely counts as crunch. Sprinkle on your eggs, over a salad, or top your roasted veggies. You can make bacon in the oven, on the stovetop, and even in the air fryer! Just let ‘em cook—the browner they get, the crispier they’ll taste.
8. Apple, banana, or kale chips (who needs potatoes)
While you’re not eating potato or plantain chips on the Whole30, dried fruit or veggie “chips” like kale, carrot, or even mushroom can give you the same crunchy satisfaction. Read your labels, or DIY them in your oven or air fryer!
Get to crunchin’
There are so many ways to add crunch to your Whole30 meals—you just have to get a little creative. Play around with produce; experiment with your stovetop, oven and air fryer; and double (or triple!) up until you get that satisfying texture you’ve been craving.
