After the big Thanksgiving feast winds down and everyone slips into comfy clothes, what could be better than cozying up for a movie night with family and friends? Whether you’re watching a holiday classic, a new release, or a nostalgic favorite, the snacks you serve can make the evening even more special. This year, skip the heavy leftovers and keep the celebration going with vegan Thanksgiving snacks for movie night—crunchy, creamy, sweet, and totally plant-based.
From popcorn mixes to savory bites and festive desserts, these recipes are designed for sharing, snacking, and satisfying every craving without compromising your vegan lifestyle.
Why Vegan Snacks Make the Perfect Movie Night Treat
Thanksgiving is often associated with indulgence—but that doesn’t mean your snacks need to be loaded with dairy or processed ingredients. Vegan snacks are just as satisfying, often lighter, and made with wholesome ingredients that still deliver big flavor.
Here’s why vegan Thanksgiving movie snacks are a must-try:
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Easy to digest: After a big holiday meal, plant-based snacks are gentle on the stomach.
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Inclusive for all: Everyone at your gathering—vegan or not—can enjoy them.
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Creative flavors: Vegan cooking encourages inventive combinations of herbs, spices, and textures.
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Sustainable and kind: You can snack guilt-free, knowing your treats align with compassionate values.
The best part? You can make many of these snacks ahead of time, so you can relax and enjoy the movie instead of spending the night in the kitchen.
Setting the Scene: A Thanksgiving Movie Night Vibe
Before diving into recipes, let’s talk ambiance. A movie night is more than just snacks—it’s an experience.
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Lighting: Dim the lights, add some candles, or turn on string lights for a cozy glow.
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Blankets and pillows: Create a comfy viewing area on the floor or couch.
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Plates and napkins: Opt for small plates or snack boards to make sharing easy.
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Playlist (before the movie): Soft instrumental Thanksgiving or autumn tunes help set the tone.
Once your cozy corner is ready, it’s time for the star of the evening—the snacks.
1. Sweet & Salty Maple Popcorn Mix
Popcorn is a movie-night essential, but this vegan twist takes it up a notch. The combination of sweet maple syrup, sea salt, and roasted nuts delivers a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients:
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8 cups air-popped popcorn
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¼ cup maple syrup
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2 tbsp coconut oil
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½ tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp sea salt
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½ cup roasted almonds or pecans
Directions:
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In a saucepan, heat coconut oil and maple syrup until bubbly.
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Stir in cinnamon and salt.
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Drizzle over popcorn, tossing to coat.
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Mix in nuts and bake on a parchment-lined tray at 300°F for 10 minutes.
Serve warm or at room temperature for a crunchy, caramelized treat.
2. Roasted Chickpea Snack Mix
If you’re craving something savory and crunchy, roasted chickpeas are a protein-packed alternative to chips. Add spices and mix with nuts and seeds for variety.
Ingredients:
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2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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¼ tsp cayenne (optional)
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½ tsp salt
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¼ cup pumpkin seeds
Directions:
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Pat chickpeas dry and toss with oil and seasonings.
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Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 30–35 minutes, shaking halfway.
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Mix with pumpkin seeds once cooled.
This mix pairs perfectly with sparkling cider or a festive vegan mocktail.
3. Mini Stuffed Mushrooms
Bring a bit of gourmet flair to your snack table with vegan stuffed mushrooms. They’re bite-sized, flavorful, and easy to eat during the movie.
Ingredients:
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20 cremini mushrooms, stems removed
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
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¼ cup finely chopped spinach
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2 tbsp nutritional yeast
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½ tsp thyme
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Sauté garlic and spinach in olive oil until soft.
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Add breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, and thyme. Mix well.
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Fill mushroom caps with mixture and bake for 20 minutes.
They’re elegant enough for Thanksgiving but simple enough for snacking.
4. Cranberry-Walnut Energy Bites
Perfect for when you want something sweet without the sugar crash, these no-bake bites combine cranberries, walnuts, and oats for a festive flavor profile.
Ingredients:
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1 cup rolled oats
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½ cup chopped walnuts
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½ cup dried cranberries
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¼ cup almond butter
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¼ cup maple syrup
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½ tsp cinnamon
Directions:
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Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
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Roll into bite-sized balls and chill for 30 minutes.
They’re portable, mess-free, and a great post-movie snack as well.
5. Spiced Sweet Potato Fries
Fries meet fall flavors in this easy snack. Baked, not fried, and seasoned with cinnamon and paprika, these sweet potato fries will disappear fast.
Ingredients:
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2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
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1 tbsp olive oil
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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¼ tsp cinnamon
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¼ tsp salt
Directions:
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Toss sweet potato wedges with oil and spices.
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Bake at 425°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Serve with vegan aioli or chipotle mayo.
They’re a comforting, warm snack that bridges dinner and dessert beautifully.
6. Savory Pumpkin Hummus with Veggie Chips
Pumpkin isn’t just for pie—this hummus adds a seasonal twist to a classic dip. Pair it with beet chips, pita triangles, or sliced veggies.
Ingredients:
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1 cup canned pumpkin purée
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1 can chickpeas, drained
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2 tbsp tahini
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp cumin
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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Salt to taste
Directions:
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Blend all ingredients until smooth.
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Adjust texture with water as needed.
This dip is creamy, smoky, and the perfect centerpiece for your snack spread.
7. Vegan “Cheese” Platter
Create a mini plant-based charcuterie board with vegan cheeses, crackers, fruit, and nuts. It feels fancy but takes only minutes to assemble.
Ideas for your platter:
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Vegan cheddar and brie alternatives
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Roasted nuts (almonds, cashews)
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Grapes, apple slices, or dried apricots
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Crackers and crostini
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A drizzle of maple or agave for sweetness
Arrange everything on a wooden board or tray for a stunning presentation.
8. Apple Cinnamon Popcorn Clusters
For a nostalgic fall twist, these popcorn clusters combine dried apples and cinnamon for a sweet-and-crunchy movie snack.
Ingredients:
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6 cups air-popped popcorn
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1 cup dried apple pieces
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¼ cup maple syrup
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1 tbsp vegan butter
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½ tsp cinnamon
Directions:
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Heat butter and maple syrup until bubbly.
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Stir in cinnamon.
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Drizzle over popcorn and apple pieces, toss, and let cool on parchment paper.
They’re light, fragrant, and addictively snackable.
9. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
If you carved pumpkins this season, save the seeds! Roasted pumpkin seeds are simple, salty, and full of crunch.
Ingredients:
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1 cup pumpkin seeds
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1 tbsp olive oil
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp smoked paprika
Directions:
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Toss seeds with oil and seasonings.
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Roast at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway.
You can also make sweet variations with cinnamon and maple syrup for a dessert-like twist.
10. Vegan Chocolate Bark with Cranberries & Pistachios
Every movie night needs a sweet ending. This chocolate bark is elegant yet easy to make, combining creamy dark chocolate with festive toppings.
Ingredients:
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2 cups dairy-free dark chocolate chips
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¼ cup chopped pistachios
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¼ cup dried cranberries
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Sea salt to taste
Directions:
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Melt chocolate in a double boiler or microwave.
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Pour onto parchment paper and spread evenly.
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Sprinkle pistachios, cranberries, and sea salt on top.
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Chill until firm, then break into pieces.
It’s indulgent, eye-catching, and pairs perfectly with hot cocoa or coffee.
Bonus: Vegan Hot Chocolate Bar
Set up a DIY vegan hot chocolate bar so everyone can create their perfect cozy drink. Offer options like:
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Oat, almond, or coconut milk
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Vegan whipped cream
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Mini marshmallows
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Crushed peppermint
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Cinnamon or pumpkin spice
Not only is it interactive, but it also doubles as a dessert station that guests will love.
How to Build the Ultimate Vegan Snack Board
Combine a few of these recipes into one beautiful Thanksgiving snack board. Mix sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy elements for variety.
Tips for building your board:
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Use bowls for dips and spreads.
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Fill empty spaces with popcorn or nuts.
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Include a mix of textures—smooth dips, crunchy crackers, chewy fruits.
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Add seasonal decor like mini pumpkins or rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.
Presentation elevates even simple snacks into something special.
Make It a Thanksgiving Tradition
A Thanksgiving movie night can become a fun new family tradition. After a long day of cooking and feasting, it’s the perfect way to unwind together—sharing laughter, leftovers, and delicious vegan treats.
If you want to keep celebrating the compassionate spirit of the holiday, check out The Dharma Store, where you’ll find vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton. They’re a comfortable, sustainable way to express your love for animals and plant-based living—ideal for lounging through your movie marathon.
Final Thoughts: Snacking with Compassion and Creativity
This Thanksgiving, let your post-dinner entertainment reflect the same warmth and thoughtfulness as your meal. These vegan Thanksgiving snacks for movie night combine comfort, creativity, and compassion in every bite. From maple popcorn to savory hummus, they prove that vegan snacking can be indulgent, effortless, and fun.
So grab your favorite film, gather your loved ones, and pass the popcorn—it’s time for a cozy, cruelty-free movie night that everyone will remember.