Whether they’re on set, at home, or on the road, the stars of “Top Chef” enjoy snacking as much as we do. In fact, when we caught up with host Kristen Kish and judges Gail Simmons and Tom Colicchio during a day of filming for season 23 in Charlotte, North Carolina, all three agreed that snacks are essential for keeping their energy even-keeled (and so they don’t arrive at the tasting table famished).
“Hanging around here, there’s a lot of food,” Colicchio says, referring to the set for the next season of “Top Chef,” which is slated to debut in spring 2026. In addition to the dishes the cheftestants present during the Quickfire and Elimination Challenges, the set pantry is always immaculately stocked, as is the craft food services area with ample meals and snacks.
“We all have a sweet tooth, so there’s a lot of candy at the judges’ table in between challenges. But I am trying to keep it healthy and cut back on that,” Colicchio tells us, adding that he’s recently lost 40 pounds and is in the best shape of his life.
So what do he and his colleagues reach for instead? Read on for the dish.
The ‘Top Chef’ Host and Judges
- Tom Colicchio, chef, food activist, author of “Why I Cook,” and head judge on “Top Chef”
- Kristen Kish, chef, restauranteur, author of “Accidentally on Purpose,” and “Top Chef” host
- Gail Simmons, food writer, author of The Mouthful Substack, and permanent judge on “Top Chef”
Qualities of the Best Snacks
Each of these true “Top Chef” all-stars seeks a different solution with their snacks—be it a dose of nostalgia, a craving cure, or a hunger-tamer. They were kind enough to share several of their favorite 5-ingredient-or-less snack ideas, below, as well as what qualities they look for in the perfect on-set snack.
- Fast. From overseeing restaurants and acting as chef-in-residence to advocating for affordable, accessible nutrition and supporting hunger-fighting charities, we’re not quite sure when these celebs sleep. Sure, if time allows, they still adore a leisurely day cooking an elaborate meal. But when it comes time to snacking while the cameras aren’t rolling, they don’t want to dilly-dally. The best snacks should take two minutes or less to assemble.
- Flavorful. The efficient nature of these snacks doesn’t mean they’re boring. To truly satisfy, a snack must be delicious and packed full of flavor to satiate your taste buds.
- Nourishing. To ensure these snacks don’t trigger a blood sugar roller coaster, the chefs usually (but not always) reach for a bite that offers a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
The Snack ‘Top Chef’ Judges Can’t Get Enough Of
No aprons or fancy equipment are required to make these “Top Chef” judges’ favorite snacks. Bonus: Each pick satisfies a different craving.
- Sweet: For when she’s on the road and doesn’t have access to utensils, Kish keeps a David Protein Bar Fudge Bar or two in her bag. But most often, her go-to snack is “a rice cake with almond butter or peanut butter.” This is a staple treat to have the 10 minutes before the Quickfire Challenge, when Kish’s goal is low volume and high calorie: “I want the energy, but I don’t necessarily want to feel full because I’m about to eat more.”
- Creamy: Besides fruits and vegetables, Colicchio says that one of the ways he’s been able to be so successful on his recent wellness mission is by being savvy with his snacks. The most regular in the rotation? “Brown Cow yogurt with a little honey,” he tells Allrecipes. Each carton of this whole milk yogurt contains 5 grams of protein, plus a good dose of gut-friendly bacteria. This yogurt naturally has 0 grams of added sugars, so doctoring it up with a drizzle of honey is a brilliant idea to balance out the tangy flavor.
- Savory: Continuing on the creamy course, but shifting things to the savory side, Simmons is all aboard the cottage cheese train. She uses the popular dairy aisle staple to build a protein-packed bowl: “I love to top cottage cheese with chopped tomatoes, chopped cucumbers, and chopped peppers, then finish with a little olive oil and salt.” If Simmons has it handy, she likes to crown her creation with a kick via a spoonful of smoky harissa or bright, herbaceous zhoug.
- Crunchy: Simmons likes to stick to the classics when she’s seeking something with a crisp bite. “When I’m hungry and I need something healthy, I eat a lot of apples and peanut butter,” Simmons admits. (Note to self: Next time you’re lucky enough to share a couch with this judge, bring a fruit basket and a jar of Spiced Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip.) On the flip side, when Simmons is feeling a bit more flexible in terms of the nutrition of her nosh, she opens a bag of “salt and vinegar chips. Yum! They’re my favorite.”
