Carbs can kick you out of ketosis, cause spikes in blood sugar levels, cause mood swings, and boost carb cravings.
But you have a choice. Forget about the commercially available snacks that do more harm than good.
In fact, we’ve done the work for you. We’ve gathered the best healthy low-carb snacks and listed them in this article to help you transition to the other side of snacking more easily.
Just because it’s healthy, it doesn’t have to be yuck!
Best High Protein Low Carb Snacks
Protein increases the feeling of fullness, slows digestion, and stabilizes blood sugar levels.
The only problem is that some of the protein snacks taste bad, such as this Natures Plus - KETOslim High Protein Bars Box Chocolate Almond Crunch.
Have a look at the following package that can help you weather until the next meal!
#1 KETO Snacks Care Package (20ct)
If you’re looking for ideal low-carb packed snacks, this is an excellent option.
This low-carb high protein snack collection is packed into a box with 20 individual snacks that pack 5g of net carbs (or less) per snack.
Pros
- Convenient
- Low-carb
- Good variety
- Sweet, savory, salty snacks
Cons
- Not 100% keto
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This box is an excellent value for money; the variety is great, and it diversifies your high protein snacks on the go. It is one of the best to buy.
2. Power Crunch - Power Crunch Bar
A blend of whey protein, these bars pack a tasty snack, available in 5 different flavors.
They contain stevia to sweeten things up and taste just like a dessert, making them by far one of the best low-carb protein bars. Check out our in-depth guide to find the best keto protein powder here.
Pros
- Various flavors available
- Low sugar
- Curb the appetite
Cons
- Crumbly
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A healthy version of KitKats, go for this tasty high protein snack that doesn’t taste like cardboard, is free of sugar substitutes yet low-carb.
3. Bulletproof Collagen Protein Bars
Bulletproof company has a solid history of providing excellent keto-friendly products, and these bars are no exception.
You can choose between 7 different flavors (our favorite is lemon) for the powerful fuel on the go!
Pros
- Grass-fed collagen
- Caprylic acid triglycerides
- Low-carb
- Healthy energy kick
Cons
- Small size
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These protein bars are quite dense and packed with flavor, but a bit pricey even though made with only high-quality ingredients.
4. Chef’s Cut Real Jerky
Hand-crafted with only premium cuts, Chef’s Jerky isn’t your typical jerky; it’s wet and not as chewy.
If you’re not a fan of rubbery jerky, this is your jerky!
It’s a great companion for any road trip or perfects to be enjoyed on the go.
Pros
- High in protein
- MSG and gluten-free
- Tender
Cons
- Too sweet
- Soft texture
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A tender jerky with an overpowering yet addictive flavor, this product may be cut by hand but looks more like a minced meat kabob instead.
5. Turkey Roll-Ups
A tasty roll of turkey, cottage cheese, and veggies, this option makes a nutritious snack since it’s basically a sandwich without bread.
Delicious and high in protein!
6. Beef Jerky / Turkey Jerky
Whether beef or turkey, chicken or salmon, jerky is dried meat cut up in strips, free of fat.
It’s loaded with protein, and you can also make your own to avoid any sugars and fillers in commercially sold products!
7. Low-Carb Crackers
You can buy the keto crackers, but pay attention to the ingredients. Alternatively, make them yourself.
Cheese crackers are full of healthy fats and protein.
Bus severely tasty is these sour cream and chive crackers.
8. String Cheese
A pre-portioned low-carb snack, string cheese is a perfect solution on the go; you don’t have to worry about overeating and it’s small and well-packaged!
Low-Carb Snacks For Ketogenic Diet
What snacks can I have on the keto diet?
You can have all of the above-mentioned, but look at the additional list of quick snacks for weight loss to munch on that are keto-friendly and healthy.
1. Atkins Snack, Sweet & Salty Trail Mix
This product is a great blend of sweet and salty.
It contains nuts, crunchy bits, chocolate pieces, and peanut butter crunchiness, making it hard to believe this is a healthy snack.
It’s a great treat to keep in your purse or lunch box.
Pros
- Tasty
- No aftertaste
- Low-carb
- Stops the cravings
Cons
- Poor packaging
- Pricey
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Just the right amount of sweet and salty, Atkins Trail Mix packs goodness, is difficult to resist, and prevents overeating!
2. barkTHINS Snacking Dark Chocolate Coconut with Almonds
Made with only high-quality ingredients, you’ll be chewing on delicious coconut and chocolate without feeling guilty.
What’s more, it’s not too sweet yet quite addictive.
Pros
- Delicious
- Non-GMO
- Fair-trade ingredients
Cons
- Small
- Contains added sugar
- Pricey
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Not bark but chunks, these are made of rich chocolate that’s tasty but not meant to be your daily smart snack.
3. ChocZero’s Keto Bark
A combo of dark chocolate and nuts of your choice will leave you craving for more.
Made without any artificial sweeteners, this snack only contains 2g net carbs per serving! ChocZero's Keto Bark is a gluten-free snack.
Pros
- Low-carb
- Soy and gluten-free
- Dairy-free
Cons
- May spike blood sugar
- Chocolate melts on delivery
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Creamy or not, this product isn’t keto-friendly and boosts blood sugar, which is especially problematic for people with diabetes.
4. Salad Sandwiches
You don’t need bread to make a tasty sandwich! Salad sandwiches with bell pepper are a fun alternative to the classic carb-loaded versions.
You can eat these at any time of the day, as they’re incredibly versatile and appropriate for beginners as well!
5. Baked Cocoa Nuts
Just because it’s sweet, it doesn’t mean it’s bad for you.
Combine a mix of nuts with melted butter, sweetener, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract.
This snack, made in the slow cooker, is perfect on a low-carb diet!
Few more ideas: parmesan cheese, chia seeds, gluten-free almond butter, carrot sticks, cauliflower with hummus, Steamed Egg, pumpkin seeds, Olive tapenade with low-carb crackers with almond flour.
Cheddar Cheese Crisps
If you’re a fan of the original cheddar crisps with bell peppers, you’ll love this too. If you’re not a fan of the original cheddar crisps, I won’t judge you! Cheddar crisps are priced at 49p for 150g, which will last you an afternoon. This snack is now available to buy in supermarkets across the country. The news comes after Convenience store Sainsbury’s launched its own Cheddar and Apple crisps last summer.
What are the Best Snacks at Trader Joe’s?
Trader Joe’s is a popular brand; its low prices and specialty items make them unique.
There are dozens of great products available, but we chose the best snacks you can find for your keto diet!
1. Trader Joe’s Reduced Carb Tortillas
As a substitute for the real deal, these low-carb tortillas actually are just that!
With 3g of carbs, these have a wide fan base because they’re cheap, made without preservatives, and artificial flavors.
Pros
- Tastes like a tortilla
- Affordable
Cons
- Contains gluten
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A great low-carb product that we wouldn’t recommend eating on a daily basis, this is a great base for keto pizza and Mexican keto recipes.
2. Trader Joe’s Parsnip Chips
Parsnip, yes. Eat it, don’t eat it. They may be belying about the carbs; they maybe not.
But many people love them, and while they’re not as popular as the kale chips below, they still have some devoted fans!
Pros
- Delicious
- Low-carb
Cons
- Nutrition facts may be misleading.
- Contain sugar
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Delicious and a lovely snack, these parsnip chips are low-carb and great potato chips alternative!
3. Trader Joe’s Kale Chips
A salty, crunchy, and nutritious version of the classic potato chips, turn to this Trader Joe’s version instead.
Don’t let the kale scare you if you hate your greens-it’s a lovely twist that leaves you craving for more. Just toss leaves in a drizzle of olive oil and add your seasoning of choice.
Pros
- Crunchy
- Nutritious
- Low-carb
Cons
- Small packaging
- Pricey
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These kale chips may be expensive, but it’s ridiculously tasty, even though we’d suggest you stay away if you’re not into spicy.
List of Low Carb Nuts
Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, and they make an excellent snack with no preparation! Please do not use store-bought mixed nuts.
Pecan
Enjoy these freely on the keto diet, as they have the lowest amounts of carbs.
Net carbs: 1.8 oz contains 2g
Brazil
Brazil nuts make an excellent snack in between meals. You can combine them with other nuts and dishes! It is great for heart health (possible effect on heart disease prevention)
Carbs: 1.8 oz contains 2g
Macadamia
As these are low-carb, add them to salads, turn them into a spread for low-carb crackers and veggies!
Net carbs: 1.8 oz contains 2.5g
Peanut
Low-carb, they are a lovely source of tasty butter. While both are acceptable on a keto diet, please don’t overdo it!
Net carbs: 1.8 oz contains 5g
Almond
Packed with minerals, vitamins, and essential nutrients, these are acceptable and make a tasty on-the-go snack.
Net carbs: 1.8 oz contains 5g
Great Low-Carb Snack Ideas For Diabetics
Choosing a healthy snack can be tricky if you have diabetes.
The idea is that you stack up on foods that are high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber to help maintain low levels of blood sugar.
Avocado
Rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, avocados may prevent blood sugar spikes after a meal.
This study confirms that people regularly consuming monounsaturated fatty acids saw an important improvement in their blood sugar levels.
Veggies and Hummus
Hummus is a tasty addition to anything.
Made of chickpeas, this creamy spread is an excellent companion to veggies, and the combo provides you with fiber, minerals, protein, and vitamins.
This study found that people eating hummus at a meal had lower blood sugar and insulin levels than those who ate bread instead.
Sliced Apples
Delicious, filling, and healthy, apples and peanut butter make a great combo that provides you with several nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins B and C, potassium, manganese, and antioxidants.
Low Carb Snack Recipes
You may not believe it, but making your own snacks is easier than you think. All you need is a bit of imagination and a list of keto-approved foods.
Minim Bacon Guacamole Cups
Whether you’re looking for a snack or an appetizer, these cups are the perfect recipe that’s easy to make and contains only a tiny amount of carbs.
Look here for the full recipe; these bites are incredibly tasty!
Baked Cucumber Chips
Disguise a healthy vegetable into a tasty yet keto-friendly snack in a few simple steps.
These make a great alternative to any commercially sold chips, keto or not!
Pepperoni Pizza Bites
Who doesn’t love a classic pepperoni pizza? Well, ditch the bread and play with the toppings instead!
This recipe can be adjusted to any taste; add any toppings to your pepperoni slices!
Easy Low-Carb Snacks
Just because you’re on a diet doesn’t mean you should be hungry.
In fact, you can snack on keto all you want, as long as you stay within the limits of your macro count.
Devilled Eggs
A mix of mayo and avocado stuffed egg halves will surely satisfy your hunger in no time!
Sprinkle with a bit of paprika for a kick of spicy! You can also consume regular hard-boiled eggs.
Low-Carb Pizza
Who said to avoid pizza on a low-carb diet?
We certainly didn’t!
Top a low-carb wrap with cheese and salami and bake until the cheese is melted and gooey!
Serve immediately or freeze for later.
Cucumber Slices With Brie
Combine healthy veg with tasty cheese, and you get a filling snack in under 5 minutes!
Optionally, change brie for camembert or feta cheese!
What Healthy Low-Carb Keto Snacks Can I Have?
The options are endless when it comes to snacking on a ketogenic diet.
In short, the following foods are approved for snacks:
- Eggs, cheese, and cream cheese
- Avocados, olives, celery, cucumber, carrots
- Cold cuts, pork rinds, beef jerky, biltong
- Tuna, smoked salmon
- Hummus, low-carb dip sauces
- Cream and berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries)
- Dark chocolate, nuts, seeds
Get creative and prepare tasty carb-free snacks for work or travel.
Pack some tuna salad with rice and kale chips with smoked salmon!
What’s more, a coffee protein bar is easily delicious, and fat bombs make a perfect snack with nuts, and seeds that help you feel full and lose weight!
How Much to Eat on Low Carb Diet
There’s a general rule that is very applicable to any low-carb or ketogenic diet as well: Listen to your body and eat when you feel hungry.
Don’t wait until the last moment when you feel like you’re starving because that will only result in eating more than your body would actually need.
With time, you’ll learn to balance your meals and adjust your eating schedule to your body’s needs.
For more details on how much you should eat, try an online keto calculator that analyzes your weight, goals, and the recommended dosage of carbs, protein, and other components.
Is Popcorn a Low Carb Snack?
Popcorn has been high in carbs for ages. It was the star of the 1970s and ’80s fad low carb diets. Popular with athletes, Popcorn was a nutritional savior! Popcorn’s sweet taste and status were big reasons it was so popular. But lately, the internet has turned Popcorn into a snack. The magic of the internet has made the "low carb" label synonymous with diet. While the label itself may not be 100% accurate and may lead you to eat more than a diet author would recommend, it does send pop-ups of "low-carb" snacks all over the internet. Below, we look at the guidelines to determine if this fad can make a big difference in your life.
Popcorn, as we know it today, is typically high in carbs. But it isn’t true that it’s a total carb snack! You can indulge in some “healthy” snacking by tossing some popcorn into a healthy combo of fat and fiber-rich vegetables and whole grains (like an apple with nut butter and veggie chips, for example). This combo of fat and fiber means your body will get the carb hit it needs while getting the benefit of the other nutrients. Popcorn contains a high proportion of easily digested, resistant starch (IRS), which slows down the digestion of other simple carbs such as the ones found in fruit and potatoes. Resistive starches are the fastest-acting type of carbs. Because you consume popcorn regularly and you want to have a diet, you’ll want to give your body time to process the popcorn, so eat it at your next party or after you’ve had a meal.
What Carbs Should I Avoid to Lose Belly Fat?
Carbs are essential for our bodies in many ways. They provide energy and form our protein (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, and nuts). Carbs also provide important vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are also the building blocks of healthy muscle mass, a crucial ingredient for healthy skin and hair, and a source of protection against aging. However, carbs are also a source of sugar, and many processed foods, such as candy, soda, and cookies, are high in sugars. Sugars provide no nutrition and can wreak havoc on your health if consumed in excess.
According to experts at Diet Doc, when you decrease your overall carb intake and improve your portion control, you will eliminate your need for added sugars. Instead, you will continue to consume carbs from vegetables and healthy fats, like avocado, olive oil, fish, nuts, and seeds. These should become the staple ingredients in your daily diet and stay consistent to prevent cravings and give you a steady supply of energy.
Is Popcorn OK on a Low-Carb Diet?
With the growing popularity of low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs), nutritionists are trying to figure out if popcorn is a low-carb-friendly snack. The truth is, that popcorn has very few carbs. As long as you eat it right, popcorn is a great carb-light snack, and it may even help you lose weight. Popcorn has a few different types of carbohydrates.
Saccharose—a carb that's usually added to microwave popcorn. It's about 5 to 15 grams. —a carb that's usually added to microwave popcorn. It's about 5 to 15 grams. Other —Other carbs that are added to microwave popcorn, such as corn starch, xanthan gum, gum Arabic, potato starch, or tapioca starch. Depending on the brand, these have anywhere from 5 to 20 grams of carbs.
Is Peanut Butter Keto?
Oats in some ways taste like marshmallows and in some other ways don't taste quite so good. How I love oats and am looking forward to getting them in my life again! I think, for me, a big step is when I can have a big bowl of oatmeal and not regret it and then have a second breakfast of eggs and meat or whatever I'm eating. I think, for me, it's more about making small steps, rather than quitting altogether.
Also, I have a confession to make...It's been a week of lazy eating. Sunday was the worst and I just sort of gave up and didn't bother to try to stay on plan. Monday was super busy and my goal for the day was to get some groceries so I made a big shopping list. On Monday I ate a lot of Greek yogurt and a tiny bit of cereal but otherwise didn't eat any real food. Tuesday morning, after a really late night watching the election returns (of which I know very little about).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Low Carb Alternative to Chips for Dipping?
A low-carb alternative to chips for dipping is to use fresh, raw vegetables. These vegetables are not only low in carbohydrates but also rich in essential nutrients and dietary fiber, making them a healthy and satisfying option for enjoying dips without compromising your low-carb dietary goals.
- Cucumber Slices: Cucumber slices are crisp and refreshing, providing a neutral base for various dips. They are incredibly low in carbohydrates, making them an ideal choice for those on a low-carb diet.
- Bell Pepper Strips: Bell peppers, particularly red, yellow, and green varieties, are low in carbs and high in vitamin C and other antioxidants. Their natural sweetness can complement savory dips.
- Celery Sticks: Celery is a classic low-carb option for dipping due to its satisfying crunch. It's also rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full.
- Zucchini Slices: Thinly sliced raw zucchini provides a slightly crunchy texture and is an excellent vehicle for dips. It's low in carbs and calories while offering vitamins and minerals.
- Broccoli and Cauliflower Florets: These cruciferous vegetables are low in carbs and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They offer a hearty bite and pair well with various dips.
- Cherry Tomatoes: While tomatoes contain some natural sugars, cherry tomatoes in moderation can be a low-carb choice. They add a burst of flavor and juiciness to your dipping experience.
- Radishes: Radishes have a satisfying crunch and a peppery flavor that can complement a wide range of dips. They are very low in carbs and calories.
- Asparagus Spears: Asparagus is a nutrient-dense vegetable low in carbs. It can be lightly blanched or served raw for dipping.
- Jicama Sticks: Jicama is a root vegetable with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a crisp texture. It's low in carbs and calories, making it an excellent choice for dipping.
- Cauliflower Hummus: For a more substantial option, consider making hummus using cauliflower instead of chickpeas. Cauliflower hummus is lower in carbs and provides a creamy, dip-worthy texture.
When opting for these low-carb alternatives to chips, you can enjoy your favorite dips while promoting a healthier dietary pattern. These vegetables offer vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber while helping you manage your carbohydrate intake, making them a scientifically sound choice for those following a low-carb diet.
Where to Buy
Don’t worry about where to buy these snacks and foods to fit your meal plan.
You can get them online and offline:
- Healthy food stores
- Amazon
- Trader Joe’s
- Walmart
Conclusion
Choosing delicious healthy snacks is important for all who want to be healthier. Commercially-sold products often contain nasty ingredients that do more harm than good when on a low-carb diet.
That’s why we’re happy to report there are many keto snacks available for those who don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
By far and after thorough research, the great low-carb snack is KETO Snacks Care Package.
It’s amazingly practical for newbies to keto, for those who are tired of snacking on the same pack of almonds all the time, and for all who need diversity.
This is definitely one of the list's unique items, even though the Power Crunch Bar is not far behind.
Being able to copy KitKat and stay tasty while keto-approved is just plain awesome.
We also like Bulletproof Collagen Protein Bars: the brand is well-established and keto-based.
Even though the products are a bit pricier, at least you know that you’re getting top-quality ingredients with no ingredients that could unbalance your ketosis. I hope you enjoyed my guide and found the good snacks on the go to lose weight and keep you healthy and energized.