16 Expert-Approved Low-Carb Snacks to Satisfy Any Craving

Snacking doesn’t have to sabotage your low-carb goals. With input from nutritionists and dietitians, we’ve curated a collection of 16 delicious, satisfying, and convenient low-carb snacks that make healthy eating effortless—whether you’re looking for something crunchy, creamy, savory, or sweet. Each recommendation keeps carbs in check, offers balanced nutrition, and is easy to find or prepare at home or on the go.

Why Choose Low-Carb Snacks?

Low-carb snacking can support stable blood sugar, sustained energy, and weight management. By choosing snacks that are rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber while limiting added sugars and fast-digesting carbs, you help curb hunger, avoid energy crashes, and make it easier to stay on track with your health goals.

The Top 16 Low-Carb Snacks—Expert Picks

• Mixed Berries
• Almond Crackers
• Greek Yogurt
• String Cheese
• Peanut Butter & Celery
• Cottage Cheese
• Guacamole with Veggies
• Cheese Crisps
• Edamame
• Hummus & Veggies
• Beef Jerky
• Almonds
• Hard-Boiled Eggs
• Avocado
• Kale Chips
• Plain Popcorn

Mixed Berries

Carbs: ~12g per cup

Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber but have fewer net carbs than most fruit. A cup of mixed berries makes a colorful, sweet, and nutrient-dense snack that’s friendly to most low-carb diets. To reduce carbs further, select only raspberries or blackberries—they’re highest in fiber and lowest in net carbs.

• Serving suggestion: Mix with a spoonful of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of sliced almonds for added protein and crunch.
• Nutrition tip: Berries are rich in vitamin C and can help satisfy sweet cravings naturally.

Almond Crackers

Carbs: 1g per 8 crackers

Nutrient-dense almond-based crackers are a tasty way to enjoy crunch without a carb overload. Their healthy fats, protein, and subtle flavor pair perfectly with cheese or nut butter.

• Serving suggestion: Pair with a wedge of portioned spreadable cheese (like Laughing Cow) or top with hummus for extra flavor.
• Why they work: They’re low in net carbs and keep you satisfied between meals.

Greek Yogurt

Carbs: 1-6g per half-cup (choose plain or no added sugar)

Rich in protein and probiotics, Greek yogurt is a satisfying snack that can be enjoyed on its own or dressed up with low-carb toppings. Look for zero-sugar or unsweetened varieties to keep carbohydrates ultra-low, and check the label for hidden sweeteners. For example, Chobani’s zero-sugar yogurt uses allulose, which doesn’t impact blood sugar.

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• Serving suggestion: Top with a handful of berries or chia seeds for added fiber.
• Nutrition tip: Greek yogurt is a gut-friendly source of calcium and protein.

String Cheese

Carbs: 1g or less per stick

String cheese is a childhood favorite that remains one of the best low-carb, on-the-go snacks for adults. Each stick is portion-controlled, maintains freshness, and delivers high-quality dairy protein with minimal carbs.

• Best variety: Choose mozzarella for the lowest carbs.
• Serving tip: Pair with a few grape tomatoes or cucumber slices for variety.

Peanut Butter & Celery

Carbs: ~2g net carbs per 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter

This classic combo provides protein, healthy fats, fiber, and satisfying crunch with minimal sugar. Individual peanut butter packs make it easy to snack mindfully and avoid added sugars or poorly portioned scoops.

• How to enjoy: Spread or squeeze peanut butter into celery sticks.
• Nutrition insight: Celery hydrates and delivers crunch with almost no carbs.

Cottage Cheese

Carbs: ~3g per half-cup (plain, no sugar added)

Creamy, tangy, and packed with protein, cottage cheese has made a big comeback. Its thick texture and milkiness make it a perfect snack base. Top with low-carb fruits like raspberries or blackberries for extra fiber and antioxidant power, or add flax seeds for heart-health benefits.

• Serving suggestion: Try cottage cheese with cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for a savory twist.
• Health benefit: Cottage cheese supports muscle maintenance and delivers calcium for bones.

Guacamole with Veggies

Carbs: 2-4g per serving (without chips)

Guacamole singles or homemade avocado mash make a flavorful, portable snack loaded with fiber and monounsaturated fat. Dip with fresh-cut veggies such as bell peppers, cucumber sticks, or radishes to skip the carbs from standard chips without sacrificing crunch or taste.

• Tip: For extra zip, try topping half an avocado with everything bagel seasoning.
• Nutrition: Avocado helps keep you full and provides potassium and healthy fats.

Cheese Crisps

Carbs: <1g per serving (check packaging)

Cheese crisps, made from baked or fried cheese, are a favorite in low-carb and keto circles. They’re rich in protein and flavor, satisfy your craving for something salty and crunchy, and travel well in a bag or lunch kit.

• Best use: Snack solo, or add as a salad topping for extra crunch.
• Pro tip: Try mixing with nuts or serving with cherry tomatoes for a varied snack plate.

Edamame

Carbs: ~8g net carbs per half-cup (shelled)

Edamame, or young soybeans, are a plant-based protein powerhouse with fiber and a mild, satisfying bite. Steamed or lightly salted, they provide a filling snack rich in folate, iron, and essential amino acids.

• Preparation: Enjoy shelled for easy snacking, or roast them for a crunchy texture.
• Why edamame? They support muscle recovery and are suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets.

Hummus & Veggies

Carbs: ~4g per two tablespoons

Made from blended chickpeas, hummus delivers fiber, plant protein, and savory flavor with moderate carbs. Scooping it up with sliced crunchy veggies (like carrots, celery, bell peppers, or radishes) replaces higher-carb pita or chips and boosts vitamin intake.

• Tip: Portion hummus for snack-packs to control serving sizes and ensure portability.
• Flavor bonus: Try flavored hummus (roasted red pepper, garlic) for variety without added sugar.

Beef Jerky

Carbs: 1–3g per ounce (choose sugar-free varieties)

Jerky offers a protein-packed, shelf-stable, and filling snack. Choose brands without added sugars and minimal processing to keep carbs ultra-low and protein levels high. Look for lean or all-natural versions—there are options for beef, turkey, and even plant-based versions.

• Serving tip: Pair with a handful of almonds for even longer-lasting satiety.
• Travel-friendly: Jerky does not require refrigeration—ideal for on-the-go snacking.

Almonds

Carbs: 5g per quarter-cup

Rich in healthy fats, vitamin E, fiber, and plant-based protein, almonds are a universally recommended snack. Their crunch and mild flavor pair well with fruit, cheese, or yogurt—and a small handful goes a long way.

• How to enjoy: Stick to raw or dry-roasted almonds to avoid excess oils and sodium.
• Nutrition bonus: The combination of fats, protein, and fiber helps keep hunger at bay and supports steady energy.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Carbs: <1g per egg

Hard-boiled eggs are convenient, cost-effective, and loaded with high-quality protein, choline, and essential nutrients. Prepare a batch in advance and eat them solo, or slice and serve on top of salads or crispbread.

• Serving tip: Sprinkle with sea salt, pepper, or a dash of paprika for flavor.
• Eggs for energy: Each egg offers about 7g of protein, keeping you full and fueled.

Avocado

Carbs: ~4g per quarter avocado

Avocado’s creamy texture and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats make it a go-to low-carb snack that also delivers fiber, potassium, and a variety of micronutrients.

• Quick snack: Enjoy plain with a squeeze of lime and pinch of sea salt, or mash and spread on low-carb crackers.
• Bonus: Their healthy fat content helps promote satiety and supports triglyceride management.

Kale Chips

Carbs: <1g per cup

Kale chips are crunchy, salty, and deliver a hefty dose of vitamins A, C, and K along with antioxidants. They satisfy cravings for chips while being almost carb- and guilt-free. You can buy them pre-made or roast fresh kale at home with olive oil and your favorite seasoning.

• Try it homemade: Toss kale leaves in olive oil, season, and bake till crispy.
• Tip: Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods per calorie.

Plain Popcorn

Carbs: 4.5g per 3/4 cup (air-popped)

While not as low-carb as other options, small servings of plain air-popped popcorn can still fit a low-carb lifestyle—especially when compared to chips or pretzels. It’s whole grain, filling, and easy to customize with spices.

• Top tip: Season with nutritional yeast, chili powder, or sea salt for flavor without added sugar or fat.
• Snack hack: Pre-portion to prevent over-snacking.

Comparative Table: Net Carbs in Popular Low-Carb Snacks

Tips for Choosing and Preparing Low-Carb Snacks

• Prioritize whole foods: Natural snacks like eggs, raw veggies, and nuts are less processed and more filling.
• Look for protein and healthy fats: These nutrients help stabilize blood sugar and keep you satisfied longer.
• Watch out for hidden sugars: Even some ‘healthy’ snacks (yogurts, nut butters, jerky) may contain added sugars that increase carb count.
• Portion wisely: Nuts, cheese, and seeds are calorie-dense; enjoy modest servings for a balance of nutrition and satiety.
• Batch prep: Hard-boil eggs, pre-slice veggies, and portion nuts or cheese into grab-and-go containers to simplify healthy snacking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can you eat fruit on a low-carb diet?

A: Yes, but focus on lower-sugar fruits like berries, which are higher in fiber and lower in total carbs than tropical fruits or bananas.

Q: What’s an easy, portable low-carb snack for work or travel?

A: String cheese, beef jerky (without added sugars), nuts, and guacamole singles with veggie sticks are all shelf-stable, mess-free, and easy to carry.

Q: Are there low-carb snacks that are also high in protein?

A: Absolutely. Greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, cheese crisps, beef jerky, cottage cheese, and edamame are all high-protein, low-carb options.

Q: How can I avoid processed ingredients in low-carb snacks?

A: Choose snacks made from whole foods with minimal or no packaging, such as raw vegetables, eggs, unsweetened yogurt, fresh berries, or hand-prepared dips and spreads.

Q: Is popcorn really a low-carb snack?

A: In moderation, air-popped popcorn can be compatible with a low-carb lifestyle—but portion control is important to avoid exceeding your daily carb goals.

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Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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