Low carb diet is popular due to its numerous potential health advantages.
Low carb diets, for example, may increase weight reduction while improving blood sugar management and HDL (good) cholesterol (1, 2).
On the other hand, finding low carb snacks might be challenging because frequent snack items are heavy in this nutrient. Fortunately, you can make various delicious and innovative low carb snacks.
Snacks high in healthy fats, protein, and better-for-you carbs, like fruit and vegetables, can help you reach your carb targets while still providing a lot of nutrients.
Here are 26 low carb snacks that are both tasty and healthful.
1. Olive tapenade with low carb crackers
Carbs per serving: 1 gram of carbs per 2 tablespoons (32 grams) olive tapenade and 17 (30 grams) almond flour crackers, for a total of 18 grams (3, 4).
The ingredients for the olive tapenade are chopped olives, capers, and olive oil.
Olives are a high-carbohydrate source of vitamin E, which acts as a potent antioxidant in your body, shielding cells from harm caused by reactive molecules known as free radicals (5).
Making olive tapenade at home is as simple as blending chopped olives, capers, garlic, and olive oil. For a crispy snack, pair it with a low carb cracker prepared from almond flour or seeds.
Remember that the carbohydrate content of your snack varies depending on the crackers you use.
2. Homemade trail mix
Carbs per serving: roughly 5 grams per quarter cup (25 grams) (6, 7, 8, 9)
Trail mix frequently contains high carb foods such as raisins, candies, and dried fruit.
A low carb version may be made by mixing a variety of nuts and seeds with additional standard carb components such as unsweetened coconut.
Combine the following ingredients to make a simple trail mix recipe that provides around 12 1/4-cup (25-gram) servings:
- 1 cup (112 g) of pecan halves
- 1 cup (112 g) of chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup (30 g) of roasted pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup (43 g) of unsweetened coconut flakes
3. Cheddar cheese crisps
Carbs per serving: Sharp cheddar cheese has 0.6 grams per ounce (28 grams) (10)
Cheddar cheese is an adaptable low-carb snack with less than 1 gram of carbohydrates per 1-ounce (28-gram) portion.
Try homemade cheddar cheese crisps for a tasty, crunchy alternative.
Individually cut thin pieces of cheddar cheese into tiny squares. Place the squares on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes at 300°F (150°C) or until crisp. You may also buy packaged cheese chips from the shop.
4. Deviled eggs
Carbs per serving: 0.6 gram for every two deviled eggs (60 g) (11)
One big egg has less than one gram of carbohydrates (12).
Eggs are also high in vitamin B12 and choline, which are necessary for brain function (13, 14).
Hard-boiled eggs should be cut in half lengthwise to produce deviled eggs. Remove the egg yolks and mix them with the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Then, return a tablespoon of the egg yolk mixture to the egg white and sprinkle with paprika.
5. Tuna salad lettuce wraps
Carbs per serving: 1 gram roughly (15, 16, 17, 18)
Three ounces (85 grams) of canned tuna has no carbs and over 25 grams protein (15).
To create tuna salad, combine a 3-ounce (85-gram) can of tuna, 1/4 cup (55 grams) mayonnaise, and 1/4 cup (25 grams) sliced celery in a mixing bowl. Season the mixture to taste with salt and pepper.
Spoon tuna salad into a butter lettuce leaf for a low carb wrap.
6. Berries and whipped cream
Carbs per serving: 12 grams roughly (19, 20)
Berries are not only abundant in nutrients, but they are also a low-carb fruit. Blueberries, for example, have just 11 grams of carbs in 1/2 cup (74 grams) (19).
Combine 1/2 cup (74 grams) of blueberries with two tablespoons (30 grams) of homemade whipped cream for a beautiful low carb snack. Whip heavy whipping cream without sugar to produce this.
7. Stuffed avocado
Carbs per serving: 6 grams per 1/2 medium avocado filled with 3 ounces (85 grams) of canned salmon (21, 22)
One medium avocado has 12 g of carbs. On the other hand, Avocados contain 9 grams of fiber, an indigestible substance that your body can not absorb, making them a good choice for low carb diets (21).
Cut an avocado in half and remove the pit to produce a filled avocado. Then, scoop your preferred low carb loading into the avocado’s middle.
Fill avocado halves with tinned salmon or tuna, chopped shrimp, or scrambled eggs and cheese.
8. Dark chocolate with cashew butter
Carbs per serving: 17 grams roughly (23, 24)
When craving something sweet, dark chocolate is a terrific low carb snack. One ounce (28 grams) of at least 70% dark chocolate contains around 13 g of carbs and 3 grams of fiber, while some brands have less (23).
For an extra dose of protein and fat, combine 1 ounce (28 grams) of dark chocolate with one tablespoon (16 grams) of cashew butter.
Choose 70% dark chocolate or higher, as lesser percentages may include more carbohydrates per serving. Avoid dark chocolate with added sugar and sweetened dried fruit, which might raise your carb total.
9. Carrot sticks with homemade aioli
Carbs per serving: 10 grams roughly (16, 25, 26, 27)
Carrots have fewer carbs than you may expect for a sweet vegetable, with ten baby carrots delivering only 8 grams of carbs and 3 grams of fiber (25).
Pair baby carrots with a low carb dip like homemade aioli for a delightful snack.
To prepare aioli, combine 1/4 cup (55 grams) of mayonnaise, one tablespoon (15 mL) of lemon juice, and one chopped garlic clove—season to taste with salt and pepper.
10. Strawberry smoothie
Carbs per serving: 23 grams roughly (28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
While smoothies with a lot of fruit, juice, and sorbet might be pretty high in carbohydrates, you can produce a lower-carb smoothie with the appropriate components.
Strawberries, for example, are a delightful low-carb fruit, with 1/2 cup (83 grams) containing only 6 grams of carbs (28).
To prepare a low carb strawberry smoothie, combine the following ingredients in a blender:
- 1 cup (240 ml) of unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup (83 g) of fresh strawberries
- 1/4 cup (24 g) of whey protein or another low carb protein powder
- One tablespoon (15 g) of chia seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- a few ice cubes
11. BLT lettuce wrap
Carbs per serving: 3 grams roughly (18, 33, 34)
BLT sandwiches are a popular lunch option that is often heavy in carbs. However, you may prepare a low carb BLT wrap without bread for a tasty snack.
Fill a big romaine lettuce leaf with three slices of tomato and two pieces of bacon. Add a couple of slices of avocado and a tiny handful of shredded cheese for extra flavor.
12. Sweet bell peppers and smashed avocado
Carbs per serving: 12 grams roughly (21, 35, 36)
Sweet bell peppers are a low carb vegetable, despite their name implying a high sugar and carb content. They contain just 5 g of carbs per cup (85 grams) (35).
They’re also high in vitamin C, which is good for your heart, immune system, and skin. One green bell pepper contains more vitamin C than an orange (37).
Mash 1/2 avocado, one tablespoon (15 mL) lime juice, and salt in a dish to make a fast low carb guacamole dip for 1 cup bell pepper slices.
13. Kale chips
Carbs per serving: 3 grams per 3 cups shredded kale and one tablespoon (15 mL) olive oil (38, 39)
Kale is a popular low-carb vegetable with nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin K, and folate. One cup (21 grams) of kale has less than one gram of carbs (38)
If you don’t like raw or sautéed kale, try kale chips instead.
Rip kale leaves into bite-sized pieces and set them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to create kale chips. Drizzle olive oil, garlic powder, and salt over the kale. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the leaf edges begin to brown and crisp.
14. Fresh veggies with tzatziki dip
Carbs per serving: 2 tablespoons (30 grams) tzatziki and 1 cup (76 grams) raw broccoli = 5 grams (40, 41)
Tzatziki is a traditional Greek sauce comprised of plain yogurt, garlic, and cucumbers. Fresh herbs, such as dill and parsley, are frequently included.
Tzatziki dip has just 1 gram of carbs for two tablespoons (30 grams), making it an ideal low carb option (40).
Serve with fresh, low-carb vegetables like broccoli, celery sticks, or baby carrots.
15. Carrot sticks and peanut butter
15 grams per ten baby carrots and two tablespoons (32 grams) peanut butter (25, 42)
Dip carrot sticks in creamy peanut butter for a surprise low carb snack.
Furthermore, peanuts are high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and include some plant protein (43).
Many peanut butter products have added sugar, so go for a natural kind made just of peanuts and a pinch of salt.
16. Low carb bento box
Carbs per serving: Varies
A bento box is a divided container that may accommodate a variety of food items. Depending on the meals included, pre-made bento boxes might consist of 20-40 g (44, 45)
- Protein: cottage cheese, hard-boiled eggs, grilled chicken, cheese squares
- Nuts: almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, peanuts
- Fresh veggies: celery sticks, sliced cucumber, bell pepper slices, broccoli
- Low carb fruits: berries, cantaloupe, avocado slices, olives
17. Cinnamon-toasted pumpkin seeds
Carbs per serving: 5 grams roughly (39, 46, 47)
One ounce (28 grams) of unshelled pumpkin seeds includes 4 g of carbs and nearly 2 grams of fiber (46).
Furthermore, pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, a vital element for good immunological health and metabolism (48).
One ounce (28 grams) of pumpkin seeds, 1/2 teaspoon (1.3 grams) cinnamon, and two teaspoons (10 mL) olive oil mix to produce toasted pumpkin seeds.
Spread the seeds on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown, at 300°F (150°C).
18. Savory cottage cheese
Carbs per serving: 1 cup (152 grams) grape tomatoes + 1/2 cup (110 grams) cottage cheese = 13 grams (49, 50)
One-half cup (110 g) of cottage cheese has 5 grams of carbs and 12 grams of protein. It’s also high in minerals that help strengthen bones, such as calcium and phosphorus (49).
Though fruit is a typical addition to cottage cheese, avocado slices, grape tomatoes, chopped green onions, or spicy sauce may make it flavorful and lower in carbs.
19. Steamed edamame
Carbs per serving: 14 grams roughly (51)
Edamame is an unripe green soybean that is high in nutrients. For example, they contain isoflavones, which may aid prevent bone loss, among other things (52).
A 1-cup (155-gram) serving of edamame has only 14 grams of carbs and over 18 grams of plant-based protein (51).
To make a low-carb snack:
- Combine raw shelled edamame and one tablespoon (15 mL) of water in a dish.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute or until tender, covered with a paper towel.
- Season with sea salt to taste, and serve.
20. Plain yogurt with nuts
Carbs per serving: 6 ounces (170 grams) of yogurt and 1 ounce (28 grams) of almonds contain roughly 14 grams (53, 54)
Traditional flavored yogurt has a lot of sugar. Although milk and yogurt include some natural sugars, choosing unsweetened plain yogurt eliminates added sugar, reducing carb content.
For example, a 6-ounce (170-gram) serving of plain, unsweetened whole-milk yogurt contains just 8 grams of carbs (53).
Pair plain yogurt with a handful of almonds for a low-carb snack. Add a dash of cinnamon or vanilla essence to enhance the flavor.
21. Avocado egg salad
Carbs per serving: 6 grams roughly (12, 21)
For a creative twist on egg salad, replace mayonnaise with mashed avocado.
Mash 1/2 avocado with a hard-boiled egg to produce avocado egg salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Avocado egg salad may be eaten on its own, spread on low carb crackers, or scooped into a lettuce wrap.
22. String cheese
Carbs per serving: 1 gram roughly (55)
String cheese is a quick and easy low carb snack. It also contains 8 grams of filling protein in a single stick (55).
Cheese is also high in calcium, a crucial mineral for bone health, muscular function, and nervous system function (56).
23. Apricots stuffed with blue cheese
Fresh apricots are low in carbs, unlike dried and canned kinds, which are heavy in sugar and carbs, with one fruit (35 grams) having only 4 grams (57).
Cut an apricot and remove the pit to produce a filled apricot—one tablespoon (15 mL) olive oil, 1/4 cup (34 grams) blue cheese crumbles. Fill the middle of each apricot half with the mixture. Broil for 1-2 minutes on a baking pan until roasted.
24. Smoked salmon cucumber bites
Carbs per serving: 4 grams roughly (59, 60, 61)
Salmon is a high-carbohydrate source of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. These good fats have various advantages, including decreased inflammation and enhanced heart health (62).
Spread 1 cup (119 grams) of cucumber slices with two tablespoons (30 grams) of plain cream cheese, then mix in 1 ounce (28 grams) of smoked salmon and top with fresh cracked pepper.
25. Seaweed sheets
Carbs per serving: 1 sheet weighs roughly 5 grams (63)
Dried seaweed sheets are a low-carb, crispy snack.
Seaweed is an excellent natural supply of iodine, a mineral that promotes thyroid function. Your thyroid gland produces hormones required for metabolism, growth, and development (64).
Seaweed can be eaten alone, with avocado slices, scrambled eggs, or chopped into a salad.
26. Caprese salad
Carbs per serving: 6 grams roughly (39, 50, 65, 66, 67)
Caprese salad is an Italian low carb meal composed of mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil leaves, and olive oil.
1/2 cup (76 grams) grape tomatoes, 1 ounce (28 grams) bite-sized mozzarella balls, one tablespoon (2.6 grams) chopped fresh basil leaves, one tablespoon (15 mL) olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt
Drizzle 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of balsamic vinegar over the salad for an extra flavor boost.
The bottom line
There are several ways to eat low carb, but if you’re on a low carb diet, it’s a good idea to stock up on nutritious snacks. Creating a low carb food plan or menu might also help you stay on track.
Protein, healthy fats, and fiber are among the nutrients in the low carb snacks listed above. They’re also tasty and might help you feel full between meals.
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