When surrounded by tempting choices, sticking to a low-carb diet is no easy feat, especially when looking for a quick snack. But the right snacks can benefit your diet immensely and also support weight management.
So we’re here to make things easier by introducing you to a list of simple, low-carb snacks that are highly nutritious and also dangerously delicious – so you don’t have to compromise! From fiber-filled guac to protein-packed snacks, there’s something for everyone to dig into. So read on to discover how you can happily and healthily enjoy the low-carb lifestyle!
15 Nutritious Low-Carb Snacks to Feast On
Here are our top picks for the most nutritious snacks, all of which are not only packed with health benefits but also incredibly delicious. You’ll never guess that you’re enjoying them for their low-carb qualities!
1. Pistachio and Date Balls
Carbs per serving: ~15g per 2 balls
How to prepare: Combine pistachios, pitted dates, and a pinch of sea salt in a food processor, then roll into small balls. You can coat them in shredded coconut or extra crushed pistachios if desired. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Nutritional benefits: Pistachios are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based protein, which support heart health and promote satiety. Dates provide a natural source of sugar, along with potassium to help maintain proper muscle and nerve function.
2. Homemade Guacamole and Veggie Sticks
Carbs per serving: ~6g for ¼ cup of guacamole, veggie sticks (like cucumber or celery) contain ~2g of carbs
How to prepare: Mash ripe avocados with lime juice, salt, chopped onions, and cilantro. Serve alongside crunchy vegetable sticks such as cucumber, celery, or bell peppers.
Nutritional benefits: Avocados are packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and vitamins that promote cardiovascular health. Veggie sticks provide fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which support the immune system and help keep skin healthy.
3. Devilled Eggs
Carbs per serving: ~1g per egg half
How to prepare: Boil eggs for 10-12 minutes, then peel and slice in half. Remove the yolks and mix them with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper before spooning the mixture back into the egg whites. Garnish with paprika or herbs.
Nutritional benefits: Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, containing essential amino acids for muscle repair and growth. They are also rich in vitamins like B12 and choline, which support brain function and metabolism.
4. Protein Bars
Carbs per serving: ~5-10g
How to prepare: In a bowl, combine protein powder, nut butter, sweetener (such as stevia), and almond flour or oats. Mix thoroughly until the dough forms, then press into a pan and refrigerate until set.
Nutritional benefits: Protein bars offer a convenient and balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, helping to fuel muscle recovery and keep you full longer. The nuts and seeds provide essential vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and vitamin E for overall well-being.
Explore protein intake: 8 Delicious Protein Shake Recipes for Muscle Building
5. Tahini Dip with Pita Bread
Carbs per serving: ~5g for 2 tbsp tahini; pita bread has around 15g (choose low-carb pita if desired)
How to prepare: Combine tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for a smooth and flavorful dip. Serve with slices of low-carb pita or crunchy vegetables.
Nutritional benefits: Tahini is a rich source of healthy fats, calcium, and magnesium, supporting bone health and is a great food for reducing inflammation. The fiber in the pita or veggies helps with digestion, while olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
6. Spinach and Mushroom Quiches
Carbs per serving: ~3-5g per small slice
How to prepare: Sauté mushrooms and spinach in olive oil until tender. Beat eggs and mix with cheese, salt, and pepper, then pour into a muffin tin and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
Nutritional benefits: Spinach is packed with iron, calcium, and vitamins A and K, which support bone and immune health. Mushrooms are high in fiber and antioxidants, while eggs provide protein and nutrients like vitamin B12.
7. Low-Carb Trail Mix
Carbs per serving: ~8-10g per ¼ cup
How to prepare: Mix together a variety of nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans), seeds (sunflower or pumpkin), and a small amount of unsweetened dried fruit like cranberries or coconut flakes.
Nutritional benefits: Nuts and seeds are nutrient-dense, providing healthy fats, protein, and are rich in fiber to keep you full. They also offer a wealth of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, which supports muscle function and energy production.
8. Zucchini Chips
Carbs per serving: ~4g per ½ cup
How to prepare: Thinly slice zucchini and toss with olive oil, salt, and your favorite spices. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
Nutritional benefits: Zucchini is low in calories but high in antioxidants like vitamin C and manganese, which promote immune health and help protect the skin. Olive oil adds healthy fats, which are beneficial for heart health and inflammation reduction.
9. Dark Chocolate
Carbs per serving: ~5-8g per 1 oz
How to prepare: Enjoy a small piece of dark chocolate with 70% cocoa or higher.
Nutritional benefits: Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which support heart health and reduce inflammation. It also stimulates the release of endorphins, helping to improve mood and promote relaxation.
10. Greek Yogurt Bark with Berries and Nuts
Carbs per serving: ~8-10g per piece
How to prepare: Spread a layer of plain Greek yogurt on a baking sheet, top with fresh berries and chopped nuts, then freeze until firm and break into pieces.
Nutritional benefits: Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein and probiotics, which are important for gut health. Berries provide fiber and antioxidants, while nuts offer healthy fats and essential minerals like magnesium.
11. Sweet Potato Chips
Carbs per serving: ~20g per 1 oz (about 10 chips)
How to prepare: Slice sweet potatoes thinly, season with olive oil and your favorite spices, and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
Nutritional benefits: Sweet potatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A, supporting eye and skin health. This is an extremely popular snack for a low-carb diet.
12. Avocado Tuna Lettuce Wraps
Carbs per serving: ~4g per wrap
How to prepare: Mix canned tuna with mayonnaise and mustard, then spoon the mixture onto large lettuce leaves along with sliced avocado. Wrap and serve.
Nutritional benefits: Avocados are high in monounsaturated fats, potassium, and fiber, which support cardiovascular health and digestion. Tuna provides protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain and heart health.
13. Crispy Chickpeas
Carbs per serving: ~15g per ½ cup
How to prepare: Toss chickpeas with olive oil and seasonings, then bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
Nutritional benefits: Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, which promote fullness and support digestive health. They are also rich in iron, magnesium, and folate, which are important for overall health.
14. Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Carbs per serving: ~8g per ball
How to prepare: Combine peanut butter, protein powder, chia seeds, and a pinch of salt, then roll into bite-sized balls and refrigerate.
Nutritional benefits: Peanut butter is a good source of healthy fats and protein, which help to fuel the body and promote muscle recovery. The protein powder adds an additional protein boost, while chia seeds contribute omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
15. Bell Pepper with Cream Cheese
Carbs per serving: ~4g per pepper half
How to prepare: Slice bell peppers into strips or halves, then fill with a dollop of cream cheese.
Nutritional benefits: Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system and skin health. Cream cheese provides a small amount of protein and healthy fats, making this a balanced snack that helps keep hunger at bay.
Conclusion
We hope that this list of top-tier healthy and tasty snack options makes its way into your low-carbohydrate diet. Low-carb snack recipes and a satisfying snack can go a long way in helping curb hunger pangs and overeating, which in turn helps with weight management. For more tips and resources on how you can lead a healthy lifestyle, check out the JustFit app!
Low-carb diet ideas and recipes you can try:
Why Low-Carb Pasta is Good for Your Health and 3 Tasty Low-Carb Pasta Recipes
