Snacks can curb between-meal hunger and make keto all the more enjoyable. But frequent snacking can have its downsides, too. For instance, you could easily go overboard with the calories and even carbs if you choose the wrong kind of food. That’s why going for healthy, low-calorie keto snacks is your best bet.
The term “low-calorie” usually means 40 calories less per serving. But to make things easier for you, let’s just say that a keto diet snack of up to 150 calories is good enough to fall under this category. There are plenty of keto recipes that provide a tiny amount of calories per serving, so you won’t see a shortage of low-calorie options in the snack department on keto.
A ketogenic diet has a completely different effect. It trains our bodies to rely on fat instead of sugar for energy. Not only is fat a cleaner source of fuel, but we have actually relied on fat since the beginning of our lives—we started out with breast milk for energy and development.
One of the most difficult “meals” to figure out on a ketotarian diet is snack-time, but this is also the perfect time to start transitioning your diet to a lower-carb, higher-fat emphasis. Most traditional snack foods are carb-heavy, so here is your ultimate list of the best keto snacks that are grab-and-go and will help you avoid temptation and stay on top of your keto game. These are my favorites, all ketotarian-approved:
Best Keto Snacks You Can Make
1. Grain-free granola
You don’t need a recipe to make grain-free granola. All you have to do is mix up your favorite nuts, seeds, and shredded coconut, for a boost of protein and healthy fats with each handful. Toss your granola with a drizzle of coconut or avocado oil, spread it on a cookie sheet, and bake it at 350 degrees until it’s golden and crispy (about 20 to 30 minutes). Store it in an airtight container for an anytime snack. Try switching up the flavors with various herbs and spices to discover your favorite combinations.
2. Hard-boiled eggs
The incredible edible egg is a powerhouse of nutrients. Pasture-raised, organic egg yolks contain fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and B as well as iron, choline, potassium, and phosphorus, which are all essential for healthy hormones. These vitamins and minerals also increase the bioavailability of healthy fats. Boil a dozen, peel, and keep in the fridge to grab at home or on your way out the door.
3.Keto Granola Bark
The crunchiness of granola paired with the addictive flavor of sugar-free dark chocolate make this granola bark hard to resist. It’s also quite easy and quick to make with two simple ingredients: Keto Chocolate and Keto Granola. Make this ahead and store any bits for when you feel those cravings hit. You’ll be happy to learn that most of its calories come from fat, some of which in the form of MCTs.
4.Keto Fruit and Granola Parfait
Another granola-based healthy snack to try is this one made with just five ingredients. It’s creamy, crunchy, and protein-rich to keep you full and satisfied. It also provides micronutrients and antioxidants thanks to the berries and, of course, granola. A fantastic option for lunch, afternoon, and after a workout.
5. Avocado halves
I’ve never met an avocado I didn’t like. Slice one in half, pull out the pit, and dress it up with some lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, or a vinegar-based hot sauce. Sprinkle on some sea salt and pepper, and you have a winning snack…or light meal, for that matter! Avocados have loads of clean plant fats, B vitamins, and potassium.
6. Chia seed pudding
Made with coconut milk, chia seeds, and whatever fruit you like, this is a great plant-based fat-loaded breakfast or snack. There are a ton of chia seed pudding recipes online, or just keep it simple: Combine ¼ cup chia seeds with about 1.5 cups of coconut milk. Stir in a few drops of vanilla or other flavoring and a handful of berries, mix it all up, then let it sit for about an hour, or overnight, in the refrigerator.
7.Healthy Keto Chicken Salad
This keto dinner recipe is low in calories but high in protein — which is why it can double as a between-meal snack for the worst of hunger pangs. You can make it with leftover chicken or roasted chicken legs. Either way, it’s super creamy, delicious, and great for a wide range of occasions.
8.Keto Cucumber Salad
Here’s another salad recipe that can double as a low-calorie keto snack. Cucumbers are naturally pretty low in calories, so you can enjoy them liberally on the keto diet. Paired with things like sour cream and olive oil, cucumber salads are a healthy keto snack option that keeps calorie intake low.
