1. Olive tapenade with low carb crackers

Carbs per serving: approximately 1 gram per 2 tablespoons (32 grams) olive tapenade and 17 (30 grams) almond flour crackers, for a total of 18 grams of carbohydrates

Olive tapenade consists of chopped olives, capers, and olive oil.

Olives are an excellent low carb source of vitamin E, which functions as a powerful antioxidant in your body, protecting cells against damage caused by reactive molecules called free radicals (5Trusted Source).

You can easily make olive tapenade at home by combining chopped olives, capers, garlic, and olive oil. Pair it with a low carb cracker — like those made from almond flour or seeds — for a crunchy snack.

Keep in mind that the approximate number of carbs in your snack varies based on the type of crackers you use.

2. Homemade trail mix

Carbs per serving: approximately 5 grams per 1/4 cup (25 grams)

Trail mix often contains high carb ingredients like raisins, candy, and dried fruit.

However, you can make a low carb version by combining a variety of nuts and seeds, along with other low carb ingredients, such as unsweetened coconut.

For an easy trail mix recipe that yields about 12, 1/4-cup (25-gram) servings, combine the following:

• 1 cup (112 grams) of pecan halves
• 1 cup (112 grams) of chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup (30 grams) of roasted pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup (43 grams) of unsweetened coconut flakes

3. Cheddar cheese crisps

Carbs per serving: 0.6 gram per one ounce (28 grams) sharp cheddar cheese

Cheddar cheese is a versatile low carb snack containing less than 1 gram of carbs per 1-ounce (28-gram) serving.

For a delicious crispy alternative, try homemade cheddar cheese crisps.

Cut thin slices of cheddar cheese into small, individual squares. Place the squares on a baking sheet, and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 30 minutes, or until crisp. You can also look for packaged cheese crisps at the store.

4. Deviled eggs

Carbs per serving: 0.6 gram per two deviled eggs (60 grams) (11Trusted Source)

One large egg has less than one gram of carbs

Eggs are also rich in vitamin B12 and choline, which are essential nutrients for brain health

To make deviled eggs, slice hard-boiled eggs in half lengthwise. Scoop out the egg yolks, and combine them with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Then, place a spoonful of the egg yolk mixture back into the egg white and top with a dash of paprika.

5. Tuna salad lettuce wraps

Carbs per serving: approximately 1 gram

Three ounces (85 grams) of canned tuna contains no carbs and nearly 25 grams of protein

To make tuna salad, combine a 3-ounce (85-gram) can of tuna with 1/4 cup (55 grams) of mayonnaise and 1/4 cup (25 grams) of diced celery. Season the mix with salt and pepper to taste.

For a low carb wrap option, spoon tuna salad into a butter lettuce leaf.

6. Berries and whipped cream

Carbs per serving: approximately 12 grams

Berries are not only highly nutritious, but they’re also a lower-carb fruit choice. For example, blueberries provide just 11 grams of carbs in 1/2 cup (74 grams) (19Trusted Source).

For a delicious, low carb snack, combine 1/2 cup (74 grams) of blueberries with 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of homemade whipped cream. You can make this by whipping heavy whipping cream without sugar.

7. Stuffed avocado

Carbs per serving: approximately 6 grams per 1/2 medium avocado stuffed with 3 ounces (85 grams) canned salmon

One medium avocado has 12 grams of carbs. However, 9 grams of these carbs are derived from fiber, an indigestible nutrient that your body doesn’t absorb, making avocados an excellent option for low carb diets

To make a stuffed avocado, slice it in half and remove the pit. Then, spoon your desired low carb stuffing into the center of the avocado.

Try filling avocado with canned salmon or tuna, chopped shrimp, or scrambled eggs and cheese.

Carbs per serving: approximately 17 grams

Dark chocolate is a great low carb snack when you crave something sweet. One ounce (28 grams) of at least 70% dark chocolate provides about 13 grams of carbs and 3 grams of fiber, although some brands have less

Try pairing 1 ounce (28 grams) of dark chocolate with 1 tablespoon (16 grams) of cashew butter for an additional source of protein and fat.

Be sure to select at least 70% dark chocolate, as lower percentages may have more carbs per serving. Avoid dark chocolate with lots of added sugar or sweetened dried fruit, which can bump up the carb count.

9. Carrot sticks with homemade aioli

Carbs per serving: approximately 10 grams

Carrots contain fewer carbs than you may think for a sweet vegetable, with 10 baby carrots providing just 8 grams, plus 3 grams of fiber

For a tasty snack, pair baby carrots with a low carb dip like homemade aioli.

To make aioli, mix 1/4 cup (55 grams) of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of lemon juice, and 1 minced clove of garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

10. Strawberry smoothie

Carbs per serving: approximately 23 grams

While smoothies made with lots of fruit, juice, and sorbet can be very high in carbs, you can make a lower-carb smoothie with the right ingredients.

For example, strawberries are a delicious lower-carb fruit, with 1/2 cup (83 grams) providing just 6 grams of carbs

To make a low carb strawberry smoothie, blend the following together:

• 1 cup (240 ml) of unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 cup (83 grams) of fresh strawberries
• 1/4 cup (24 grams) of whey protein or another low carb protein powder
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of chia seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• a few ice cubes

11. BLT lettuce wrap

Carbs per serving: approximately 3 grams

BLT sandwiches are a popular lunch meal that are typically high in carbs. However, you can easily make a low carb BLT wrap without bread for a delicious snack.

Place three slices of tomato and two slices of bacon into a large romaine lettuce leaf. For more flavor, add a few slices of avocado and a small handful of shredded cheese.

12. Sweet bell peppers and smashed avocado

Carbs per serving: approximately 12 grams

Though their name may imply a high sugar and high carb content, sweet bell peppers are a low carb vegetable. They provide just 5 grams of carbs in about 1 cup (85 grams)

They’re also rich in vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient for your heart, immune system, and skin. In fact, one green bell pepper has more vitamin C than an orange

Make a quick low carb guacamole dip for 1 cup bell pepper slices by mashing 1/2 avocado, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lime juice, and salt together in a bowl.

13. Kale chips

Carbs per serving: approximately 3 grams per 3 cups torn kale and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil

Kale is a popular low carb veggie that’s packed with nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin K, and folate. One cup (21 grams) of kale contains less than 1 gram of carbs

If you aren’t a fan of raw or sautéed kale, try snacking on kale chips.

To make kale chips, rip kale leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the kale with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the leaf edges start to brown and crisp.

14. Fresh veggies with tzatziki dip

Carbs per serving: approximately 5 grams per 2 tablespoons (30 grams) tzatziki and 1 cup (76 grams) raw broccoli

Tzatziki is a Greek sauce made from plain yogurt, garlic, and cucumbers. Fresh herbs, including dill and parsley, are often added as well.

Two tablespoons (30 grams) of tzatziki dip provide only 1 gram of carbs, making it an excellent low carb choice

Pair the dip with fresh, low carb veggies like broccoli, celery sticks, or baby carrots.

15. Carrot sticks and peanut butter

Carbs per serving: approximately 15 grams per 10 baby carrots and 2 tablespoons (32 grams) peanut butter Dipping carrot sticks into creamy peanut butter is a surprisingly delicious low carb snack.

Plus, peanuts are a good source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and also provide some plant protein

Many peanut butter brands contain added sugar, so it’s best to choose a natural variety made only of peanuts and a little salt.

16. Low carb bento box

Carbs per serving: varies

A bento box is a compartmentalized container that can hold many food items. Pre-made bento boxes can contain 20–40 grams of carbs depending on which foods they contain

To make your own low carb bento box, fill it with a variety of low carb snack items, such as:

• 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: approximately 5 grams

One ounce (28 grams) of pumpkin seeds without their shells contains 4 grams of carbs and almost 2 grams of fiber

What’s more, pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, an essential mineral needed for optimal immune health and metabolism

To make toasted pumpkin seeds, combine 1 ounce (28 grams) of pumpkin seeds with 1/2 teaspoon (1.3 grams) of cinnamon and 2 teaspoons (10 mL) of olive oil.

Spread the seeds onto a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 45 minutes, or until golden brown.

18. Savory cottage cheese

Carbs per serving: approximately 13 grams in 1/2 cup (110 grams) cottage cheese with 1 cup (152 grams) grape tomatoes

One-half cup (110 grams) of cottage cheese has 5 grams of carbs and 12 grams of protein. It’s also rich in bone-building minerals like calcium and phosphorus

Though fruit is a common addition to cottage cheese, you can also make it savory and lower in carbs by adding avocado slices, grape tomatoes, chopped green onions, or hot sauce.

19. Steamed edamame

Carbs per serving: approximately 14 grams

Edamame are green, unripe soybeans that are packed with nutrition. For instance, they contain compounds called isoflavones that may help prevent bone loss, among other benefits

A 1-cup (155-gram) serving of edamame contains just 14 grams of carbs and more than 18 grams of plant-based protein

For a simple low carb snack, toss raw shelled edamame into a bowl with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of water. Cover with a paper towel and microwave on high for 1 minute or until tender. Season lightly with sea salt, and enjoy.

20. Plain yogurt with nuts

Carbs per serving: approximately 14 grams per 6 ounces (170 grams) yogurt and 1 ounce (28 grams) almonds

Traditional flavored yogurt is often high in added sugar. Selecting unsweetened plain yogurt eliminates all of the added sugar, which minimizes the carb content, although milk and yogurt do contain some natural sugars.

For example, a 6-ounce (170-gram) serving of plain, unsweetened, whole-milk yogurt contains just 8 grams of carbs

To keep it a low carb snack, pair plain yogurt with a handful of nuts. Boost the flavor by adding a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract.

If you’re looking for an excellent low-carb snack that’s not processed, is conveniently portioned, and tastes delicious, almonds are a top choice. Blue Diamond Whole Natural Almonds are raw, unroasted, and free of salt. The convenient 100-calorie packs are perfect for taking with you on the go and are a sensible snack with 9 grams of fat, 4 grams of protein, and only 2 grams of net carbs per package.

The super-simple snack includes only one ingredient: almonds. Heart-healthy almonds have been shown to reduce LDL and improve HDL, reducing overall risk for coronary heart disease.2 If you prefer a snack with a bit more flavor, Blue Diamond Almond 100-calorie packs also come in Lightly Salted and Cocoa Dusted flavors.

Best High-Protein: Vital Farms Pasture-Raised Six Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are a protein-packed, low-carb snack, but they’re not always convenient to make. Boiling and peeling the eggs requires a bit of planning, and when you’re short on time, you want something a bit easier to grab and go. Vital Farms makes hard-boiled eggs an easy snack option with pre-packaged, cooked, and peeled pasture-raised eggs. For convenience and an extra boost of flavor, Vital Farms includes tiny travel salt and pepper packets.

The top-quality eggs come in packages of two, providing 6 grams of protein and only 1 gram of carbohydrate per egg. The ready-to-eat eggs are the perfect unprocessed protein snack that requires no prep. Don’t skip the yolk—the combination of the healthy fats in the yolk with the protein in the egg white provides a satiating, delicious snack that will keep you full for hours.3

Best for Cheese Lovers: Mini Babybel Original Snack Cheese Cheddar

If you love cheese, you’ll be a fan of these convenient mini cheese wheels that are individually wrapped for a quick snack at home or on the go. Cheese is an excellent low-carb snack that doesn’t skimp on taste. It’s great eaten alone or paired with a fiber-filled fruit or handful of nuts for extra healthy fats. Each wheel contains 70 calories, 5 grams of protein, and zero carbs.

These handy 100% real cheese snacks have a creamy, delicious taste that the whole family will love. They’re made with top-quality milk that contains no artificial growth hormones. Plus, if you’re a fan of cheese but find that it gets moldy before you eat it, the mini Babybels have a long-lasting shelf life of about 75 days.

Best Yogurt: Siggi’s Fat-Free Vanilla Yogurt

Greek yogurt is an excellent, versatile, protein-rich dairy product that’s easy to eat any time of day. With a thick, creamy consistency and slightly tangy flavor, greek yogurt is a tasty treat that’s also low in carbs. If you’re a fan of Greek yogurt with little added sugar and simple ingredients, Siggi’s is the best option for you. The wholesome yogurt brand is widely available and offers a selection of products including nonfat, low-fat, and whole milk yogurts as well as drinkable yogurt and kids products.

All of Siggi’s products are made with non-GMO ingredients and without artificial sweeteners or colors. Siggi’s Vanilla 0% milkfat yogurt contains 100 calories, 14 grams of protein, and 11 grams of carbohydrates. While that may seem a bit higher in carbs than comparable snacks, much of the carbohydrate content in yogurt comes from natural sugars found in the milk. For an even lower-carb option, try the plain variety.

Best Jerky: The New Primal Classic Beef Meat Stick

Jerky is the ultimate low-carb, high-protein snack. Some beef jerky varieties contain large amounts of sugar and soy to create rich teriyaki and tempting flavors. The New Primal Sea Salt & Pepper flavor jerky uses organic coconut aminos, pineapple juice, honey, and various spices to create a rich flavor with only 4 grams of sugar per serving. Each serving contains 70 calories, 11 grams of protein, and only 5 grams of carbs. This low-carb snack is perfect for those with allergies, as it is free of the top eight allergens.

Made with 100 percent grass-fed beef raised without being treated with hormones or antibiotics, The New Primal’s Beef Jerky is top quality and tastes delicious. Evidence shows that grass-fed beef has higher healthy fatty acid and slightly higher antioxidant content than typical grain-fed beef, so this low-carb jerky goes above and beyond the normal

Best Nut Butter: Justin’s Nut Butter Peanut Butter Squeeze Packs

Peanut butter is an excellent low-carb snack that can be combined with fresh fruit and veggies or eaten on its own. Single-serve packets make it easy to enjoy your favorite peanut butter anytime and anywhere. Justin’s single-serve squeeze packs offer the brand’s nutritious Classic Peanut Butter in a convenient, portable package.

Each 1.15-ounce packet holds Justin’s delicious gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO Project Verified nut butter. The classic flavor contains 210 calories, 7 grams of protein, and 6 grams of carbs. With only 2 grams of sugar and simple ingredients comprised of only dry roasted peanuts and palm oil, Justin’s is a smart snack to keep you fueled with a small amount of carbs.

Best Bar: Primal Kitchen Peanut Butter Protein Bars

Finding a low-carb bar that is low in sugar and high in real food ingredients can be a challenge. Primal Kitchen’s Protein Bars are paleo- and keto-certified, with only 2 grams of sugar and 9 grams of carbs per bar. The five delicious flavors—Almond Spice, Chocolate Coconut, Coconut Lime, Mint Chip, and Peanut Butter—satisfy any sweet snack craving thanks to a bit of honey and monk fruit extract.

Protein from nuts, seeds, and cage-free eggs makes this Primal Kitchen bar a smart snack any time of the day. The creamy peanut butter variety contains 9 grams of protein with 16 grams of healthy fats, primarily from coconut oil. The combination of fat and protein helps to keep energy boosted, especially if you follow a low-carb diet.5 The smooth, soft texture is decadent, and the convenience of a packaged treat is unmatchable.

For an excellent low-carb snack that’s packed with satiating healthy fats and protein, choose Blue Diamonds Whole Natural Almonds (view at Amazon). For a zero-carb snack that also packs a protein punch, Mini Babybel Cheese (view at Amazon) is a great choice.

What to Look for in a Low-Carb Snack

Grams of Carbohydrates:

A low-carb snack may range anywhere from zero carbs to about 30 grams of carbohydrates, but it’s best to look for a packaged snack with less than 10 grams of carbohydrates and pair it with a fiber-rich fruit or vegetable if you need more whole-food carbs.

Ingredients:

When possible, choose a snack that is made from whole food ingredients. Always take a look at the ingredient list of your favorite snack so you know exactly what is in it.

Calories:

In general, a snack is approximately 100 to 250 calories. Depending on your individual caloric needs, you may need a bit more or a bit less from a snack.