Low Carb Diet Bars

Low Carb Diet Bars

The 7 Best Low-Carb Snacks of 2021, According to a Dietitian

Big on taste and nutrition, light on carbs

Updated on August 17, 2021

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Whether you follow a keto or paleo diet, or you simply want to watch your carbohydrate intake, low-carb snacks are a great way to adequately fuel your body and satisfy hunger between meals. An excellent low-carb snack tastes great, is easy to take on the go, and packs a ton of protein and healthy fats. While there are many low-carb snack options on the market, some companies replace carbs and sugar with potentially harmful and nutrient-devoid ingredients. It's best to look for high-quality snacks that are naturally low in carbohydrates that are free of added sugars. Because snacking contributes to approximately one-third of daily energy intake, it's best to select a whole-foods-based product that is minimally processed.

Here, the best low-carb snacks:

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 norm.

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.

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. The smooth, soft texture is decadent, and the convenience of a packaged treat is unmatchable.

Final Verdict

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.

FAQs

How many grams of carbs do you need daily on a low-carb diet?

Carbohydrate needs vary based on individual needs. While there is no strict definition of how many grams of carbohydrates comprise a "low-carbohydrate" diet, most low-carbohydrate diets fall within 100 to 150 total grams of carbohydrates per day.

What are some easy-to-make homemade low-carb snacks?

There are many low carb packaged snacks, but it's easy to make a low-carb snack at home with whole foods such as protein, fruits, and vegetables. Favorites include hard-boiled eggs, carrots and hummus, cottage cheese with berries, nuts, and celery with almond butter.

What Experts Say

"Consuming a carbohydrate-rich snack—or eating carbs alone without protein or fat—can result in a quick spike and crash of your blood sugar, leaving you feeling hungry and unsatisfied. When choosing a low-carb snack, opt for real, whole foods that are approximately 200 to 250 calories. If you want a bit of carbs, focus on complex carbs that are high in fiber along with a source of protein and healthy fat, which helps to stabilize your blood sugar and results in a more satiating snack."—Merrill Brady, MS, RDN, CDN

Why Trust Verywell Fit?

A personal note on my recommendations written above. As a dietitian, I frequently recommend low-carbohydrate snacks as part of any balanced diet. In writing this article, I spent time looking at current research on snacking and satiety, as well as research on low-carb diets. I also looked at multiple products and brands and consulted with peers in dietetics.

I believe the products in the round-up are made by trusted brands and are composed of high-quality ingredients. I would recommend the above products to friends, family, and clients, and have personally tried all of the products. You can currently find Mini Babybel Cheese, Justin's Nut Butter packets, and Blue Diamond Almonds in my low-carb snack stash.—Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN

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Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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Low Carb Diet Bars

Source: https://www.verywellfit.com/best-low-carb-snacks-4161228

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