14 Low-Sugar Snack Ideas to Stock Up On

Sometimes you just need a snack—something to enjoy while watching your favorite show or something to nibble on while you do an at-home activity like a puzzle or DIY pedicure. So often, however, snacks can be high in sugar and unwanted carbs. That’s why we put together this list of over a dozen easy, low-carb and low-sugar snack ideas for your weight loss plan! With so many delicious options to stock up on, you’re sure to find a few new favorites.

1. Small but Mighty: Seeds

Seeds are a portable and easy low-sugar snack idea. They also offer a number of health benefits! According to Healthline, seeds are an excellent source of fiber as well as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and vitamins. Pumpkin and sunflower seeds offer a great crunch that is easy to take with you on the go.

2. Egg-cellent Option: Hard Boiled Eggs

Bottom line: hard-boiled eggs are a low-sugar, low-carb and nutrient-rich snack idea! Because hard-boiled eggs are prepared without additional oil or butter like traditional eggs cooked in a pan, they’re lower in calories and fat than a fried or scrambled egg. According to Healthline, a single large hard-boiled egg has only 77 calories, five grams of fat, six grams of protein and vitamins A, B2, B12, B5. They’re practically a super snack!

3. Perfectly Portable: String Cheese 

Yummm, cheese! Portable cheese…what could be better? According to Self, a typical string cheese comes in around 80 to 100 calories and a light variety is roughly 50 to 60 calories. String cheese contains zero carbohydrates and a great dose of your daily protein.

4. Very Versatile: Plain, Full-Fat Yogurt

Talk about a superfood! Yogurt contains live, active bacteria known as probiotics that keep your intestines healthy. According to Medical News Today, yogurt can promote bone health as well aid digestion. It contains calcium, vitamins B6 and B12, potassium and magnesium—a natural de-stressor that our bodies produce. If the tart taste is too much, mix in some berries or even some cinnamon—both of which have their own health benefits to add!

5. Healthy Finger Food: Non-Starchy Veggies and Dip

Sometimes you crave the act of snacking rather than the food itself, ya know? Like you want to just munch on something crunchy that you can scoop into a delicious dip! Rather than letting salty, carb-filled chips set you back, reach for some non-starchy veggies to satiate that craving. According to the Diabetes Association, non-starchy vegetables contain plenty of vitamins, minerals and nutrients called phytochemicals. These veggies are also a great source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and can help lower cholesterol. Pair chopped veggies with a low-carb dip like guacamole, salsa or a yogurt-based recipe like this Chipotle Garlic Dip recipe! >

6. Skinny Sip: Protein Shakes

According to Medical News Today, protein powder—the base for protein shakes—can aid weight loss and help build muscle. Protein is essential for our bodies to repair tissue, build muscle and produce crucial enzymes and hormones. If your craving a sweet drinkable treat, a la milkshake or slushie, reach for a filling protein shake instead. Protein powder comes in a ton of different flavors so you can create your own masterpiece.

7. Smart and Satisfying: Deli Meat and Cheese Roll-Ups

Charcuterie boards are really all the rage these days. The fancy platters of meats and cheeses appeal to both our eyes and appetites. When you’re in a pinch and need a filling, protein-packed snack, create meat and cheese roll-ups that capture the flavors of charcuterie but have the on-the-go packaging we all need from time to time.

8. Sweet Treat: Sugar-Free Dark Chocolate

Made from the seed of the cocoa tree, dark chocolate is packed with beneficial nutrients! According to Healthline, 100 grams of dark chocolate that contains 70 to 85% cocoa contains 11 grams of fiber, 67% of your daily iron intake and 58% of your daily magnesium intake. It also has potassium, phosphorous, zinc and selenium, making it one of our favorite snack ideas. Just watch your serving size and count sugar-free dark chocolate towards your daily Extras on the South Beach Diet.

9. Simple and Savory: Cottage Cheese and Veggies

We already know the benefits of non-starchy veggies. Let’s look at cottage cheese and why it is such a powerful snack to have on-hand: Medical News Today credits cottage cheese as an excellent source of calcium and protein, both of which give you energy. Some brands of cottage cheese even have live cultures or probiotics, which are excellent for your gut health. Together or separate, veggies and cottage cheese are easy and convenient snack ideas.

10. Protein-Rich: Nuts and Nut Butters

Nuts and nut butters are an excellent source of protein and nutrients. According to Cedars Sinai Hospital, nut butters contain fiber, protein, B vitamins, phosphorous, zinc and vitamin E. Both nuts and their respective butters are packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which increase good cholesterol and keep bad cholesterol in check. Plus, there is so much variety to choose from! Check out these nine nut butters for your low-carb kitchen. >

11. Antioxidant-Rich Snack: Olives

According to Healthline, olives have a very high amount of vitamin E and other antioxidants, which are good for your heart and might prevent osteoporosis and cancer. Olives are packed with monounsaturated fats, specifically oleic acid, which is linked to anti-inflammatory properties. So, grab a handful, toss them in your salad or maybe even add them to your low carb charcuterie board!

12. Low-Calorie Treat: Kale Chips

Talk about a perfect substitute to the classic chip! Kale chips offer crunch, crispiness, flavor and health benefits. According to Healthline, Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods containing tons of vitamin A, vitamin K and vitamin C at a very low calorie content. You can choose your seasoning—sea salt, pepper, wasabi, paprika or anything else—and customize these crunchy chips to your own desire!

13. Savory Protein Snack: Jerky

Whether you opt for beef jerky or the even healthier turkey jerky, you are guaranteed to get a savory, protein-packed snack with either option. Healthline says that jerky is an excellent source of protein, as well as other nutrients like zinc, iron, vitamin B12, phosphorous and folate. The other bonus to jerky is that it has a long shelf life and is easily portable, giving it an edge up for convenience compared to these other snack ideas.

14. Easy and Cheesy: Cheddar Cheese Crisps

These are another super simple DIY chip you can make at home! Cheddar cheese is full of protein and calcium. According to Healthline, it is also high in vitamin K2, which is important for heart and bone health. You can make these delectable crisps at home with some cheddar cheese, spices, a baking sheet and an oven. Try this easy recipe! >