Whether you've been eating low-carb for a while or new to the game, you've likely struggled with one major thing: snacks! The spice of life, right? We seem to have breakfast, lunch and dinners figured out. But what about snacks? What about those moments where you're sitting at your desk, or watching a movie, and your normal snacking is out the window? Thankfully, there are delicious low-carb snacks out there. You'll not only squash your cravings, but you'll also be refueling with healthy fat snacks that will keep you going until dinner.
Pork Rinds
Pork skin that puffs up when fried is the perfect substitute for chips. These aren't very filling, but they're high in fat (helpful for keto) and the perfect snack when you need to do some mindless eating. You can keep a bag on you at all times to munch on whenever you’re out and about.
They come in a variety of seasonings, but best stay away from the kinds of added MSG. You can always season them yourself too, make nachos, dip in cream-based dips and so on. They're usually found in most grocery stores, but if you're having trouble finding them, check out your local Asian food market!
Low-Carb Keto Tuna Pickle Boats
When you get hangry, you need a good snack, and quick. This Forkly recipe will save your diet, keep you from grabbing the wrong things, and it's low-calorie, low-carb, high-fat and everything you've dreamed of. An entire plate accounts to just 200 calories and it takes just five minutes to prepare. This snack is also free of gluten and dairy.
Don't shy away from the odd combination, it's actually a pretty amazing food fusion. The tanginess of the dill pickle is the perfect compliment to its tuna salad filling. If you don’t like tuna, feel free to replace it with chicken or flaked salmon.
Guacamole
Ok so this is a dip, but one with endless opportunities that you could never get bored of it. Dip a cheese crisp, crispy bacon, flax seed crackers or veggies into this avocado-based dip (which if you haven't heard by now - is an essential "healthy" fat in your diet). Truly ambitious? Yes, you can just eat it off a spoon. Oh, the perks of the low-carb diet.
If you’re up for the challenge, you could try making guacamole from scratch. There are plenty of guac recipes to choose from online. You can prep it in advance to have it on hand for the week ahead whenever you’re in need of a snack pick-me-up.
Cheese Crisps
As I just mentioned for a suggestion to dip in guac, you may be wondering what the heck cheese crisps even are. Well, they're basically cheese, crisped. This easy-to-follow recipe walks you through the process step by step. It takes one minute to prepare, and up to seven minutes of cook time in the oven.
This snack is literally just cheese in disguise of a chip. Made quickly in the oven by placing sliced cheddar cheese onto parchment, broiled and then left to cool, they bubble and harden into the perfect chip. Munch on them for a filling and tasty snack!
Canned Sardines
Listen, I get it. I was pretty hesitant about these too. But, as it turns out, they're not the gross, disgusting fish heads you may have envisioned them to be. Give it a chance and see for yourself!
Typically packed in oil with heads removed, these are easily forked and eaten for a perfect low-carb snack. If you're wondering what they taste like? They taste like a mild tuna, actually. They often come in flavors such as jalapeno and tomato sauces for some added delight. Don't knock it till you try it, and they're fairly inexpensive, so they're worth a shot.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is one of the best spreads that can also be used in plenty of recipes. Now, it’s important to note that you won’t be able to eat just any kind of peanut butter. On the ketogenic diet, you're going to have to steer clear of anything with added sugars (meaning added carbs).
Opting for a healthier natural version, it's the perfect snack when paired with some celery (sorry, no raisins on this log!)...or a spoon. Always read your labels, and find the nut butter that's best for you. Almond is also a popular choice if you’re looking to switch it up.
Hard Boiled Eggs
Make them in a large batch (heck, why not the whole dozen?) all at once, and have them ready for grabbing on the go as you need them throughout the week. There are some places that you can buy them pre-made, but if you've got a pot, some water, and some eggs - you can do this all on your own (we believe in you!).
Want to batch cook a whole bunch of eggs at the start of the week? Our favorite method is the 5-5-5 method using our Instant Pot! In 15 minutes you have eggs that peel so easily from the shells and you don’t need baking soda or vinegar or salted water to achieve it. They're perfectly cooked every single time.
Pepperettes
You’ll want to pick up a package of pepperettes the next time you’re at the grocery store. Easy, packable meat that doesn't require refrigeration. Perfect to store on your desk at work, your purse, car, jacket pocket, I mean... best to be prepared, yes? Wherever you go, pepperettes are a snack that can go with you.
These meat sticks are dry-cured, an instant hit of protein and salty enough to satisfy your snack cravings. They're inexpensive, don't expire for a long time, and definitely worth keeping on hand. They can also help keep you fuller for longer throughout the day compared to carbohydrate based snacks.
Pumpkin Seeds
There’s no reason why pumpkin seeds should only be enjoyed after carving a pumpkin for Halloween. This tasty snack is perfect for keto-friendly snacking all year long! Also knows as "pepitas" these little seeds can be your best friend when you're needing a quick snack that will fit your dietary needs.
High in fat, they are incredibly filling and satisfying either raw or roasted, seasoned or not. When you look for them in stores, you'll be looking for a small green seed, since they're hulled out of their shells! try not to look for the in-shell variety, but the hulled kind (they'll be green and delicious!).