You ever notice how “just a quick snack” somehow turns into half a bag of chips and a side of regret? Yeah, same. When you try to eat low-carb, those random snack attacks can ruin your progress faster than you can say “I’ll start again Monday.”
The good news? You don’t need willpower of steel; you just need better snack options that actually taste good and keep you full. Low-carb snacks can give you steady energy, fewer cravings, and way less of that post-snack sluggish feeling.
In this list of 15 low-carb snack recipe ideas, you’ll find simple, realistic options you can actually see yourself making on a busy day. No chef-level skills required, no weird ingredients—just straightforward, satisfying snacks that help you stay on track without feeling like you’re on some miserable diet.
1. Cheddar Cheese Crisps
Okay, can we just take a moment to appreciate how magical cheese becomes when you bake it? These crispy little discs are basically heaven in snack form, and they’re ridiculously easy to make.
Here’s what you need: shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 cup) and optionally, a tablespoon of parmesan for extra flavor. That’s literally it. Cut thin slices of cheddar cheese into small, individual squares, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 300°F for about 30 minutes until crisp. Or if you’re impatient like me, scoop tablespoon-sized mounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 7-10 minutes until golden.
Each ounce has only 0.6 grams of carbs, making these virtually guilt-free. I make a batch every Sunday and store them in an airtight container. They’re my secret weapon against late-night munchies, and they stay crispy for days. The best part? You can season them however you want—add garlic powder, paprika, or even everything bagel seasoning before baking. They’re perfect for when you’re craving something salty and crunchy but don’t want to blow your carb budget.
2. Hard-Boiled Eggs
When it comes to snacks low in carbs, eggs are one of the most keto-friendly foods on the planet, and it doesn’t get easier than hard-boiled. One large egg has less than one gram of carbs and is rich in vitamin B12 and choline, which are essential nutrients for brain health.
You can make a dozen hard-boiled eggs for the week as part of your meal prep routine, peel and store them in individual Ziploc bags for easy snacking. Eggs are rich in protein and fat and are virtually carb-free, keeping you full for hours.
Pro tip: add a bit of baking soda to the water as it boils for mess-free egg peeling ! Game changer right there. I used to struggle with eggs that looked like they’d been through a war zone after peeling, but this trick makes them smooth every time. Season them with just salt and pepper, or get fancy with everything bagel seasoning, sriracha, or even a drizzle of hot sauce. They’re portable, protein-packed, and ready whenever hunger strikes. Keep a few in your bag or desk drawer for emergency snacking situations.
3. Deviled Eggs
I know what you’re thinking—deviled eggs are so… retro? But hear me out. They’re portable, protein-packed, and you can customize them a million different ways.
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. Each serving (two deviled eggs) has only 0.6 grams of carbs.
The beauty of deviled eggs is their versatility—you can add bacon bits, chopped pickles, sriracha, or even smoked salmon to switch things up. My current favorite variation involves mixing in some ranch seasoning and topping them with crispy bacon. They look impressive enough to bring to parties but are easy enough to make on a random Tuesday. IMO, they’re criminally underrated in the snack world. Plus, they’re pre-portioned, which helps with mindless eating (something I definitely struggle with when there’s a whole bag of anything in front of me).
4. Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps
Three ounces of canned tuna contains no carbs and nearly 25 grams of protein. That’s some serious protein power right there.
To make tuna salad, combine a 3-ounce can of tuna with 1/4 cup of mayonnaise and 1/4 cup of diced celery. Season the mix with salt and pepper to taste, then spoon tuna salad into a butter lettuce leaf for a low-carb wrap option. Each serving has approximately 1 gram of carbs.
The crunch from the celery combined with the creamy mayo and protein-rich tuna creates this perfect texture combo. You can jazz it up with diced onions, a squeeze of lemon juice, or even some capers if you’re feeling fancy. The lettuce wrap keeps it light and refreshing, unlike traditional bread-based sandwiches that leave you feeling sluggish. I like making a big batch and keeping it in the fridge—it lasts a few days and makes for quick grab-and-go lunches or snacks. FYI, using good quality canned tuna makes a noticeable difference in taste.
5. Stuffed Avocado Halves
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a fruit (yes, fruit!) better suited to a low-carb diet than the humble avocado. Low in carbs, bursting with healthy fats and high in essential micronutrients, half an avocado contains just 2g net carbs.
Halve an avocado, remove the pit, and fill that glorious cavity with anything from tuna salad to scrambled eggs to even leftover chicken. My personal favorite? Mix canned tuna with a bit of mayo, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then pile it high. Just add salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon to half an avocado for a quick and healthy low-carb snack !
The healthy fats from the avocado combined with the protein from your filling keep hunger at bay for hours. Plus, you can eat it with a spoon like nature’s perfect snack bowl. Other filling ideas include chicken salad, shrimp salad, cottage cheese with cherry tomatoes, or even just a fried egg nestled right in that pit hole. The creamy avocado texture makes everything taste better, and you’re getting tons of potassium, fiber, and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Ever noticed how avocados make you feel satisfied in a way that other foods don’t? That’s the fat and fiber combo working its magic.
6. Berries and Whipped Cream
Who says low-carb means giving up dessert? 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.
For a delicious, low-carb snack, combine 1/2 cup of blueberries with 2 tablespoons of homemade whipped cream for a total of approximately 12 grams of carbs. You can make the whipped cream by whipping heavy whipping cream without sugar.
This snack feels indulgent but totally fits within most low-carb plans. The natural sweetness of the berries combined with the rich, creamy whipped cream satisfies dessert cravings without spiking your blood sugar. Strawberries work great too, and they’re even lower in carbs than blueberries. Sometimes I’ll add a tiny pinch of vanilla extract to the whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flavor. It’s the kind of snack that makes you feel like you’re treating yourself, not restricting yourself—and that mindset shift is everything when you’re trying to maintain a low-carb lifestyle long-term.
7. BLT Lettuce Wraps
BLT sandwiches are a popular lunch meal that are typically high in carbs, but 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. Each serving has approximately 3 grams of carbs.
The combo of creamy avocado, smoky bacon, fresh tomatoes, and crispy lettuce hits all the right notes. You get all those classic BLT flavors without needing bread at all. The lettuce provides a satisfying crunch, the bacon brings that salty, savory element, and the tomatoes add freshness and acidity. I like adding a drizzle of mayo or ranch dressing for extra creaminess. These wraps are perfect for lunch, but they also work great as a substantial snack when you need something more filling. Plus, eating with your hands makes it feel more fun and less like “diet food” :/
8. Celery and Peanut Butter
Celery paired with peanut butter is a perfect combo for a low-carb snack. Aside from being low in carbs, it’s incredibly satisfying, offering a mix of crunch from the celery and creaminess from the peanut butter.
Many peanut butter brands contain added sugar, so it’s best to choose a natural variety made only of peanuts and a little salt. You can also substitute almond butter if you please. Dipping carrot sticks into creamy peanut butter is also a surprisingly delicious option, with approximately 15 grams of carbs per 10 baby carrots and 2 tablespoons of peanut butter.
Peanuts are a good source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and also provide some plant protein. The combination of fiber from the celery and healthy fats from the nut butter keeps you full way longer than you’d expect from such a simple snack. I keep individual peanut butter packets in my desk drawer for when I need something quick. Just watch your portions with nut butters—they’re calorie-dense, and it’s way too easy to accidentally eat half the jar while watching TV. Ask me how I know.
9. Kale Chips
Kale chips are snacks low in carbs that align with the keto lifestyle. With kale, you can satisfy your earthy-crunchy cravings while keeping your carb intake in check.
You can buy kale chips premade or easily make them yourself by baking kale with olive oil for about 20 minutes in a 350-degree oven. Tear kale into bite-sized pieces, toss with a tiny bit of oil and salt, then either bake or air fry until crispy. Kale has 215% more fiber than potatoes, which is pretty impressive for a leafy green trying to be a chip.
I used to think kale chips were what boring people ate when they pretended to enjoy vegetables. Then I actually made them correctly, and wow—game changer. The key is making sure they’re crispy, not soggy or chewy. The air fryer method is clutch here because it takes just minutes and uses way less oil. Customize with different seasonings—my current obsession is nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without actual cheese. You can also try garlic powder, ranch seasoning, or even a sweet variation with cinnamon (yeah, really). They’re light, crunchy, and way more satisfying than you’d expect from a leafy green.
10. Fresh Veggies with Tzatziki Dip
Tzatziki is a Greek sauce made from plain yogurt, garlic, and cucumbers, with fresh herbs like dill and parsley often added as well. Two tablespoons 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. Each serving has approximately 5 grams of carbs per 2 tablespoons of tzatziki and 1 cup of raw broccoli.
The cool, tangy tzatziki paired with crunchy raw vegetables is incredibly refreshing—perfect for hot days or when you need something light but satisfying. You can buy premade tzatziki or whip up a batch yourself by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out the excess water!), minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, and a drizzle of olive oil. Bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, cherry tomatoes, and snap peas all work beautifully with this dip. It’s one of those snacks that feels healthy and indulgent at the same time. Plus, you’re getting probiotics from the yogurt, which is great for gut health.
11. Zucchini Chips
Satisfy a crunch craving and get in a veggie serving with homemade zucchini chips. Simply cut zucchini into thin slices with a knife or mandolin, lay them on a baking sheet, and brush with olive oil.
Season with salt and pepper and bake at 225 degrees for at least 2 hours or until brown and crisp. We think you’ll enjoy these snacks low in carbs !
The trick with zucchini chips is slicing them thin enough and baking them low and slow so they actually get crispy instead of soggy. A mandolin slicer is super helpful here if you have one. You can experiment with different seasonings—parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or even a sprinkle of cayenne if you like heat. They’re way lower in carbs than potato chips and give you that same satisfying crunch factor. I won’t lie—they take some patience with the long baking time, but it’s mostly hands-off time. Make a big batch and store them in an airtight container, and you’ve got crispy snacks ready whenever the craving hits.
12. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds (or pepitas if you want to sound fancy) are packed with plant-based protein, healthy fats, and have that satisfying crunch factor. These little guys are so underrated in the snack world.
You can buy them pre-roasted and seasoned, or toast your own with whatever spices you’re feeling. I’m partial to chili lime, but plain salted works too. They’re perfect for sprinkling on salads or just eating by the handful. Pumpkin seeds are loaded with magnesium, zinc, and heart-healthy fats.
The best part? They’re incredibly versatile. Try sweet variations with cinnamon and a tiny bit of stevia, or go savory with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and sea salt. If you’re making them from scratch (like from an actual pumpkin), rinse them well, pat dry, toss with oil and seasonings, then roast at 300°F for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The homemade ones have way more flavor than store-bought versions. Just watch your portions—while they’re nutritious, they’re calorie-dense, so a small handful is usually enough to satisfy.
13. Cottage Cheese with Veggies
One-half cup 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. A bowl of cottage cheese mixed with greens like lettuce, cucumber, and arugula provides 18 grams of protein and only 5 grams of carbs per serving.
Choose low-fat or fresh paneer-style cottage cheese and toss it with lemon juice, cracked black pepper, and herbs. Each serving with grape tomatoes has approximately 13 grams of carbs.
Cottage cheese has had a major comeback lately, and honestly, it deserves it. The savory version is way more satisfying than the sweet version when you’re doing low-carb. I like adding everything bagel seasoning, cherry tomatoes, cucumber chunks, and a drizzle of olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired bowl. It’s creamy, filling, and loaded with protein. You can also use it as a dip for veggie sticks or spread it on keto crackers. The texture is creamy but slightly chunky, which adds interest. If you’ve only ever had cottage cheese with canned peaches (no judgment), definitely try the savory route—it’s a revelation.
14. Edamame
While most keto and low-carb dieters avoid legumes, edamame (a green soybean) is an exception. It’s relatively low in net carbs, but highly satiating due to its high protein content. 100g of edamame contains 5.3g net carbs, but packs in 14g+ of vegan protein.
Boil them up and sprinkle with salt, pepper and a bit of garlic or chilli powder for a quick but filling low-carb snack. For a simple low-carb snack, toss raw shelled edamame into a bowl with 1 tablespoon of water, cover with a paper towel and microwave on high for 1 minute or until tender. Season lightly with sea salt, and enjoy.
Edamame is one of those snacks that feels like you’re getting away with something because it’s so good and fun to eat. There’s something oddly satisfying about popping the beans out of the pods (if you buy them in-pod). The texture is slightly firm and buttery, and they have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that works with tons of seasonings. Try them with soy sauce and sesame seeds, sriracha and lime juice, or even just plain with coarse sea salt. They’re perfect for mindless snacking during movie night because they take time to eat, which helps with portion control.
15. Greek Yogurt Bowl
Sometimes, you just fancy something rich and creamy—and Greek yogurt is perfect to satisfy that craving. It provides a good dose of protein and fat, whilst being relatively low in carbs at 3.8g net carbs per 100g serving.
Not all yogurt is created equal when you’re watching carbs. Regular yogurt can be loaded with sugar, but unsweetened Greek yogurt is low in carbs and high in protein. Two Good Greek Yogurt is a solid brand option with only 2g of sugar per serving.
Top your yogurt bowl with some pumpkin seeds and desiccated coconut for a creamy and quick low-carb snack ! Mix in some nuts, seeds, or a small handful of berries to make it more substantial. You can also add a scoop of protein powder or some Greek yogurt to boost the protein content and keep carbs in check.
The thick, creamy texture of Greek yogurt is so satisfying, and it’s incredibly versatile. I like making savory bowls with cucumber, dill, garlic powder, and a drizzle of olive oil (basically tzatziki in bowl form), or sweet versions with cinnamon, a few blueberries, and some sliced almonds. The protein keeps you full way longer than regular yogurt. It’s also great as a base for smoothie bowls or as a substitute for sour cream on tacos or chili. Make sure you’re buying plain, unsweetened versions—flavored Greek yogurts are often loaded with hidden sugars that’ll wreck your carb count.
Making Low-Carb Snacking Work for You
Here’s the reality: having these recipes in your back pocket makes all the difference. When hunger strikes and you’re unprepared, that’s when the vending machine starts looking really appealing.
Meal prep a few of these snacks at the beginning of the week—make a batch of cheese crisps, boil a dozen eggs, portion out nuts into small containers. Future you will be grateful when you’re hungry and have something ready to grab. Also, don’t stress about making everything perfect. Low-carb snacking isn’t about restriction—it’s about finding foods that fuel you properly and taste good.
Some days you’ll want something savory and crunchy; other days you’ll crave something sweet and creamy. That’s totally normal. The beauty of these 15 snack ideas is their versatility. You can customize them based on what you have in your kitchen, what flavors you’re craving, and how much time you have.
So next time you’re standing in front of your fridge wondering what to eat, remember: low-carb snacking doesn’t have to be boring or repetitive. With these recipes in your arsenal, you’re set up for success—and you might actually enjoy the process too. Now go make something delicious! 🙂
