Low-Carb Snacks
Getting through the day requires a steady supply of energy, and your body knows it; that’s why it can be difficult to balance your natural craving for starchy and sugary sources of that sustaining sustenance with your resolve to cut carbs. Carbohydrates are everywhere, especially in our favorite collations; chips, crackers, cookies, and candies are curiously delicious, but consistent consumption of these tasty treats can lead to all types of health complications.
Many aim to reduce the amount of carbohydrates they consume in order to lose weight, lower blood sugar levels, or reduce their blood pressure. No matter your aim, finding balance in your diet is essential to achieving your ends. That’s why, when selecting snacks, you must not only look at the carbohydrate content of your food- but also examine the nutrients it provides, the types of carbohydrates that compose it, and the source of the compounds it contains.
Natural sources of simple and complex carbohydrates stand out above artificial and refined sources, while fibrous foods may supply a greater benefit than those that offer either compound. As for selecting between fiber, starches, and sugars while snacking- the decision should depend on the rest of your diet and the nutritive value of the food as a whole. If you are searching for a quick pick-me-up that’s full of fiber, then the simple sugars of your favorite fruit likely provide a perfect fit.
Looking for a longer-lasting pick-me-up? Find complex carbohydrates in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. These low-carb, sources of starch also offer an abundant supply of fiber to support a healthy heart and digestive tract. Dehydrated fruits and vegetables offer an awesome blend of nutrients, and, while they each naturally provide their own rich flavors, we also offer varieties that are seasoned to taste with natural, piquancies you’ll love.
Low-Carb Snack Recipes
Eating low carb can be natural and should ideally provide fresh, fulfilling foods. Find the recipes you need to create low-carb confections to enjoy throughout the day, as formulated by our resident registered dietitian, below.
Matcha Green Tea Smoothie Recipe {gluten-free, vegan}
Sip on a scrumptious source of essential antioxidants with this simple smoothie recipe. Not only is the drink low-carb, but it’s also gluten-free to meet additional dietary restrictions.
Ingredients: Almond milk, matcha green tea powder, hemp protein powder, almond flour, dried mulberries, pitted dates, flaxseed meal, ice cubes, stevia powder.
Total Time: 5 minutes
| Yield: 4 smoothies
Chocolate Goji Berry Bars Recipe {gluten-free}
This simple snack offers a moderate serving of complex carbohydrates from supremely wholesome sources including quinoa, goji berries, and nuts. You can also reduce the sugar content significantly by substituting the dark chocolate chips for natural cacao nibs.
Ingredients: Pitted dates, almond butter, quinoa puffs, goji berries, raw pistachios, coconut oil, dark chocolate chips.
Total Time: 20 minutes
| Yield: 8 bars
Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding Recipe
Serve yourself a hearty helping of fiber and vitamin A with our palatable pumpkin pudding. Each simple sugar is from a natural source and amounts to a mere 9% of your Daily Value (DV) for carbs.
Ingredients: Milk, pumpkin puree, chia seeds, maple syrup, pumpkin spice, sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, fresh blueberries.
Total Time: 10 minutes
| Yield: 4 servings
No-Bake Cheesecake Bites Recipe {gluten-free}
Searching for a sweet treat? These delectable cheesecake bites supply a scrumptious dessert or snack, offering only 6% of the DV for carbs in each serving.
Ingredients: Pitted dates, almond flour, cacao powder, vanilla extract, almond milk, raw cashews, maple syrup, canned pumpkin, pumpkin spice.
Total Time: 20 minutes
| Yield: 16 - 20 squares
Low-Carb Snack Suggestions
When you’re looking to reduce your carbohydrate intake, remember it is important to still work with foods that provide fiber, as fiber helps to keep your digestive system healthy. The snacks outlined on this list all have 12 or fewer grams of carbohydrates per serving. You can also check out our Low Carb Diet page for more lower-carb snack ideas.
