20 Best Keto Snacks That Make Low-Carb Living Deliciously Easy
Discover the most satisfying, convenient, and weight-loss-friendly keto snacks to keep you energized and in ketosis all day long
I remember when I first started keto—the hardest part wasn’t giving up pasta or bread. It was figuring out what to eat between meals when hunger struck. If you’re anything like me, you know that feeling of standing in front of the pantry, stomach growling, wondering what on earth you can grab that won’t kick you out of ketosis.
Good news: snacking on keto isn’t just possible—it can be downright delicious. Whether you’re looking to drop a few pounds, maintain steady energy throughout the day, or simply stick to your low-carb lifestyle, the right keto snacks can make all the difference.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about keto-friendly snacking, from store-bought convenience options to simple homemade recipes that take just minutes to prepare. Plus, you’ll discover exactly which snacks work best for weight loss, on-the-go eating and satisfying those pesky sweet cravings without derailing your progress.
Let’s dive into the wonderful world of keto snacks that keep you full, happy, and firmly in fat-burning mode!
Before we jump into specific snack ideas, let’s get clear on what makes a snack truly “keto.”
Keto snacks are low-carbohydrate, moderate-protein, high-fat foods that support your body’s state of ketosis—that metabolic sweet spot where you’re burning fat instead of glucose for energy. The ideal keto snack should:
Contain fewer than 5g net carbs per serving
Include healthy fats that provide sustained energy
Avoid ingredients that spike blood sugar (like hidden sugars and refined grains)
Offer enough satisfaction to tide you over between meals
What sets great keto snacks apart is their ability to keep you feeling full while delivering nutrients that support ketosis rather than derail it. This means avoiding the usual snack aisle suspects packed with sugar, starch, and processed ingredients.
Can I Really Eat Snacks on a Keto Diet?
One of the most common questions I hear from keto beginners is whether snacking is even allowed. The short answer? Absolutely!
While some keto practitioners prefer intermittent fasting or sticking to three meals a day, there’s nothing inherently anti-keto about snacking. The key is choosing the right snacks and being mindful of your total daily macros.
In fact, strategic snacking can actually help you:
Prevent excessive hunger that might lead to impulsive carb choices
Maintain stable blood sugar and energy levels
Increase your healthy fat intake
Make social situations and travel much easier to navigate
The trick is selecting snacks that contain less than 5g net carbs per serving while providing enough fat to keep you satisfied. When done right, snacking becomes a valuable tool in your keto lifestyle rather than a problem.
20 Best Keto Snacks for Every Occasion
Whether you’re a keto newbie or a veteran, having a diverse snack rotation keeps things interesting. Here’s my curated list of the absolute best keto snacks, categorized to fit different needs and situations:
Best Store-Bought Keto Snacks (For Ultimate Convenience)
Moon Cheese These crunchy little cheese puffs are 100% real cheese that’s been dehydrated into a portable, shelf-stable snack. With virtually zero carbs and a satisfying crunch, they’re perfect for on-the-go snacking. Available in flavors like Cheddar, Gouda, and Pepper Jack, they deliver both flavor and convenience without refrigeration. !
Epic Meat Bars When you need protein and fat in a convenient package, these bars deliver. Made with grass-fed meats and minimal ingredients, flavors like Chicken Sriracha provide a savory snack option with zero sugar. At about 2g carbs per bar, they’re perfect for travel or keeping in your desk drawer.
Pork Rinds The ultimate zero-carb crunchy snack, pork rinds have undergone a gourmet makeover in recent years. Brands offer flavors ranging from BBQ to salt and vinegar, making them perfect for dipping or enjoying straight from the bag when you crave something crispy.
Almond Butter Packets These single-serve packets are lifesavers when traveling. With about 2-3g net carbs per packet and plenty of healthy fats, they provide immediate satiety and energy. Squeeze onto celery sticks or enjoy straight from the packet.
Olives Snack Packs Portable packages of olives deliver a perfect combination of healthy fats, fiber, and electrolytes—ideal for managing “keto flu” symptoms or satisfying salt cravings. Most varieties contain less than 1g of carbs per serving.
Easy Homemade Keto Snacks (Ready in Under 10 Minutes)
Deviled Eggs Classic, simple, and perfectly keto-friendly. Hard-boil a batch of eggs at the beginning of the week, then whip up the filling with mayo, mustard, and paprika. These protein-fat bombs contain less than 1g carb each and are stored beautifully in the refrigerator. !
Cheese and Salami Rolls Take a slice of your favorite deli cheese, place a piece of salami on top, add a tiny dab of cream cheese if desired, and then roll it up. These zero-carb bites take seconds to prepare and deliver the perfect keto macros.
Avocado Boats Cut an avocado in half, remove the pit, and fill the center with tuna or chicken salad, bacon bits, or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. At about 2g net carbs per half and packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, these make a substantial mini-meal.
Cucumber Cream Cheese Bites Slice a cucumber into rounds, then top each with a schmear of full-fat cream cheese and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. These refreshing, crunchy bites contain minimal carbs and take just minutes to prepare.
Homemade Cheese Crisps Arrange small piles of shredded cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or pepper jack work well) on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp. These zero-carb crunchy snacks are perfect for dipping or eating alone.
Best Keto Snacks for Weight Loss
Fat Bombs These bite-sized treats are designed specifically for keto dieters. Made primarily from coconut oil, cocoa butter, or cream cheese, they deliver concentrated healthy fats that curb hunger and cravings. Most recipes contain 1-2g net carbs per bomb, and they freeze beautifully for grab-and-go snacking. Quick Chocolate Fat Bomb Recipe: Mix 4 oz softened cream cheese, 4 tablespoons melted coconut oil, 2 tablespoons almond butter, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoons powdered erythritol. Form into 12 balls and freeze for 30 minutes. !
Hard-Boiled Eggs Simple, portable perfection. At zero carbs and about 6g protein per egg, these make ideal portion-controlled snacks. The fat content helps control hunger, while the protein supports muscle maintenance during weight loss.
Celery with Cream Cheese This classic combo delivers crunch and creaminess with minimal carbs. The fiber in celery combined with the fat in cream cheese creates a satisfying snack that won’t spike insulin. For extra flavor, add everything bagel seasoning or a few chopped olives to the cream cheese.
Macadamia Nuts Of all nuts, macadamias have the highest fat-to-protein ratio and lowest carb count, making them ideal for weight loss on keto. A small handful (about 10-12 nuts) provides satiating fat while keeping carbs under 2g.
Zucchini Chips Slice zucchini ultra-thin (a mandoline works best), toss with olive oil and salt, then bake at 225°F for 2 hours until crisp. These low-calorie, low-carb veggie chips satisfy the crunch factor while adding fiber and nutrients to your diet.
Sweet Keto Snacks for Taming Cravings
Dark Chocolate (85% or higher) Good news for chocolate lovers: small amounts of high-percentage dark chocolate can fit into a keto plan. A 1-ounce square of 85% dark chocolate contains about 3-4g net carbs and provides antioxidants along with a satisfying chocolate fix.
Keto Smoothie Blend 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, 1/4 cup frozen strawberries, 1 tablespoon almond butter, and optional keto-friendly sweetener. This creamy treat contains about 4-5g net carbs and feels truly indulgent.
Nut Butter Cups These homemade treats mimic popular candy but contain a fraction of the carbs. Fill silicone mini muffin molds with melted sugar-free chocolate, add a dollop of almond or peanut butter, then top with more chocolate. Freeze until solid for a 2-3g net carb treat. !
Keto “Cereal” Products like Schoolyard Snacks offer low-carb cereal alternatives or make your own by combining unsweetened coconut flakes, sliced almonds, chia seeds, and a sprinkle of erythritol. Serve with unsweetened almond milk for a 3-4g net carb breakfast or snack.
Berries with Whipped Cream While most fruits are too high in carbs for keto, berries are the exception. A 1/4 cup of raspberries or strawberries topped with freshly whipped heavy cream (no sugar added) provides about 3-4g net carbs and satisfies sweet cravings naturally.
How to Avoid Hidden Carbs in Snacks
One of the trickiest parts of keto snacking is navigating the world of hidden carbs. Even “keto-friendly” labeled products can sometimes contain ingredients that might stall your progress.
Common Hiding Places for Carbs:
Ingredient
Why It’s Problematic
Better Alternative
Maltodextrin
Higher glycemic index than table sugar
Look for products with stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol
Modified food starch
Essentially pure carbs
Choose products thickened with guar gum or xanthan gum
Dextrose
Another name for glucose
Opt for naturally flavored products
“Sugar-free” labels
Often contain sugar alcohols that may impact ketosis
Check for specific sweetener types
Milk ingredients
Contain lactose (milk sugar)
Choose products with cream or cream cheese instead
Label-Reading Tips:
When shopping for store-bought keto snacks, always:
Check the net carbs (total carbs minus fiber and sugar alcohols)
Read the entire ingredient list, not just the nutrition facts
Be wary of terms like “natural flavors” which can sometimes hide sweeteners
Look for shorter ingredient lists with recognizable foods
I once grabbed a “keto-friendly” beef jerky only to discover it contained 8g of sugar per serving! Always take the extra moment to flip the package over and scrutinize what’s actually inside.
Keto Snacks for Special Situations
On-the-Go Keto Snacks
When you’re traveling or running errands, these portable options save the day:
Individually wrapped cheese sticks
Single-serve guacamole cups with pork rinds
Pre-cooked bacon strips
Beef or turkey jerky (check for no added sugar)
Vacuum-sealed olives
Hard-boiled eggs (pre-peeled varieties are available)
Keto Snacks for Kids
Getting kids to embrace low-carb eating can be challenging, but these kid-friendly options often win them over:
String cheese and salami “skewers”
Mini pepperoni “pizzas” (pepperoni topped with mozzarella, broiled)
Cream cheese stuffed strawberries
Keto “graham crackers” made from almond flour
Homemade cheese crackers
Keto Snacks for Athletes
Active individuals may need more protein in their keto snacks:
Tuna salad stuffed with mini bell peppers
Protein shakes made with unsweetened almond milk and keto-friendly protein powder
Turkey and cheese roll-ups
Beef stick with cheese
Egg white chips
Vegetarian Keto Snacks
Plant-based keto followers can enjoy:
Roasted edamame (in moderation)
Coconut yogurt with chia seeds
Avocado chocolate mousse
Cauliflower hummus with cucumber slices
Tofu “egg” salad
Satisfying Sweet Cravings on Keto
The sugar dragon can be fierce, especially when transitioning to keto. Here’s how to tame it without derailing your progress:
Natural Sweet Options:
Strawberries with mascarpone cheese
Frozen raspberries “cereal” with unsweetened almond milk
Chocolate avocado pudding (blend ripe avocado with cocoa powder and erythritol)
Keto-Friendly Sweeteners:
Erythritol – 0 net carbs, 70% as sweet as sugar
Stevia – 0 net carbs, 200-300x sweeter than sugar
Monk fruit – 0 net carbs, 150-200x sweeter than sugar
Allulose – 0.4 calories per gram, 70% as sweet as sugar
Commercial Options:
ChocZero dark chocolate squares (1-2g net carbs each)
SmartSweets gummy bears (3g net carbs per bag)
Lily’s chocolate chips (can be eaten by the tablespoon for a quick chocolate fix)
Remember that even keto-friendly sweets should be consumed in moderation. While they won’t spike your blood sugar like regular treats, they can sometimes trigger cravings or overconsumption.
How to Portion Keto Snacks Properly
One of the biggest pitfalls in keto snacking is mindless eating. Even zero-carb foods like cheese and nuts contain calories that add up quickly.
Smart Portioning Strategies:
Pre-portion everything Invest in small containers or silicone muffin cups to create grab-and-go portions that prevent overeating.
Use visual guides For nuts: A single portion is roughly what fits in your cupped palm For cheese: A portion is about the size of your thumb For dips: Stick to 2 tablespoons (roughly the size of a golf ball)
Create snack boxes Prepare bento-style containers with small amounts of several keto snacks for variety without excess.
Be mindful with “free” foods Even zero-carb options like pork rinds contain calories that can impact weight loss.
Keto Snacks for the Keto Flu
The transition into ketosis can sometimes bring temporary symptoms collectively known as the “keto flu.” Strategic snacking can help ease this adjustment period.
Electrolyte-Boosting Snacks:
Pickle spears (sodium)
Avocado (potassium)
Pumpkin seeds (magnesium)
Bone broth with added salt
Cucumber slices with salt and lite salt (potassium chloride)
These snacks help replenish the electrolytes your body flushes during the initial adaptation to ketosis, potentially reducing headaches, fatigue, and muscle cramps.
Keto Snacks for Bedtime
Late-night snacking doesn’t have to derail ketosis, but timing and choices matter.
Ideal Evening Keto Snacks:
Small handful of walnuts (contain natural melatonin)
Celery with almond butter (fiber + fat for sustained blood sugar)
Chamomile tea with a splash of heavy cream
Whipped ricotta with a few berries
Avoid caffeine-containing chocolate and opt for slower-digesting proteins and fats rather than large amounts of processed meats, which can disrupt sleep.
FAQs About Keto Snacks
Can I eat popcorn on keto? Only in very small amounts. Air-popped, unsweetened popcorn contains about 5g net carbs per cup, so a small handful might fit your macros. However, there are many more keto-friendly snack options that provide more satisfaction for the same carb count.
What are the best keto snacks for weight loss? Focus on snacks that provide healthy fats without excessive calories. Hard-boiled eggs, avocado slices, and single-serving fat bombs are excellent choices because they promote satiety while keeping insulin levels low.
Can I have fruit as a keto snack? Most fruits are too high in carbs for keto, but berries are the exception. Small portions (1/4 cup) of raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries can fit into a keto diet, providing 3-4g net carbs. Always pair them with fat like heavy cream or cream cheese to slow sugar absorption.
How do I store keto snacks for freshness? Fat bombs and other high-fat snacks should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent oils from going rancid. For shelf-stable snacks like nuts or pork rinds, airtight containers protect freshness and crunch. Vacuum sealing is ideal for extending the shelf life of homemade keto crackers or cheese crisps.
Are there keto snacks available at restaurants? Yes! Restaurant-friendly keto snacks include:
Wings (unbreaded, watch for sweet sauces)
Cheese plates (skip any crackers or honey)
Shrimp cocktail (sans cocktail sauce)
Side of guacamole or sliced avocado
Bacon-wrapped appetizers (check for glazes)
Olives from the bar
Creating a Keto Snack Meal Prep Routine
The secret to successful keto snacking is preparation. Here’s a simple Sunday prep plan that takes about an hour but sets you up for a week of easy, compliant snacking:
Hard-boil a dozen eggs Peel and store in a container with damp paper towels.
Make a batch of fat bombs Choose one sweet and one savory recipe for variety.
Prepare vegetable dippers Slice cucumbers, celery, and bell peppers for quick dipping.
Mix up a dip or two Ranch, spinach-artichoke, or Buffalo chicken dip made with cream cheese bases.
Portion nuts and seeds Create grab-and-go containers with 1-ounce portions.
Make cheese crisps Bake a sheet of cheese crisps for crunchy snacking.
This simple routine ensures you’re never caught without keto-friendly options, making it much easier to avoid carb temptations.
Conclusion: Making Keto Snacking Work for You
The beauty of the keto diet is its flexibility and the delicious foods it includes rather than excludes. Snacking on keto doesn’t have to be complicated or boring—it can be one of the most enjoyable parts of the lifestyle when you have the right options at your fingertips.
Remember these key principles:
Keep net carbs under 5g per snack
Prioritize healthy fats that promote satiety
Be mindful of portions, even with “free” foods
Prepare ahead to avoid emergency carb situations
Listen to your body—snack when truly hungry, not just bored
Whether you’re just starting your keto journey or you’re a seasoned low-carb veteran, having a diverse arsenal of snack options keeps the diet sustainable and enjoyable long-term. Experiment with different combinations to find your personal favorites, and don’t be afraid to get creative!
What’s your go-to keto snack? Share your favorites in the comments below and let’s build our collective snack wisdom!
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