The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet. This means that you can eat steak, fish, olive oil, cheeses, nuts, and a variety of other flavorful high-fat ingredients. These are all great for making meals, but what if you’re on the go and need a quick, healthy low-carb snack?
Low-carb, keto snacking can be difficult. Most snacks have too many carbs to fit within the diet.
The keto snacks on this list are all low in carbs. This makes them perfect options for a keto diet. You can easily store them in your backpack on the go, bring them with you on a road trip, or keep them at home for those emergency cravings!
Best Snacks For A Low-Carb Keto Diet
1. MCT Collagen Bar
These collagen bars were created for snacking on a low-carb or keto diet. They contain only 3g net carbs, collagen protein, and MCT oil in every bar. They currently come in 6 flavors and are some of the best-tasting low-carb bars available!
Net Carbs: 3g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 14g
2. String Cheese
String cheese is an excellent low-carb, high protein snack that's easy to carry around wherever you go.
Net Carbs: 0g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 7g
3. Kale Chips
Love the crunch of chips but don’t want the extra carbs and calories? Why not substitute in some delicious kale chips! You can buy pre-made kale chips at most grocery stores, but you could also make them yourself! Just toss the kale leaves in olive oil, throw on your favorite seasonings, and bake at 350 degrees until they are nice and crunchy! Be sure to remove the thick stems, though. They might prevent them from getting crunchy if you don’t.
Net Carbs: 4gProtein: 4g
Fat: 6g
4. Hard-Boiled Eggs
One large egg has less than one gram of carbs which makes it a perfect keto snack. They also contain choline and vitamin B12. To make them, simply place the eggs into a pot of boiling water. Boil them from 4-8 minutes, depending on how soft or hard you like the yolks.
Net Carbs: < 1gProtein: 7g
Fat: 6g
5. Guacamole
Net Carbs: 2-4g
Protein: 2-3g
Fat: 14g
6. Air Fried Chicken Strips
For a delicious, high protein, low carb keto snack, try making homemade chicken strips! All you need is an air fryer, your favorite seasonings, and some chicken strips!
Net Carbs: < 1g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 3g
7. Cold-Cut Meat and Cheese
Fast and simple! Simply get your favorite cold-cut meats, wrap it around your favorite cheese, and you have a delicious high protein, low carb snack!
Net Carbs: < 1g
Protein: 10-20g
Fat: 5-10g
8. Bacon
Cook up some crispy bacon in the morning and take it with you in a Ziplock bag for a tasty low-carb snack later in the day. You can use standard bacon from pasture-raised pork or opt for turkey bacon if you want something a bit lighter on calories.
Net Carbs: 0g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 4-6g
9. Olives
Olives are a low-carb, high-fat snack that’s also a great source of oleic acid. They are also rich in polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Net Carbs: 1g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 2g
10. Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is a convenient snack that lasts for months and is an excellent source of protein. It’s easy to travel with and usually comes in conveniently sized snack bags.
Make sure to check the number of carbs, as some flavored versions have added sugar that might push you over your carb goal.
Carbs: 0 - 4g
Protein: 9 - 12g
Fat: 5 - 8g
11. Pork Rinds
Pork rinds are high in collagen protein, which can potentially help with hair, skin, and nails. There are plenty of brands out there of varying quality. For a higher quality version, try Pork Clouds.
Net Carbs: 0g
Protein: 12g
Fat 6g
12. Sardines
Sardines are an incredible source of omega-3s and protein. They also have Vitamin D and are low-mercury fish. They are also easy to carry in their tin containers and can come in different flavors such as plain water, olive oil, smoked, mustard, or hot sauce. Wild Planet is a popular brand.
Net Carbs: 0g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 11g
13. Seaweed Snacks
Seaweed snacks are a salty, tasty, low-calorie snack that is perfect for the keto diet! You can find them in most stores or get them in bulk on Amazon.
Net Carbs: 0g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 1-2g
14. Pistachios
Pistachios are a healthy, low-carb snack filled with fat and protein. The nut itself has a delicious meaty nut flavor that will keep you satisfied for hours at a time.
We recommend getting the shelled version as the process of de-shelling them will help prevent overeating.
Net Carbs: 5g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 12g
15. Smoked Oysters
Oysters are an underrated keto snack. They are low calorie and packed with nutrients like protein, omega 3s, vitamins, and minerals.
You can find them canned in a variety of oils or hot sauces. We recommend avoiding the ones packed in vegetable oils and opt for ones packed in olive oil, water, or hot sauce.
Net Carbs: 0g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 3g
16. Cauliflower Crust Pizza
For anyone looking to get their pizza fix, cauliflower crust is an excellent replacement for traditional pizza crust. Nowadays, multiple brands offer cauliflower crust and low-carb pizza options in stores. You can also use one of the many recipes online and make your own!
The great part about making your own is that you can make them ahead of time and put them in the freezer for later.
Net Carbs: 5g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 21g
17. Flaxseed Crackers
Flaxseed crackers help you get your crunch fix while staying on a low-carb diet. They are filling, packed with fiber, and go great cheese, dipped in cream cheese, or any other low carb dip. You can find them in most stores or opt for making your own!
Net Carbs: 1g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 26g
18. Low-Carb Meatballs
These meatballs are a high-fat, high-protein snack that is super easy to throw in a plastic container and carry with you wherever you go. They also freeze well, so if you want to make a big batch and eat later, you can!
Net Carbs: 2.5g
Protein: 23.8g
Fat: 21.5g
19. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
For those weekend bbq get-togethers, try grilling up some bacon-wrapped asparagus for a delicious keto-friendly snack!
Simply wrap a piece of bacon around each asparagus stick and grill until crispy!
Net Carbs: < 5g
Protein: 5 - 10g
Fat: 12 - 24g
20. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is another easy low-carb snack. It comes in different sizes and fat contents, but watch out for flavored versions. They contain more added sugar than you might expect. Opt for a plain version and mix in your favorite protein powder to add some flavor and increase the protein!
Net carbs: 5 - 7g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 0 - 11g
21. Cottage Cheese
Want something packed with protein for a post-workout snack that’s also low-carb and won’t break the bank? Cottage cheese is the perfect option! It’s affordable, comes in small snack-sized containers, and is quite filling!
If you’re watching calories, there are low-fat variations that still contain a ton of protein. You can also find exciting flavors such as blueberry and lemon-flavored cottage cheese.
Net Carbs: 3g
Protein: 12 - 16g
Fat: 0 - 6g
22. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate can satisfy your sweet tooth while also remaining low-carb. Finding versions sweetened with stevia or monk fruit are the best options when following a keto diet. If you do opt for a version sweetened with regular sugar, make sure the chocolate is 80% cocoa or higher. Otherwise, the carbs might be higher than you want.
Net Carbs: 2g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
23. Celery and Peanut Butter
Cut up some celery sticks and scoop some peanut butter into a small container for a quick on-the-go keto-friendly snack. The celery sticks are high in fiber, and the peanut butter ads flavor and fats!
Net Carbs: 4g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 16g
24. Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon is rich in omega-3s and protein. You can buy smoked salmon in most grocery stores for a delicious and convenient keto-friendly snack! You can spice it up by adding in your favorite low-carb crackers with some cream cheese!
Net Carbs: <1g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 3.7g
25. Cheese Whisps
Cheese whisps are crunchy keto snacks made out of real cheese! They are baked until they are crispy and make an excellent base for other toppings like avocado or jerky bits.
Net Carbs: 1g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 11g
26. Cacao Nibs
Cacao nibs are whole cacao beans that are dried and crushed into small bite-sized snacks.
They have a high level of flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
With a rich, chocolatey flavor and make great toppings on things like smoothies or low-carb ice cream or eaten on their own.
Carbs: 0g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 2g
Conclusion
Overall, the goal is to try and stick to whole food snacks. Be sure to check the nutrition label for any hidden carbs that might put you over your macro goals. If you are trying to lose weight, try to stick to snacks high in fiber and protein. Fiber and protein will help you feel full!
Be sure to check out the MCT Collagen Bar for a delicious on-the-go snack, ready whenever you need it!