*This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the full disclosure here.
If you’re trying to cut down on carbs, finding snacks that are tasty, filling and easy to grab can make all the difference. Here are 30 simple ideas you can enjoy at home, at work or whenever hunger strikes!
Meat and Protein Snacks
1. Crispy Bacon Strips
Cook a few strips of bacon until they’re nice and crispy. Let them cool for a minute, then enjoy them as a quick, savoury snack. Go for plain bacon without added sugar to keep the carbs as low as possible.
2. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Boil a couple of eggs, let them cool and keep them in the fridge for when you fancy a snack. Sprinkle over a little salt and black pepper for extra flavour. They’re easy to prepare ahead and contain very few carbs.
3. Roast Chicken Slices
Slice up some leftover roast chicken and pop it on a plate. Add a little salt, pepper or your favourite herbs if you want to jazz it up. Plain chicken is virtually carb-free and makes a lovely protein-packed snack.
4. Turkey Breast Slices
Grab a few slices of cooked turkey breast when you need something quick. You can eat them as they are or roll them up into little bites with pickles in the middle. Just check the packaging if you’re buying ready-sliced turkey, as some varieties contain added sugar or starch.
5. Beef Strips
Cut some cooked beef into strips that are easy to snack on. Season with salt, pepper and a little garlic for an extra kick.
6. Pork Crackling
Fancy something crunchy and salty? A handful of pork crackling can hit the spot when you’re craving crisps. Choose plain varieties and check the label for added carbs.
7. Smoked Salmon
Roll a few slices of smoked salmon into bite-sized pieces. Add a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of black pepper to bring out the flavour. It’s a delicious, fuss-free snack that’s naturally very low in carbs.
8. Sardines in Olive Oil
Open a tin of sardines, drain off any excess oil and pop them into a small bowl. Add a squeeze of lemon if you fancy something a little fresher. They’re packed with protein and healthy fats, with virtually no carbs.
Cheese and Dairy Snacks
9. Cheddar Cheese Cubes
Cut your favourite mature cheddar into little cubes and keep them in the fridge for whenever hunger strikes. They’re perfect when you want something savoury without any cooking. Cheddar is very low in carbs, although it isn’t always completely carb-free.
10. Parmesan Crisps
Want something crunchy without reaching for a packet of crisps? Place little piles of grated Parmesan on a baking tray and bake until golden and crisp. Let them cool before tucking in.
11. Mozzarella Balls
Pop a few mini mozzarella balls into a bowl for an easy snack. Add some black pepper and dried basil if you want a little extra flavour. They’re soft, creamy and generally low in carbs.
12. Swiss Cheese Slices
Slice up some Swiss cheese or simply grab a few ready-made slices. Roll them up for a quick snack you can eat on the go. Most natural Swiss cheeses contain very few carbs.
13. Cream Cheese and Salmon Roll-Ups
Spread a little cream cheese over a slice of smoked salmon and roll it up. Make a few at once and keep them chilled until you’re ready to eat. They’re creamy, satisfying and easy to prepare in just a couple of minutes.
14. Grilled Halloumi
Cut halloumi into slices and fry or grill until it’s beautifully golden on the outside. Let it cool slightly before enjoying those delicious, salty bites. Halloumi does contain some carbs, so check the label if you’re being particularly strict.
Eggs and Seafood Snacks
15. Mini Crustless Egg Bites
Whisk eggs with a little grated cheese and your favourite herbs. Pour into a greased mini muffin tin and bake until set. These little bites are easy to make ahead and keep in the fridge.
16. Cooked Prawns
Keep a tub of cooked, peeled prawns in the fridge for those moments when you want something quick. Add a squeeze of lemon and a little black pepper to give them extra zing. Plain prawns are naturally very low in carbs.
17. Plain Crab Meat
Serve some cooked crab meat in a small bowl with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Add a little black pepper if you like a bit more flavour. Just make sure you choose real crab rather than imitation crab, which can contain added starch.
18. Tuna Mayonnaise Bites
Drain a tin of tuna and mix it with a spoonful of mayonnaise. Add a little salt and pepper, then enjoy it straight from a bowl. It’s a simple, filling snack without the need for bread or crackers.
19. Smoked Mackerel Pieces
Break a smoked mackerel fillet into small pieces and arrange them on a plate. A squeeze of lemon works brilliantly with the rich, smoky flavour. Choose an unglazed variety to keep the carbohydrate content low.
Crunchy and Low-Carb Snacks
20. Cucumber with Cream Cheese
Slice a cucumber into thick rounds and spread a little cream cheese on each one. Sprinkle with black pepper or dried herbs for a tasty little bite. It’s fresh, crunchy and low in carbs, although not completely carb-free.
21. Celery with Cream Cheese
Wash a few celery sticks and cut them into shorter pieces. Fill the middle with cream cheese for a lovely contrast between crunchy and creamy. It takes hardly any time to prepare and makes a handy low-carb snack.
22. Seaweed Snacks
If you fancy something light and crispy, roasted seaweed sheets are worth a try. They’re easy to eat straight from the packet and come in a range of flavours. Choose plain versions and check the label for added sugar or other carbohydrates.
23. Homemade Cheddar Crisps
Grate some cheddar and place small piles on a lined baking tray. Bake until melted and crispy, then leave them to cool completely. They’re a brilliant little alternative when you’re craving something crunchy.
Quick and Easy Extras
24. Green Olives
Pour a small handful of green olives into a bowl and you’re good to go. They’re salty, full of flavour and require absolutely no preparation. They do contain a small amount of carbs, so bear that in mind if you’re aiming for zero.
25. Black Olives
Black olives make another easy option when you want something savoury. Simply drain them and enjoy them straight from the jar. Stick to plain varieties rather than sweetened or heavily flavoured ones.
26. Avocado Slices
Slice a ripe avocado and sprinkle it with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice. It’s creamy, satisfying and contains beneficial fats and fibre. Although it isn’t carb-free, it can still fit nicely into a low-carb eating plan.
27. Macadamia Nuts
Grab a small handful of plain macadamia nuts when you fancy something crunchy. They’re rich in fats and make a convenient snack to keep in your bag or desk drawer. Just remember that nuts contain some carbohydrates, and the calories can add up quickly.
28. Plain Cooked Sausage Slices
Cook your favourite sausages thoroughly, allow them to cool and cut them into bite-sized pieces. They’re great for making ahead and keeping in the fridge for later. Check the ingredients carefully, as some sausages contain breadcrumbs, starch or added sugar.
29. Ants on a Log
Cut a few celery sticks into smaller pieces and spread peanut butter along the middle. Add a few raisins on top to create the classic “ants on a log” look. It’s a fun, crunchy snack, but keep in mind that peanut butter and raisins contain carbohydrates, so it isn’t suitable if you need a strictly no-carb snack.
30. Crispy Roasted Chicken Skin
If you love a really crunchy snack, try roasting chicken skin until it’s golden and crisp. Season it lightly with salt and your favourite herbs before cooking. Plain chicken skin contains virtually no carbohydrates, although it is high in fat and calories.
A little tip before you snack
If you’re aiming for zero carbs rather than just low carbs, your best bets are plain meat, poultry, fish and certain animal fats. Eggs and cheese are still excellent options, but they contain small amounts of carbohydrate, while vegetables, nuts and olives contain more.
And remember, you don’t need to make every snack complicated. Sometimes a boiled egg, a few slices of chicken or a couple of cubes of cheddar are all you need to keep hunger at bay!
