As an individual following a ketogenic diet, it can be tricky to navigate the world of low-carb snacking.
Especially if your former snack go-tos were crackers, pretzels, and other carb-filled goodies, you may be struggling to find foods that are light on carbs to keep you satiated between meals.
Even the most health-conscious among us crave a tasty snack now and again – you shouldn’t have to deprive yourself of snack satisfaction because of keto diet specifications.
That’s where we come in...
In this guide, you’ll find a huge assortment of snacks that perfectly adhere to the specifications of the keto diet.
Even if you’re not strictly following a keto diet, these snack options will be fantastic additions to your day-to-day eating routine.
These snacks to eat on a keto diet pack in protein and healthy fats to make the most out of every calorie you consume.
Read on to discover keto diet snack ideas that will truly make your mouth water!
Related: Keto/Low Carb Friendly Ice Cream Brands + 50 Free Recipes
What Defines The Ketogenic Diet?
The keto diet is defined by a low intake of carbohydrates and a high intake of healthy fats.
The popularity of the keto diet is due to its many shown health benefits, including weight loss.
People may even choose to adopt a keto diet to manage diabetes because of its proven ability to lower insulin and blood sugar levels.
The ketogenic diet is often highly effective as a weight loss strategy.
This is because the replacement of carbs with fat in your diet will spur ketosis, a metabolic state.
When your body is in ketosis, it more effectively burns fat to produce energy, leading to a greater fat loss.
In addition, the ketogenic diet can aid in weight loss because it’s incredibly filling.
This is due to the fact that the diet consists mainly of protein and healthy fats, which will keep you full for hours.
When you truly feel full and satiated, you can more easily listen to hunger cues and naturally avoid eating more calories than you burn.
There are multiple varieties of the keto diet.
While they all share the same underlying principles, each is unique in some way.
The targeted ketogenic diet allows for carbohydrates in the diet around periods of exercise. The cyclical ketogenic diet includes specific days or periods of higher carbohydrate intake.
The high-protein ketogenic diet has a higher ratio of protein to fat than a standard keto diet. Whichever version of the ketogenic diet you follow, snacking is sure to be a part of it, so it’s important to have good keto snacks on hand.
The Keto Diet for Athletes
The ketogenic diet is popular among athletes, namely endurance athletes, for a number of reasons.
When you exercise on the keto diet, your body uses fat as the main source of energy, not carbohydrates.
During low-intensity physical activity, fat is a greater source of energy for the body than carbohydrates, which is why endurance athletes may benefit greatly from adopting the keto diet.
Snacking is an important part of maintaining energy levels as an athlete.
So, athletes on the ketogenic diet should keep easy keto snacks on hand at all times.
For an energy boost before you hit the gym, a post-workout recovery snack, or a guilt-free treat to satisfy cravings throughout the day, snacks to eat on the keto diet are crucial for active individuals.
General Keto Snacking Tips
The ketogenic diet emphasizes protein and healthy fats while minimizing carbs.
But, just because you have to pay attention to the number of carbs you eat on the ketogenic diet doesn’t mean that snacking is a no-no.
In fact, there are plenty of tasty snacks that are healthy, natural, and low in carbs for you to choose from.
As you seek out keto diet snack ideas, keep these tips and tricks in mind:
The fewer and purer the ingredients, the better.
It’s common knowledge that processed foods and excess ingredients are counterproductive when it comes to our health. So, when you’re seeking out snacks to eat on a keto diet, take a minimalist approach. Look for unprocessed, natural ingredients and opt for whole foods, (like raw nuts, vegetables, and unprocessed meats) whenever possible.
A snack doesn’t have to be traditional – it can be a small portion of a typical meal.
Keto sources of protein mainly include meat, fish, nuts, eggs, and dairy. It may seem difficult to find snacks that feature these main ingredients. Typical bars, crackers, trail mixes, and other traditional snacks are heavier on the carbs than the healthy proteins. But, remember that a snack can be just about anything. Whether it’s a few pieces of broccoli and chicken from last night’s dinner, half of an avocado with a few slices of turkey, or a handful of nuts with veggie sticks, you get to think outside of the box when it comes to good keto snacks.
Keep snacks on hand when you’re on the go.
It’s always a fantastic idea to pack snacks in your bag for work, your commute, the gym, etc. When you’re not prepared with good keto snacks, you’re risking having to purchase a snack while you’re out and about, and there may not be keto-friendly options available. Anticipate hunger before it hits you – you’ll thank yourself for doing so later!
Always keep an eye out for preservatives and unnatural ingredients.
Many people would be shocked to learn how many of the foods at the grocery store are chock full of additives and unnatural ingredients. Long ingredient lists are not your friend – ideally, you should recognize and be able to read every ingredient in the foods that you eat. Better yet, opt for single-ingredient foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, and eggs. When you know exactly what you’re fueling your body with, you can truly have peace of mind.
Pre-Made Keto Snacks
There are numerous keto snacks to buy at any grocery store near you.
It’s a misconception that the keto diet is restrictive – you’ll find that there are endless possibilities when it comes to meals and snacks.
A pre-made keto snack is an option available to you that offers convenience and portability.
Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of ready-made ketogenic snacks.
When to Reach for a Pre-Made Snack
As all health nuts know, pre-made snacks and meals aren’t ideal.
Whenever possible, you should opt for whole foods, meaning single, pure ingredients.
But, life isn’t always ideal! There will be instances when you simply don’t have the time to whip up a snack from scratch.
In those cases, it’s always a great idea to have a healthy, pre-made snack to tide you over until the next meal. Keep a few shelf-stable, portable keto snacks in your gym bag, purse, briefcase, and suitcase so that you’re ready whenever hunger strikes.
Related: 20 Keto Success Stories That Will Blow Your Mind!
These are all wonderful keto snacks to buy and keep on hand for when you’re on the run and short on time.
Although these snacks aren’t made from scratch, they’re all satisfying and will keep you on track toward your health goals.
Almonds
We all know that almonds are one of the most popular healthy snacks around. A handful of almonds pack in protein and healthy fats for sustained energy. Almonds have even been shown to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. So, the next time you need a quick and filling snack, consider reaching for a handful of almonds. Enjoy them raw or roast them in the oven for a satisfying crunch.
Avocados
Avocado is generally a favorite food for people following the ketogenic diet. Filled with fatty acids, potassium, and fiber, avocado is a fantastic addition to anyone’s diet. But, the fact that avocados are low in carbs, filling, and highly delicious make them great keto snacks. Eat avocados plain with a dash of salt and pepper, or check out the guacamole recipe listed later in this article.
Baby Carrots
Baby carrots are an excellent snack and a convenient way to get an additional serving of vegetables in the day. Carrots are also full of fiber, potassium, and vitamin A, providing an array of health benefits.
Blueberries
Blueberries are another yummy variety of berry that make a lovely keto snack. Blueberries also contain an exceptional number of antioxidants and are even known to lower blood pressure.
Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are a delicious nut option for the keto diet. These nuts contain an extraordinary amount of selenium for improved immune health. Like many other nut varieties, Brazil nuts are high in protein and fat while being low in carbs.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is both filling and low in calories, making it a satisfying keto snack for people looking to lose weight. Consider pairing cauliflower with a tasty keto dip for a substantial midday snack.
Celery Sticks
For a super low-calorie snack, reach for celery sticks. This veggie is a low-carb option for when you’re craving a snack with a satisfying crunch in your keto diet.
Cheese Sticks
Cheese sticks are easy high-protein snacks to eat on a keto diet that also contain calcium, which many people are lacking in their diets. You can even pair a cheese stick with seed crackers for a tasty, substantial midday snack.
Cocktail Shrimp
Cocktail shrimp are yet another seafood option to choose from for keto snacks. Shrimp have a light, sweet flavor and will keep you satiated until the next meal.
Coconut
Coconut is a sweet, tasty, and low-carb treat that also happens to be keto-friendly. Just be sure to steer clear of coconut with added sugar. Reach for unsweetened varieties, or grab whole coconuts and scoop out the flesh by hand.
Coffee
When you need a pick-me-up and don’t have the appetite for a substantial snack, reach for a cup of coffee. Coffee provides energy from caffeine without packing in any carbs, so drink up!
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is versatile, high in protein, and low in carbs. It’s a keto-friendly dairy product that’s rich in calcium and can make a great snack. Pair cottage cheese with veggie sticks, a handful of nuts, or simply sprinkle with pepper and enjoy on its own.
Dark Chocolate
If you have a sweet tooth and are struggling to find keto-friendly desserts, consider dark chocolate as an occasional snack. Try to find a variety of dark chocolate with as little added sugar as possible to keep your carb intake to a minimum. Dark chocolate with as high a percentage of cocoa content as possible is an indulgent snack that provides beneficial antioxidants. Lowered blood pressure, improved brain function, and lowered risk of heart disease are just a few of the many health benefits that dark chocolate has to offer.
Deli Meat
Deli meats, such as sliced turkey, ham, and roast beef, are a tasty, high-protein snack. Deli meat is a fantastic post-workout snack. Just roll up a few slices and enjoy!
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a great source of protein and a creamy, satiating snack. While Greek yogurt does contain some carbohydrates, if you opt for a plain option instead of the sugary flavored varieties, you can minimize carb intake.
Jerky
Jerky is an easy keto snack for when you’re on the go. It has an excellent shelf life, as long as one to two years, and can be thrown in your bag for a simple, healthy snack. Jerky is simply dried meat and is, therefore, an excellent source of protein.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are a go-to nut option for the keto diet. This is because this variety of nut contains monounsaturated fatty acids, fiber, B-vitamins, and contains very few grams of carbs. Additionally, macadamia nuts are delicious–and not just in cookies! Pack a handful of macadamia nuts the next time you hit the gym or head to the office for a yummy, easy keto snack.
Nut & Seed Butters
Nut and seed butters, such as almond butter or sunflower seed butter, are excellent sources of healthy fats and are ideal for quick, prolonged energy. Scoop out a spoonful of nut or seed butter for a quick pick-me-up before the gym or during your lunch break at work. As a snack, it will keep you full and satiated until lunch or dinner.
Olives
Olives are a tasty low-carb snack with a surprising number of health benefits. From controlling cholesterol and blood pressure to improving immune health, olives are as beneficial to your health as they are delicious.
Pecans
Pecans are yummy, heart-healthy nuts that make a perfect keto snack. Pecans contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and nutrients that work to improve your overall health and appearance. So, don’t hesitate to grab a handful of these tasty nuts when you’re craving a keto snack!
Pemmican
Pemmican is a high-protein superfood that’s been around for hundreds of years. It’s made of dried meat ground into a fine powder and mixed with rendered fat. So, pemmican is one of the best low-carb, high-fat, and high-protein snacks for the keto diet around!
Pork Rinds
For a salty snack to curb chip or cracker cravings, reach for some pork rinds. This little snack provides a delicious and savory crunch without the carbs that come along with many other crunchy snacks. Pork rinds are high in sodium, so consider eating them to replenish your store of electrolytes after a tough, sweaty workout.
Pumpkin Seeds
Even if the leaves aren’t falling outside, reach for pumpkin seeds for an energy-boosting keto snack. Pumpkin seeds are high in fiber, antioxidants, and magnesium. Plus, they’re delicious and convenient to pack for on-the-go snacking.
Quest Bars
Bars are processed and therefore not the ideal keto snack option. But, when you’re in a pinch and need to curb hunger fast, Quest bars are a keto-friendly choice. This variety of bar is low-carb and contains 200 calories for a convenient, filling snack.
Sardines
Sardines are high in protein and healthy fat while being low in carbs. These little fish are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B-12.
Seaweed
For a low-calorie snack on the keto diet, consider seaweed. It’s surprisingly filling and is a great source of vitamins and minerals.
Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon is pricier than other snack options on this list, but it’s undoubtedly delicious and a good keto snack. With protein, healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and potassium, smoked salmon is packed full of vitamins and nutrients.
Strawberries
Strawberries are sweet, juicy, and make a wonderful snack for those with a sweet tooth. These berries are low in calories and provide a big dose of antioxidants. Fruits do contain carbohydrates in the form of natural fruit sugar and should therefore be consumed in moderation for those on the keto diet.
Sundried Tomatoes
Sundried tomatoes are portable and low-carb, making them a convenient keto snack. These flavorful bites contain the same vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that make fresh tomatoes wonderful for your health.
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are another seed option for keto snacking. These tiny seeds contain a huge array of vitamins and minerals, contributing to healthy bodily function.
Pre-made keto snacks are simple, fast, and convenient. Keeping these snacks on hand wherever you go, from the office to the airport to the gym and everything in between, will save you from hunger and ensure that you stay on track toward your health goals.
Homemade Keto Snacks
While you may not always have time to experiment in the kitchen, homemade keto snacks are generally preferable to pre-made snacks.
Plus, when you make the snack yourself, you get to make it according to your tastes and preferences.
We know that you’re a busy individual, but if you can carve some time out of your schedule to whip up these easy keto snacks, you’ll be prepared to tackle cravings when they come.
When you have a few minutes to get in the kitchen, try them out to find what works for you.
Artichoke Dip
Artichoke dip is a yummy low-carb accompaniment for seed crackers or kale chips.
1) Make this creamy dip by combining chopped, cooked, and drained spinach with warmed cream cheese.
2) Stir in parmesan cheese, artichoke hearts (chopped finely), salt, and pepper.
3) Bake the mixture in a 350-degree oven for 30 minutes and let cool slightly.
Artichoke dip is delicious when enjoyed warm with a crunchy accompaniment!
Download now : Free Printable Recipe
Bacon
Who doesn’t love bacon?
Due to its low carb, high protein, and high-fat content, bacon is a keto-friendly and mouth-watering treat. When you have the time, simply fry up a few strips of bacon in a pan with some coconut oil.
It doesn’t get much simpler than that, and you’ll have an absolutely delicious snack to satisfy any craving.
Tip: Always cook a few extra strips of bacon to keep in the refrigerator. You can then crumble the extra strips over salads and soups for a burst of savory texture.
Caprese Stacks
The Caprese stack is an Italian classic that also happens to be keto-friendly.
1) Make Caprese stacks by slicing tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.
2) Stack a slice of tomato, a slice of mozzarella, and a basil leaf, then drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
You could even prepare this snack as an appetizer for a dinner party!
Download now : Free Printable Recipe
Cheese Crisps
Cheese is filled with calcium and protein and, when sliced thinly and baked at a high temperature, can be made into a satisfyingly crunchy keto snack.
1) Take a block of cheese, (cheddar and colby jack are two great options), and slice as thinly as you can.
2) Place the slices on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes.
3) When the cheese has turned a golden-brown color, remove the crisps from the oven and let cool.
Download now : Free Printable Recipe
Chia Seed Pudding
Chia seeds are packed full of fiber and contain omega-3 fatty acids, making them a keto-friendly superfood.
1) To make a simple chia seed pudding, combine a cup of milk with two tablespoons of the seeds.
2) Mix them together with any flavor additions you’d like, (cinnamon and a drop of stevia is always a great option) and leave in the refrigerator until set, usually about six to eight hours.
Chia pudding makes for a filling snack or a balanced breakfast.
Download now : Free Printable Recipe
Chocolate Avocado Mousse
If you have a sweet tooth, this creamy chocolate avocado mousse could become your favorite keto snack.
1) You just need an avocado, cocoa powder, and a dash of stevia for sweetness.
2) Combine these three ingredients in a bowl, mash together, and stir until you achieve a creamy texture.
Download now : Free Printable Recipe
Guacamole
Guacamole is a fantastic, creamy, and super tasty keto-friendly snack.
Plus, it’s quite easy to prepare and can be paired with anything from a hard-boiled egg to a handful of low-carb crackers.
There’s no hard-and-fast way to prepare guacamole, and you can experiment to discover the best combination of ingredients for you.
1) Start with ripe avocado and scoop it into a bowl.
2) Then, add in any combination of chopped red onion, diced tomato, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and any other additions you desire.
3) Mash the concoction gently with a fork until it reaches your ideal consistency.
Guacamole is traditionally enjoyed as a dip, but it’s equally delicious on its own.
The high content of healthy fats in the avocado will keep you fueled and satiated for hours to come!
Download now : Free Printable Recipe
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Eggs are dubbed by some as the perfect protein.
In addition to an excellent dose of protein, eggs include vitamins B2, B12, B6, and D, as well as an array of beneficial minerals.
1) To cook the perfect hard-boiled egg, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.
2) Prepare a bowl of ice water and set it within reach of the pot.
3) Lower the water to a simmer and lower the egg into the boiling water.
4) Cook the egg for seven minutes, then remove from the water with a slotted spoon or tongs.
5) Submerge the egg in the ice water for a minute or two.
6) Then, dry, peel, and enjoy!
Hard-boiled eggs are portable and provide a quick, easy keto snack.
Download now : Free Printable Recipe
Kale Chips
Kale chips are a savory, low-calorie, and low-carb keto snack.
1) All you need is washed and dried kale, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
2) Combine the kale with the seasonings and place on a lined baking sheet.
3) Bake the kale at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes, or until the kale is crisp.
Download now : Free Printable Recipe
Meatballs
Meatballs are a tasty way to make your favorite variety of meat portable for a good keto snack.
1) Combine the ground meat with your ingredients of choice. Common additions include onion, garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, egg, and cheese.
2) Once the ingredients are combined, simply roll into balls and place in a lined baking dish.
3) Bake in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the meat has reached your desired level of doneness.
4) Then, allow the meatballs to cool, and enjoy!
Traditional meatballs also include breadcrumbs, but this ingredient may be omitted to make the recipe keto-friendly.
Optional: Ground beef is traditional when making meatballs, but you can switch it up and use any variety of meat you want.
Ground turkey, lamb, and pork are all delicious options that you can try for a keto snack or meal.
Download now : Free Printable Recipe
Romaine Wraps
For a simple low-carb keto snack, make wraps with romaine lettuce in place of tortillas.
Simply fill up leaves of nutrient-packed romaine with your filling of choice and enjoy!
Our go-to fillings are chicken, steak, or even the tuna salad listed below.
Download now : Free Printable Recipe
Seed Crackers
You can bake your own seed crackers at home for a crunchy, nutritious snack.
1) All it takes is an assortment of seeds, (we love using pumpkin, flax, and sunflower seeds), oil (such as olive or coconut oil), and salt.
2) Once you combine those ingredients, add boiling water and stir to form a dough.
3) Spread the dough on a baking sheet, back at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 40 minutes, cool, and enjoy!
When you’re on the keto diet, you generally avoid typical crackers made with wheat flour.
Download now : Free Printable Recipe
Smoothie
Smoothies can make for a substantial snack or even a light breakfast.
For a sweet snack, blend up a smoothie at home.
1) Start with a handful or two of frozen berries. Berries are a fantastic source of antioxidants and are great for your skin health. Blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are a few popular options to choose from.
2) To ensure that the smoothie has a creamy texture, pour in some coconut cream. Not only will this add a wonderful flavor, but it will also contribute healthy fats to satiate your palette.
3) Lastly, throw in a few handfuls of your favorite green. Spinach, kale, and chard are all nutritious options, and feel free to use a combination.
4) If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors, and blend!
The ketogenic diet typically doesn’t include a high intake of fruit. This is due to the high amount of natural sugar found in fruit, as sugar is a carbohydrate.
However, a minimal amount of fruit is not only acceptable, but also beneficial for your health because of the many great nutrients found in fruit.
Download now : Free Printable Recipe
Spiced Roasted Nuts
These warm spiced nuts make for a flavorful snack or treat at any time of the day.
1) Use any combination of nuts you like, although almonds, pecans, macadamia nuts, and Brazil nuts are our favorites.
2) Toss the nuts with a tablespoon of coconut oil and an assortment of spices, such as cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and ground ginger.
3) Spread the nuts of a lined baking sheet and bake in a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Download now : Free Printable Recipe
Tuna Salad
Tuna is a wonderful source of protein.
Not only is canned tuna incredibly affordable, but it’s also filled with essential omega-3 fatty acids.
You can whip up a simple and satisfying tuna salad in mere minutes for an easy keto snack.
Just drain a can of tuna, combine with a few tablespoons of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, season with salt and pepper, and enjoy!
Optional: You can also add in chopped celery or carrot for texture, color, and a punch of flavor.
Pair tuna salad with flaxseed crackers or veggie sticks for a fun, healthy snack.
From improved heart health to lowered blood pressure and a boosted immune system, tuna is an all-star keto-friendly ingredient.
Download now : Free Printable Recipe
Turkey Avocado Roll-Ups
If you miss the turkey avocado club sandwiches that aren’t keto-friendly, try out these turkey avocado roll-ups.
1) All you need are sliced turkey, mashed avocado, and cooked bacon.
2) Spoon some avocado onto each slice of turkey.
3) Then, place a piece of bacon on one side and roll!
These roll-ups are savory and satisfying to help you power through a workout or the afternoon office slump.
Download now : Free Printable Recipe
The keto snack recipes listed above are delicious, nutritious, and not very complex. Consider taking some time each week to get in the kitchen and prepare an assortment of tasty keto snacks. You can enjoy them throughout the week and reap the benefits that a ketogenic diet has to offer!
Conclusion
The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan that can benefit all types of people. From endurance athletes to diabetics to people looking to lose weight and more, the keto diet offers numerous health advantages.
As you’ve learned from this guide, snacking on a keto diet doesn’t have to be complicated! There are plenty of snacks to eat on the keto diet, both pre-made and homemade, that are sure to hit the spot whenever hunger strikes.
Free Printable Keto Snacks Guide Lists below :
Download now : Pre-Made Keto Snacks Guide/List
Download now : Homemade Keto Snacks Guide/List
Download now : The Best Keto Snacks (part 1)
Download now : The Best Keto Snacks (part 2)
Download now : The Best Keto Snacks (part 3)
Download now : The Best Keto Snacks (part 4)
Download now : The Best Keto Snacks (part 5)
