These keto healthy snacks will keep you full, help with fat burn and regulate blood sugar. They’re an ideal way to curb hunger pangs between meals without going over your carb limit.
Instead of the processed varieties that contain added nitrates and additives, lean cuts of cold meats make a tasty keto-friendly snack option. Pair it with cheese for a satisfying and savory snacking option!
Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is an easily accessible snack packed with protein that can be enjoyed alone or as part of a meal. Made by curing strips of dried beef with salt and other seasonings to produce its distinct taste, beef jerky can be purchased from grocery stores or prepared at home to give a different texture and taste experience. Beef jerky is an easy, low-carb snack option that packs in protein and fat while satisfying hunger pangs. Look for brands free from additives and preservatives when selecting brands to purchase, or consider making your own homemade variety at home. Bespoke beef jerky can be easy and requires only minimal ingredients. For best results, select an eye of round roast that is lean and well-trimmed, marinate it in soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and seasoning, place in refrigerator to cure for 1 – 2 hours, cut into pieces then enjoy!
Nut butter is another delicious keto healthy snack that can be enjoyed as either an individual food item or added as an ingredient to meals and snacks. When selecting your nut butter, choose one with no added sugars – or purchase raw nuts and blend them yourself for homemade, carb-free nut butter!
Fermented vegetables make an enjoyable and nutritional snack when following a ketogenic diet. Packed with probiotics that may aid with digestive disorders and immune system issues, fermented vegetable snacks such as dill pickles contain little to no carbohydrates depending on brand/style – pair it up with herbed full-fat creme fraiche for extra protein/fat boost!
Other keto-friendly snacks may include avocado, berries, coconut and whole heavy cream; however, as too many of these snacks could take you out of ketosis altogether.
Nut Butters
Peanut butter has long been a standard sandwich spread, but there are now numerous varieties of nut and seed butters that provide protein and healthy fats – such as those produced from nuts or seeds – and may serve as dip sauces for apples and bananas; toppings for oatmeal or smoothie bowls; ingredients in Asian sauces; or ingredients for Asian sauces. Many low-carb nut butters make an ideal complement to the keto diet which prioritizes proteins and healthful fats over carbohydrates.
When purchasing nut or seed butters, always check their ingredient lists to make sure there is no added sugar. Most labels provide information on which nuts were used and amounts of salt and other seasonings present; natural nut butters tend not to have added sugar at all while most don’t contain much salt either; while flavored varieties typically have more added sugar than unflavored options and often feature vegetable-derived fat as part of their ingredient profile.
Some nut butters will separate when stored, which is completely normal and easily remedied by simply stirring the jar. When selecting a brand of nut butter, look for products without extra sugar, additives or stabilizers, and preservatives; or make your own by grinding nuts and seeds together in a food processor until a creamy texture emerges.
Nut butters contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and are high in both protein and fiber. Additionally, they’re an excellent source of potassium and magnesium which may help lower blood pressure and muscle cramping while tryptophan can promote restful sleep when eaten before bedtime.
Nut butter bars make an excellent addition to any healthy snack menu, as they’re packed with protein and fat with only minimal net carbs. Packed full of nutrients – such as B vitamins and minerals – they’ll keep you feeling satisfied for longer while many varieties boast medium-chain triglycerides which boost metabolism while providing energy boosts for active individuals.
Pickles
Recently, pickles and pickle juice have made headlines by landing on various ‘Top 10 trends’ lists. A great pickle should have crunchy outer layers with soft interior layers, featuring an appealing combination of salt and vinegar for optimal crunchiness.
Pickles provide healthy probiotics essential for maintaining gut health (4), making them an integral component of a keto diet. Pickles come in all sorts of varieties from whole on sticks or battered and deep-fried chips to the more familiar dill variety found alongside sandwiches, burgers, and hot dogs – and all offer low sodium counts with additional benefits like providing vitamin A that supports eye health!
Pickles offer the perfect sour-sweet combination, and are low in both calories and fat – making them an excellent snack when trying to lose weight or maintain healthy body composition. In addition, pickles contain vitamins A and K which support bone health as well as blood pressure regulation (5).
If you are seeking a keto-friendly snack with high levels of protein and omega-3 fats, why not make shrimp skewers using Cajun dry rub and roast or grill until fully cooked? They’re high in heart-healthy omega-3s while adding richness with herbed full-fat creme fraiche? (6).
If shrimp isn’t your thing, why not create delicious avocado toast instead? Spread some mashed avocado onto toast before topping it off with thinly-sliced tomatoes, chopped green onion, and pickles for a delicious snack! This keto-friendly snack contains both dietary fiber and healthy fats, both essential components for effective weight loss (7). For something portable, make a sandwich of herbed smoked salmon or tuna salad on whole grain bread, or wrap it in a romaine leaf with cucumber slices and dill pickles for extra crunch and crunch! Consider packing up a bag of ground flax crackers, which are packed with both dietary fiber and omega-3 fats (8). You can find flax crackers at most supermarkets or create your own using pre-mixed ground nuts and seeds such as brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, pecans or pistachios (8).
Fruit
Fresh fruits and vegetables offer a great way to add some variety and stay within ketosis, without breaking your fast. When selecting fruit as snacks, be sure to opt for low-carb varieties like raspberries and blueberries; these snacks can also be combined with cream cheese or nut butter to satisfy hunger for hours on end!
Fresh figs make another delectable treat! Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber; you can enjoy these tasty bites alone or add them to a favorite smoothie to boost protein intake while curbing cravings.
Nuts and seeds make an ideal low-carb snack option, such as Brazil nuts, walnuts and pumpkin seeds. A handful of these tasty snacks is sure to satisfy cravings without derailing your keto journey – just remember your portion sizes though; too many nuts could put your body out of ketosis altogether!
Avocados are another fantastic low-carb option that will help speed your journey into ketosis faster. Enjoy them alone as a snack, in smoothies or topping salads – but take note they are high in fat so try not to overindulge! Be mindful to maintain balance on the Keto diet.
Ice cream is usually off limits on a keto diet, but some brands allow small servings as treats when craving something sweet. Be sure to read labels carefully and select an option with low-carb, sugar-free and rBST free milk options for best results. You could even make homemade popsicles using frozen fruits as the ideal cool, creamy treat when craving something creamy!