Whether you’re trying to shed a few pounds, maintain your weight, or simply make healthier choices, finding snacks that are both satisfying and low calorie can feel like a challenge. The good news? Delicious and nutrient-rich options abound. With the help of expert recommendations and creative recipes, this list will help you stock up on snacks that are guilt-free, packed with nutrition, and bursting with flavor.
Below, we’ll share 23 fantastic low calorie snack ideas that you can try at home or on the go.
Why Choose Low Calorie Snacks?
First, why focus on low calorie snacks? These smaller portions play a key role in maintaining energy levels throughout the day, avoiding overeating at mealtimes, and supporting long-term health goals. When chosen wisely, snacks are an opportunity to supply your body with essential nutrients while keeping your calorie count in check.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff!
Delicious and Simple Low Calorie Snacks
Slow-Churned Ice Cream (100 Calories)
Craving something sweet that won’t derail your health goals? Slow-churned ice cream is a perfect choice! This creamy treat uses a special churning process to reduce fat while keeping its rich, indulgent texture. With only 100 calories per serving, it satisfies your sweet tooth guilt-free.
On average, a pint of slow-churned ice cream costs around $4–$6, making it an affordable option compared to high-calorie desserts. Pair it with some fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries for an added nutrient boost. Perfect for summer afternoons or a cozy dessert, this keeps you happy without compromising your calorie balance.
6 Cups of Air-Popped Popcorn
Air-popped popcorn is one of the healthiest snacks you can enjoy without feeling guilty. With just around 30 calories per cup, six cups of popcorn amount to only 180 calories, making it a low-calorie yet satisfying option. Unlike butter-laden movie theater popcorn, air-popped popcorn contains no added fats or oils, keeping it light and healthier.
It’s also inexpensive, costing roughly $1–$2 for a large batch made at home, which makes it perfect for budget-conscious snackers. Packed with fiber, it helps keep you full while promoting better digestion. Sprinkle some seasoning like cinnamon or nutritional yeast for enhanced flavor without adding extra calories.
Cottage Cheese and Cantaloupe
Cottage cheese and cantaloupe make a delicious and refreshing snack that’s both nutritious and affordable. Cottage cheese is rich in protein, helping to build and repair muscles while keeping you feeling full. Cantaloupe, on the other hand, is hydrating and packed with vitamins like A and C, which support immunity and skin health.
Together, this pairing typically provides around 150–200 calories per serving, depending on portion size. You can prepare this snack for approximately $2–$3, making it accessible and budget-friendly. The combination of creamy cheese with the sweet, juicy cantaloupe creates a delightful balance of flavors that feels indulgent yet healthy.
Whole-Grain Crackers with Cheese
Whole-grain crackers with cheese are a fantastic snack option that strikes a perfect balance between taste and nutrition. The crackers, rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates, provide sustained energy and support digestive health. Pairing them with cheese adds a dose of protein, calcium, and healthy fats, making this combination both satisfying and nourishing.
On average, a serving of this snack contains about 150–200 calories, depending on portion size and cheese type. Costing roughly $2–$4 per serving, it’s an affordable, wholesome option. This simple yet delicious snack is easy to prepare and ideal for curbing hunger while supporting your overall health goals.
Handful of Almonds (14 Almonds)
A handful of almonds, approximately 14 nuts, is an incredibly convenient and nutrient-packed snack. Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and vitamin E, almonds support heart health, boost energy, and help maintain glowing skin. This portion contains about 100–120 calories, making it a great choice for those seeking a quick, low-calorie option to keep hunger at bay.
Costing around $0.50–$1 per serving depending on the brand and packaging, almonds are affordable and widely available. Their portability and crunchy texture make them easy to enjoy on the go, providing both a satisfying and health-conscious option to fuel your day.
Pretzel Sticks
Pretzel sticks are a light and satisfying snack option that seamlessly balances crunch and flavor. With approximately 110–120 calories per serving, they’re a great low-calorie alternative for curbing hunger without feeling guilty. Pretzel sticks are also budget-friendly, typically costing around $1–$2 per package depending on the brand and size.
Their simple ingredients and modest portion sizes make them a versatile snack, whether enjoyed solo or paired with dips like hummus or cheese for added taste. Easy to carry and highly snackable, pretzel sticks are a popular choice for those craving a quick, crunchy bite that fits into a balanced lifestyle.
Baked Apple with Cinnamon
Baked apples with cinnamon are a delightful and healthy snack that feels indulgent but keeps things nutritious. This treat is perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth without going overboard on calories, as a medium baked apple typically contains around 95 calories.
Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon not only enhances the flavor but also provides antioxidants and potential metabolism-boosting properties. The cost is minimal, as a single apple usually ranges from $0.50 to $1 depending on the type and season, with cinnamon being a pantry staple. Simple to prepare and naturally sweet, this snack is budget-friendly, low-calorie, and packed with taste.
Cheese-Stuffed Mini Pita
This snack is an excellent balance of taste and nutrition, making it a popular choice for those seeking a quick, satisfying bite. A single mini pita stuffed with low-fat cheese provides around 120-150 calories, depending on the cheese used. It’s high in protein and calcium, supporting muscle health and strong bones.
The cost is wallet-friendly as well—mini pitas typically cost $0.50 to $1 each, and a small portion of cheese adds a few cents more. Easy to prepare in just minutes, this snack is perfect for busy individuals who want a healthy, delicious option on the go.
Blueberry Smoothie
Smooth, refreshing, and packed with nutrients, a blueberry smoothie is an ideal snack or quick breakfast option. Made with just a handful of ingredients—blueberries, low-fat yogurt, a splash of milk, and a touch of honey—this smoothie offers around 150-200 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and added ingredients.
Blueberries are a superfood rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and promote brain health, while yogurt adds a dose of protein and calcium for strong bones and hydration. Budget-friendly, it costs approximately $1.50 to $2.00 per serving, making it both nutritious and affordable. Perfect for any time of day!
Edamame
Edamame is a convenient, nutrient-packed snack that’s as tasty as it is healthy. A single serving (about 1 cup or 150 grams) contains roughly 190 calories, making it a satisfying, low-calorie option. It’s rich in plant-based protein, offering around 17 grams per serving, along with essential vitamins like folate and minerals such as magnesium and iron, which support energy and overall health.
Edamame is also an excellent source of dietary fiber, aiding digestion and keeping you feeling full longer. Costing about $2.00 to $3.00 per serving, it’s an affordable and wholesome addition to any diet, perfect for a quick midday snack or a side dish!
Frozen Mango Cubes
Frozen mango cubes are a convenient and delicious way to enjoy the tropical sweetness of mangoes year-round. Packed with essential nutrients, they provide a boost of vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants that support immune health and skin vitality. A one-cup serving contains approximately 100 calories, making it a guilt-free snack or a vibrant addition to smoothies, yogurt bowls, or desserts.
Beyond their health benefits, frozen mango cubes are budget-friendly, typically costing around $3.00 to $5.00 per bag, depending on the brand and size. Their versatility, affordability, and nutrient profile make them an easy and satisfying choice for any healthy lifestyle.
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Baby Carrots with Hummus
Baby carrots with hummus are a nutritious and convenient snack that combines taste with health benefits. Baby carrots are naturally low in calories, with approximately 35 calories per 3-ounce serving, while a 2-tablespoon serving of hummus adds about 70 calories, making this pairing a satisfying option under 110 calories.
Rich in fiber and antioxidants, baby carrots support digestion and overall health, while hummus, made from chickpeas, is a great source of plant-based protein and healthy fats. This snack is cost-effective too, with a bag of baby carrots priced around $2.00-$3.00 and hummus averaging $3.00-$5.00 per container. Together, they provide a quick, wholesome, and budget-friendly energy boost.
Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
Apple slices with peanut butter are a delicious and satisfying snack option that balances taste and nutrition. Apples are rich in fiber and vitamin C, supporting digestion and boosting immunity, while peanut butter provides healthy fats and protein that keep you full and energized.
This pairing typically contains about 200-250 calories, depending on the amount of peanut butter used. Cost-wise, apples are around $1.50-$3.00 per pound, and a jar of peanut butter ranges between $3.00 and $5.00. Together, they create a convenient, affordable snack that’s perfect for curbing hunger, offering a sweet and savory treat with lasting energy.
Nonfat Greek Yogurt with Honey
Nonfat Greek yogurt with honey is a delightful snack that combines creamy texture with a touch of natural sweetness. This duo is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Greek yogurt is rich in protein, supporting muscle repair and keeping you full longer, while honey acts as a natural energy booster with its simple carbohydrates.
A typical serving contains around 120-150 calories, making it a healthy option for those watching their intake. Cost-wise, a single serving of Greek yogurt is approximately $1.00-$1.50, and a small jar of honey ranges between $5.00 and $8.00. Together, they create a quick, affordable treat perfect for busy days!
Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is a comforting and nutritious meal that has stood the test of time. Made primarily from ripe tomatoes, this dish is rich in vitamins A and C, which support immunity and healthy skin. A typical serving provides around 150-200 calories, depending on the recipe.
For added nutrition, many versions include a touch of cream or garnishes like fresh herbs. Tomato soup is also budget-friendly, costing around $2.00-$3.00 per serving if made at home. Its warmth and zesty flavor make it perfect for rainy days or quick lunches, all while being a low-cost, satisfying, and healthy option!
16. Frozen Banana Pop
Frozen Banana Pop
Frozen banana pops are a delightful and nutritious snack that’s both affordable and easy to prepare. Each pop is made by freezing bananas on sticks, often dipped in dark chocolate or yogurt and coated with toppings such as nuts, granola, or coconut flakes. Packed with natural sugars and potassium, a single serving generally contains around 120-150 calories, depending on the toppings.
The cost is budget-friendly, averaging about $0.50-$1.00 per pop when prepared at home. This snack not only satisfies sweet cravings but also provides a quick energy boost, making it an ideal choice for hot summer days or a healthy dessert alternative.
Smoked Salmon Pinwheel
Light, nutritious, and elegant, smoked salmon pinwheels are a delightful snack or appetizer option. Made by spreading cream cheese over a thin tortilla or slice of smoked salmon, then rolling it up with fresh additions like spinach or cucumber, they pack both flavor and nutrients.
A serving typically contains around 90-120 calories, depending on the ingredients used, offering a balance of healthy fats, protein, and flavor. On average, the cost ranges from $1.50-$3.00 per serving when made at home, making it a budget-conscious yet gourmet choice. Perfect for parties or quick snacks, they offer both convenience and a boost of Omega-3s.
One Cup of Grapes
One cup of grapes is an excellent choice for a quick, nutritious snack. Packed with antioxidants like resveratrol, grapes help combat free radicals and support heart health. Each serving size contains roughly 100 calories, making it a light option for those monitoring their intake.
Grapes are particularly hydrating, as they are over 80% water, keeping you refreshed and aiding in digestion. Additionally, they are naturally sweet and satisfy sugar cravings without added sugars. A cup of fresh grapes typically costs around $2.00-$3.00, depending on the season and variety. Convenient, delicious, and packed with nutrients, grapes are a fantastic snack for any time of day.
Jicama Sticks and Salsa
Jicama sticks paired with salsa make for a crunchy, refreshing, and low-calorie snack. Jicama, a root vegetable with a mild, slightly sweet flavor, is low in calories—just about 50 calories per cup—making it an excellent choice for those watching their caloric intake. Paired with salsa, which typically adds only about 20 calories per two tablespoons, this combination is both filling and flavorful.
The high water content in jicama keeps you hydrated, while salsa provides a burst of bold flavor and is often rich in vitamins like A and C. This budget-friendly snack costs around $3.00-$5.00, depending on fresh produce prices, and is perfect for a midday energy boost or healthy party appetizer.
Frozen Berry Yogurt
Frozen berry yogurt is a delicious and nutritious snack that combines the creamy goodness of yogurt with the natural sweetness of berries. Packed with antioxidants from the berries and probiotics from the yogurt, this treat supports gut health and strengthens your immune system. It’s a low-calorie option, with a typical serving containing around 100-150 calories, depending on the ingredients used.
Plus, it’s easy to make at home by blending your favorite frozen berries with Greek yogurt and a touch of honey for added sweetness. This budget-friendly snack costs around $2.50-$4.00 per serving, making it an affordable and healthy dessert or midday indulgence.
Spiced Kale Chips
Bake kale chips with a sprinkle of olive oil and spices like paprika for a crunchy snack that’s low calorie and packed with nutrients.
Zucchini Fries
Slice zucchini into sticks, coat lightly with almond flour and bake them for a crisp, guilt-free alternative to French fries.
Power Trail Mix
Combine a tablespoon of raisins with 10 almonds and 10 sunflower seeds for a custom trail mix bursting with natural flavor, healthy fats, and energy.
Small Changes, Big Wins
These 23 low calorie snack ideas prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean boring or flavorless food. When you stock your pantry with fresh, wholesome ingredients and mix in some creativity, the possibilities are endless.
Next time hunger strikes, skip the processed snacks and try one of these nutritious, delicious options instead. Your body (and your taste buds) will thank you!