The 12 Best Low-Carb Crunchy Snacks to Buy
Eating keto can start to feel monotonous if you don’t mix things up a little bit. On the one hand, a strict keto diet does not include much for processed foods. Many people choose to eat dirty keto which includes sugar alcohols, packaged convenience food items and many other delicious items that are now on the market.
When looking for low-carb crunchy foods, there are many options out there that you can enjoy and still stay in ketosis, including Catalina Crunch and Magic Spoon cereals, Just the Cheese cheese bars, Twin Peaks protein puffs, and Pork King pork rings.
Are Low-Carb Snacks a Healthier Option?
Low carb snacks can definitely be a healthier option for many people. Eating foods with a low glycemic index is better for diabetics as well as those trying to lose weight. Just remember that there are low-carb convenience foods that have plenty of bad things in them. Taking in a bunch of sugar alcohols can lead to gastro distress, for example.
Another thing to keep in mind is that low-carb snacks might be loaded with fat and sodium. If you have health conditions that require you to watch either of these, you should read packages carefully.
What is the Difference Between Low-Carb Snacks and Regular Snacks?
The main difference between low-carb and regular snacks is the number of net carbohydrates in them. Low-carb snacks help the consumer stay in ketosis. Most people who are eating keto try to eat under 50 net carbs per day, with some staying under 30! Regular snacks might naturally be significantly higher in carbs.
Low-carb snacks that are sweet will have an artificial sweetener whereas regular sweet treats are typically sweetened with regular sugar. Artificial sweeteners do not raise your glycemic index as regular table sugar does. While there are many sugar substitutes out there, some are better than others for keto. Many people feel that choosing natural sweeteners, such as allulose, monk fruit and stevia, is a better option.
Some low-carb options also have added fat and protein to help those who are eating keto hit their macronutrients, which is often not the case with regular snacks.
12 The Best Options to Buy
When choosing the best snacks for you it is important to determine what you need and want in a snack. Are you looking for a crunchy snack? Something sweet? Something salty? Does it need to have high protein? Are you on a budget?
Best High Protein Options
- Cereal: Cereals such as Catalina Crunch and Magic Spoon are low-carb, high-protein and come in flavors sure to please your palate.
- Dried Cheese: Whether you call it moon cheese or something else, there are a few delicious dried cheese products on the market. Just the Cheese comes in a crunchy cheese bar and Moon Cheese in small, bite size morsels.
- Meat Sticks: Although jerky and meat sticks are not particularly crunchy, we would be remiss if we did not include them on this list of low-carb snacks you can purchase. Just be careful because some processed meat is higher in carbs than one might think. We love the Tillamook Country Smoker Pepperoni Sticks.
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Protein Puffs: Companies such as Twin Peaks make low-carb, keto-friendly cheese puffs.
Best Budget-Friendly Options
- Almond Flour Crackers: Almond flour baked goods are naturally low carb. You can even make some of your own baked goods! One of my favorite low carb, gluten free crackers is Simple MIlls.
- Cauliflower Chips: Chips made from cauliflower are naturally low in carbs. We prefer the Real Food From the Ground Up Cauliflower Sea Salt Chips.
- Pork Rinds: Pork rinds are a very low-carb snack that is also inexpensive. Pork rinds come in many different flavors which helps to keep it interesting. Check out Pork King!
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Trail Mix: Make your own trail mix with a variety of low-carb nuts, sugar-free chocolate chips, sugar free candy, etc.
Best Natural Low-Carb Snacks
- Nuts: Many brands package nuts (flavored and unflavored) into serving-size packages to enjoy on the go. One of our favorites is Blue Diamond.
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Veggies: There are low-carb veggies that, when eaten raw, will give you that satisfying crunch. Try celery, green peppers, and green beans for delicious low-carb snacking.
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