Having low-carb snacks on the go can make your life easier when you’re traveling or often busy at work. Active people can get hungry in between meals, and following a keto diet means avoiding typical snacks, such as wheat crackers and apples. These are high in carbs and will kick you out of ketosis.
How do you know which snacks help you maintain a low-carb diet on the go? In this guide, we share tips on choosing the best portable snacks and list 30 options for you.
What Makes a Good Low-Carb Snack On The Go?
The best healthy low-carb snacks on the go meet the following standards:
- At the most basic level, these snacks must be very low in carbs. Considering that the keto diet limits carbs to just 50 grams per day, keto-friendly snacks usually have around 5 grams of net carbs or lower in each serving. To calculate net carbs, subtract the grams of fiber and sugar alcohols (if any) from the total carbs.
- Adequate fat and protein increase satiety in between meals. They promote weight loss by supporting nutritional ketosis and boosting your metabolism[*][*]. Make sure that these grab-and-go low-carb snacks have a high percentage of fat or protein.
- Snacks are always better when they’re homemade because you control which ingredients you use. For homemade snacks, pick the ones that are easy to make. Use the fewest possible ingredients to save time and effort!
- When it comes to store-bought snacks, check that it’s low in sugar (or better yet, zero sugar) and free from ingredients you’re sensitive to.
The Best Low-Carb Snack On-The-Go Ideas
This list is a good starting point for those of us who want to simplify keto snacking.
1. Hard-boiled eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are perfect for those who prefer snacks in their whole form. Store them in the fridge so they’ll last up to a week. Boil and peel them in large batches. Eggs give you a boost in protein while having only less than 1g of carbs per piece.
2. Cheese bites
Cheese is an excellent snack that’s rich in calcium. You can travel with slices of cheese in a durable container or bring one of Käze’s cheese bites! Our cheese bites come in resealable pouches for convenience.
3. Baby carrots
Baby carrots have a fair amount of carbs, around 8g per 100-gram serving[*]. Eat them with keto peanut butter for a plant-based afternoon snack.
4. Almonds
Need easy low-carb snacks on the go that require zero cooking or preparation? Have some almonds. Almonds contain monounsaturated fats, which reduce your heart disease risk[*].
5. Beef jerky
Beef jerky is a portable snack that’s high in protein. It’s an excellent option for busy moms and dads as well as fitness enthusiasts. Make beef jerky in advance. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. To impart a sweet flavor, use a monk fruit allulose blend.
6. Canned salmon
Canned salmon is high in omega-3 fats. It’s shelf-stable and tasty. When you’re not in the mood for sweet food, grab a can of salmon and enjoy it to your heart’s content.
7. Homemade keto cookies
SuperFat’s chocolate chip cookies are delicious sugar-free treats for you and your kids. But if you want a make-ahead-and-freeze keto cookie recipe, blend cashew butter, baking soda, eggs, vanilla extract, monk fruit keto sweetener, and chocolate chips.
8. Fat bombs
Fat bombs may be bite-sized, but they’re full of healthy fats that reduce hunger. For a quick, portable snack, make fat bombs using cream cheese, chopped low carb nuts, and unsweetened baking chocolate. This cheesy and chocolatey snack will help you survive a long workday.
9. Nut butter
Love nut butters for their taste and nutritional profile? RXBAR’s nut butters come in single-serve squeeze packs for a mess-free snacking experience. The vanilla almond butter flavor has 4g net carbs, 14g fat, and 9g protein.
10. Sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds are usually added to trail mix recipes, but you can eat them alone too. Seasoning and roasting sunflower seeds make them even more delicious.
11. Chicken sandwich
Wondering where to get keto bread for your sandwich? Try Julian Bakery. Wrap your sandwich in a paper towel and place it in a resealable bag.
12. Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, contain a substantial amount of fiber, healthy fats, and micronutrients — vitamin A, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
13. Berry avocado smoothie
Pack an immune-boosting smoothie for a busy day. Simply combine a keto-friendly collagen or whey protein powder, avocado slices, blueberries, and almond milk. Research shows that blueberries have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that maintain a healthy body[*].
14. Egg muffins
Here’s a tasty way to eat breakfast on the go. Egg muffins are a chock full of protein, fats, and other nutrients depending on the ingredients you add. A healthy egg mixture can include spinach, bacon, cheddar cheese, and chopped red peppers.
15. Walnuts
Walnuts taste earthy and slightly bitter. They’re a popular snack for business trips! Plus, they’re a perfect match for aged cheddar or Käze cheddar cheese bites.
16. Seaweed snacks
Yes, dried seaweed is keto-friendly. Adding seaweed snacks to your on the go food list helps with hunger reduction and weight management, thanks to their high fiber and low calorie content[*].
17. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate can certainly fit into a low-carb diet. The trick is to choose chocolate with a cocoa percentage of at least 70%. More cocoa means more antioxidants and lower amounts of sugar.
18. Pork rinds
Pork rinds are popular with keto dieters. They’re savory, completely carb-free, and provide 31g fat per 100-gram serving[*]. Eat them straight from the bag or use them as a crunchy salad topping.
19. Baked kale chips
Kale chips are also perfect to eat on the go. Kale Bros offers all-natural and surprisingly tasty kale chips in classic keto, choco keto, and nacho dynomite flavors.
20. Homemade protein bar
Protein bars can double up as meal replacements. How do you make keto-friendly protein bars? Use low-carb and high-fat ingredients, such as sugar-free almond butter, vanilla protein powder, sugar-free maple syrup, and sugar-free chocolate chips (melted).
21. Almond flour crackers
Almond flour crackers ensure healthy snacking for busy families. There are no added sugars and refined vegetable oils in these keto crackers. To make them, blend almond flour (from Barney Butter), ground flaxseed, sea salt, and water in a bowl. Form them into rectangular shapes on a baking sheet, then bake for 25 minutes.
22. Brazil nuts
One of the best nuts on keto, Brazil nuts contain only 4g net carbs in a 100-gram serving[*]. Eat them raw or add chopped Brazil nuts to your homemade keto trail mix.
23. Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt is versatile, you can use it as a substitute for sour cream if you’re bringing a crunchy keto snack — or top it with nuts and berries!
24. Cucumber salad
If you’re planning to bring a salad to work, you might as well avoid lettuce and spinach since they don’t hold up well. Cucumbers are sturdier. They also go well with feta cheese, tomatoes, and olives.
25. Bacon bits
Uncured, no-sugar bacon from Pederson’s Farms can be one of your best no-carb snacks on the go. It’s also gluten-free, soy-free, and Whole30-approved. Stack your bacon bits in a small airtight container and they’ll stay fresh and delicious for hours.
26. Steak bites
If you’re on a meat-based keto diet, travel with steak bites. Cut steak into small cubes, season them with salt and pepper and sear them in a cast iron pan. Eat them for a quick pick-me-up snack to fight those afternoon cravings.
27. Cottage cheese and berries
They say that cottage cheese is the new Greek yogurt. If you’re going on a road trip and you’re bringing a cooler, pack some cottage cheese with a handful of berries for an antioxidant boost.
28. Turkey and cheese roll-ups
This can be a travel or after-school snack for your kids. You’ll need the following ingredients: a low-carb tortilla wrap or lettuce leaves, roasted turkey, cream cheese, and keto veggies.
29. Celery sticks with cream cheese
Here’s a low-calorie and keto-friendly snack. Celery is known to reduce blood sugar and blood pressure[*]. Wash and cut celery stalks, then fill them with cream cheese.
30. Pepperoni
Pepperoni is a satisfying snack with zero carbs per piece[*]. It also contains a healthy combination of fat, protein, and vitamins. Just because it’s a popular pizza topping, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it as a standalone keto snack.
Stay On The Go With These Grab and Go Low Carb Snacks
Deal with hunger between meals with any of these snacks no matter where you’re going. Many snacks can be loaded with carbs, which is why you should choose wisely! The best ones work with your lifestyle. Above all, they promote optimal health.
For more low-carb snacks, check out our article about the best keto salty snacks, best keto movie snacks, best keto snacks while traveling, and best late night keto snacks.
