15 Best Low Calorie, Healthy Snacks: Delicious & Guilt-Free Options

Our brain automatically connects snacking to foods that are not very healthy like chips, and oily foods. This however need not be the case if one chooses to. Is there anything like healthy snacking? Yes, of course. From our humble roasted makhana or foxnuts to hummus and veggie sticks, snacking can be made tasty, interesting while also being healthy. Let’s look at what healthy snacking can mean for you and what are some low-calorie options for you to try at home.

Understanding Low Calorie Snacks

Low-calorie snacks are those that are under 150-200 calories per serving, offering a guilt-free way to satisfy cravings. These snacks are often nutrient-dense, meaning they provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber without excess calories.

What Makes a Snack Low-Calorie?

A low-calorie snack typically contains:

• Minimal fat and sugar: It has fewer added sugars and unhealthy fats.
• High fiber and protein: These nutrients help curb hunger and keep you full for longer.
• Whole food ingredients: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts are common in these snacks, offering nutritional benefits without adding calories.

Benefits of Low-Calorie Snacks

1. Weight Management: Helps prevent overeating at meals by curbing hunger with fewer calories.
2. Sustained Energy: Provides long-lasting energy without blood sugar spikes and crashes.
3. Nutrient-Rich: Many low-calorie snacks are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, supporting overall health.

Top 15 Best Low Calorie Snack Ideas

Here are 15 delicious low-calorie snacks to satisfy your cravings without the guilt:

1. Roasted Makhana (Fox Nuts)

1. Calories: ~50 per cup.
2. Why It’s Healthy: High in protein and low in fat, makhana is light yet satisfying.

 

2. Sprout Salad

1. Calories: ~100–120 per cup.
2. Why It’s Healthy: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this is a filling snack with minimal calories.

3. Steamed Dhokla

1. Calories: ~120 per serving (2 pieces).
2. Why It’s Healthy: Made from fermented gram flour, it’s light, fluffy, and good for digestion.

4. Cucumber Raita

1. Calories: ~60–80 per serving.
2. Why It’s Healthy: A cooling snack with yogurt’s probiotics and cucumber’s hydration benefits.

5. Masala Buttermilk (Chaas)

1. Calories: ~50 per glass.
2. Why It’s Healthy: Refreshing, low-calorie, and aids digestion.

6. Baked Sweet Potato Chaat

1. Calories: ~100 per serving.
2. Why It’s Healthy: High in fiber and naturally sweet, with added spices for flavor.

7. Roasted Chana (Chickpeas)

1. Calories: ~100 per 1/4 cup.
2. Why It’s Healthy: Protein-rich and low-calorie, it keeps hunger at bay.

8. Vegetable Upma

1. Calories: ~120 per small serving.
2. Why It’s Healthy: Made with semolina and loaded with veggies, it's a balanced, low-calorie option.
   

Check our ultra healthy and delicious little millet upma recipe here.

 

9. Veggie Sticks with Hummus

1. Calories: ~100 per serving (2 tbsp hummus + veggies).
2. Why It’s Healthy: Combines fiber and protein for sustained energy.

10. Greek Yogurt with Berries

1. Calories: ~120 per serving.
2. Why It’s Healthy: High in protein and antioxidants for a sweet yet guilt-free treat.

 

11. Air-Popped Popcorn

1. Calories: ~30 per cup.
2. Why It’s Healthy: A light, crunchy snack that’s high in fiber.

12. Frozen Grapes

1. Calories: ~60 per cup.
2. Why It’s Healthy: Naturally sweet, hydrating, and perfect for a quick refreshment.

13. Rice Cakes with Avocado

1. Calories: ~100 per cake with toppings.
2. Why It’s Healthy: Low-calorie yet filling, with healthy fats from avocado.

14. Hard-Boiled Eggs

1. Calories: ~70 per egg.
2. Why It’s Healthy: High in protein and essential nutrients for muscle and brain health.

15. Edamame (Steamed Soybeans)

1. Calories: ~120 per cup (unshelled).
2. Why It’s Healthy: Packed with plant-based protein and fiber.

These low-calorie snack ideas are not only healthy but also delicious, providing a wide variety of nutrients to keep you energized and satisfied throughout the day.

How to Choose the Right Low Calorie Snack

Look for Nutrient-Rich Options

For it to be healthy snacking, the food should not just be low in calories but also rich in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fibers, or protein which will keep you energized and full for long. For instance, greek yogurt with berries is a snack high in protein and antioxidants.

Prioritize Protein and Fiber

Protein and fiber are both known for their ability to keep you feeling fuller for longer, preventing overeating. Low-calorie snacks like hard-boiled eggs or edamame are high in protein, while whole-grain rice cakes with avocado offer fiber and healthy fats.

Minimize Added Sugar

If you are craving for something sweet, look for snacks that are naturally rich in sugars like fruits, rather than processed sugar-based products. If it cannot be avoided, opt for processed foods with minimal sugar. For example, go for 70% dark chocolate if you feel like having a chocolate.

Watch Serving Sizes

Even healthy snacks can become calorie-dense if portion sizes aren’t controlled. For example, while nuts like almonds offer healthy fats, they are also calorie-rich, so portion control is essential. A small handful of dark chocolate-covered almonds can satisfy a craving without packing on extra calories.

Go for Whole Foods

Another trick in the book is to eat whole foods which ensures you are getting all the nutrients the product has to offer like the fibre and antioxidants.  Whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are naturally lower in calories and packed with nutrients. A serving of air-popped popcorn or homemade chickpea salad provides a healthy snack option that’s both filling and nutritious.

 

Incorporate Healthy Fats

Another aspect is to understand that there are good and bad fats and that one need not avoid fats entirely in the name of health. Did you know that nuts, and avocado have healthy fats that keep you full for a long time?

Next time try rice cakes with avocado or apple slices with peanut butter provide a good balance of fats and fiber.

Consider Your Hunger Levels

Choose snacks based on how hungry you are. If you're looking for a light snack, go for something like frozen grapes or a small bowl of air-popped popcorn. If you're feeling hungrier, consider something more filling, such as cottage cheese with pineapple or a protein smoothie.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some low-calorie snacks that are filling?

Filling low-calorie snacks often combine protein, fiber, and healthy fats. In an Indian context, you can try:

• Roasted chana (gram): A high-protein, fiber-rich snack.
• Steamed dhokla: A light and healthy fermented snack.
• Sprout salad: Mix sprouted moong dal with chopped veggies and a dash of lime.
• Masala buttermilk: Low in calories and great for digestion.
• Cucumber or carrot sticks with mint yogurt dip.

Other options include international choices like air-popped popcorn, Greek yogurt with berries, or hard-boiled eggs.

Are low-calorie snacks good for weight loss?

Yes! Low-calorie snacks can help control hunger and reduce overall calorie intake. When snacks are rich in nutrients like protein and fiber, they promote satiety, which prevents overeating at mealtime. For weight loss, focus on snacks like roasted makhana (fox nuts), fruits like watermelon or papaya, or baked multigrain crackers.

What are the best low-calorie snacks to buy?

Here are some great options to buy, including Indian choices:

• Packaged roasted chickpeas or peanuts.
• Makhana in flavors like pudina or masala.
• Ready-to-eat sprout mixes.
• Protein bars with clean ingredients (look for options with minimal sugar).
• Idli podi packets for a quick healthy seasoning with rice cakes or idlis.
• Fresh fruit packs, like guava or apple slices.

 

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