What are good snacks with no carbs? A Comprehensive Guide

November 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Healthline, animal proteins like meat, eggs, and seafood have virtually no carbohydrates, making them ideal zero-carb snack choices. For those seeking to manage weight, maintain a ketogenic diet, or simply reduce sugar intake, knowing what are good snacks with no carbs is essential for sustainable and healthy eating.

Quick Summary

Explore numerous zero and low-carb options like hard-boiled eggs, cheese crisps, and meat roll-ups. Learn how to prepare satisfying, protein-rich snacks that align with a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle for better energy management and sustained fullness.

Key Points

Eggs are a Zero-Carb Staple: Hard-boiled or deviled eggs offer a protein-rich, zero-carb snack that is easy to prepare and highly portable.
Cheese Crisps are Crunchy: For a satisfyingly crunchy, savory, and zero-carb alternative to chips, bake small mounds of shredded cheese on parchment paper until golden.
Deli Meat Roll-Ups are Convenient: Rolling up cheese slices and deli meats like ham or turkey provides a quick, protein-rich, and easy-to-assemble snack.
Embrace Healthy Fats: Snacks like olives and avocado slices with a sprinkle of salt are high in healthy fats, keeping you feeling full and energized without carbs.
Always Check Labels: When buying pre-packaged items like beef jerky or cured meats, verify the nutritional information to ensure no added sugars or carbohydrates are included.
Pork Rinds are a Go-To: Plain pork rinds (chicharrones) are a crispy, savory, and zero-carb snack perfect for satisfying crunchy cravings.
Low-Carb Veggies Add Crunch: Pair celery, cucumber, or bell pepper sticks with cream cheese or guacamole to add fiber, nutrients, and crunch to your snack.

For anyone following a low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet, the midday hunger pangs can be a challenge. Cravings for crunchy, salty, or savory foods often lead people back to carb-heavy options. However, a wide variety of delicious and satisfying snacks contain zero or minimal carbs to keep you on track. By focusing on proteins, healthy fats, and non-starchy vegetables, you can create a diverse and flavorful snacking routine that supports your health goals without the dreaded carb crash.

High-Protein, Zero-Carb Snacking

Protein is a powerhouse macronutrient that promotes satiety and provides sustained energy. Many animal and marine products offer excellent zero-carb snack options that are both convenient and filling. Hard-boiled eggs are a staple, containing approximately 6 grams of protein and virtually no carbs per egg. They can be prepared in advance for a quick grab-and-go snack. For a more flavorful twist, deviled eggs made with mayonnaise and a sprinkle of paprika are a classic choice. Deli meats, such as turkey or ham, can be rolled up with cheese slices for a simple, savory bite. Similarly, high-quality, sugar-free beef jerky or biltong provides a chewy, protein-packed option, though it is crucial to check labels for hidden sugars. Fatty fish like canned tuna or salmon, mixed with a little mayonnaise, makes for a simple salad that can be eaten on its own or scooped with zero-carb alternatives like celery.

Dairy-Based No-Carb Options

For those who tolerate dairy, several cheese-based options are perfect for a low-carb diet. Most hard and semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar, provolone, and parmesan, contain minimal carbohydrates. They can be sliced, cubed, or enjoyed in stick form for an easy, protein and fat-rich snack. A popular and satisfying DIY snack is homemade cheese crisps. Simply bake small piles of shredded or sliced cheese on parchment paper until golden and crispy. These can be seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, or everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor. For a creamier option, a small block of cream cheese or brie pairs well with low-carb vegetables like celery or cucumber slices. Full-fat cottage cheese or plain Greek yogurt also contains healthy fat and protein, though it's important to monitor portion sizes as they contain trace amounts of carbs.

Creative & Crunchy Low-Carb Alternatives

Sometimes, the craving for a crunchy snack is the hardest to satisfy on a no-carb diet. Thankfully, several options exist beyond traditional crackers or chips.

Pork Rinds: Also known as chicharrones, plain pork rinds are a zero-carb snack that delivers a satisfying crunch and can be used for dipping.
Kale Chips: Homemade kale chips, baked with a little olive oil and salt, provide a crispy, nutrient-dense alternative to potato chips.
Parmesan Crisps: Similar to cheese crisps, baking shredded parmesan creates light, flavorful crisps that are perfect for snacking or topping salads.
Pickles: Sugar-free dill pickles offer a tangy, crunchy, and hydrating snack with virtually no carbs.

Simple Vegetable-Based Low-Carb Snacks

While some vegetables contain carbohydrates, many are very low in net carbs and can be enjoyed as snacks, especially when paired with healthy fats. Fresh vegetable sticks are a great place to start.

Celery Sticks: Fill celery with cream cheese or nut butter (in moderation) for added protein and fat.
Cucumber Slices: Top cucumber slices with a dollop of cream cheese and everything bagel seasoning for a refreshing and savory bite.
Bell Pepper Strips: Bell peppers in various colors offer a sweet crunch and can be dipped in a simple guacamole or cheese dip.
Olives: Olives are rich in healthy fats and add a briny flavor, making them a great zero-carb option.
Avocado: Sliced avocado with a sprinkle of salt is a creamy, satisfying, and high-fat snack.

DIY No-Carb Snack Recipes

Making your own snacks allows for full control over ingredients and carb count. Here are a couple of simple recipes:

Keto Cheese Crisps

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place tablespoon-sized piles of shredded cheddar, parmesan, or provolone cheese onto the sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Let cool completely on the pan to crisp up before serving.

Spicy Keto Deviled Eggs

Hard-boil and peel your eggs.
Slice eggs in half and scoop out the yolks into a bowl.
Mash the yolks with mayonnaise, a little Dijon mustard, and a splash of hot sauce.
Spoon the mixture back into the egg white halves.
Garnish with paprika or fresh herbs.

Comparison Table: Protein-Based vs. Dairy-Based Snacks


Feature	Protein-Based Snacks	Dairy-Based Snacks
Examples	Beef jerky, hard-boiled eggs, canned salmon	Cheese sticks, cheese crisps, cream cheese
Primary Macro	High Protein	High Fat & Protein
Taste Profile	Savory, salty, meaty	Savory, creamy, salty
Preparation	Mostly ready-to-eat (jerky, deli meat) or simple cooking (eggs)	Mostly ready-to-eat, but can be made from scratch (cheese crisps)
Best For	On-the-go fuel, post-workout recovery	Satisfying creamy or crunchy cravings
Key Nutrients	B vitamins, iron, omega-3s (from fish)	Calcium, vitamin D, CLA

Quick Grab-and-Go Options

When time is short, having a list of truly zero-prep, no-carb snacks is invaluable. These items can be kept in a fridge or bag for emergencies.

Hard-boiled eggs
Cheese sticks or cubes
Salami or pepperoni slices
Jar of olives
Sugar-free beef jerky
Pork rinds
Seaweed snacks (check label for sugar)

Conclusion

Navigating a no-carb or low-carb lifestyle doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or convenience. The wealth of options available, from high-protein meats and eggs to fatty cheeses and crunchy vegetable alternatives, means you can always find a satisfying snack. By preparing some items in advance, such as deviled eggs or cheese crisps, and keeping convenient staples on hand, you can effectively manage hunger and stay on track with your nutritional goals. Experiment with different combinations and seasonings to discover your favorite no-carb snacks. For more guidance on low-carb eating, consider reading authoritative articles on the subject from sources like Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Harder cheeses like cheddar, provolone, and parmesan are excellent choices for zero-carb snacks. As a general rule, the more aged the cheese, the lower its carbohydrate content tends to be.

No, many commercial jerky brands contain added sugars and marinades that increase the carb count. It is crucial to read the nutritional label and choose options specifically marked as sugar-free or zero-carb.

Some nuts and seeds are very low in net carbs and can be enjoyed in moderation. Macadamia nuts, pecans, and sunflower seeds are good options, but portion control is essential, and labels should be checked.

You can make zero-carb cheese crisps by baking small piles of shredded cheese on parchment paper until they are golden brown and crunchy. Another option is baking kale leaves with olive oil and salt.

Vegetarian options include cheese crisps, hard-boiled eggs, plain tofu cubes (baked and seasoned), olives, celery with cream cheese, and seaweed snacks.

Yes, eggs are a very healthy and affordable zero-carb snack. A single large hard-boiled egg contains 6 grams of protein, healthy fats, and numerous vitamins and minerals.

When choosing packaged snacks, look for products with '0g Total Carbohydrates' listed on the nutrition facts panel. Also, scan the ingredients list for hidden sugars, starches, or flours, which can increase the carb count.

Canned or smoked fish like salmon and tuna are excellent no-carb snack options. They can be mixed with mayonnaise and spices to create a quick, satisfying salad.