What are some snacks you can eat on keto? A Comprehensive Guide

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

The ketogenic diet, by definition, involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat, typically limiting carbs to 20-50 grams per day. A common challenge is finding satisfying, compliant options between meals, but there are plenty of delicious and simple options for what are some snacks you can eat on keto.

Quick Summary

This guide explores a wide variety of savory and sweet keto-friendly snacks, from easy, ready-to-eat items to simple homemade recipes. It details healthy, high-fat options like nuts, cheese, and meats, along with preparation tips to help you stay on track.

Key Points

Prioritize Healthy Fats: Opt for snacks rich in healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and cheeses to promote satiety and provide energy.
Prepare in Advance: Save time and prevent off-plan snacking by batch-prepping simple snacks like hard-boiled eggs and portioning out nuts for the week.
Read Labels Carefully: Always check ingredient lists and nutritional information for packaged snacks to avoid hidden sugars and excess carbs.
Balance Savory and Sweet: Plan for both savory options like meat roll-ups and sweet treats like dark chocolate to satisfy all types of cravings.
Use Whole Foods: Prioritize whole, unprocessed foods like vegetables, nuts, and cheeses for the best nutrient profile and to maintain ketosis.
Stay Hydrated: Sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Your Guide to Delicious and Satisfying Keto Snacks

Sticking to a ketogenic diet requires a shift in your mindset about what constitutes a snack. On a standard diet, you might grab a piece of fruit or a cracker, but keto requires thinking in terms of high-fat, moderate-protein, and very low-carb options. The good news is that this opens the door to a world of satisfying and flavorful snack choices that will keep you full and energized throughout the day.

Effortless, Ready-to-Eat Keto Snacks

For those busy days when you need a quick grab-and-go option, the market is full of ready-made keto-friendly snacks. Remember to always read the label to avoid hidden sugars and carbs.

Cheese Crisps (Whisps): These are crunchy, satisfying, and made from 100% cheese. They come in various flavors and provide a great alternative to chips.
Beef Jerky or Meat Sticks: Opt for brands with no added sugar or marinades. These are packed with protein and perfect for on-the-go snacking.
Pork Rinds: A zero-carb, crunchy, and savory snack that pairs well with dips like guacamole.
Olives: Packed in snack-sized packs, olives are rich in healthy fats and a great option for a quick bite.
Pre-portioned Nuts and Seeds: Macadamia nuts, pecans, and almonds are excellent choices. Buy pre-packaged portions to help with calorie control, as nuts are very calorie-dense.

Simple Homemade Keto Snacks

Making your own snacks is often more cost-effective and gives you complete control over ingredients. These options require minimal preparation.

Hard-Boiled Eggs: A classic for a reason. Boil a batch of eggs for a week of easy, protein-packed snacks. Enjoy them with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, or paprika.
Deli Meat and Cheese Roll-ups: Roll a slice of your favorite low-carb deli meat around a piece of cheese. For added flavor, you can spread a thin layer of cream cheese inside.
Celery Sticks with Nut Butter or Cream Cheese: A simple, crunchy, and creamy snack. Use natural nut butter without added sugar or full-fat cream cheese.
Avocado with Salt and Spices: Half an avocado seasoned with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes is a super-easy and nutrient-dense snack full of healthy fats and potassium.
Cucumber Bites with Smoked Salmon: Slice cucumbers into rounds and top with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and fresh dill for a refreshing and elegant snack.

Sweet Keto Treats

Don't let a sweet tooth derail your progress. There are several keto-friendly ways to indulge.

Berries with Sugar-Free Whipped Cream: A small portion of raspberries or blackberries with homemade, sugar-free whipped cream provides a fruity treat.
Dark Chocolate (70% or higher): A small square of high-cocoa dark chocolate can satisfy a craving. Check the label for carb count, as it varies.
Chocolate Avocado Pudding: Blend avocado with cocoa powder and a keto-friendly sweetener for a rich, creamy pudding.
Keto Fat Bombs: These are small, high-fat treats often made with a base of coconut oil, nut butter, and cocoa powder. They're designed to provide a quick boost of energy and help you meet your fat macros.

Comparison of Homemade vs. Store-Bought Keto Snacks


Feature	Homemade Keto Snacks	Store-Bought Keto Snacks
Cost	Generally more affordable	Can be expensive, especially specialty brands
Ingredients	Complete control over ingredients, quality, and additives	Must carefully read labels to avoid hidden carbs and sugars
Convenience	Requires some prep time, but can be made in batches	Grab-and-go convenience for busy schedules
Variety	Unlimited recipe possibilities, from simple to complex	Variety is dependent on brand availability and product offerings
Taste	Fresh, personalized taste, allowing for adjustment of seasonings	Can be inconsistent; some brands are better than others

Making Keto Snacking Work for You

Success on the keto diet, especially with snacking, depends on planning and smart choices. Preparing snacks in advance, like chopping vegetables or boiling eggs, can prevent impulsive, high-carb decisions. While store-bought options are convenient, incorporating fresh, whole foods like nuts, seeds, and low-carb vegetables is ideal for balancing your nutrient intake.

Remember to stay hydrated, as thirst is sometimes mistaken for hunger. Consider having a cup of herbal tea or sparkling water to see if that helps before reaching for a snack. The key is to listen to your body and choose a snack that aligns with your macros, helping you feel satisfied and energized.

Conclusion

Following a keto lifestyle doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or feeling deprived. By being strategic with your snacking, you can enjoy a wide array of delicious and satisfying options. From simple hard-boiled eggs and avocado to gourmet cheese crisps and homemade fat bombs, there are countless ways to beat hunger pangs while staying in ketosis. Experiment with different homemade recipes and be a savvy label-reader for packaged snacks to find your perfect balance. The right keto snack can be the key to staying on track and enjoying your journey.

For more keto recipes and general information, you can check out resources like Diet Doctor, which offers a wealth of helpful content for those following a low-carb lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

While many nuts are keto-friendly, not all are created equal. Low-carb nuts like macadamia nuts, pecans, and Brazil nuts are best, while cashews are higher in carbs and should be consumed sparingly.

Most fruits are too high in sugar for a strict keto diet. However, small portions of berries, such as raspberries and strawberries, are acceptable in moderation due to their lower carb and higher fiber content.

Hard-boiled eggs, cheese sticks, pre-packaged olives, beef jerky (with no added sugar), and small portions of nuts or seeds are excellent and easy grab-and-go options.

You can satisfy a sweet craving with options like a small amount of dark chocolate (70% or higher), a few berries with sugar-free whipped cream, or a homemade fat bomb.

No, fat bombs are not necessary, but they can be a helpful tool for some. They are used to quickly boost your fat intake and can be especially useful for those struggling to meet their daily fat macros.

Look for jerky and meat sticks that have no added sugar. Many commercial brands use high-sugar marinades, so always check the nutritional label before purchasing.

To make cheese crisps, simply place small piles of shredded or sliced cheese on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy.