33 Easy and Delicious Low-Calorie Snacks (2024)

Go for air-popped kernels or even a microwaveable variety, as it makes for a great guilt-free snack, says Megan Madden, a registered dietitian in New York City. When shopping for microwave popcorn, look for brands lower in saturated fat and sodium, she says. Depending on the brand, you can usually enjoy two cups for under 150 calories — just don't overload on the butter, of course.

Store-bought granola bars don't usually contain much protein, which means you'll be hungry again in about, oh, 10 minutes. But these egg white-based bars contain a whopping 12 g. of protein — that's about as much as a serving of Greek yogurt.

With only 30 calories and 2.5 grams of fat per serving, Annie Chun's Sesame Roasted Seaweed snacks are a healthy (and tasty) alternative to chips, says Batayneh. Free of preservatives, they're also a great source of nutrients, so you won't feel guilty after eating a lot of them.

Turn the traditional brown-bag favorite into a calorie-safe snack by making it on one-half of a sandwich thin with two teaspoons of peanut butter and one teaspoon of jelly, then folding it in half, recommends Lauren O'Connor, R.D. at Nutri-Savvy in Los Angeles. "It's a 140-calorie snack that offers enough protein and fiber to satisfy and provides a heart-healthy source of monounsaturated fat without a ton of sugar."

Oatmeal isn't just for breakfast — it also makes the perfect snack in between meals. Top a 1/2 cup of cooked oats with one teaspoon of honey and 1/4 cup of blueberries for an antioxidant-rich treat. For only 140 calories, the four grams of fiber in this heart-healthy snack will help hold you over until your next meal, says O'Connor. And if you want some for breakfast, there's always the overnight variety for a hearty meal on the run.

These bite-size fruit-and-nut clusters are tasty and convenient. Bonus: Dried plums (a.k.a. prunes) are great for your gut and your bones.

Try Batayneh's easy recipe for a graham "dippers" for a sweet, yet filling, snack. Spread 1/4 cup of low-fat ricotta cheese on top of one graham cracker and sprinkle with cinnamon. With only 115 calories and 4 grams of fat, this snack has 8 grams of protein to help you stay fuller, longer.

Afternoon energy slump got you down? Then try the energizing combo of a magnesium- and potassium-rich banana with antioxidant-rich dark chocolate, says O'Connor. One half-ounce square and a small (6" or less) banana hits the sweet spot for only 140 calories and 5 grams of fat.

Depending on what brand of cracker or chip you use (O'Connor likes Beanfield's Rice & Bean Chips for their high fiber count), you can top five crackers each with a thin slice of avocado (or a dollop of guac) for just 150 calories. Avocados are another great source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, O'Connor says, and their fiber and fat content help curb hunger pangs.

Slice up a cucumber and spread the slices with three tablespoons of cream cheese. "Cucumbers are the way to go if you are craving cheese," says O'Connor. "Rich in water and low in calories, the delicate crunch and subtle flavor is a nice balance for the rich, tanginess of the cheese."

For a snack that's easy to make right out of the pantry, try this simple recipe: Rinse a can of chickpeas and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Spread the rinsed chickpeas out on a cookie sheet and sprinkle with seasoned salt and or smoked paprika, then bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, or until toasty. One two-ounce serving is only 107 calories, full of flavor, and contains satisfying fiber and protein.

Stressed at work? Roll up these easy-to-make turkey wraps for a snack that's rich in the anxiety-reducing amino acid tryptophan: Wrap two ounces of thin turkey slices and one thin slice of provolone cheese with a large romaine lettuce leaf. It's a protein-rich snack that tastes great and can help calm your nerves. O'Connor suggests using reduced sodium turkey slices to keep your sodium intake low.

Swap your bowl for a cup of non-fat Greek yogurt, topped with one teaspoon of honey and half a cup of strawberries for a creamy, low-fat, high-fiber treat that's only 140 calories and chock-full of protein. "This snack gives you way more bang for your caloric buck than ice cream ever could," says O'Connor.

You can still have cereal, so long as you pick the right one, says O'Connor. Pouring a cup of Kix and topping it with 1/2 cup of skim milk is a safe bet thanks to its low sugar, fat, and calorie count. "Plus, the generous portion will provide you with a good combination of fiber and protein to keep you satisfied."

Whip up this easy egg pizza in 10 minutes. Scramble an egg, mix with one tablespoon of tomato bruschetta, and top with three tablespoons of mozzarella cheese. Cook until done in center, use a spatula to loosen the edges, and slide onto a serving plate. Instead of processed ingredients and tons of calories, this version only has 150 cals and sneaks in protein, vitamin D and eye-healthy antioxidants like lutein, zeazanthan and lycopene, says O'Connor.