The Best Keto-Friendly Snacks

HighKey Low Carb Cookies

"C" is for cookie

You won't miss those childhood chocolate chip cookies after tasting these.

Best Sweet Snack

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When craving a sweet treat, we tend to think of the classics, and there’s possibly nothing that fits the bill quite like the chocolate chip cookie. Traditional desserts are a big no-no when adhering to the keto diet, but these bite-sized pieces from HighKey will perfectly satisfy that sweet tooth. These grain-free confections do not contain anything artificial and boast simple natural ingredients such as almond flour, monk fruit, and coconut oil. They even contain a bit of collagen, which has loads of potential health benefits, including improving joint pain and slowing signs of aging. Honestly, we’re sure even the Cookie Monster himself would love these tiny treats.

Pros:

• Available in three different flavors
• Consistency is comparable to that of a regular cookie — not powdery or crumbly

Con:

• Price point is higher than other similar products, but so is the quality

Tillamook Original Smoked Sausages

Here's the beef

Check out these little sausages for a delightfully smokey snack.

Best Savory Snack

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A mainstay of the keto diet is meat consumption, but it’s not exactly feasible to cook a steak in your car or at your office. With Tillamook’s little jerky sticks, though, you’ll still be able to get your protein fix on the go — no cooking required. Tillamook takes genuine, superior cuts of beef and pork and uses a real smoker to infuse flavor into the product. This jerky is also seasoned with the company’s proprietary blend of spices to ensure that every bite is delicious and satisfying while keeping you satiated and energized. Lastly, not only do these contain zero carbs and sugars, but they also boast 9 grams of protein per serving.

Pros:

• Similar in both taste and texture to traditional beef jerky without being as oily
• All products are made at Tillamook’s Portland facility and are minimally processed

Con:

• For those trying to avoid salt, these are not nitrate-free

Genius Gourmet Protein Barbecue Keto Chips

A chip off the old block

These satisfying chips are a tasty substitute for cheap, artificially flavored options.

Best Crunchy Snack

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Chips are the perfect, crispy, crunchy snack — but you don’t need us to tell you that. The thing is, the majority of conventional chips are full of things that would give anyone actually reading the ingredients second thoughts. These, however, are made from a blend of several proteins, plus ingredients you recognize — think onions, garlic, and tomato, to name a few. These single-serving sized bags are also an excellent option for when you need to stay full on those long days. They’re easy to store in a car or tote and have 8 grams of protein to ensure you won’t lose steam no matter how busy you happen to be.

Pros:

• Available in four different flavors
• Consistency stays crispy so that these can easily be used in salsa or for nachos without becoming soggy

Con:

• May have a bit of an aftertaste

FBOMB Macadamia Nut Butter Packets With Salted Chocolate

Sometimes you feel like a nut

If you're ready to ditch the processed spreads, opt for this healthier choice.

Best On-The-Go Snack

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Is there any combo better than the saltiness of nuts coupled with the sweetness of chocolate? We’d have to go with no. However, most candy on the market that utilizes this duo of flavors is completely packed with sugar and uses highly processed ingredients. These little packets of creamy macadamia nut butter and smooth dark chocolate offer an easy, on-the-go way to get a delicious little burst of flavor, as well as protein, with next to no sugar whatsoever. Another great thing about this snack is that not only can you eat it directly out of the package, but it also works great as a spread on apples or celery if you’re looking for a not-so-sweet bite.

Pros:

• Friendly to not only keto diets, but also suitable for those who are vegetarian or paleo
• Created by a husband & wife team, so by purchasing this brand, you’re also supporting a small, growing business
• Available in six varieties

Con:

• Can become oily, and the packet must be “kneaded” before opening

Quest Nutrition Blueberry Muffin Bar

More than a muffin

These convenient bars are a fantastic replacement for sugary coffee shop pastries.

Best Snack Bar

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Savoring a warm blueberry muffin with your tea or coffee can be a delightful way to begin your day — but also a sugar-filled one. With these breakfast bars, you can keep the taste but ditch all the unhealthy carbs and sugars. Not only does this bar contain 21 grams of protein and provide nine vital amino acids, but it’s also fortified with 15 grams of fiber. For a warm breakfast, you can give these a quick zap in the microwave, or, if you’re feeling especially ambitious, these can even be used to cook with, and there are plenty of interesting recipes on the Quest website to help you do just that.

Pros:

• The wide flavor variety allows these to be eaten not only for breakfast, but also as a satisfying late-night treat
• Gives you a full feeling that lasts, so you won’t be tempted to snack throughout the day

Con:

• The texture is on the chewy side, and we know that might not float some folks’ boats

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to “eat keto”?
The term “keto” is short for ketosis, which is when your body enters a state in which it is burning fat, rather than carbohydrates, for fuel and energy. By virtually eliminating carbs and sugar and upping your intake of protein and good fats, you push your body into a ketogenic state. Those who follow this regimen do have to be fairly diligent about what they eat, as the diet can be quite restrictive. In addition to sugar and carbs, other foods that are not allowed include legumes, root vegetables, starches, and fruit.

What are the health advantages of adhering to a keto diet?
Though results will differ from person to person, there have been many proven positive benefits of eating keto besides the obvious desired result of weight loss. Due to the low intake of sugar, some may be able to lessen their risk for diseases like diabetes. Additionally, those in danger of developing heart disease may want to give this diet a try since it may help control risk factors such as blood pressure and high cholesterol. Your levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL) may also increase, and some have even seen an improvement in their skin with fewer breakouts.