Zero Carb Snacks (No Carbs)

Cutting carbs doesn’t have to mean cutting out snacks. In fact, having quick, satisfying, and flavorful zero carb snacks on hand can make it much easier to stick to your low carb or keto lifestyle. Whether you need something to tide you over between meals, a boost of protein after a workout, or a simple nibble while watching TV, these snacks deliver all the taste without the carbs.

Keep in mind that even though these items have zero carbs frequent snacking can stall your weight loss. Snacks are just that…..a snack. If you are eating amounts that turn into a meal then you are likely to see your weight loss stall and may even begin to regain weight.

Here’s a list of go-to zero-carb snacks that are easy to prepare, delicious, and perfect for keeping your goals on track.

PEPPERONI:

Eat as they are out of the package. You can also bake them in the oven until they are crispy and chip like in texture. Bake them in a single layer on a cookie sheet in the oven set at 350 degrees for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll want to use a napkin to pat all the excess oil off of the pepperoni chips.

Don’t want to use the oven to make pepperoni chips? Try laying them on a napkin and microwave in 30 to 60 second intervals until they become crisp.

SALAMI:

Similar to pepperoni you can create salami chips by following the same directions above. Remember that while these types of meat have no or next to no carbs that they are calorie dense so limit the amount you snack on each day.

JERKY:

Jerky is packed with protein and makes a delicious snack. Check the labels as some brands and flavors of jerky has a surprising amount of sugar in each serving. I often find that the teriyaki flavors often have lots of sugar.

Jack Link’s Zero Sugar Beef Jerky

Tillamook Zero Sugar Beef Jerky

Stryve Biltong

People’s Choice

Remember to check the serving size no matter which brand you choose. Some jerky is sold in what looks to be a single serving size. When you check the label you might be surprised to find that there are actually several servings in the package. While it may contain no carbs you will still want to snack in moderation. Some zero carb brands of jerky include:

PORK RINDS:

Pork rinds are lower in protein and carbs and higher in fat. Fat helps to slow down digest and, in combination with the protein, they keep you feeling full longer. Their crunchy texture also helps to satisfy your cravings for crispy things such as chips, popcorn and crackers. Check the nutrition label and choose pork rinds that don’t have added carbs from flavorings.

PROSCIUTTO WRAPPED MOZZARELLA STICKS:

Meat wrapped mozzarella sticks are a savory, salty and satisfying snack. While the mozzarella sticks are often shown as zero carbs on the packaging they actually have a small amount of carbs (about 0.5 to 0.6 grams of carbs each). Snacking on many of these throughout the day will lead to eating more carbs (as well as calories) then you expect. Limit your consumption especially if you stall in your weight loss.

CUCUMBER SLICES WITH CREAM CHEESE:

Eating a small amount of cucumber slices can meet the criteria for a zero carb snack. A half cup of sliced cucumbers will have a net carb amount of just under 1. Similar to a mozzarella stick as noted above. Spread a small amount of cream cheese on top of these slices, sprinkle with a bit of Everything But The Bagel seasoning and you will have a delicious snack that is close to zero carbs.

Try topping your slices with a small amount of smoked salmon for a filling snack.

CELERY STICK WITH CREAM CHEESE:

The carbs in celery is about 1.2 grams for a medium sized stalk (about 8 inches long). If you subtract the fiber (about 0.6 grams) then you come up with a snack that is less than 1 gram of carbs. Keep this in mind when snacking and limit your serving size.

DELI MEAT:

A couple of slices of your favorite deli meat can hit the spot when you are starting to get hungry. Roll up a couple of slices of your favorite meat and enjoy. As always, check the nutrition label as some deli meats such as honey ham have added sugars. Surprisingly you will also find additional carbs in meat such as smoked turkey or chicken. The added sugar comes from the smokey flavoring.

CHEESE CRISPS OR CHEESE CHIPS:

Made with cheese as the only ingredient these “chips” are crispy and delicious. While you can purchase store bought cheese crisps these are easy enough to make at home. Use your favorite sliced cheese or even shredded cheese to make homemade crisps. Check out this recipe here for Keto Cheese Crisps for step by step directions to make your own.

HARD BOILED EGGS / EGG SALAD:

Hard boiled eggs are nutritious and make a great next to zero carb snack. Keep some in your refrigerator and grab one whenever you need a quick snack on the go. Toss a little salt and pepper or other seasonings on top for some added flavor. You can also make some keto deviled eggs for snacking. Even those not on the keto diet love deviled eggs. Don’t want to be bothered making deviled eggs? How about making egg salad instead? 

SHRIMP WITH LOW CARB COCKTAIL SAUCE:

High protein shrimp paired with a bit of keto/sugar free cocktail sauce makes a delicious snack when you need something to hold you over until your next meal.

KETO BUTTER COFFEE:

Keto butter coffee, also known as bulletproof coffee, isn’t just for breakfast. It can also make a filling snack when you get hungry between meals. The healthy fats in the butter coffee provide energy and make you feel full. The caffeine in the coffee can give you a little boost of energy that helps to keep you going. 

CHICKEN SALAD OR TUNA SALAD:

Looking for something to much on between meals? Why not try some chicken or tuna salad. It’s a filling treat that can hold you over until your next meal without using up carbs planned for meal times. A bit of mayo adds some healthy fats as well as flavor. Try using a lettuce leaf to make a wrap. One lettuce leaf has about a half a net carb. It also makes a great way to turn the chicken or tuna salad into a snack on the run.

CHICKEN WINGS:

I don’t know about you but I could eat chicken wings hot or cold. Top them with your favorite seasoning blend or a very low in carb sauce and they make a perfect zero carb snack. Make sure to keep your serving size in check because it’s easy to take wings from snack to meal very quickly. 

What about nuts, avocados and cheese?

While these items make a great snack they are not zero, or almost zero, carb snacks. 

Nuts can have a wide range of carbs amounts in a very small serving size. One ounce of almonds, about 23 nuts, has 2.5 net carbs. Peanut butter has about 2 grams per tablespoon. These are two of the lower in carb nuts. Others have much higher carb counts.

Avocados, while rich in healthy fats, still has about 3 net grams of carbs in a cup.

Personally, I would say proceed with caution when it comes to cheese. Cheese can be a quick snacking option but serving sizes are often small and it’s easy to over eat cheese which causes weight loss stalls. Cheese often contains some carbs. Depending upon what you are going to snack on the carb count might be minimal such as 1 net gram per cheese stick or it can add up quickly such as 2 grams of carbs for a slice of American cheese or two tablespoons of cream cheese. 

Cheese can be used in a pinch to help curb hunger but keep an eye on serving sizes and don’t over due it.

Zero-Carb Snack Prep & Storage Tips

Having zero-carb snacks ready to grab is the key to avoiding higher-carb temptations. Here’s how to keep your kitchen stocked and ready:

• Batch Cook Once or Twice a Week – Hard-boil a dozen eggs, make a tray of mini omelet muffins, or prepare a big bowl of chicken or tuna salad for quick meals.
• Portion for Convenience – Use small containers or snack-size zip bags to portion out cheese crisps, pork rinds, or pepperoni slices so you can grab them and go.
• Use Clear Storage Containers – Seeing your ready-to-eat snacks in the fridge makes you more likely to choose them.
• Freeze for Later – Items like omelet muffins, cooked shrimp, and cheese crisps can be frozen and thawed as needed.
• Keep a “Snack Zone” in Your Pantry & Fridge – Group all your zero-carb snack items together so they’re easy to find.

Snacking can help keep you on track when you get hungry. They keep you from cheating because you are too hungry and unable to eat a meal. They also can provide a boost of healthy fats to give you the energy you need to keep going. What’s your favorite zero carb keto snack?

If you are looking for other low-carb/keto recipe ideas, be sure to check out our growing Recipe Index full of low-carb/keto recipes!

Want to get new recipes sent directly to your inbox? Then subscribe to our newsletter (see below) and be the first to know when we post a new recipe as well as get weekly shopping, cooking and meal planning tips. Follow me on Pinterest where you can find links to our recipes as well as other recipes you and your family will enjoy.

Share this recipe with a friend!