Keto and Paleo snacking can be a challenge and after a few days you just have to branch out from a handful of walnuts! Try these tasty ideas for your next snack attack, many are also good for low carb diets. Some require just a little prep time but can be easily put together in a couple hours and kept at the ready for your week. No time for shopping or prep? Try our curated Keto and Paleo Snack boxes – each have a fun variety of snacks you’ll be proud to share. Shop here.
If you’d like more information on what exactly is allowed (and not allowed) on the Keto diet, visit our blog article here for more information.
Ten Keto & Paleo Snacks That Aren’t Nuts
- Boiled Eggs. Not just for breakfast – eggs are packed with protein and nutrients. Boil up a big batch and store in the fridge unpeeled. Eat whole or mash and mix with pickles and mayonnaise and use a veggie dip. Appetizer Idea: Go beyond deviled eggs, make a party-worthy appetizer: just slice egg in rounds, top with a pickle slice, a dollop of mayo, and a sprig of dill.
- Avocado. Sliced, mashed, or cubed – this is filled with healthy fats and lots of nutrition. Sprinkle with fresh lime juice to keep from browning. Super lunch idea: Stuff a half an avocado with egg salad (see above) and eat with a spoon. A double nutrition whammy!
- Beef Jerky. Be sure to choose meat sticks or jerky that does not have honey, maple syrup, or sugar! Try pepperoni slices as an alternative.
- Fermented Foods. Try sauerkraut, dill pickles, kimchi, kombucha (without sugar) or other fermented keto/paleo friendly veggies. Packed with gut healthy probiotics and easy to make yourself.
- Sardines, tuna, or canned salmon. Be wary of flavorings or additives that include sugar or sweeteners and watch the sodium content as many brands are high in salt.
- Crunchy veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, celery, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, pepper wedges). Dip in sour cream or cottage cheese. For a little extra flavor, add a dollop of mayonnaise and mix with powdered ranch dressing, onion soup mix, or Italian dressing mix. (See below for a DIY Ranch Dressing mix.) Try roasting broccoli, asparagus, or cauliflower! Just toss with olive oil and your favorite seasoning and roast on a baking sheet at 400°F for approximately 15 minutes (until brown). Serve hot or cold.
- Bone Broth. Make your own or buy premade – great for an afternoon snack that keeps you full and energized for that 2:00 p.m. slump. And it’s packed with nutrition!
- Whole Fruit. Geared more towards paleo, choose high-fiber fruits like apples and high antioxidant choices like blueberries or raspberries. Avoid dried fruits as they often have lots of added sugar.
- Chia Seed Pudding. This is a great sweet tooth satisfier that’s also packed with lots of great nutrition. The basic recipe is: 1 cup liquid, 2 TB chia seeds, sweetener of your choice (stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol) and ½ tsp vanilla. The liquid can be unsweetened coconut milk, almond or nut milk, cream (keto only), or even water. Experiment with other flavorings such as cocoa, cinnamon, ginger, dry matcha tea, or nut butter. Mix together in a glass bowl or jar and let sit for at least 4 hours or overnight so seeds expand and gel. Top with berries or crème fraiche for an extra treat.
#10 Keto-Only Snack Idea
Dairy is a no-no on the paleo diet but for keto eaters, we have to include this last choice! Cheese. Choose hard cheeses with no additives such as cranberries. String cheese or those little prewrapped rounds are great portable option! And did you know, most cheeses taste better if served at room temperature?
Try this quick appetizer that tastes great and looks lovely on a buffet (even your non-Keto friends will rave about it!)
Parmesan Cheese Chips
Ingredients:
8 ounces of shredded fresh parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon of your favorite seasoning (paprika, chili powder, black pepper)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Heap approximately 1 TB of cheese on paper, leaving room in between for melting. Sprinkle with seasoning. Bake for 5 to 8 minutes. Remove from oven before cheese turns brown. Let cool on baking sheet and store in an airtight container.
[Don’t want to bake? Try the Oven Baked Parm Crisps in our Keto Snack box]
Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix
Ingredients
2 TB dried parsley, cilantro, or basil (or a combination to taste
2 TB dried chives or onion flakes
2 TB dried dill (leaves not seeds)
1 TB garlic powder
1 tsp sea salt (or freshly ground Himalayan salt)
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Mix together and store in an airtight container. Add to mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream for a dip or sprinkle on chicken or pork before cooking.