Finding low calorie snacks that are not only satisfying but also taste good can feel impossible… until you discover the right options. The right snacks help you lose weight (if that’s your goal), prevent sugar crashes at work, and simply provide lighter alternatives for your meals, making your entire day feel better.
This guide is packed with ideas — from 100 calorie snacks to low fat snacks, whole food snacks, and even surprisingly delicious low calorie sweets perfect for when you want a treat without exceeding your calorie goals.
We will also cover essentials like:
- Is kcal the same as cal?
- How many calories in a bag of popcorn?
- Are zero-calorie snacks actually zero calories?
- What is “morning skinny”?
- Active vs total calories explained
Let’s dig into the most satisfying, lowest-calorie snacks — backed by nutrition insight, not trends.
What Counts as a Low Calorie Snack?
Dieticians usually define low calorie snacks as:
- Under 150 calories, or
- Around 100 calories for stricter portions
Examples include baby carrots, Greek yogurt, fruit, light crackers, low-fat cheese, and popcorn.
Expert Tip:
The best low calorie snacks are voluminous, high-fiber, or high-protein — they keep you full without adding unnecessary calories.
Popcorn: The King of Low Calorie Snacks
Popcorn is among the lowest calorie snacks when made correctly.
How many calories in a bag of popcorn?
It varies widely:
- Air-popped popcorn: ~30 calories per cup
- Healthy microwave popcorn: 100–150 calories per small bag
- Movie theater popcorn: 400–1,200 calories (yes, really)
Microwave popcorn calories
- Light or low calorie: 100–150
- Regular: 250–300
- Butter-heavy: 350+
The healthiest popcorn options are air-popped or low-fat microwave varieties.
Whole Food Snacks Under 100 Calories
Whole foods are unbeatable for clean snacking.
Baby carrots calories
- 1 cup = 50 calories
- How many calories in baby carrots?
About 30–50 calories, depending on serving size.
Best whole food snacks under 100 calories:
- Apple slices
- Half a banana
- Cucumber sticks (almost 0 calorie snacks)
- Baby carrots
- Boiled eggs
- Watermelon cubes
- Berries
- A handful of grapes
- Honey snacks (raw honey drizzle — in small amounts!)
Low Calorie Crackers & Crispy Snacks
If you crave CRUNCH, these options deliver:
1. Low calorie crackers
- 1 serving = 70–120 calories
- Light wheat crackers add extra fiber.
2. Wheat crackers
- High in whole grains
- Great with low-fat cream cheese or hummus
3. Low carb crackers
- Almond or seed-based
- Fantastic with cheese or peanut butter
4. Protein crackers
- High-protein & low calorie
- Perfect for work-snacking or meal prep
5. Lowest calorie chips
- Baked chips
- Popped potato chips
- Rice cakes (35–50 calories)
Low Calorie Cheese, Yogurt & Creamy Snacks
Creamy snacks can be low-calorie when you choose wisely.
Low fat cream cheese
- 35 calories per tablespoon
- Tasty on crackers or cucumber slices
Less-sugar yogurt
- Excellent as a filling 100-calorie snack
- Add berries for natural sweetness
- Avoid sugary flavored yogurts
Low calorie cheese options
- String cheese (50–80 calories)
- Cottage cheese (80–100 calories per serving)
Low Calorie Candy & Sweets for Cravings
You can satisfy your sweet tooth without guilt.
Best low calorie sweets (50–120 calories):
- Squares of dark chocolate
- Unsweetened gelatin candies
- Frozen grapes
- Light sorbet
- Low fat ice cream
- Zero sugar snacks like sugar-free gummies
The lowest calorie candy
- Sugar-free hard candy
- Small dark chocolate pieces
- Mini marshmallows
Low calorie candy
- Typically 50–90 calories per serving
- Perfect for after-meal dessert cravings
Cold Snacks (Refreshing & Low-Calorie)
- Frozen yogurt bark
- Watermelon cubes
- Fruit smoothies (no added sugar)
- Chilled cucumber + lemon + mint
- Iced low-sugar yogurt cups
- Cold hummus with veggies
Is hummus good for weight loss?
Yes — in moderation.
Hummus calories: ~25 per tablespoon.
High-Protein & Low-Calorie Work Snacks
Perfect for office cravings or school lunchboxes.
Best snacks for work:
- Greek yogurt cup
- Protein crackers
- Baby carrots + hummus
- 100 calorie snacks like almond packs
- Light protein bars
- Cottage cheese
- Whole food snacks like fruit & nuts
High protein low calorie lunch ideas:
- Tuna + cucumbers
- Egg white wraps
- Chicken salad without mayo
- Lentil soup (high fiber lunch)
Protein snacks for kids:
- Cheese cubes
- Yogurt pouches
- Mini peanut butter sandwiches
- Protein crackers
- Boiled eggs
Understanding Calories Better (For Smarter Snacking)
Is kcal the same as cal?
Yes — 1 kcal = 1 calorie in food terms.
The difference is only technical.
Active vs total calories
- Active calories: burned through activity or exercise
- Total calories: active + what your body burns naturally
Understanding both is helpful for weight loss.
How much is 100 grams?
General reference:
- 100g fruit = ½ cup
- 100g popcorn = large bowl
- 100g carrots = 10–12 baby carrots
0-Calorie Snacks & “Morning Skinny” Foods
Zero calorie snacks
No food is truly zero-calorie, but some are extremely low:
- Celery sticks
- Cucumber slices
- Iceberg lettuce
- Lemon water
- Tea or black coffee
Morning skinny
A trending concept involving:
- Eating light in the morning
- Drinking warm lemon water
- Choosing low-cal snacks early in the day
It’s not magic, but some find it helps maintain consistency.
Low Fat Snacks (Light & Satisfying)
Perfect if you want to reduce fat intake:
- Low fat cream cheese
- Low fat ice cream
- Fat free snacks like rice cakes
- Low sugar yogurt
- Fruit cups (no syrup)
- Baked chips (instead of fried)
Best Low Calorie Fast Food Options
Fast food doesn’t have to break your calorie goals.
Healthier picks:
- Grilled chicken wraps
- Lettuce burgers
- Small fries (portion control)
- Veggie bowls
- Low calorie chips with salsa
- Side salads
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the lowest calorie snacks?
Celery, cucumbers, air-popped popcorn, baby carrots, rice cakes, and sugar-free candy.
2. What are the best 100 calorie snacks?
Almond packs, low sugar yogurt, string cheese, mini popcorn bags, and fruit bowls.
3. Is hummus good for weight loss?
Yes, especially with low-cal veggies.
Hummus calories: ~25 per tablespoon.
4. What are the lowest calorie chips?
Baked potato chips, popped chips, rice cakes, and seaweed snacks.
5. How many calories in a bag of popcorn?
Most healthy microwave popcorn bags are 100–150 calories.
6. What are good snacks for work?
Protein crackers, yogurt, fruit, popcorn, hummus with veggies, and low-calorie sweets.
Conclusion: Snack Smart, Stay Full, Feel Great
Choosing low calorie snacks does not mean losing out on taste or satisfaction. From crunchy crackers to creamy yogurt, refreshing cold snacks, low calorie candy, and fiber-rich popcorn — there is something for every craving and every lifestyle.
Try different options, watch your portions, and build a snacking routine that energizes you instead of making you feel guilty.
