When snacking on low-carb diets like Keto and Carnivore, the challenge is finding snacks that are low in carbohydrates, contain little to no sugar, and still satisfy cravings without breaking ketosis. Many store-bought low carb snacks are sold as Keto-friendly but usually contain hidden sugars, fillers, or artificial ingredients not allowed in Keto and Carnivore. To boost energy and stay loyal to the low-carb diet, let’s find 20+ high protein low carb snacks with pro tips.
Highlights
What Are High Protein Low Carb Snacks?
High protein low carb snacks provide energy, protein, and even fat without spiking blood sugar or exceeding daily carbohydrate limits. This is why those who follow a low-carb diet like the Primal Diet, Low-Carb, Keto, and Carnivore are looking for such snacks.
For the Keto Diet, low carb snacks should contain under 5 grams of net carbohydrates per serving, and for strict Carnivore, it should be 0 carb snacks from animal-based sources only.
Unlike traditional healthy snacks that are based on fruits, granola, or protein bars, Keto/Carnivore low carb snacks focus on protein and fat as the primary energy sources.
In addition to providing energy, these macronutrients help keep insulin low, prevent cravings, and provide satiety between meals [1] [2].
As someone who is following a low-carb diet, you should also distinguish natural sugars, like lactose in dairy or small amounts in berries, from added sugars.
Many packaged snacks labeled low-carb still contain maltodextrin, corn syrup solids, or sugar alcohols that can negatively impact digestion and ketosis.
True low carb low sugar snacks should:
Have <5g net carbs per serving (0–2g for Keto/Carnivore).
Contain no added sugars or hidden starches.
Provide enough protein and/or healthy fats.
So, let’s learn about these low carb high protein snacks that can help you improve your health and lose weight, whether you are following a low-carb diet or not.
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No-Prep Low Carb Snacks for Keto and Carnivore
No-prep snacks are useful when you are busy but need a quick and nutritious energy boost. These are ready-to-eat, low carb snacks that require no cooking and can be taken anywhere, like travel or work.
Popular no-prep snacks include:
Pork rinds
Cheese (Cheddar, Parmesan, or Swiss slices, or pre-made cheese crisps)
Sardines
Jerky
Deli meats
These are high in protein, usually carb free snacks, and provide salt and fat that can help replace electrolytes. Pork rinds and cheese crisps also provide crunchiness without carbohydrates.
When buying packaged snacks, check for hidden sugars in flavorings (e.g., teriyaki jerky usually has sugar). Try plain, smoked, or salt-only versions.
The table below compares the most common no-prep high protein low carb snacks for Keto and Carnivore, and provides their macros per 28g (1oz.), sardines are per can (~90g) and deli meats per 2oz. (56g).
If you enjoy cooking or prefer home-made snacks, you can easily make prep-ahead snacks in bulk and store them for quick access. The snacks you make at home are generally cleaner, cheaper, and tastier than store-bought low carb snacks.
One of the best options, especially for those on a Keto or Carnivore Diet, is the deviled egg, which contains high-quality protein, can be eaten with bacon, herbs, or mustard, and is easy to refrigerate.
Another favorite is cheese chips, which are made by simply baking shredded cheese until crisp. Homemade jerky or salmon bites also work well.
These snacks not only reduce the reliance on packaged foods but also allow you to control ingredients and avoid hidden carbohydrates. Also, meal-prepping encourages mindful eating and helps you avoid cravings.
Here are ingredients and instructions to make some of the most common low carb snacks you can make at home. You can also use these Carnivore Diet recipes for more ideas.
Please note that if you are on a zero-carb Carnivore, you should go for no carb snacks, so you tweak the recipes and use only animal-based and zero-carb ingredients to keep your macro ratio and reach your goals.
Slice jalapeños in half and remove seeds and membranes (keep some seeds if you want more heat).
Stuff each half with about 1 tablespoon of softened cream cheese.
Cut bacon slices in half, and wrap each jalapeño half with a piece of bacon. Use a toothpick to secure them if needed.
Place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, until the bacon is crispy. Or if using an air fryer, cook at 190°C / 375°F for 12–15 minutes.
Let them cool for 2–3 minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Macros (per piece):
1g carbs (mostly from jalapeños) | 4g protein | 8g fat
Even small carb intakes matter for those managing blood sugar. That is why you should look for low carb snacks for diabetics if you are managing your blood sugar (glucose) levels.
Diabetic-safe snacks focus on protein and fat stability with minimal to no glycemic impact. This impact is what causes blood glucose spikes.
Hard-boiled eggs, string cheese, turkey sticks, and nuts (for Keto but not zero-carb Carnivore) are excellent snacks for diabetics.
These snacks stabilize blood sugar and prevent spikes that can lead to cravings. Sardines, tuna packets, and beef sticks are also portable and safe.
You should also consider the hidden sugars in sugar-free products that can mislead diabetics. Ingredients like maltitol, sorbitol, or maltodextrin still raise blood sugar. So, always go for zero-carb whole foods.
The Best Diabetic-Friendly Snacks (Low-Carb, Low-Sugar)
Hard-Boiled Eggs: Each egg contains 0g carbs, 6g protein, and 5g fat.
Beef Sticks: Each stick (~28g) has 0–1g carbs, 8g protein, and 3g fat.
Turkey Sticks (no sugar): Each stick has 0g carbs, ~9 g protein, and ~4 g fat.
String Cheese: Each stick ~28g contains <1g carbs, 6g protein, and 6g fat.
Sardines or Tuna Packs: Each pack (70g) has 0g carbs, 12g protein, and 1g fat.
Pumpkin Seeds (Keto-friendly): Each 28g contains 5g total carbs (2g fiber, 3g net carbs), ~9 g protein, and ~14 g fat.
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No-Carb Snacks for Zero-Carb Carnivores
Individuals who follow a zero-carb Carnivore Diet, need carnivores need no carb snacks to keep the balance of their daily macronutrients. These snacks should be entirely animal-based and provide protein and fat without fiber or carbohydrates.
No-carb snacks also help induce and maintain deep ketosis. The most common no-carb snacks include:
Even on Keto or Carnivore, where you omit carbohydrates and your body gets fat-adapted, sugar cravings may happen. To fight the cravings, you need to replace sweet snacks with savory, protein-rich alternatives that stabilize blood sugar and avoid spikes.
Cheese crisps, pork rinds with guacamole, or bacon-wrapped cheese sticks provide crunch and salt to counter sugar urges.
If you tolerate a bit of dairy, whipped cream with a few raspberries is a yummy Keto-friendly option, but it is not suitable if you are on a zero-carb Carnivore.
Protein is also a natural craving reducer. Eating beef jerky, boiled eggs, or tuna salad can suppress hunger hormones and reduce sweet cravings.
Consuming high protein low carb snacks with proper hydration and electrolytes, like salted water or broth, can also help.
Tips for Managing Cravings
Drink bone broth or salted water before snacking.
Choose savory protein sources like jerky, eggs, and cheese.
Keep keto-friendly fat bombs for easier access.
Avoid low-carb candy with sugar alcohols, as they cause cravings.
Another low carb snack that is very popular among those following Keto and Carnivore diets is low carb crackers.
Unlike regular crackers, which are usually wheat-based and high in carbohydrates, low carb crackers are made with ingredients like almond flour, cheese, flaxseed, coconut flour, or even pork rinds.
Low carb crackers are good for maintaining ketosis while still giving you a crunchy, satisfying snack. Seed-based crackers or those made with almond flour fit Keto, while others, which are based on cheese or pork-rinds, are allowed on the Carnivore Diet.
Store-Bought Low Carb Crackers
Whisps Cheese Crisps: Baked cheese, zero carbs, Carnivore-friendly
Cheese Crackers: Baked cheddar or Parmesan squares
Egg White Crisps: Whipped egg whites baked until crunchy, very low-carb
Almond Flour Crackers: Homemade Keto classic with olive oil and herbs, not Carnivore
The table below compares macronutrients in the most common low carb crackers:
Cracker (per 30g serving)
Calories
Carbohydrates (net)
Protein
Fat
Suitable for
Whisps Cheese Crisps
150kcal
0g
13g
10g
Carnivore/Keto
ParmCrisps
160kcal
1g
12g
11g
Carnivore/Keto
HighKey Almond Flour Crackers
140kcal
2g
5g
12g
Keto
Flackers (Flaxseed Crackers)
150kcal
1g
6g
11g
Keto
Hu Grain-Free Crackers
180kcal
9g
6g
13g
Paleo/Keto (higher carbs)
Pork Rind Crackers
160kcal
0g
17g
9g
Carnivore/Keto
Homemade Cheese Crackers
155kcal
0-1g
10g
13g
Carnivore/Keto
Beef Carnivore Crackers
200kcal
0g
20g
14g
Carnivore
Egg White Crisps
120kcal
0g
12g
1g
Carnivore/Keto
Almond Flour Homemade Crackers
160kcal
2g
6g
13g
Keto
Conclusion
Whether you are following a zero-carb Carnivore Diet or a flexible Keto lifestyle, there are various high protein low carb snacks that are nutrient-dense, portable, and satisfying.
By choosing whole, no-carb animal-based snacks, you can avoid hidden sugars, manage cravings, and stay in ketosis. To get the best results, snack mindfully and avoid oversnacking.
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