With so many people looking to cut down on their sugar intake, the market for sugar-free snacks has exploded in recent years.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack option or simply want to avoid refined sugars, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious sugar-free snacks available.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best options out there!
How Too Much Sugar Can Affect Your Health
Too much sugar can have a number of negative effects on your health. For one thing, it can lead to weight gain. Consuming large amounts of sugar can cause your body to store more fat, leading to an increase in weight.
In addition, sugar can also damage your teeth. When you eat sugary foods, the sugar sticks to your teeth and creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Over time, this can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Finally, sugar can also contribute to heart disease.
Sugar leads to a build-up of plaque in the arteries, which narrows the arteries and makes it difficult for blood to flow through them. This can eventually lead to a heart attack or stroke.
So if you’re looking to improve your health, cutting back on sugar is a good place to start.
How a Sugar-Free Diet Can Benefit Your Health
A sugar-free diet may sound like a daunting prospect, but it can be (not so surprisingly) beneficial for your health.
For one thing, cutting out sugar can help you to feel more satisfied after meals. This is because sugary foods tend to be high in calories but low in filling fiber, so they can leave you feeling hungry soon after eating.
In contrast, foods that are naturally low in sugar or free of added sugars tend to be more filling and satisfying.
Additionally, a sugar-free diet can help you to avoid the spike-and-crash cycle that can come with eating sugary foods.
When you eat something high in sugar, your blood sugar levels rise sharply. This gives you a quick burst of energy, but it also leads to a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, which can leave you feeling tired and irritable.
finally, eliminating sugar from your diet can help you to avoid some of the harmful health effects that have been linked to sugar consumption.
Natural Sugar vs Added Sugar: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to sugar, there’s a lot of confusion about what is and isn’t healthy. Many people assume that all sugar is bad for you, but that’s not necessarily the case.
There are two different types of sugar: natural sugar and added sugar. Natural sugar is found naturally in foods like fruits and vegetables, while added sugar is any sweetener that is added to food during processing.
Added sugar can be in the form of refined sugar, corn syrup, or even healthy fats like coconut oil.
So what’s the difference between these two types of sugar? Well, natural sugars are generally healthy for you, while added sugars are not.
That’s because natural sugars contain important vitamins and minerals, while added sugars do not. Additionally, natural sugars are metabolized differently by your body than added sugars.
When you eat natural sugars, your body breaks them down slowly and uses them for energy.
On the other hand, when you eat added sugars, your body breaks them down quickly and stores them as fat.
So if you’re looking to cut back on sugar, it’s important to know the difference between natural and added sugars.
And remember, when it comes to sugar, moderation is key! Too much of any kind of sugar can be harmful to your health.
The Best Sugar-Free Snacks
Now that we’ve gone over some of the basics, let’s take a look at some of the best sugar-free snacks. Below are some delicious and nutritious options that will help you to avoid sugar while still satisfying your cravings.
Disclaimer: “sugar-free” in this article is defined as no added sugar. Some of these snacks contain natural sugars or sweeteners. Nutrient values are estimates only. Variations may occur due to product availability and food preparation. Any recommendations are made based on our research or personal experience, but shall not be construed as medical or nutritional advice.
1) Sugar-Free Dark Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the world’s favorite treats, but it’s usually loaded with sugar. That’s why sugar-free dark chocolate is such a great option for people looking for a healthier snack.
Dark chocolate is made without milk, so it’s lower in fat than other types of chocolate. And because it doesn’t have any added sugar, it’s a perfect snack for people with a sweet tooth.
Sugar-free dark chocolate is also a great way to satisfy your craving for something sweet without all the guilt.
Serving size: 5.67 grams
Protein: 0.4 grams
Natural Sugar: 0 grams
Calories: 24 calories
2) Roasted Edamame
Edamame is a type of soybean that is often eaten as a snack. It’s a popular food in Asia and has become increasingly popular in the West in recent years.
Edamame is a great source of protein, making it a perfect snack for people looking to avoid sugar – plus, it’s also a low glycemic food (head over to here for more low glycemic snack options).
And because it’s roasted, it has a slightly sweet flavor that makes it perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Serving size: 30 grams
Protein: 14 grams
Natural Sugar: 0.5 grams
Calories: 120 calories
3) Apple Slices with Almond Butter
If you’re looking for a hit of fresh fruit and a satisfying snack that doesn’t include any refined sugar, then apple slices with almond butter are a great option.
This simple snack is packed with nutrients and provides a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The fresh fruit in this snack will help to satisfy your hunger without weighing you down, and the nut butter provides a rich source of protein and healthy fat.
Best of all, this snack is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.
Serving size: 250 grams (Apple)/ 16 grams (Almond Butter)
Protein: 0.3 grams (Apple)/3.4 grams (Almond Butter)
Natural Sugar: 11 grams (Apple)/0.7 grams (Almond Butter)
Calories: 155 calories
4) Sugar-Free Banana Bread
While most people think of banana bread as a dessert, this quick bread can actually make for a healthy snack.
It can either be store-bought, or you can make it yourself, with plenty of recipes available online.
And, since it’s sugar-free, and packed with nutrients like potassium and fiber, you won’t have to feel guilty about indulging in a slice or two.
Most importantly, though, sugar-free banana bread tastes just as good as the traditional kind.
So, if you’re looking for a sweet snack that won’t ruin your diet, give sugar-free banana bread a try.
Serving size: 60 grams
Protein: 3 grams
Natural Sugar: 3 grams
Calories: 148 calories
5) Sugar-Free Greek Yogurt with Blackberries
Looking for a tasty, sugar-free snack? Greek yogurt (no added sugar) with blackberries is a great option!
This snack is packed with protein and calcium, and the blackberries add a touch of sweetness and a hit of fresh fruit and antioxidants. Plus, it’s gluten-free!
Greek yogurt with blackberries is one of my go-to sugar-free snacks because I love the creamy texture, and the blackberries satisfy my sweet tooth without all the extra sugar.
Blackberries are my favorite fruit to add to Greek yogurt, but you can also try other fresh fruit like raspberries or blueberries.
Serving size: 150 grams (Yogurt)/80 grams (Blackberries)
Protein: 14 grams (Yogurt)/0.7 grams (Blackberries)
Natural Sugar: 5 grams (Yogurt)/3.9 grams (Blackberries)
Calories: 140 calories (Yogurt)/20 calories (Blackberries)
6) Kale Chips
Kale chips are the perfect snack for when you’re looking for something crunchy and salty but also want to feel good about what you’re eating.
And unlike some other healthy snacks, kale chips are actually super easy to make at home. All you need is a pack of kale, some olive oil, and your favorite seasoning.
Just massage the olive oil into the kale leaves, then sprinkle on the seasoning/spices and bake in a preheated oven until crispy. That’s it! You’ll have a delicious, nutritious snack that satisfies your salty cravings without any of the guilt.
Serving size: 92 grams
Protein: 4 grams
Natural Sugar: 0 grams
Calories: 60 calories
7) Cottage Cheese with Wheat Crackers
If you’re looking for a healthy snack that will help you stay satisfied until your next meal, cottage cheese with wheat crackers is a great option.
Cottage cheese is a good source of protein, which can help you feel full and prevent unhealthy snacking later in the day. The crackers provide complex carbohydrates that will give you lasting energy.
This snack is also easy to prepare and pack with you on the go.
So next time you’re feeling like some healthy snacking, cottage cheese with wheat crackers will definitely leave you feeling satisfied.
Serving size: 112 grams (Cottage Cheese)/4.6 grams (Cracker)
Protein: 13 grams (Cottage Cheese)/0.5 grams (Cracker
Natural Sugar: 4.1 grams
Calories: 140 calories
8) Mixed Nuts and Raisins
If you’re looking for a sweet snack with a good dose of fruit and nuts, then you’ll love mixed nuts with raisins.
This tasty treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, and it’s packed with essential nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy.
Mixed nuts with raisins are a great source of fiber, protein, and healthy fat, and they’re also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Best of all, they’re portable and easy to store, so you can take them with you on the go.
Serving size: 30 grams
Protein: 5 grams
Natural Sugar: 9 grams
Calories: 130 calories
9) Overnight Oats with Cinnamon, Chia Seeds, Unsweetened Almond Milk and Raspberries
Looking for a healthy and delicious snack that you can enjoy on the go plus give you a hit of the sweet stuff? Then you’ll want to try overnight oats with cinnamon, chia seeds and raspberries.
This delicious treat is packed with fruit, fiber, and all the other good stuff your body needs. Plus, it’s so easy to make.
Simply combine oats, milk (of your choosing), cinnamon, chia seeds and raspberries in a jar, then store in the fridge overnight (hence why it’s called overnight oats). In the morning, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious snack that’s ready to eat.
Serving size: 28 grams (Chia Seeds)/4 grams (Cinnamon)/48 grams (Rolled Oats)/240 ML (Unsweetened Almond Milk)/123 grams (Raspberries)
Protein: 15 grams (Combined)
Natural Sugar: 5.1 grams (Combined)
Calories: 431 calories (Combined)
10) Sunflower Seed Butter with Veggie Sticks
This satisfying snack is packed with fiber and flavor, and it’s perfect for when you need an energy boost.
Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized to your liking.
Simply Spread sunflower seed butter on your favorite type of veggie stick – we recommend carrots, celery, or cucumbers – and enjoy! sugar-free snacks never tasted so good.
Serving size: 16 grams (Sunflower Seed Butter)/50 grams (Veggie Sticks)
Protein: 2.8 grams (Sunflower Seed Butter)/2 grams (Veggie Sticks)
Natural Sugar: 1.7 grams (Sunflower Seed Butter)/0 grams (Veggie Sticks)
Calories: 98.7 calories (Sunflower Seed Butter)/250 calories (Veggie Sticks)
Conclusion
There you have it, 10 of the best sugar-free snacks that are both delicious and nutritious. So next time you’re looking for a healthy snack option, be sure to give one of these a try. Sugar-free doesn’t have to mean flavor-free!
Do you have any favorite sugar-free snacks not on this list? Let us know by reaching out! And if you would like to learn the nutrition value of other foods, head over here.