A Reddit user recently shared their snacking problem and asked for help finding low-calorie snacks that are affordable and easy to find. These are the affordable, satisfying snacks real shoppers swear by when they want something healthy, cheap, and delicious.
The story
A recent thread on Reddit started when one college student asked for help cutting calories without spending too much money. They mentioned, "I'd love to hear what you guys use for snacking since that's my biggest problem." The community on Reddit shared their favorite low-calorie snacks that actually taste good, and won't empty your wallet.
The reactions
Many people shared kitchen staples that others may already have, and these items are also low in calories. "Stovetop popcorn for snacking. Cook in olive oil and add some sea salt, boom, it's skinny pop. Greek yogurt with peanut butter tastes like a treat. Add fruit (buy in season for best results). Also, fresh fruit," one user wrote.
Another person replied, "Agree with all of this, and they can get a silicone microwave popcorn popper and use zero oil. Even healthier!"
Popcorn might sound too plain to be satisfying, but it's actually one of the easiest low-calorie snacks to enjoy. You can skip the butter and still get that crunch. Greek yogurt also gives you protein that helps curb hunger. You can mix it with peanut butter or fruits for a delicious, low-calorie snack.
Someone shared they love pickles for snacking, "Pickles. They are essentially calorie-free."
Pickles can satisfy salty cravings with almost no calories, but if you are on a low-sodium diet, eat them in moderation. If you cannot eat pickles by themselves, try them with a mustard or any other dip you like.
"Snack on fruits and veggies. You can eat a ton of them and they barely have any calories," one person said. "If you want to get a little fancy, get a dehydrator and dehydrate your fruit for a snack. You won't need to go to the grocery store as often."
Dehydrated fruits are not only delicious, but they also help you avoid food waste. You can dehydrate any fruit you like before it goes bad. If you don't have a dehydrator, the oven on low heat works just as well.
Many people recommended hummus, one said, "I like snacking on hummus. Can dip baby carrots in hummus for a snack."
Hummus is one of the most common snacks and tastes great with any veggie or even your choice of crackers. You can also make hummus at home; it's simple, healthy, and will last you a long time.
Others mentioned that fruit helped them stop reaching for sugar. "I know it sounds basic, but fruit really helps with filling you up and satiating sweet cravings. Especially fruits that are water-rich, such as grapes, apples, pears, watermelon, cantaloupe, etc. The risk is that it does go bad within a week, so you want to make sure you eat it."
Watermelon or cantaloupe is good for snacking. I usually keep some cut and ready in a bowl, so it's the first thing I see when I'm craving a snack. I sometimes add feta cheese to watermelon and make a delicious, sweet, and tangy salad.
"My fav snack is wild blueberries (frozen) warmed in the microwave with a dab of peanut butter or none if you're allergic, and some Greek yogurt globbed with it, warm in the microwave for a minute. Cinnamon sometimes or a dab of maple syrup," someone shared.
Frozen fruit is often cheaper than fresh, and you can portion it easily. I love making yogurt bark by spreading Greek yogurt on a tray, adding berries or any fruit I like, and drizzling with maple syrup or peanut butter. Once frozen solid, I cut them into pieces and store them for anytime snacking.
For those looking for more protein, one commenter said, "I snack on CrunchMasters crackers and raw vegetables (red pepper, carrots, snap peas). Hard-boiled eggs and tuna in a low-carb wrap. Those individual cottage cheese cups. Greek yogurt and nuts mixed in."
Cottage cheese cups and boiled eggs are underrated, but they are a perfect option for low-calorie snacking. I usually add hot sauce or chili flakes to the cottage cheese so it has some flavor.
"For snacks: oven-roasted Edamame or chick peas. They have a ton of protein, and you can flavor them however you like," another user wrote.
That's one of the best suggestions in the thread. Roasted chickpeas are crunchy, can be mixed with anything, and are easy to make. You can just spread a can of chickpeas on a baking tray, spray with avocado oil or any other oil you like, and add some spices such as paprika and sea salt. Bake it for just 25 minutes at 375 degrees F, and a delicious, low-calorie, crunchy snack is ready.
Other low-calorie, affordable snack options
If you're still adding things to your grocery list, here are a few low-calorie snacks worth trying.
Crackers with cheese: Take whole-grain crackers and add a cheese slice. It's an easy salty snack that feels filling.
Baked apple: Bake an apple with a bit of cinnamon on top. It smells great and tastes like dessert without adding sugar.
Blueberry smoothie: Make a quick blueberry smoothie using frozen berries, milk, and a spoonful of yogurt. It takes a minute and works for breakfast or a snack.
Half a baked potato with salsa: Bake half a potato and top it with salsa. You can also customize the topping based on what you have at home.
Frozen banana pop: Slice a banana in half and insert popsicle sticks in it. Coat them in low-fat yogurt and freeze. You'll have a delicious, low-calorie treat that is easy to make.
These options are easy to mix and match, especially when you're trying to snack smarter without buying specialty "diet" products that cost more and don't fill you up.
The takeaway
You don't have to quit snacks completely. Make popcorn instead of chips, grab fruit when you want something sweet, or use hummus with vegetables. Keep a few good options ready in the fridge or pantry so you reach for them first when you crave a snack.
Most of the time, the better choice is already there; you just have to notice it.
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