Best Keto Snack Substitutes

Satisfy your cravings with delicious keto-friendly alternatives to chips, crackers, and bars that actually taste amazing

8 min read
Easy prep
25+ options
Variety of keto snack alternatives including cheese crisps, pork rinds, keto crackers, and nut-based snacks

Keto Snack Quick Reference

Snack AlternativeNet Carbs (1 oz)Fat (1 oz)Crunch Factor
Pork Rinds0g5g⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cheese Crisps1g8g⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Macadamia Nuts1g22g⭐⭐⭐
Seaweed Snacks1g0g⭐⭐⭐⭐
Keto Crackers2-3g6g⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ultimate Crunchy Keto Snacks

1. Pork Rinds - The Zero-Carb Champion

Why They're Perfect:

  • Absolutely zero carbs
  • High in protein and healthy fats
  • Maximum crunch satisfaction
  • Available in many flavors
Pro Tip:

Crush pork rinds to use as breading for chicken or fish - instant keto coating!

Creative Uses:

  • • Dip in guacamole or salsa
  • • Crush for keto breading
  • • Top salads for extra crunch
  • • Mix into keto "stuffing"
  • • Snack straight from the bag

Best Brands:

  • • Epic Provisions (artisanal)
  • • Mac's (classic, widely available)
  • • Utz (variety of flavors)
  • • 4505 Meats (gourmet options)

2. Cheese Crisps - DIY & Store-Bought

Why They're Amazing:

  • Only 1g carb per ounce
  • High protein and calcium
  • Easy to make at home
  • Endless flavor possibilities

DIY Recipe (5 minutes):

  1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°F
  2. 2. Spread shredded cheese on parchment
  3. 3. Bake 5-7 minutes until golden
  4. 4. Cool completely for maximum crunch
  5. 5. Break into chip-sized pieces
Best Cheeses:

Cheddar, Parmesan, Asiago, Gruyere - aged cheeses work best!

3. Nuts & Seeds - Nature's Keto Snacks

Top Keto Nuts (per oz):

Macadamia Nuts

1g net carbs • 22g fat • Perfect ratio

Pecans

1g net carbs • 20g fat • Naturally sweet

Brazil Nuts

1g net carbs • 19g fat • High selenium

Walnuts

2g net carbs • 18g fat • Omega-3s

Flavor Ideas:

  • • Rosemary roasted almonds
  • • Spicy cayenne pecans
  • • Everything bagel seasoned nuts
  • • Cinnamon "sugar" walnuts (with erythritol)
  • • Garlic parmesan mixed nuts
Portion Control:

Pre-portion nuts into 1oz servings to avoid overconsumption.

Savory Keto Alternatives

Seaweed Snacks

Net Carbs:1g per package
Benefits:Iodine, minerals
Flavor:Salty, umami

Light, crispy, and loaded with nutrients. Perfect for that salty chip craving!

Top Brands:

SeaSnax, gimMe, Annie Chun's

Keto Crackers

Net Carbs:2-3g per serving
Base:Almond/seed flour
Perfect For:Dips, cheese

Great for entertaining and satisfying that "cracker and cheese" craving.

Recommended:

Real Good Foods, Whisps, Two Good

Keto-Friendly Bar Alternatives

DIY Fat Bomb Recipe

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fat Bombs

  • • 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
  • • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
  • • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • • 2 tbsp powdered erythritol
  • • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • • Pinch of salt
Nutrition per bomb:

1g net carbs • 12g fat • 2g protein

Instructions:

  1. 1. Mix all ingredients until smooth
  2. 2. Pour into silicone molds
  3. 3. Refrigerate 2 hours until firm
  4. 4. Store in fridge up to 2 weeks
  5. 5. Enjoy 1-2 per day
Variations:
  • • Add coconut flakes
  • • Use almond butter instead
  • • Add chopped nuts
  • • Try different extracts

Store-Bought Keto Bars

Perfect Keto Bars

2-3g net carbs, collagen protein

Bulletproof Bars

2-3g net carbs, MCT oil

Keto Bars by Kiss My Keto

3g net carbs, multiple flavors

EPIC Bars (Beef/Bison)

0-1g carbs, whole food protein

What to Avoid

Regular granola bars (20-30g carbs)

Protein bars with added sugars

Anything with dates or dried fruit

Bars with chocolate chips (usually high carb)

Quick Keto Snack Ideas

5-Minute Snacks

  • • Cheese and salami roll-ups
  • • Avocado with sea salt
  • • Hard-boiled eggs with everything seasoning
  • • Cucumber slices with cream cheese
  • • Olives and pickles

Sweet Cravings

  • • Berries with whipped cream
  • • Sugar-free jello with nuts
  • • Chia pudding cups
  • • Dark chocolate (85%+ cacao)
  • • Coconut butter squares

On-the-Go Options

  • • Pre-portioned nuts
  • • String cheese
  • • Beef jerky (sugar-free)
  • • Pork rinds
  • • Seaweed snacks

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I snack on keto?

Yes, but choose high-fat, low-carb options. The goal is to maintain ketosis while satisfying hunger between meals. Focus on nutrient-dense snacks that fit your macros.

How many carbs can keto snacks have?

Aim for snacks with 5g or fewer net carbs. This leaves room in your daily carb budget (typically 20-50g total) for meals and other foods.

Are pork rinds really healthy?

Pork rinds are zero-carb and high in protein, but they're processed. They're fine as an occasional keto snack, but balance with whole foods like nuts and vegetables.

What about fruit on keto?

Stick to low-carb berries in small portions: strawberries (5g carbs per 1/2 cup), raspberries (3g), and blackberries (4g). Avoid high-carb fruits like bananas and apples.

Master Keto Snacking Today!

Get our complete keto snack guide with recipes and shopping lists