12 low-calorie, nutrient-packed snacks and beverages to try this year

There are so many healthy options you can enjoy when you want a snack. Skip the standard protein bars by trying these low-calorie, nutrient-packed snacks and beverages.

They’re quick, easy and budget-friendly. Anyone can enjoy them without complicating their daily routine.

12 nutrient-packed snacks and sips to try in 2023

1. Strawberry Smoothie

Strawberries get moldy pretty quickly. Instead of eating them fresh, wash and freeze them. You can dump a half cup of strawberries into a blender with your preferred sweetener and milk for a savory pink drink.

2. Baby Carrots

You need to refrigerate baby carrots, but they also store well in lunch boxes. Bring a baggie with you wherever you go to snack on essential nutrients like potassium, vitamin K and beta-carotene. When you’re looking for the most nutritious foods with low calories, don’t overlook the chance to crunch down on some baby carrots.

3. Nutrient-Packed Mocktails

The next time you hang out with friends, opt for a mocktail. They often use fruits or veggies as primary ingredients. Your drink could include antioxidants and vitamin C would you wouldn’t get in a calorie-dense cocktail.

4. Air-Fried Broccoli Bites

Invest in an air fryer and slice some fresh broccoli after your next trip to the grocery store. A quick spritz of olive oil and a sprinkling of seasonings will make the florets delicious. You can enjoy every crunchy, zesty bite while the broccoli soothes inflamed cells and improve your body’s antioxidant processing.

5. Veggie Chips

A sharp knife or vegetable slices is all you need to cut vegetables into chips. Dry them out in your oven while you go about your day. It’s simple, easy and healthier than potato chips.

If you don’t want to make them yourself or don’t have time, brands like Confetti snacks make veggie chips from discarded vegetables that people overlook due to appearances. A bruised or misshapen vegetable is still good to eat, but they end up in landfills. You’ll help the environment while improving your health.

6. Bananas

If you’re always on the go, throw a banana in your bag. The peel will keep it clean and fresh. Stock up on a bunch to prepare your nutrient-packed snacks for the week. Since it’s one of the most nutritious foods with low calories, buying multiple could fix your hunger numerous times per day.

Don’t forget to buy bananas while they’re green so they last longer. When you’re ready to eat, ripen them in the oven before transforming them into peanut butter bites or healthy smoothies.

7. Apple Slices With Cinnamon

Swap candy bars with apples when you want a sweet, healthy snack. They’re packed with natural sugar and much lower in calories than any colorfully wrapped candy at the gas station. Your body will also appreciate the extra fiber if it needs help regulating your digestive system.

8. Greek Yogurt

There are seemingly endless Greek yogurt bowls preportioned for snacking. Pick one up at your grocery store for a low-calorie snack. Unsweetened flavors keep your blood sugar from spiking, but if you feel like your yogurt is missing something, add nuts or berries for an extra nutrient boost. The protein in yogurt makes it one of the best snacks that are filling but low in calories.

9. Cantaloupe and Cottage Cheese

Cantaloupe is another snack perfect for those moments when your sweet tooth commands your attention. It’s low-calorie when enjoyed in small portions. Pair it with cottage cheese to balance each bite with protein and improve your bone strength with the natural source of calcium.

10. Almond Trail Mix

Almonds are naturally lower in calories than peanuts because they’re lower in fat. Scoop a handful into a baggie with chunks of dark chocolate to make a homemade trail mix that supports your health goals. It’ll have less sugar than store-bought trail mix and all the essential nutrients almonds provide.

11. Whole Wheat Crackers

It may seem challenging to replace crackers when you want to start the year with healthier snacks. They typically have an abundance of fats, carbs and preservatives that skyrocket the calorie count for small portions.

Whole-wheat crackers are a great alternative if crackers are your preferred snack. It will take your body longer to digest the healthier wheat, keeping you full and minimizing blood sugar spikes. You can also pair your crackers with low-calorie spreadable cheese, peanut butter or organic jam to make them more flavorful.

12. Boiled Eggs

One egg contains less than a hundred calories so you can have a few for your next healthy snack. The high-protein whites and yolks curb cravings while providing nutrients like calcium, iron, vitamin C and vitamin A.

Slice your boiled eggs in half and cover them with low-calorie cheese slices. They could also become extra protein on your favorite salads. Try them a few different ways to discover how you enjoy them most.

Try Nutrient-Packed Snacks

Now that you’ve read about nutrient-packed snacks that are filling but low in calories, think about what you like to eat. Whether you want salty, sweet or crunchy snacks, there are better alternatives to processed foods that will support your health.