Surprise! Ice cream tops our list of low-calorie snacks. The key is to look for slow-churned or double-churned varieties. This refers to a process that reduces fat and calories while retaining the creamy texture of full-fat varieties, so 1/2 cup has just 100 calories. As a bonus, you’ll get some protein and calcium.
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
- Carbs: 15 g
6 Cups Microwave Popcorn
When you want a large snack with a small calorie count, popcorn delivers. Some microwave brands have just 100 calories in 6 cups. "You have to chew it, so it's satisfying," says Joan Salge Blake, RD, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. It's also high in fiber, which can help you stay full longer.
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Carbs: 24 g
Mini Quesadilla
You may not expect cheese quesadillas to make a list of low-calorie snacks, but try this recipe: sprinkle an ounce of grated low-fat cheddar cheese over a corn tortilla. Fold in half and microwave for 20 seconds. This quick and tasty snack has only 100 calories and 1.3 g of saturated fat.
- Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
- Sodium: 182 mg
- Cholesterol: 6 mg
Cottage Cheese and Cantaloupe
Cottage cheese is a protein powerhouse, with 1/2 cup delivering 14 g. Like fiber, protein can help you stay full longer. Enjoy low-fat cottage cheese plain or with a side of fruit. A small wedge of cantaloupe brings the total calories to 100.
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Sodium: 468 mg
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Three Crackers With Cheese
Choosing whole-grain crackers is the key to this classic snack. The fiber will keep you feeling full between meals, and the cheese provides protein and calcium. To stay under 100 calories, cut up one slice of low-fat cheese and split it over three crackers.
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Sodium: 397 mg
- Cholesterol: 7 mg
Fourteen Almonds
When the munchies strike while you're on the go, there are few things more convenient than nuts. You can eat 14 almonds without hitting the 100-calorie mark. Plus, they're rich in fiber and protein, which help keep hunger at bay. "They're a great snack when you're stuck in traffic," Blake adds.
- Saturated Fat: 0.63 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Six Whole-Grain Pretzel Sticks
For those who don't like nuts, pretzels are just as convenient when you're on the move. To stay under 100 calories, stick to six whole-grain pretzel sticks. This snack is cholesterol-free, low in fat and sugar, and provides more than 3 g of fiber to help tide you over.
- Saturated Fat: 0.4g
- Sodium: 257mg
- Cholesterol: 0 m
Baked Apple
Apples are still one of the healthiest snacks around, and there are plenty of ways to put a twist on this old standby. Blake recommends enjoying baked apples – they taste like dessert but provide the same vitamins and fiber as their fresh counterparts. You can even sprinkle cinnamon on top without adding calories.
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Cheese-Stuffed Pita Pocket
Here's one that's easy to make and gives you the satisfaction of biting into a sandwich. Grab a whole-grain pita pocket and stuff it with 1/2 ounce part-skim ricotta cheese. The fiber and protein will help fill you up, and the whole snack has less than a gram of saturated fat.
- Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Sodium: 149 mg
- Cholesterol: 4 mg
Blueberry Smoothie
A fruit smoothie offers a scrumptious way to get in some extra calcium and antioxidants during your day. Try blending 1/3 cup of nonfat yogurt with 2/3 cup of frozen blueberries and ice. "It's very refreshing and very cold," Blake says. "That slows down your ability to drink quickly." Snacks that take more time to finish are often more satisfying.
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 59 mg
- Cholesterol: 2 mg
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