Best Low Calorie Snacks for Weight Loss (Under 200 Calories)
Snacking gets a bad reputation in weight loss circles. But the right snacks — high in protein or fibre, low in calories — can actually help you eat less overall by keeping hunger manageable between meals.
The problem is most "healthy" snacks marketed for weight loss are either not that filling or not that low in calories. This list focuses on snacks that genuinely satisfy — all under 200 calories, with the macros to back it up.
The 15 Best Low Calorie Snacks
1. Greek yogurt (5.3 oz, non-fat plain)
High protein, low sugar. Add cinnamon for flavour.
2. Hard-boiled egg (2 eggs)
One of the most portable high-protein snacks you can make in bulk.
3. Cottage cheese (½ cup)
Often overlooked — incredibly filling per calorie.
4. Apple + 1 tbsp almond butter
Fibre from the apple, healthy fat from the nut butter. Keeps hunger away.
5. Baby carrots + 2 tbsp hummus
Satisfying crunch with fibre and plant protein.
6. String cheese (1 stick)
Convenient, portable, and surprisingly filling.
7. Edamame (½ cup, shelled)
One of the best plant-based snacks for protein and fibre combined.
8. Rice cake + turkey slices
High volume, light calories, satisfying crunch.
9. Celery + 2 tbsp peanut butter
Classic combo. Swap for powdered peanut butter to save ~80 calories.
10. Tuna packet (2.5 oz)
Arguably the best calorie-to-protein ratio of any snack food.
11. Cucumber slices + tzatziki (3 tbsp)
Very low calorie, hydrating, and the tzatziki adds creaminess.
12. Handful of almonds (1 oz, ~23 almonds)
Calorie-dense but filling. Portion carefully — it's easy to eat 2–3 servings without noticing.
13. Protein shake (water-based, 1 scoop)
Fast, convenient, and protein-packed. Not as satisfying as solid food but useful for hitting protein targets.
14. Watermelon (2 cups)
Over 90% water by weight — huge volume for almost no calories.
15. Popcorn (3 cups air-popped)
One of the most voluminous low-calorie snacks. Satisfies the urge to munch.
What Makes a Good Low Calorie Snack?
High protein
Protein takes longer to digest and triggers fullness hormones more effectively than carbs or fat. A 100-calorie snack with 10g of protein will keep you fuller than a 100-calorie snack with 10g of sugar.
High fibre
Fibre slows digestion, adds physical bulk, and feeds beneficial gut bacteria. Vegetables, legumes, and fruit all provide fibre alongside relatively low calories.
High volume
Your stomach has stretch receptors that signal fullness based on volume — not just calories. Foods with high water content (watermelon, cucumber, broth) or air content (popcorn) fill your stomach efficiently.
Snacks are often the hidden culprit in a diet that's "not working." CalorieBestie makes it easy to log snacks quickly — just search the database, scan a barcode, or snap a photo. You'll see exactly how snacks fit into your daily budget in real time.
Snacking Mistakes That Add Up
Not measuring portions. Nuts, nut butter, granola, and trail mix are healthy — but calorie-dense. A "handful" of almonds can easily be 2–3 servings (300–450 calories) without realising it.
Eating out of the package. Decant your snack into a bowl or container. Eating directly from a bag makes it almost impossible to track how much you've actually eaten.
Liquid snacks. Juices, smoothies, and flavoured coffees are often high in sugar and calories without being filling. They don't trigger the same satiety signals as solid food.
Snacking out of boredom. Ask yourself: am I actually hungry, or am I stressed, bored, or procrastinating? A glass of water and a 10-minute walk solves a surprising number of "hunger" moments.
The Bottom Line
Smart snacking isn't about willpower — it's about having the right foods available. Stock your fridge with Greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, and cut vegetables. Keep a tuna packet or string cheese in your bag. Make the low calorie snack the path of least resistance.
Do that consistently, and hunger stops being a reason to go over your calorie goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a low calorie snack?
Generally, a snack under 150–200 calories is considered low calorie. The best low calorie snacks also include fibre or protein to actually reduce hunger — not just fill a gap with empty calories.
Should I snack if I'm trying to lose weight?
It depends. Snacks aren't inherently good or bad for weight loss — total daily calories matter most. Strategic snacking (high protein, high fibre, between meals) can prevent overeating at your next meal. Mindless snacking adds calories without satisfying hunger.
What are the most filling low calorie snacks?
Protein-heavy options like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and tuna tend to be the most filling per calorie. High-fibre options like edamame and vegetables add physical bulk that also signals fullness.
Is it okay to snack at night?
Night snacking itself doesn't cause weight gain — going over your daily calorie limit does. If you find yourself hungry at night, it often means you didn't eat enough protein during the day. Try increasing lunch or dinner protein first.