10 Sweet Snacks That Are Low in Added Sugar (and RD-Approved!)
Added sugar intakes are an area of concern in the Standard American Diet (SAD), and I'm constantly asked what low sugar convenient snack options on the market I recommend that'll actually satisfy a sweet tooth. Believe me when I say you don’t have to give up the foods you love - and I won't tell you to just eat an apple (though those are delicious too!).
In full disclosure, I selfishly admit the research for this piece was as much for me as it was for you (I have a major #sweettooth over here, too). Even though I'm a registered dietitian, I am certainly not the food police. I want you to enjoy foods that bring you satisfaction and, frankly, taste good too.
But, as a health authority, I also want to make sure I'm providing you options that both satisfy your cravings and fuel your body to function at its prime. You can have both! Check out these 10 low-to-no added sugar snacks; I promise there's something in here for every food mood that strikes.
1. Larabar Chocolate Raspberry Brownie
With only 2 grams of added sugar, 370 mg of heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids and 3 grams of dietary fiber, Larabar really knocked its brownie line of products out of the park. Thanks to the addition of dates, a naturally sweet fruit, these brownies are packed full of nutrients and provide 11 percent of the daily value for fiber. Just don't go eating 10 of them to meet 100 percent of your daily fiber needs - make some room for other fruits, vegetables, and whole grains too!
2. No Shell Honey Roasted Wonderful Pistachios
If you love the taste of roasted nuts, then you're going to want to add Wonderful Pistachio's No Shell Honey Roasted flavor to your shopping list. In just a single 1/4 cup serving, you get 6 grams of complete plant protein and 3 grams of dietary fiber. That's a dynamic duo that'll fill you up and keep your hunger at bay. Plus, these nuts have less than 1 gram of added sugar per serving, making them satisfying and sweet without a plethora of sugar.
3. Chloe's No Sugar Added Strawberry Pops
Whether you’re a mom looking for something without a ton of sugar to offer the kids or an adult who just loves popsicles, these No Sugar Added Strawberry Pops from Chloe's are a slam dunk for every age. Made from natural fruits and the newer sweetener on the market, allulose, it's a sweet treat you can enjoy for only 40 calories. (If allulose is new to you, read this!)
4. Chocolate Peanut Brownie Clif Bar Thins
If you're craving cookies, then let me introduce you to my favorite pantry staple: Chocolate Peanut Butter Clif Bar Thins! Clif Bar Thins are made from roasted peanuts, chocolate chips and organic oats, making it a simple snack to enjoy on its own or paired with a smoothie for a fun afternoon pick-me-up. Each package contains two Thins for just 100 calories and only 5 grams of added sugar.
5. Egglife Sweet Cinnamon Wrap
If you're looking to pack a little protein in your sweet treat to keep you fuller for longer, then checkout the newest flavor to join the Egglife brand: Sweet Cinnamon! With 1 gram of carbohydrates, 5 grams of protein and 0 grams of added sugar, it's a great low-carb treat to pair with other nutrient dense foods. Try spreading a little nut or seed butter in the wrap, adding fresh fruit and rolling it up; then, slice into mini "sweet sushi rolls"! My kids love this and truthfully, I do too!
6. Wish Farms Pink-A-Boo Pineberries
Okay, it's not an apple, but there's always room for fruit to satisfy a sweet tooth in my book! Wish Farms' newest addition to their berry farm, the Pink-A-Boo Pineberry, has a beautiful pink hue with the flavor of strawberry accompanied by subtle notes of pineapple, pear and apricot. Similar to red strawberries in nutrition, pineberries contain folic acid, phosphorus and vitamin C. Keep an eye out at your local markets; they should be available nationwide this spring.
7. Nature Valley Blueberry Nut Protein Bars
Affordable and widely convenient, I love that the General Mills Nature Valley line has added the Blueberry Nut Protein Bars to its arsenal of grab-and-go snacks. Each bar packs 10 grams of protein for 190 calories and just 6 grams of added sugars. If you like the taste of a blueberry in the morning, I recommend swapping a muffin with this on your way to work.
8. Skinny Dipped Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Having been a fan of Skinny Dipped Almonds in the past, I was excited to try their Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. Why? Because each cup contains much more peanut butter than any other cup I've tried! A thin dark chocolate shell coats the roasted peanut mixture that's been slightly sweetened with allulose, cane sugar and maple sugar, leaving each cup with just 2 grams of added sugar.
9. Maple & Sea Salt Pop Bitties
If you like the combination of sweet and salty together, then Pop Bitties Maple & Sea Salt ancient grain snack is a must add to your pantry. These maple-infused whole grain chips offer that crispy, crunchy taste for 120 calories and just 3 grams of added sugar. Pair this with a fun sweet hummus for a dynamic duo.
10. Munk Pack Macadamia Nut White Chocolate Keto Nut & Seed Bar
I will admit, right off the bat I wasn't thrilled with the "keto" inclusion in the name of this bar, but biases aside, the bar is actually good and does the job in satisfying my sweet tooth! Sweetened with allulose, the creamy white chocolate drizzle covers the buttery macadamia nuts and almonds to create a texture laden snack bar that will satisfy most while keeping their blood sugars in check. Plus, each bar has 4 grams of both fiber and protein!
For more sweet snack ideas, keep reading:
For exclusive access to all of our fitness, gear, adventure, and travel stories, plus discounts on trips, events, and gear, sign up for Outside+ today.
