Snacking often gets a bad reputation as an indulgence that derails health goals. However, when done right, small bites throughout the day can boost energy, satisfy cravings, and provide important nutrients.

As rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease continue to escalate globally, more dietitians recommend cutting back on added sugars and limiting overall carbohydrate intake.

The challenge?

Finding satisfying, no-sugar-added snacks that don’t leave you feeling deprived.

Read on for 15 tempting but dietitian-approved recipes for sugar-free snacking. With ideas like crunchy trail mixes, chocolatey energy bites, crisp popcorn and more, these better-for-you bites will kick unhealthy cravings to the curb

Satisfying Savory Snacks

When a salty craving strikes, don’t reach for the potato chips. These savory sugar-free snacks provide the satisfying crunch you crave with a nutritional boost:

• Trail Mixes– Skip the candy-filled store-bought trail mixes and make your own using nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, banana chips, raisins and your other favorite add-ins. Flavor it up with spices like cinnamon or cayenne pepper.

• Cheese Crisps– For a low-carb poppable snack, bake bite-sized crisps using Parmesan or cheddar cheese. Add garlic powder or paprika to boost the flavor.

• Veggie Chips– Thinly slice vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes or beets, toss in olive oil and spices and bake until crispy.

• Seed Crackers– Make crackers out of all kinds of healthy seeds and nuts held together by egg white. Slice them small for a pop-in-your mouth snack.

• Naturally Sweet Bites– Curb a sweet tooth the healthy way with these better-for-you bites that get their sweetness from natural ingredients:

• Fruit Bowls– Fresh fruit makes the ultimate guilt-free sweet snack. Mix it up by adding lime juice and mint or nonfat Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

• Chocolate Banana Bites– Mash up ripe banana with cacao powder and almond butter then roll into balls and freeze for a bona fide treat.

• No-Bake Energy Balls– Combine your favorite nuts, seeds, oats, coconut and dried fruit for tasty portable protein and fiber bites.

• Greek Yogurt Bark– Stir frozen berries into Greek yogurt, spread on parchment paper and freeze. Break into bite-sized pieces for something resembling candy.

Crunchy & Crispy Treats

Craving something crispy?

Crunch on these satisfying sugar-free snacks:

• Popcorn– Air-popped popcorn sprinkled with nutritional yeast makes a tasty snack with protein and vitamins.

• Kale Chips – Toss torn kale pieces with olive oil and salt then bake until crisp.

• Roasted Chickpeas – Drain and roast canned chickpeas in the oven with olive oil, cumin and paprika for a crunchy high-protein snack.

• Apple Crisps – Thinly slice apples, sprinkle with cinnamon and bake until dried out and crispy.

Conclusion

With a little creativity, it’s possible to find tasty sugar-free snacks perfect for any craving. Focus on whole foods like nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruits, eggs and full-fat dairy for satisfying snacks that nourish your body. Be mindful of portion sizes, and slow down to savor each bite. Your taste buds and health will thank you. What nourishing snacks will you whip up today?