Snacking is one of life’s greatest joys.
There’s nothing like snuggling down after a gruelling day’s work armed with a bowl of popcorn or a tub of ice cream. Yet while this combo tends to hit the sweet spot, often it leaves us feeling even more meh.
Sugary snacks are the most delicious, there’s no question about that - but spikes and inevitable crashes often result in feelings of sluggishness. The same goes for many high-calorie snacks, which are believed to increase sleepiness after eating.
If you often find yourself stuck in a post-midday slump, then a low-calorie snack may be the better pick-me-up for your body. Not only are they used for weight loss, but low-calorie bites can help you avoid any energy dips throughout the day and even aid digestion.
You’ll have no doubt seen low-calorie snacks line the counters at your local health store. Yet you don’t necessarily have to go down the ultra-processed route. Many snacks are naturally low in calories. Household staples such as apples, nuts and berries are healthy options to consider for remedying day and nighttime munchies.
What are calories?
Calories are a measure of energy. They refer to the amount of energy stored in foods and drinks or the amount of energy you burn while exercising.
Regulations require that food manufacturers display nutrition facts such as calorie count on the label of each and every product. This is to help shoppers learn about the healthiness of a product and shop according to their dietary needs.
On average, women should eat 2000 calories per day and men should eat 2500 calories per day to maintain their weight.
How do I work out calories from kilojoules?
If like us, you've found yourself feeling perplexed while trying to work out calories during your weekly shop, you’re not alone. Depending on where you live, energy can be measured in kilocalories (kcal) or kilojoules (kJ). Kilojoules are more commonly used in the UK, meaning working out kilocalories often requires some rapid mental maths or a calculator.
One calorie (kcal) equals 4.18 kJ or 4,184 joules (J). To convert from calories to kJ, multiply calories by 4.18. To convert from kJ to calories, divide kJ by 4.18.
Ensure your snack cupboard remains vibrant and healthy with some low-calorie snacks to keep the munchies at bay.
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Propercorn Lightly Sea Salt Popcorn
Calories: 44 kcal per pack
Whether you're a sweet tooth or savoury lover, Propercorn is ready to curb your cravings. With 44 calories per 100g serving, the lightly salted snack is a low-calorie treat ideal for at-home movie nights.
Buy now £1.90, Tesco
Urban Fruit Coconut Chips Up 4 Pack
Calories: 96 kcals per pack
Go coco-nutty over Urban Fruit. The brand’s coconut chips are made from natural ingredients and sprinkled with sea salt and coconut blossom nectar. Enjoy the chips, which are just 96 calories, at your desk or on the move.
Buy now £3.05, Tesco
Itsu Crispy Seaweed Thins Sea Salt 4X5g
Calories: 23 kcal per pack
Pump your body full of goodness with Itsu’s Seaweed Thins. Harvested, pressed and lightly toasted in South Korea, the popular snacks are saturated with vitamin B12 which reduces fatigue during the day.
Buy now £2.85, Tesco
M&S Mini Fruit Kebabs
Calories: 50 kcal per 100g
Serve up a tropical feast with M&S' mini fruit kebabs. Each is packed with nutrients and natural sweetness, thanks to a mouth-watering combination of watermelon, pineapple, kiwi and mango. Not only is an 80g serving one of your five a day, but they are only 50 calories per 100g.
Buy now £3.90, Ocado
Kallo Organic Lightly Salted Rice Cakes
Calories: 27 kcal per rice cake
Spreads at the ready. Rice cakes are a versatile pick to dress up as you please. Whether topped off with a fine layer of crunchy peanut butter or Marmite, these treats are sure to tickle your taste buds. Suitable for vegans, veggies and gluten-free munchers.
Buy now £1.60, Waitrose
Popchips Sea Salt Potato Snacks
Calories: 73 kcal per pack
We can never resist a Popchip. Lightly salted with the perfect amount of crunch, the chips are a no-fry, low-calorie option. Pair yours with a fresh salad for a refreshing, 4pm slump pick-me-up.
Buy now £2.25, Tesco
Sainsbury's Red & White Seedless Grapes
Calories: 56 kcal per serving
Grapes are essentially healthy sweets. The juicy pearls of sweetness can be eaten fresh or frozen for a refreshing, energising snack. The whole punnet is 337 calories with each serving amounting to 56 calories.
Buy now £2.00, Sainsbury's
Waitrose Essential Natural Fat Free Yogurt
Calories: 244 kcal per pot
Scoop some delightfully creamy yoghurt into a bowl and top off with mixed berries. Ideal for post-supper snacking, fat-free yoghurt is a silky dessert alternative. It also doubles up as an easy, light breakfast option when rushing out the door for work.
Buy now £0.75, Waitrose
Yutaka Edamame Soybeans with Pod
Calories: 46 kcal per 50g
There’s no worse feeling than coming home to a snackless abode. Pop these freshly picked, frozen soybeans into the freezer for when the cravings come calling. A nutritious snack, the beans can be easily defrosted and seasoned with salt. Pop them out of the pods and enjoy.
Buy now £3.25, Waitrose
Sainsbury's Carrot and Houmous
Calories: 92 kcal per pack
Name a better match than carrots and houmous. The combo is a staple at picnics and dinner parties - and for good reason. Made from cooked chickpeas, sesame seed paste and garlic purée, the lightly whipped dip is ideal for vigorous dunking throughout the day.
Buy now £1.25, Sainsbury's
