DIY Keto Snacks That Cost Pennies

Sticking to a ketogenic diet doesn’t have to break the bank. While some pre-packaged keto snacks come with a hefty price tag, many delicious and satisfying options can be made at home for pennies. These DIY keto snacks that cost pennies are simple, use readily available ingredients, and help you stay within your macro goals.

Simple Cheese Crisps

Cheese crisps are a keto staple for good reason. They’re incredibly easy to make, require only one ingredient (cheese!), and provide a satisfying crunch. You can use any hard cheese you like, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan. Simply shred the cheese, place small piles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Let them cool completely before enjoying. For extra flavour, sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, or your favourite herbs. They’re a great alternative to crisps and can be enjoyed on their own or with a dip.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are a protein powerhouse and a fantastic keto-friendly snack. They’re cheap, easy to prepare in batches, and can be stored in the fridge for several days. Eggs are also packed with essential nutrients and healthy fats. To make perfect hard-boiled eggs, place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 10-12 minutes. Cool under cold water, peel, and enjoy. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, or a dash of hot sauce for added flavour. Consider adding egg salad to your keto meal prep for more variety.

Celery Sticks with Peanut Butter

Celery sticks with peanut butter are a classic snack that fits perfectly into a ketogenic lifestyle. Celery is low in carbohydrates and provides a satisfying crunch, while peanut butter offers healthy fats and protein. Opt for natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils. Simply wash and cut celery stalks into sticks and spread with a tablespoon or two of peanut butter. This snack is quick, easy, and provides a good balance of nutrients. For a variation, try almond butter or sunflower seed butter.

What this means in practice

Making your own keto snacks is not only cost-effective but also allows you to control the ingredients and avoid hidden sugars and unhealthy additives. For example, a bag of pre-made keto crisps can easily cost £3-4 at Tesco, while you can make a much larger batch of cheese crisps at home for the same price using a block of cheddar. Plus, you can tailor the flavours to your liking. It’s a win-win!

Salted Avocado

Avocado is a keto superstar, rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, fibre, and essential nutrients. A simple and satisfying snack is half an avocado sprinkled with sea salt. The creamy texture and mild flavour of avocado make it a versatile base for various toppings. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice, a sprinkle of chilli flakes, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavour. Avocado can also be used to make guacamole, which can be enjoyed with celery sticks or cheese crisps. Be mindful of portion sizes, as avocados are calorie-dense.

Frequently asked questions

Are nuts a good option for keto snacks?

Nuts can be a good option in moderation, but it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes as they can be high in carbohydrates. Macadamia nuts and pecans are among the lowest in carbs, while cashews and pistachios are higher.

Can I eat fruit on keto?

Most fruits are too high in carbohydrates to be suitable for a ketogenic diet. However, small portions of berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, can be enjoyed occasionally as they are relatively low in carbs and high in antioxidants. Check our guide to low-carb fruits for more details.

How can I sweeten keto snacks without sugar?

There are several keto-friendly sweeteners available, such as stevia, erythritol, and monk fruit. These sweeteners have minimal impact on blood sugar levels and can be used to sweeten keto snacks and desserts.

How do I track the carbs in my snacks?

Carefully read the nutrition labels of all ingredients. Subtract the grams of fibre from the total carbohydrate count to determine the net carbs. There are many online resources and apps that can help you track your macros.

The bottom line

DIY keto snacks that cost pennies are a fantastic way to save money and stay on track with your ketogenic diet. By making your own snacks at home, you have complete control over the ingredients and can avoid hidden sugars and unhealthy additives. Simple options like cheese crisps, hard-boiled eggs, and celery sticks with peanut butter are quick, easy, and satisfying. If you’d rather not do the macro maths yourself, the macro tracker in the Keto Dieting app does it for you on Google Play and the App Store.

References

1. Bueno NB, de Melo IS, de Oliveira SL, da Rocha Ataide T (2013). Very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet v. low-fat diet for long-term weight loss: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. British Journal of Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114513000548