21 Cheap Gluten-Free Low-Calorie Snacks
Snacking can be a healthy part of a balanced diet, but it can be tricky to find snacks that are both gluten-free and low in calories. This article provides a solution with 21 delicious, budget-friendly, and easy-to-prepare snack recipes. These snacks will help you stay energized between meals without derailing your health goals.
1. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
This classic snack is a perfect combination of sweet and savory. The apple provides a satisfying crunch, while the peanut butter adds a boost of protein and healthy fats.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium apple, sliced
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
Instructions:
- Slice the apple and serve with peanut butter for dipping.
Approximate Cost: $1.50
Approximate Calories: 250
2. Rice Cakes with Avocado
Rice cakes are a light and crispy gluten-free base for a variety of toppings. This simple snack is a great source of healthy fats and will keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Ingredients:
- 2 gluten-free rice cakes
- 1/2 avocado, mashed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Spread the mashed avocado on the rice cakes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Approximate Cost: $1.50
Approximate Calories: 200
3. Greek Yogurt with Berries
Greek yogurt is a great source of protein and is naturally gluten-free. This simple snack is quick, easy, and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mixed berries
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and berries.
- Stir to combine and enjoy.
Approximate Cost: $1.50
Approximate Calories: 150
4. Hard-Boiled Egg
A hard-boiled egg is a simple and portable snack that is packed with protein. It’s a great option for a quick and easy snack on the go.
Ingredients:
- 1 hard-boiled egg
Instructions:
- Peel and enjoy!
Approximate Cost: $0.50
Approximate Calories: 80
5. Baby Carrots with Hummus
This classic snack is a great way to get in a serving of vegetables. The hummus adds a boost of protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and healthy snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1/4 cup hummus
Instructions:
- Serve the baby carrots with hummus for dipping.
Approximate Cost: $1.50
Approximate Calories: 150
6. A Handful of Almonds
Almonds are a great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. A small handful is a perfect portable snack to keep you full and satisfied between meals.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup almonds
Instructions:
- Enjoy a handful of almonds for a quick and easy snack.
Approximate Cost: $1.00
Approximate Calories: 200
7. Popcorn
Popcorn is a whole grain and a good source of fiber. It’s a great low-calorie snack option, as long as you don’t load it up with butter and salt.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups air-popped popcorn
- A sprinkle of salt and your favorite seasonings
Instructions:
- Pop the popcorn using an air popper or in the microwave.
- Season with a sprinkle of salt and your favorite seasonings.
Approximate Cost: $0.50
Approximate Calories: 100
8. Edamame
Edamame is a great source of protein and fiber. It’s a simple and satisfying snack that can be enjoyed warm or cold.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shelled edamame
- A sprinkle of salt
Instructions:
- Steam or boil the edamame until tender.
- Sprinkle with salt and enjoy.
Approximate Cost: $1.50
Approximate Calories: 150
9. Celery Sticks with Cream Cheese
This simple and refreshing snack is a great way to get in a serving of vegetables. The cream cheese adds a creamy and savory flavor to the celery.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 celery stalks, cut into sticks
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
Instructions:
- Spread the cream cheese on the celery sticks and enjoy.
Approximate Cost: $1.00
Approximate Calories: 100
10. A Pear
A pear is a sweet and juicy fruit that is a good source of fiber. It’s a simple and satisfying snack that is perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium pear
Instructions:
- Enjoy a fresh pear for a quick and easy snack.
Approximate Cost: $0.75
Approximate Calories: 100
11. Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are a sweet and juicy snack that is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. They are a great low-calorie snack option that can be enjoyed on their own or with a dip.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
Instructions:
- Enjoy a cup of cherry tomatoes for a quick and easy snack.
Approximate Cost: $1.50
Approximate Calories: 30
12. Banana
A banana is a great source of potassium and is a perfect portable snack. It’s a simple and satisfying snack that will give you a boost of energy.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium banana
Instructions:
- Enjoy a fresh banana for a quick and easy snack.
Approximate Cost: $0.50
Approximate Calories: 100
13. Cucumber Slices with Tajin
This simple and refreshing snack is a great way to get in a serving of vegetables. The Tajin adds a zesty and spicy flavor to the cucumber.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cucumber slices
- A sprinkle of Tajin seasoning
Instructions:
- Sprinkle the Tajin seasoning over the cucumber slices and enjoy.
Approximate Cost: $1.00
Approximate Calories: 20
14. A Handful of Grapes
Grapes are a sweet and juicy fruit that is a good source of vitamins and antioxidants. They are a simple and satisfying snack that is perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup grapes
Instructions:
- Enjoy a cup of grapes for a quick and easy snack.
Approximate Cost: $1.50
Approximate Calories: 100
15. Olives
Olives are a good source of healthy fats and have a salty and savory flavor. They are a simple and satisfying snack that can be enjoyed on their own or with other snacks.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olives
Instructions:
- Enjoy a handful of olives for a quick and easy snack.
Approximate Cost: $1.00
Approximate Calories: 40
16. Pickles
Pickles are a low-calorie snack that can satisfy a craving for something salty and crunchy. They are a simple and satisfying snack that can be enjoyed on their own or with other snacks.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 pickle spears
Instructions:
- Enjoy a pickle spear for a quick and easy snack.
Approximate Cost: $0.50
Approximate Calories: 10
17. A Handful of Walnuts
Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and are a satisfying and healthy snack. A small handful is a perfect portable snack to keep you full and satisfied between meals.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup walnuts
Instructions:
- Enjoy a handful of walnuts for a quick and easy snack.
Approximate Cost: $1.00
Approximate Calories: 200
18. Sliced Bell Peppers with Guacamole
This colorful and crunchy snack is a great way to get in a serving of vegetables. The guacamole adds a boost of healthy fats and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup guacamole
Instructions:
- Serve the sliced bell peppers with guacamole for dipping.
Approximate Cost: $1.50
Approximate Calories: 150
19. Dark Chocolate Square
Sometimes you just need a little something sweet. A small square of dark chocolate can satisfy a craving without derailing your health goals. Look for a dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa for the most health benefits.
Ingredients:
- 1 square of dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
Instructions:
- Enjoy a square of dark chocolate for a simple and satisfying snack.
Approximate Cost: $0.50
Approximate Calories: 100
20. A Small Glass of Milk
A small glass of milk is a simple and satisfying snack that is a good source of calcium and protein. It’s a great option for a quick and easy snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Instructions:
- Enjoy a small glass of milk for a simple and satisfying snack.
Approximate Cost: $0.50
Approximate Calories: 100-150
21. A Small Bowl of Berries
Berries are a sweet and juicy fruit that is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. They are a great low-calorie snack option that can be enjoyed on their own or with other snacks.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of mixed berries
Instructions:
- Enjoy a cup of mixed berries for a quick and easy snack.
Approximate Cost: $2.00
Approximate Calories: 80
