The Best Low Calorie Crunchy Snacks

Who doesn't love a good crunchy snack? The satisfying crunch of salty potato chips or cheesy crackers can be hard to turn down. But all that sodium and fat isn't great for your health, so you may be looking for a way to enjoy crunchy snacks without the guilt. Lucky for you, there are plenty of delicious low calorie crunchy snacks that are both tasty and good for you. Keep reading for the top five best low calorie crunchy snacks for you to munch on.

Air-Popped Popcorn

Air-popped popcorn is a great low calorie crunchy snack. A single cup of air-popped popcorn has only 31 calories and is full of healthy fiber. If you're looking for a touch of flavor, drizzle your popcorn with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle it with some sea salt, garlic powder, or dried herbs. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you can even top your popcorn with grated parmesan and a few red pepper flakes. With so many possibilities, you can make your popcorn as flavorful or simple as you'd like.

Roasted Chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas are a great source of protein, and they make a delicious low calorie crunchy snack. To roast chickpeas, simply rinse and drain a can of chickpeas, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and then coat them with olive oil, salt, and any other seasonings you'd like. Bake them for about 20 minutes, stirring them halfway through. A single cup of roasted chickpeas contains about 10 grams of protein and only 120 calories. Delicious and nutritious!

Baked Kale Chips

Kale chips are one of the most popular low calorie crunchy snacks around. To make them, simply rinse and dry a bunch of kale, then tear it into bite-sized pieces. Place the kale pieces on a baking sheet and coat them with olive oil, salt, and any other seasonings you'd like. Bake them for 10 to 15 minutes, until they're crispy. Kale chips are high in nutrition, full of flavor, and only about 40 calories per serving.

Whole-Wheat Crackers

Whole-wheat crackers are a great alternative to traditional white-flour crackers. They're packed with fiber and protein, and they have a delicious nutty flavor. A single serving of whole-wheat crackers (about 16 crackers) contains only 140 calories. You can enjoy them on their own or top them with some peanut butter, cheese, or hummus for a more filling snack.

Roasted Nuts

Another great low calorie crunchy snack is roasted nuts. A serving of almonds, for example, contains about 6 grams of protein and only 170 calories. To make them, simply spread a single layer of nuts on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You can also coat them with some olive oil and seasonings for extra flavor. Enjoy them as a snack or sprinkle them on your salads and yogurt for a crunchy topping.

The Bottom Line

Low calorie crunchy snacks don't have to be boring. There are plenty of delicious options, like air-popped popcorn, roasted chickpeas, kale chips, whole-wheat crackers, and roasted nuts. Not only are these snacks low in calories, but they're also full of healthy fiber and protein. So don't feel guilty about indulging in a crunchy snack. Just make sure it's a healthy one!