THE CARNIVORE DIET BENEFITS
Just because you’re trying to shed some fat doesn’t mean you have to starve yourself - all you need are the best snacks for cutting weight! There are so many great options out there, and as long as you enjoy them in moderation, you can still watch the weight melt away.
From tantalizing meat chips to Greek yogurt, protein powder, rice cakes, nuts, and more, we’ve put together a list of the best cutting snacks to help you reach your goals without losing your sanity. Find your new favorite weight loss snacks below!
What Are the Best Snacks for Cutting Weight?
The best snacks for cutting weight check a few boxes:
- Every calorie earns its place. That doesn’t mean they have to be super low-cal, just that they’re not empty calories.
- They’re protein-packed. This is the nutrient that provides satiety (keeps you full) and protects against muscle loss while you’re in a caloric deficit.
- They’re genuinely enjoyable. This way, you can stay on track with your diet because you don’t feel deprived of foods you actually enjoy.
Basically, you want to snack on real foods that feel like eating - not “diet snacks.” These are some of the best cutting snacks worth adding to your rotation.
Meat Chips
- Calories: 120-160
- Protein: 10-23g (varies by cut)
- Fat: 7-12g
- Carbs: 0g
These carnivore chips do what few other weight loss snacks do - they taste amazing, they’re super filling, and they give you the nutrients you need most when you’re trying to cut.
They’re only made from two ingredients: regeneratively raised meat and salt. That means you don’t have to worry about hidden ingredients that are only going to hold you back from your goals. Plus, they taste amazing - like a meat pastry. Light and crispy at first, but then they melt in your mouth, giving way to tantalizing flavors. Find your new favorite cut today:
Just be careful, it’s easy to overindulge since they taste so great.
Protein Powder
- Calories: 110-130
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 1-3g
- Carbs: 2-5
Whether you’re looking for the best cutting snacks or the best bulking snacks, protein powder fits the bill. It’s versatile. But most importantly, it provides a fast hit of what you need most to reach your goals: protein! What you’re not getting, though, is basically any other nutrients.
Mix it with water to keep calories down, or blend with ice for volume without adding much energy. Be aware that liquids don’t keep you full as long as solid food, and a lot of whey proteins have artificial ingredients littered throughout the label. It’s convenient, sure, but that comes at a cost.
Carrots and Hummus
- Calories: 110-130
- Protein: 3-4g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 15g
This combo works wonderfully on a cut because you get volume and crunch with a controlled calorie cost. Carrots give you something to chew, while hummus adds just enough fat to make it feel like a snack instead of filler.
It’s best used when you want something savory and hydrating. The main thing to watch is hummus portions - extra spoonfuls add calories quickly. You’re also going to need to round out your nutrition with higher-protein options since this leaves a little to be desired there.
Greek Yogurt
- Calories: 100-120
- Protein: 15-18g
- Fat: 0-4g (depending on fat level)
- Carbs: 5-7g
Greek yogurt is one of the best snacks for cutting weight without a doubt. It packs protein into a relatively small calorie count. It works well mid-day or at night when hunger creeps in but you don’t want a heavy snack.
Stick with plain to avoid sugar creep, and add berries or cinnamon if needed. Because it’s soft and easy to eat, it’s smart to portion it intentionally rather than eating straight from the container.
Cottage Cheese
- Calories: 90-110
- Protein: 12-14g
- Fat: 2g
- Carbs: 3-4g
Another dairy snack you can fall back on when hunger strikes is cottage cheese. It may not be quite as enjoyable as Greek yogurt, but it’s still one of the best cutting snacks as far as function goes. Tons of protein, low in calories, carbs, and fats.
It works especially well in the evening when appetite is high but calories need to stay controlled. It also has casein protein, which digests slowly, feeding your body while you sleep. Texture is the main barrier for some people, but if you can get past it, this is one of the top gym snacks.
Almonds, Walnuts, and Cashews
- Calories: 160-180
- Protein: 4-6g
- Fat: 14-18g
- Carbs: 5-6g
Nuts can work during a cut if portions are tight. They’re satisfying and slow to digest, which helps when meals are spaced far apart. They’re best used as a planned snack rather than something to eat mindlessly. Pre-portioning is non-negotiable here, though.
Low-Fat Cheese Sticks
- Calories: 50-80
- Protein: 6-8g
- Fat: 2-4g
- Carbs: 1-2g
They’re convenient, predictable, and easy to track - what more could you ask for in weight loss snacks? Cheese sticks give you protein and a bit of fat without pushing calories too high.
They’re especially great at work or on the go when prep isn’t an option. The main consideration is sodium - fine for most people, but something to be aware of if you’re stacking multiple salty snacks in a day.
Some Protein Bars
- Calories: 180-250
- Protein: 10-20g
- Fat: 5-10g
- Carbs: 15-30g
Notice we said some protein bars. Not all. In the right context, these can be some of the best snacks for cutting weight. They’re convenient, and obviously high in protein. The problem is, many are loaded with carbs, artificial sweeteners, and yet they still don’t taste all that great.
Do your due diligence and find a minimalist ingredient label that fits your goals and taste buds. Easier said than done, but there are options out there! These are some of the best cutting snacks for on-the-go; there’s no doubt about that.
Roasted Chickpeas
- Calories: 120-140
- Protein: 6-7g
- Fat: 3-5g
- Carbs: 18-22g
Roasted chickpeas add crunch and volume without blowing calories, which makes them useful when cutting hunger is more about texture than true need.
They’re easy to prep at home or buy pre-roasted and portioned. Season them lightly and keep servings measured. Just watch out for the carb content, it can sneak up on your faster than you realize.
Dates and Raisins
- Calories: 100-120
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 25-30g
Boring? Yes. But they’re still some of the best snacks for cutting weight when you need something to satisfy cravings and don’t want to bother with chips or crackers, which are just empty calories. Dates and raisins will do a better job of filling you up and holding you over. Pair with protein if possible to avoid a fast rebound in hunger.
Rice Cakes With Nut Butter
- Calories: 100-120
- Protein: 3-4g
- Fat: 8-9g
- Carbs: 10-12g
These are a bodybuilder’s best friend - for better or worse.
They can be quite bland, but they’re still some of the best snacks for cutting weight given what they bring to the table: a satisfying crunch, light calorie content, and plenty of possibilities for customization.
Add your favorite nut butter to make them more enjoyable, and you’ve got a mini meal in minutes!
Popcorn
- Calories: 90-100
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 1-2g
- Carbs: 18-20g
You might be surprised to see popcorn on a list of the best cutting snacks, but hear us out. It has its place when you want something crunchy and satisfying yet light. It’s better to indulge in this than something sugary or ultra-processed.
Stick to air-popped or lightly seasoned versions. Oils and flavorings add calories quickly, so it’s best to keep it simple if you’re trying to lose weight.
Slices of Deli Meat
- Calories: 90-120
- Protein: 15-18g
- Fat: 1-3g
- Carbs: 1-2g
Another basic, boring snack that earns its spot on a list of the best snacks for cutting weight. Turkey, roast beef, pastrami, and ham all bring you plenty of protein with few calories, carbs, and fats.
Roll slices up, pair with mustard, or eat plain. It’s especially useful at work or on the go. Just be careful because the sodium content can quickly sneak up on you!
Hard Boiled Eggs
- Calories: 70
- Protein: 6-7g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: <1g
Hard-boiled eggs are one of the most best cutting snacks available. They’re filling, predictable, and real food. Two eggs can quiet hunger for hours. They work best earlier in the day or post-training. Prep ahead and portion intentionally - it’s easy to eat extra without noticing.
Jerky or Biltong
- Calories: 70-100
- Protein: 9-12g
- Fat: 1-3g
- Carbs: 2-5g
Jerky and biltong are the final options we want to present you in our list of the best snacks for cutting weight. They’re not all that exciting, but they deliver protein with very few calories and almost zero carbs.
Biltong is usually softer and easier to eat, while jerky lasts longer and makes you work for it - which can be a good thing if you have a habit of overindulging.
These are great emergency snacks, but ingredient quality matters. Unfortunately, most brands add sugar and artificial flavorings. Clean versions fit cutting phases far better and help you avoid consuming unnecessary carbs.
Or, just stick with Carnivore Snax as a better beef jerky alternative.
Tips on Snacking While Cutting Weight
There are so many awesome snacks worth keeping in your rotation as you cut weight, but how you incorporate them matters just as much as choosing the best cutting snacks themselves. Here are some tips to keep your snacks actually serving you rather than holding you back:
- Pre-decide portions before the week starts to prevent accidental overeating.
- Anchor snacks to protein first, then add volume (veg, popcorn) if needed.
- Time carbs intentionally. Earlier in the day or around training, not randomly at night.
- Keep one “emergency” snack in your bag or car to avoid last-minute binges.
- Track sodium once, not obsessively - salty snacks can help you stay on track.
- Avoid liquid calories unless appetite is low and protein is the priority.
- Rotate 3-4 go-to snacks weekly to prevent boredom without blowing the plan.
- Stop at “not hungry” - remember that snacks are tools, not mini meals.
Whether you’re looking for the best snacks for diabetics, the best snacks for keto diet, or just want to be more intentional in how you snack, these tips will help you reach your goals without costing you your sanity!
Closing Thoughts on the Best Cutting Snacks
The best snacks for cutting weight make staying in a calorie deficit simple, and dare we say enjoyable? Stick with protein-packed snacks when possible, and be mindful of portion control.
All that’s left to do now is shop at Carnivore Snax. They’re the best snacks for wrestlers - and really great healthy snacks for athletes of all types, for that matter. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Order the best cutting snacks today and see what the hype is all about!
