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Healthy snacks with no added sugar: how to make informed choices

When looking for healthy snacks with no added sugar, you’ll quickly come across terms such as “zero sugar”, “low carb” and “high protein”. However, these words don’t tell the whole story. A snack with no added sugar can still contain sugars that occur naturally. A product that’s low in carbohydrates may still be relatively high in fat or calories. And “high protein” says nothing about allergens, sweeteners or portion size.

The following points will help you look beyond marketing terms and check the nutrition table.

Three common pitfalls when choosing sugar-free snacks

1. No added sugar doesn’t mean sugar-free

On a label, “no added sugars” and “sugar-free” can mean different things. Muesli with grains and fruit, for example, may still contain natural sugars. So always check the of which sugars figure per 100 g and per portion.

Sweeteners are worth checking, too. Maltitol and other polyols can make a product taste sweeter, but consuming a lot can have a laxative effect for some people. Panpan Low GI Sugar-Free Oat High Fiber Biscuits, for example, contain maltitol and list 11.7 g of sugars per 100 g. So “sugar-free” doesn’t mean that the product contains no sugars.

2. Low carb doesn’t automatically mean low in calories

Nuts, seeds, oil and high-fibre ingredients can lower the carbohydrate content, but they may also increase the fat and energy content. According to the product information, Holie's Granola Low Carb Crunch contains 18 g of carbohydrates, 33 g of fat and 490 kcal per 100 g. It may suit a carb-conscious choice, but it’s still important to measure your portion.

So always compare several values:

  • Carbohydrates and sugars if you want to limit your intake of them.
  • Protein for a filling snack or something to eat around your workout.
  • Fibre if you’re looking for high-fibre snacks.
  • Energy and fat if calories are a consideration.
  • Salt, especially in savoury crackers and wafers.

3. A large multipack isn’t always practical

A multipack can be handy at home or in the office, but check the best-before date and portion size. A box of protein bars may be less appealing if you don’t know whether you’ll like the flavour, or if the sweeteners don’t suit you. An opened bag of granola may also lose its crunch more quickly. Store dry snacks in a cool, dry place in a well-sealed container, and always follow the packaging instructions.

Which specifications should you check?

1. Check the nutrition information per 100 g

Per-portion information can sometimes look more favourable because the manufacturer has chosen a small portion size. The figures per 100 g make products easier to compare. When choosing low carb snacks, don’t just look at the carbohydrate content; check the fibre content and portion size, too.

Examples from the range:

  • Holie's Granola Low Carb Crunch: 16 g of fibre and 22 g of protein per 100 g.
  • Leev Organic Low-Carb Tomato Oregano Crackers: 10.9 g of carbohydrates, 19.1 g of fibre and 37.8 g of protein per 100 g.
  • Wasa High-Fiber Crackers: 26 g of fibre and 13 g of protein per 100 g.
  • Quaker Cruesli Zero Sugar Added Strawberry & Peach: 24 g of fibre, 48 g of carbohydrates and 4.4 g of sugars per 100 g.

These figures are product specifications, not a general statement about what constitutes a healthy choice for everyone.

2. Check the ingredients list

Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. See whether you prefer wholegrain cereals, nuts, seeds or pulses. Also check whether the product contains palm oil, sweeteners, flavourings or added salt.

For example:

  • Granola with nuts and seeds can provide a relatively high amount of protein and fibre, but may also be high in energy.
  • Healthy crackers made with rye or linseed can be a savoury option, but may contain more salt.
  • Organic snacks carry an organic certification or are described as organic, but that doesn’t automatically mean they’re low in sugar, fat or calories.
  • Vegan muesli may still contain gluten or nuts.

3. Take allergens and dietary preferences seriously

Check for milk, cereals containing gluten, soya, peanuts, nuts, sesame and lupin. According to the product information, Leev Organic Rosemary Lentil Wafers are organic and gluten-free, but list milk and soya as allergens. The Leev crackers contain lupin, egg, milk, sesame and wheat, among other ingredients.

Grenade Carb Killa bars contain milk proteins and bovine collagen. They’re therefore not suitable for vegans, or for everyone avoiding lactose or animal-derived ingredients. Always check the latest label before buying, as ingredients can change.

Our recommendations for different occasions

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Quaker Cruesli Zero Sugar Added Strawberry & Peach - 400 g

Quaker Cruesli Zero Sugar Added Strawberry & Peach - 400 g

Why it suits this profile: A familiar breakfast and snack option for anyone looking to get started with snacks with no added sugar, without complicated preparation. Enjoy it with yoghurt or a plant-based alternative.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information says it contains no added sugars or sweeteners. However, check the 4.4 g of sugars per 100 g and keep an eye on your portion size.

Key benefit & highlights

24 g of fibre per 100 g, vegan according to the product information, and suitable for breakfast or on the go.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Holie's Granola Low Carb Crunch - 350g

Holie's Granola Low Carb Crunch - 350g

Why it suits this profile: For anyone looking for granola with fewer carbohydrates and happy to factor its higher energy content per 100 g into their portion size.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The nutrition information shows that low carb doesn’t mean low in calories: it contains 490 kcal and 33 g of fat per 100 g.

Key benefit & highlights

18 g of carbohydrates, 16 g of fibre and 22 g of protein per 100 g; 0% added sugar according to the product information.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent users
Grenade Carb Killa High Protein Bars - Birthday Cake, 12 x 60 g

Grenade Carb Killa High Protein Bars - Birthday Cake, 12 x 60 g

Why it suits this profile: Individually wrapped protein bars are handy for work, travelling or a snack around your workout.

How this product avoids the pitfall

According to the product information, the bars contain more than 20 g of protein and 1.6 g of sugar per bar. They also contain maltitol; excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

Key benefit & highlights

Each individually wrapped bar weighs 60 g, with a high-protein recipe and Informed Sport certification according to the product description.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Leev Organic Rosemary Lentil Wafers - 54 g

Leev Organic Rosemary Lentil Wafers - 54 g

Why it suits this profile: A small savoury pack for on the go, with a herby flavour and a product description that says it’s organic and gluten-free.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The pack weighs 54 g, making it easier to keep track of how much you’re eating. However, note that the nutrition information lists 52.7 g of carbohydrates per 100 g.

Key benefit & highlights

22.8 g of protein per 100 g, no added sugar according to the product information, and made with 83% lentil flour.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about healthy snacks with no added sugar

Are snacks with no added sugar always sugar-free?

No. Grains, fruit and milk ingredients can contain sugars naturally. So check the nutrition table and compare the “of which sugars” figure per 100 g. Also check whether sweeteners have been used.

Which snack suits a carb-conscious choice?

That depends on your personal dietary goals. Compare the carbohydrate content per 100 g and per portion in particular. According to the product information, Holie's Granola Low Carb Crunch and Leev Organic Low-Carb Tomato Oregano Crackers contain fewer carbohydrates than various standard cereal products, but their fat, fibre and protein figures differ considerably.

How should you store healthy snacks?

Store dry products such as granola, crackers and wafers in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Seal the packaging well after opening. Individually wrapped protein bars are handy for on the go. For all products, check the best-before date and storage advice on the latest packaging.