Simple snacks under 100 calories

Posted on Jun 10th 2010

If you're working on cutting calories from your diet, and eating sensibly, it's the easiest thing in the world to derail your hard work by snacking on food items that look harmless, but are actually packed with devilish calories. Now and then is fine, but to quieten those between-meals hunger pangs on a daily basis, check out our list of top snacks under 100 calories.

Hard-boiled eggs
If there is a more convenient and pang-busting snack than a hard-boiled egg, we'd like to know about it. Not only is it an excellent source of protein, the average egg contains only 78 calories, making it ideal as a midday snack with a sprinkle of salt.

Hummus and pitta bread fingers
The Middle Eastern chickpea dip is moreish. For 100 calories you can afford two heaped tablespoons with toasted wholemeal pitta bread cut into fingers. Not just great for a quick munch at work, children are big fans too, so put out a plate and share as an after-school snack.

Blueberries and fat-free Greek yoghurt
Blueberries resonate with summer juiciness, though fortunately are available all year round these days. Combine a punnet with a dollop of creamy fat-free Greek yoghurt, particularly if you are in a rush in the morning or need to refresh your palate.

Peaches
In season, there is little to beat a juicy peach. For 100 calories, you can enjoy two medium-sized peaches – that's a veritable low-calorie bargain! For something a little fancier, slice and add a few toasted flaked almonds.

Sweet potato
Just thinking about potato when you're trying to cut down can put weight on you, but not so with the sweet potato. It is fantastically good for you, has sublime orange flesh, and is gorgeously sweet. Perfect when you want something more substantial.

Jaffa cakes
It's just not possible to be virtuous all of the time. When you feel sinfulness coming on, give yourself permission to have a cup of tea (fat-free milk, please), and two jaffa cake biscuits. Savour the chocolate-orange hit, then MOVE AWAY from the packet.

Oatcake and peanut butter
For some, peanut butter is less a sandwich filler, and more of a life-long addiction. Enjoy a bijoux dollop of the low-fat smooth variety on a plain oatcake to satisfy your mid-morning or afternoon cravings.

Frozen grapes
This must be one of the most sensual of 100-calorie snacks – and since you are allowed 33 of them to stay within your limit, it's also a great way to prolong the pleasure. Also good for feeding to an appreciative loved one.

Carrot sticks and tzatziki
Satisfying, wholesome, and it will remind you of summer holidays in Greece, too! Chop up a single carrot into sticks, and dip into 28g of creamy, garlicky tzatziki. No carrots to hand? Substitute with cucumber, pepper or courgette instead.

Marmite on toast
As the marketers say, you either love it or hate it. Fortunately, a great many of us absolutely cannot live without it. Rich in vitamin B12, its uniquely salty, yeasty taste is perfect on wholemeal toast, adding up to a perfect 100 calories.

Dark chocolate
Sometimes you just HAVE to have some chocolate. But don't despair, you can have your chocolate and still snack for less than 100 calories. Just make sure it's at least 70% cacao content, preferably 85%, and have two large/four small squares only.

Toasted crumpet
I know, it pays to stay away from baked goods, but if you must have something from the bakery section, toast yourself a crumpet, avoiding butter, and sprinkle with a tiny amount of grated low-fat cheese for a satisfying snack.

Bananas
At just 90 calories for a small banana, you can't go wrong when hunger bites – and it comes conveniently ready-wrapped! Your only problem will be to have only one a day – the banana is the 'chocolate' of the fruit world.

Edam cheese and celery sticks
If you are a fan of cheese, it's a hardship to cut down. But cheese is not all bad, and you can enjoy in moderation. Moreover, it is very good for you. Slice up 30g of low-fat Edam and nibble with a handful of celery sticks.

Fruit and cereal bars
There are numerous brands and varieties – you will never be at a loss for a favourite combination. At well under 100 calories, they contain cereals, dried fruits such as sultanas, cranberries and apricots and nuts. (Some even contain chocolate drops.)

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