Ten tasty snacks under 200 calories, and four disappointing ones | CNN

Ten tasty snacks under 200 calories, and four disappointing ones

By Lisa Drayer, CNN
3 minute read
Updated 4:53 PM EST, Thu March 8, 2018
Dark chocolate is rich in cocoa solids, which contain compounds known as flavonolds. At high levels, cocoa flavanols have been shown to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, improve cognition and possibly lower the risk of diabetes. But limit your portions to about 1 ounce a day.
Dark chocolate is rich in cocoa solids, which contain compounds known as flavonolds. At high levels, cocoa flavanols have been shown to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, improve cognition and possibly lower the risk of diabetes. But limit your portions to about 1 ounce a day.
ERNESTO BENAVIDES/AFP/Getty
When it comes to fat and calories, some cheeses are lighter than others. Experts recommend using it as a flavor enhancer rather than as the focus of a meal.
When it comes to fat and calories, some cheeses are lighter than others. Experts recommend using it as a flavor enhancer rather than as the focus of a meal.
Getty Images/File
Granola contains healthy ingredients such as oats, nuts and dried fruit, and it can serve as a tasty topping to yogurt or cereal. But since it can pack up to 600 calories per cup (thanks to sugar and other ingredient treats), it's important to sprinkle, not pour.
Granola contains healthy ingredients such as oats, nuts and dried fruit, and it can serve as a tasty topping to yogurt or cereal. But since it can pack up to 600 calories per cup (thanks to sugar and other ingredient treats), it's important to sprinkle, not pour.
Tastyart Ltd Rob White/Getty Images
Ready-to-eat breakfast cereal can make for a convenient and healthy breakfast, especially if it's made with whole grains, is low in sugar and is served with fresh fruit and low-fat milk. But sugary cereals that lack fiber and protein can cause a blood sugar spike and crash before lunchtime.
Ready-to-eat breakfast cereal can make for a convenient and healthy breakfast, especially if it's made with whole grains, is low in sugar and is served with fresh fruit and low-fat milk. But sugary cereals that lack fiber and protein can cause a blood sugar spike and crash before lunchtime.
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Order a California roll, and you'll get heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from avocado and zinc from crab, all for 255 calories. But a crunchy shrimp tempura roll, which is battered and fried and often drizzled with spicy mayo, has about 200 more calories and three times the amount of fat.
Order a California roll, and you'll get heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from avocado and zinc from crab, all for 255 calories. But a crunchy shrimp tempura roll, which is battered and fried and often drizzled with spicy mayo, has about 200 more calories and three times the amount of fat.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Air-popped popcorn is a healthy, whole-grain, antioxidant-rich snack that's low in calories. But movie theater popcorn, which is popped in coconut oil, is a diet disaster, contributing 1,200 calories and about three days worth of saturated fat for a medium bucket -- and that's without the buttery topping.
Air-popped popcorn is a healthy, whole-grain, antioxidant-rich snack that's low in calories. But movie theater popcorn, which is popped in coconut oil, is a diet disaster, contributing 1,200 calories and about three days worth of saturated fat for a medium bucket -- and that's without the buttery topping.
Floortje/iStockphoto/Getty Images
A Greek yogurt with no added sugar makes for a filling protein- and calcium-rich snack. But sweetened yogurts with flavorings or fruit purees have less protein and are more like dessert, with up to 8 teaspoons of sugar.
A Greek yogurt with no added sugar makes for a filling protein- and calcium-rich snack. But sweetened yogurts with flavorings or fruit purees have less protein and are more like dessert, with up to 8 teaspoons of sugar.
Andrew Unangst/Photographer's Choice/Getty Images
Energy bars can be a wise choice for a snack or mini meal if they offer a healthy dose of protein and fiber, and are low in sugars and saturated fat. But when they contain chocolate coatings or sugary syrups, they can pass for protein-fortified candy bars.
Energy bars can be a wise choice for a snack or mini meal if they offer a healthy dose of protein and fiber, and are low in sugars and saturated fat. But when they contain chocolate coatings or sugary syrups, they can pass for protein-fortified candy bars.
Steve Cohen/Photolibrary RM/Getty Images
A salad made with spinach, light tuna, veggies, feta and yogurt dressing can make for a low-calorie, nutrient-rich lunch. But when your salad contains crispy chicken, bacon, cheddar and ranch dressing, you'd be better off eating a burger.
A salad made with spinach, light tuna, veggies, feta and yogurt dressing can make for a low-calorie, nutrient-rich lunch. But when your salad contains crispy chicken, bacon, cheddar and ranch dressing, you'd be better off eating a burger.
Deb Lindsey/The Washington Post/Getty Images
If you are vegetarian, peanut butter can be a convenient way to add protein and heart-healthy fats to your diet. Just steer clear of flavored peanut butters with sugar and cocoa butter, which can quickly turn your passion for peanut butter into consumption of calorie-rich chocolate.
If you are vegetarian, peanut butter can be a convenient way to add protein and heart-healthy fats to your diet. Just steer clear of flavored peanut butters with sugar and cocoa butter, which can quickly turn your passion for peanut butter into consumption of calorie-rich chocolate.
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10 foods that are healthy, except when they aren't
CNN  — 

Nearly all Americans snack at least once a day, most often to satisfy cravings, according to a recent snacking report. For some, frequent snacking may replace a typical meal or two.

Regardless of your health goals, what you choose to snack on matters, especially if you snack often. A healthy nutrient-rich snack can fill in nutritional gaps and boost energy. But sugary junk foods can leave you feeling tired and craving more food fixes.

Pairing protein or small amounts of heart-healthy fat with carbohydrates promotes satiety and gives you sustained energy while keeping calories down. Below is our list of tasty, low added-sugar snacks under 200 calories (according to the counts at the USDA nutrient database unless otherwise linked to), which will keep your stomach full and your waistline slim.

Avocado on whole-wheat toast

This heart-healthy avocado spread on toast makes for a tasty, super-satisfying snack.

  • 1 slice whole-wheat bread, toasted = 76 calories, 4g protein, 1g fat, 2g fiber, 1.4g sugar
  • ¼ avocado, mashed = 80 calories, 1g protein, 7.37g fat, 3.4g fiber, 0.33g sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste = 0 calories
  • Total: 156 calories, 5g protein, 8.4g fat, 5.4g fiber, 1.7g sugar

Banana peanut butter graham sandwich, open-faced

This delicious combo comes in handy as an after-school snack and is a favorite among (my) kids.

  • ½ small banana = 45 calories, 0.55g protein, 0.2g fat, 1.3g fiber, 6g sugar
  • 2 teaspoons peanut butter = 64 calories, 2.4g protein, 5.5g fat, 0.5g fiber, 1.1g sugar
  • 1 graham cracker sheet = 65 calories, 1g protein, 1.5g fat, 0.5g fiber, 4g sugar
  • Total: 174 calories, 4g protein, 7.2g fat, 2.3g fiber, 11g sugar
A picture taken on February 10, 2015 in Paris shows a bowl of popcorn. To most people, it may be just a fun food to munch while watching a movie. But to a couple of French investigators, popcorn is a biomechanical enigma waiting to be explained. In an unusual study published on February 11, engineers Emmanuel Virot and Alexandre Ponomarenko carried out experiments into what makes popcorn, well, pop. Cameras recording at 2,900 frames per second helped show what happened when a kernel of corn strutted its stuff. AFP PHOTO / LOIC VENANCE (Photo credit should read LOIC VENANCE/AFP/Getty Images)
A picture taken on February 10, 2015 in Paris shows a bowl of popcorn. To most people, it may be just a fun food to munch while watching a movie. But to a couple of French investigators, popcorn is a biomechanical enigma waiting to be explained. In an unusual study published on February 11, engineers Emmanuel Virot and Alexandre Ponomarenko carried out experiments into what makes popcorn, well, pop. Cameras recording at 2,900 frames per second helped show what happened when a kernel of corn strutted its stuff. AFP PHOTO / LOIC VENANCE (Photo credit should read LOIC VENANCE/AFP/Getty Images)
LOIC VENANCE/AFP/Getty Images

Related article Is popcorn healthy?

Popcorn with almonds and chocolate chips

Air-popped popcorn adds volume and texture to this indulgent snack, for few added calories.

  • 2 cups air-popped popcorn = 62 calories, 2.07g protein, 0.73g fat, 2.3g fiber, 0.1g sugars
  • 2 tablespoons almonds (0.6 oz), dry-roasted with salt = 102 calories, 3.6g protein, 9g fat, 2g fiber, 0.8g sugar
  • 0.5 ounce semi-sweet chocolate chips (approx 2 tsp) = 35 calories, 0g protein, 2g fat, 0g fiber, 4g sugar
  • Total: 199 calories, 5.7g protein, 11.7g fat, 4.3g fiber, 4.9g sugar

Apple slices with sun butter

A savory spread made from sunflower seeds that is appropriate for those with peanut or tree nut allergies.

  • 1 medium apple (Gala), sliced = 98 calories, 0.43g protein, 0.21g fat, 4g fiber, 18g sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sunflower seed butter = 99 calories, 2.8g protein, 8.8g fat, 1g fiber, 1.7g sugar
  • Total: 197 calories, 3.2g protein, 9g fat, 5g fiber, 19.7g sugar
04_CNN_fastfood_roundtwo_0037
Andrew Thomas Lee for CNN

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Greek yogurt with strawberries, sprinkled with flaxseed

Greek yogurt packs protein, strawberries boast vitamin C and antioxidants, and flaxseed boosts fiber and omega-3s.

  • 1 container plain low-fat Greek yogurt (7 oz; 200g) = 150 calories, 20g protein, 4g fat, 0g fiber, 8g sugar
  • ½ cup strawberries, sliced = 27 calories, 0.6g protein, 0.25g fat, 1.7g fiber, 4g sugar
  • 2 teaspoon flaxseed = 20 calories, 1g protein, 1g fat, 1.3g fiber, 0g sugar
  • Total: 197 calories, 21.6g protein, 5.25g fat, 3g fiber, 12g sugar

Shrimp cocktail

This filling low-calorie snack offers omega-3 fats and can double as an appetizer or mini-meal.

  • Jumbo cooked shrimp (5) = 100 calories, 19g protein, 1.5g fat, 0g fiber, 0g sugar
  • Cocktail sauce (2 tablespoons) = 40 calories, 0.5g protein, 0g fat, 0.5g fiber, 8g sugar
  • Total: 140 calories, 19.5g protein, 1.5g fat, 0.5g fiber, 8g sugar
One cup of edamame offers 676 milligrams of potassium, which can help lower blood pressure.
One cup of edamame offers 676 milligrams of potassium, which can help lower blood pressure.
Courtesy PCRM.org

Edamame

A simple, fun-to-eat snack that is rich in soy protein, edamame can be bought frozen and quickly defrosted whenever hunger strikes.

  • ¾ cup edamame in pods (salted) = 165 calories, 13.5g protein, 5.25g fat, 6g fiber, 3g sugar
  • Total: 165 calories, 13.5g protein, 5.3g fat, 6g fiber, 3g sugar

Whipped cottage cheese with dried apricots on Wasa bread

Whipped cottage cheese works well as a protein-rich spread, while the dried apricots offer a hint of sweetness.

  • 4 tablespoons (¼ cup) low-fat whipped cottage cheese = 45 calories, 7.5g protein, 0.5g fat, 0g fiber, 2g sugar
  • 2 multigrain Wasa crackers = 90 calories, 4g protein, 0g fat, 4g fiber, 0g sugar
  • 6 dried apricot halves = 51 calories, 0.7g protein, 0.1g fat, 1.5g fiber, 11.2g sugar
  • Total: 186 calories, 12.2g protein, 0.6g fat, 5.5 g fiber, 13.2g sugar
Heirloom vegetables 2013
Heirloom vegetables 2013
Kat Kinsman/CNN

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Hummus with sugar snap peas

Any veggie pairs well with hummus, but sugar snap peas are a crunchy treat when they’re in season.

  • 4 tablespoons hummus = 140 calories, 4g protein, 10g fat, 4g fiber, 0g sugar
  • 1 cup sugar snap peas = 35 calories, 2g protein, 0g fat, 2g fiber, 3g sugar
  • Total: 175 calories, 6g protein, 10g fat, 6g fiber, 3g sugar

Spinach and blueberry smoothie

Blend these ingredients for a delicious protein- and fiber-rich smoothie.

  • ¼ cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt = 36 calories, 6g protein, 0g fat, 0g fiber, 2g sugar
  • ½ cup non-fat milk = 42 calories, 4g protein, 0g fat, 0g fiber, 6g sugar
  • ½ medium banana = 53 calories, 0.6g protein, 0.2g fat, 1.5g fiber, 7g sugar
  • ½ cup blueberries = 42 calories, 0.6g protein, 0.2g fat, 2g fiber, 7g sugar
  • 1 cup fresh spinach = 7 calories, 0.86g protein, 0.1g fat, 0.7g fiber, 0.1g sugar
  • Total: 180 calories, 12.6g protein, 0.5g fat, 4.2g fiber, 22g sugar

And there are also snacks under 200 calories that may sound good but are actually disappointing. Try to avoid these snack fails.

Half of a double chocolate cupcake

Just half of a chocolate cupcake delivers over 4 teaspoons of sugar.

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    A third of a bagel with cream cheese

    A bagel with cream cheese has close to 450 calories. Share it with two friends to stay within your snack calorie budget.

    • One large bagel = 337 calories, 2g fat, 7g of sugar
    • 2 tablespoon of cream cheese = 102 calories, 10g fat, 1g sugar
    • Total for a third: 146 calories, 4g fat, 3g sugar

    Four tablespoons (¼ cup) of Ben and Jerry’s Out of this Swirled Ice Cream

    Eat only four spoons of this ice cream to stay under 200 calories. That small scoop will also deliver a quarter of your daily saturated fat limit and over 3 teaspoons of sugar.

    • ¼ cup (four tablespoons) of this Out of this Swirled = 155 calories, 5g saturated fat, 14g sugar
    01 Dunkin Donuts RESTRICTED
    Andrew Thomas Lee for CNN

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    One ounce of frozen hot chocolate

    A few long sips of this drinkable chocolate delivers 8 teaspoons of sugar – your daily limit.

    Lisa Drayer is a nutritionist, author and health journalist.