Craving something sweet? You’re not alone. But before you reach for that pint of ice cream, consider this: The right snacks can curb cravings and keep you full, while the wrong ones send you on a roller coaster of sugar highs and crashes.
These healthy snacks will satisfy your sweet tooth—without the guilt.
Eat Protein and Fat to Reduce Cravings
“When we eat sugary, empty-calorie foods, our blood sugar spikes, then dips below your ‘normal’ level so the body craves more sugar to ‘normalize’ blood sugar. But eating more doesn’t just bring that level up to normal – it spikes – which is followed by another big dip. And the vicious cycle continues,” explains Lindsay Little, holistic nutritionist at Full Bloom Acres Wellness.
To break the cycle, Little recommends pairing protein and healthy fats throughout the day to stabilize blood sugar and cravings. One of her go-to solutions? A bowl of plant-based Greek yogurt with fresh berries. “Greek yogurt is high in protein and a healthy fat, so it will trigger the ‘I’m full’ button in the brain while the berries give a sweet punch. Sprinkling a little cocoa powder on top also helps if I’m craving chocolate!”
Enjoy Dark Chocolate in Moderation
Chocolate cravings don’t have to derail your healthy habits. In fact, a little dark chocolate can be a satisfying and mindful indulgence.
“When I want a sweet treat, I reach for a bar of 85% or 90% dark chocolate. The slight bitterness keeps me from overindulging—usually, a square or two is enough,” says Jakki Flaherty, personal trainer at Flaherty Fitness.
For a fun, nutrient-packed alternative, Flaherty makes a simple frozen chocolate bark. “I swirl plain whole milk Greek or Icelandic yogurt with a few dark chocolate chips and peanut butter, spread it on a baking sheet, and freeze it. Once set, it’s the perfect creamy, crunchy snack to curb cravings without the sugar overload.”
Create Healthy Snacks with Whole Foods
For Sonia Hunt, navigating food allergies meant getting creative in the kitchen. “There weren’t many options, so I started making my own using real ingredients and whole foods that support gut health,” says Hunt, a #1 best-selling author and global wellness speaker (Sonia Hunt Media).
Her go-to snacks are simple, nutritious, and packed with flavor:
- Dips with Veggies: like Baba Ganoush and Thai Coconut Hummus.
- Date & Berry Protein Smoothie: protein powder, dates, blueberries, strawberries, and coconut milk.
Use Xylitol for Healthier Baking
If store-bought baked goods are not your forte, many find baking at home to be an easier option. For Jenna Stedman, Xylitol has been a fantastic alternative for creating healthier bakes without compromising on sweetness.
“As a natural sugar substitute derived from plants, it has fewer calories and a lower glycemic index than regular sugar, making it a great option for those looking to reduce their sugar intake,” says Stedman, Cognitive Performance dietician at Master Nutrition Lab LLC. “Xylitol also supports dental health by helping to prevent cavities, so you can indulge with less worry.” It works well in various baked goods, from cookies to muffins, without compromising taste or texture.
Make Chia Pudding with Coconut Milk
“When I’m craving something sweet, my go-to snack is chia pudding with coconut milk, berries, and a drizzle of sunflower butter with cinnamon,” says Dr. Jonathan Spages of Advanced Natural Health Center.
It’s an easy, indulgent treat that curbs cravings with loads of benefits without relying on processed sugars.
“The fiber, omega-3s, and protein helps keep me full and stabilize blood sugar, while the sunflower butter adds healthy fats and a creamy texture.”
The addition of cinnamon enhances the flavor, supports blood sugar regulation, and reduces inflammation. The berries provide natural sweetness and antioxidants, making this snack both satisfying and nutrient-dense.
Collagen Protein Bars
Studies show that oral collagen supports joint health, boosts skin hydration, and enhances elasticity—making it a powerhouse ingredient for beauty and wellness. But what if your daily dose of collagen came in the form of a delicious, nutrient-dense snack?
Chief Nutrition has done just that, blending the benefits of collagen with the convenience of a protein bar.
“When I’m craving something sweet, I often reach for our chocolate collagen bars,” says Veronika Larisova, Nutritionist, Excercise Physiologist and a Co-Founder of Chief Nutrition. Packed with high-quality ingredients, these bars are low in sugar and carbs, free from seed oils, and designed to fuel your body without compromise.
“Their convenient size makes them perfect for on-the-go snacking without compromising your health goals.” Whether you’re balancing a busy schedule or looking for a smarter way to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars deliver clean, functional nutrition in every bite.
Prepare Peanut Butter Balls
It’s no surprise that nut butter makes the list again—healthy fats from nuts, avocados, and fatty fish do an incredible job of curbing cravings and keeping you satisfied.
For Erin Ruddy, Owner of Winston-Salem Massage and Bodywork, peanut butter protein balls are a must-have.
“It’s my go-to healthy snack when I’m craving something sweet,” she says. “They’re made with natural peanut butter, oats, a touch of honey, and a scoop of protein powder, which makes them both satisfying and packed with nutrients.”
These bite-sized snacks are quick to prepare, easy to grab on busy days, and perfect for meal prepping. Looking for a way to make your own? Try this simple no-bake peanut butter bites recipe – delicious and kid-approved! 
Snack on Specialty Dates and Dried Fruits
Protein marketing is everywhere, but the reality? Most people need only modest amounts—far less than what mainstream health trends tends to suggest. And those “natural” flavorings in protein snacks? Often just chemicals in disguise.
“I once asked a manufacturer to specify the ingredients in their flavorings, and they claimed it was a commercial secret,” says Gordon Mackenzie, Founder and Editor of Eco Friendly 101. “Chemicals, in other words.”
But when it comes to healthier alternatives, Mackenzie suggests dried fruit. Dates, prunes, apricots, raisins, mulberries, and cherries all pack natural sweetness and nutrients – just be mindful of portion sizes due to their high sugar content.
“Dates are my usual choice. Particularly specialty dates like Safawi, Ajwa, or Khudri. These have a proper toffee toffee flavor and chewiness, which the more common Medjool dates lack,” he explains. Though pricier, he says they’re worth it as an occasional treat.
Consume Citrus for Sweet Vitamin C
Vitamin C deficiency is more common in the U.S. than many realize—a fact that inspired food writer and cookbook author Sarah Walker Caron to be more mindful of her intake.
“I almost always have a mandarin orange with me, and I drink a glass of orange juice nearly every morning,” says Caron, creator of Sarah’s Cucina Bella. “Both are sweet but healthy options and satisfy my craving for something sweet.”
Citrus fruits, with their natural sweetness and immune-boosting benefits, are an easy, refreshing way to add more Vitamin C to your daily routine. Eating kiwis, strawberries, grapefruit, cantelope, and papaya are also a great way to squeeze in extra Vitamin C while satisfying a sweet craving.