20 Healthy Super Bowl Snacks that Won't Blow Up Your Macros (2024)

Super Bowl parties are usually all about tasty food, beer, and friends, but does all that food have to derail your diet? To start, some of your favorites may not be as bad as you think and with a few easy swaps, you can make the whole spread more macro-friendly - without ruining the experience for everyone. Here’syour quick guide forhealthy Super Bowl recipes and easy-to-grab snacksthat won't mess with your macros and are still crowd-pleasers.

Not exactly sure how many grams of protein, fat, and carbs you should be eating? Learn your exact daily macro needs to crush your fitness goals using this simple calculator.

What are Healthy Snacks?

Most Super Bowl snack options are either high in refined sugar or loaded with high fat, high-calorie ingredients that are can leave you feeling bloated and like you've thrown a grenade into your progress. However, keep in mind that the occasional "bad" day may not do as much damage as you think. It's when these days get way out of hand and seem to happen every Sunday that you're going to start interferingwith your weight loss efforts.

It's all about balance. So if you're looking to indulge a little bit, just plan for the extra calories and stick to your favorite options. Grab a few bites of the items you look forward to and then fill the rest of your plate with healthier snack options that will keep you on track.

The best healthy snack options are going to be snacks lower in calories and higher in nutrition so that you can get your fill without the guilt. Including more non-starchy veggies (basically all vegetables except corn and potatoes) and high-volume foods (think low-calorie fillers like pickles, air-popped popcorn, water chestnuts, and low sugar fruits like melon) is the perfect way to achieve this.

Macro Friendly Snacks

You can't just serve celery sticks, green beans, and fruit. Plus, as long as you stick to your daily calorieand macro balance, you won't ruin your progress! So pairing these options with lean proteins and portion-controlled healthy fats are a great way to add flavor and keep you feeling satisfied.

High protein snacks are associated with better weight management because they may help control hunger and promote blood sugar control (1,2,3). Healthy fats are also thought to be satiating andcan make your food taste better(4,5).

Don't forget about liquid calories. Drink plenty of water, cut back on sugar-sweetened beverages and opt for diet-friendly co*cktails.

10 Easy Healthy Snacks to Grab at the Store

Here are some great store-bought snacks that require almost zero prep time. Add some of these quick options to your shopping list for when you hit the grocery store before this coming Super Bowl game!

1. Peanuts, Almonds, & Other Nuts

Nuts are a source of protein and healthy fat and have been linked to weight management, better health, and satiety (6,7). Go for lightly saltedor get creative with different flavors. Just be mindfulof portion sizes since a small handful contains about 170 calories.

Pro tip: For more calorie control, opt for shelled peanuts - they will slow you down while you snack!

2. Popcorn

Research suggests that popcorn may be more satiating than potato chips (8). Satisfy your crunchy cravings with air-popped popcorn or lightly buttered (only 35 calories per cup). You can even add your seasonings at home with a drizzle of oil to create your own blends.

3. Grass-fed Jerky

More and more high-quality, grass-fed jerky options are hitting the market. Look for brands without a lot of added ingredients like sugar and artificial preservatives. Jerky provides 9g protein and only 100 calories per 1 ounce serving.

4. Trail Mix

Mix and match your favorite flavors with your own version, or opt for a pre-made option. Adding in fruit and other ingredients helps reduce overall calories compared to nuts alone - a 1-ounce handful of trail mix has about 130 calories, 4g of protein, and 8g of fat. Bonus! Mix in puffed rice cereal or air-popped popcorn for more filler and fewer calories per serving.

5. String cheese

Low-fat cheese is a great way to get more protein and satisfy cravings. Plus they come already portion-controlled. One cheese stick has 80 calories and 5g of protein.

6. Shrimp co*cktail

Shrimp is a very lean, nutrient-dense protein (80 calories and 15g of protein per 4 oz serving) that doesn't need much. Pair already cooked Trifecta Shrimp with any co*cktail sauce or dip you'd like.

7. Pickles and Olives

Pickled veggies and olives can provide a ton of flavor and are great for mindless munching. Pickles are basically calorie-free, and olives range from 5 to 10 calories per olive.

8. Veggies and Hummus or Guacamole

Pair high fiber, crunchy veggies like carrots, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, celery, or peppers with a low-fat dip. Hummus andGuacamoleare both moderately low carb (1g net carbs per tablespoon) and only 25 calories per tablespoon.Bonus! Swap in grilled chicken strips as a dipper, for even more protein.

Want to take this further? Try grilled veggies with this romesco sauce recipe.

9. Whole Grain Tortilla Chips and Salsa

Salsa is essentially vegetables in a bowl and is pretty low calorie (less than 40 calories per 1/2 cup). Load up on this side with your favorite whole grain chips or veggie chips.

10. Deli Meat Roll-ups and Cheese

Grab some organic deli meat and cheese for a lean and easy source of protein you can throw on a platter in minutes. You can pair it with a mustard dipping sauce or serve as is.

Deli turkey and chicken have only 60 calories and 8 grams of protein per ounce, and most hard cheeses clock in around 80 to 100 calories and at least 6 grams of protein per slice.

10 Healthy Snack Recipes to Try

Looking to get a little more creative and prep outsome food options for the big game? Here are some simple, high protein snacks to get you started:

1. Tamarind-Chipotle Steak Nachos

This savory, smokey, and slightly sweet spin on traditional nachos will have you rethinking cheese as the star ingredient. Stack a platter high and dig in without the guilt.

A full tray of nachos packs well over 1200 calories and nearly 100 grams of fat. With this recipe you'll get 470 calories, 23 grams of fat, 33 grams of protein, and 33 grams of carbs for the entire tray! But believe me, there is plenty to share, so break it up into smaller portions to keep it snack-friendly.

Get the recipe here.

2. Shredded Buffalo Chicken Dip

Check out this lightened-up buffalo dip for all the creamy, spicy goodness of wings in a high protein, low carb dip you won't regret. Plus it could not be any easier to prep - the hardest part is trying not to eat the whole thing in one sitting.

Did I mention it's also gluten-free, low carb, and keto-friendly?

This recipe typically calls for full-fat dairy and a ton of ranch dressing, but we took down the fat by swapping in non-fat Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning. One half-cup serving has only 136 calories, 8 grams of fat, 12 grams of protein, and 3 grams of carbs.

Get the recipe here.

3.

Is it even a football game without chicken wings? Traditional buffalo wings are deep-fried smothered in butter, and sometimes pre-breaded. Luckily, you can still enjoy all the flavor just by baking your own wings at home - and for a lot less cost.

This crispy baked chicken wing recipe will not disappoint! Plus it's a win for any of your keto or paleo friends looking to indulge on game day.

You'll save hundreds of calories without even feeling it. Two wings clock in around 176 calories, 15 grams of fat, 9 grams of protein, and only one carb - roughly half the fat and calories of traditional hot wings.

4. Healthy Chicken Quesadilla

Get your fill of protein and fiber with this simple quesadilla that eats like an all-in-one balanced meal. Made with lean shredded chicken, veggies, and cheese.

Contains 410 calories, 13 grams of fat, 37 grams of protein, and 38 grams of carbs for an entire quesadilla! Cut it into 4 to 6 portions for sharing.

Get the recipe here.

5. Vegan Mexican "Beef" Quesadilla

For your plant-based friends who still want their fill of protein, whip up this 100% vegan beef and cheese quesadilla made with beyond burger patties, black beans, veggies, and vegan cheese. I bet your meat-eaters won't even be able to tell the difference.

Contains 410 calories, 16 grams of fat, 28 grams of protein, and 41 grams of carbs for an entire quesadilla! Top it off with a dollop of Greek yogurt for even more protein!

Get the recipe here.

6. Quick Shredded Chicken Sliders

Sliders are a game day staple and can easily be made more macro-friendly if you choose the right lean proteins and skip a lot of the high-calorie toppings like full-fat cheese and mayo. We recommend these simple shredded chicken sliders that won't have you slaving in the kitchen all day to prep.

Contains 210 calories, 7 grams of fat, 15 grams of protein, and 25 grams of carbs per slider!

Try a variety of simple slider recipes with other proteins, like this lean slow cooker pulled pork paired with coleslaw, grass-fed bison patties, and low-fat cheese, or beyond burger patties to keep it plant-based.

Get the recipe here.

7. Macaroni and Beef

This one is for the kids and adults. It's kind of like chili, kind of like mac and cheese, and all-around super satisfying. Cook up a casserole-sized portion of this hearty macaroni and beef - no one will even believe you when you tell them it's healthy.

Make it extra festive with creative toppings like jalapeño peppers, Greek yogurt/sour cream, red pepper flakes, and low-fat shredded cheese.

Contains only 260 calories, 7 grams of fat, 20 grams of protein, and 28 grams of carbs for a full cup serving! Helping you fill up and still have room for snacking.

Get the recipe here.

8. Grilled Chicken and Tomato Skewers

Looking for a protein-packed finger food? Kebabs, skewers, or whatever you choose to call these, make a great easy party snack that everyone will enjoy. Pair them with your favorite dips for even more flavor - I recommend tzatziki sauce or hummus.

Try these with grass-fed steak too!

Two skewers will get you 210 calories, 10 grams of fat, 27 grams of protein, and 7 grams of carbs, making it a perfect macro-balanced snack.

Get the recipe here.

9. Bacon and Guacamole Deviled Eggs

These are not the deviled eggs from your childhood. Add some serious flair and flavor to this classic recipe using spicy guac and crispy bacon crumbles, then bring it all home with a sprinkle of smoked paprika!

Add a squeeze of lime juice and fresh cilantro for even more oomph!

Two of these deviled eggs contain only 123 calories, 7 grams of fat, 11 grams of protein, and 1.5 grams of carbs, to help you get your protein fill.

Get the recipe here.

10. Low Carb BBQ Chicken Pizza (Cauliflower Crust)

Enjoy pizza without all the carbs, using this cauliflower crust recipe. This dish takes a bit more prep time than the other recipes, but having macro-friendly pizza on hand is totally worth it. So break out the food processor and give it a try!

We piled it high with lean chicken, bell peppers, and sugar-free BBQ sauce, but feel free to build your own creations. Buffalo chicken pizza anyone?

The recipe is plenty to feed four people or more. One serving of this pizza will get you 250 calories, 10.5 grams of fat, 25 grams of protein, and 10 grams of net carbs.

Get the recipe here.

Want to make more recipes in less time? Check out our a la carte options for healthy, pre-cooked proteins, grains, and veggies to build your own healthy Super Bowl snack creations.

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

Super Bowl parties are a time for tasty food, beer, and friends. However, if you're concerned about maintaining a healthy diet during the festivities, there are ways to enjoy the spread without derailing your progress. This article provides a quick guide to healthy Super Bowl recipes and easy-to-grab snacks that won't mess with your macros and are still crowd-pleasers.

Healthy Snacks for Super Bowl Parties

Most Super Bowl snack options are high in refined sugar or loaded with high-fat, high-calorie ingredients that can leave you feeling bloated and hinder your weight loss efforts. However, it's important to remember that the occasional indulgence won't do much damage. It's when these indulgences become a regular occurrence that they can interfere with your progress.

To strike a balance, plan for the extra calories and stick to your favorite options in moderation. Fill the rest of your plate with healthier snack choices that are lower in calories and higher in nutrition. Including non-starchy veggies (all vegetables except corn and potatoes) and high-volume foods (low-calorie fillers like pickles, air-popped popcorn, water chestnuts, and low-sugar fruits like melon) is a great way to achieve this [[1]].

Macro-Friendly Snacks

When it comes to snacks, it's important to consider the macronutrient content. High-protein snacks are associated with better weight management as they help control hunger and promote blood sugar control. Healthy fats are also thought to be satiating and can enhance the taste of food [[2]].

Here are some macro-friendly snack options for your Super Bowl party:

Peanuts, Almonds, & Other Nuts: Nuts are a source of protein and healthy fats and have been linked to weight management and satiety. Opt for lightly salted or flavored varieties and be mindful of portion sizes [[3]].
Popcorn: Air-popped popcorn or lightly buttered popcorn can be more satiating than potato chips. It's a crunchy snack that satisfies cravings with fewer calories [[4]].
Grass-fed Jerky: Look for high-quality, grass-fed jerky options without added sugars or artificial preservatives. Jerky provides protein and is relatively low in calories [[5]].
Trail Mix: Mix and match your favorite flavors or opt for a pre-made option. Adding fruits and other ingredients helps reduce overall calories compared to nuts alone [[6]].
String Cheese: Low-fat cheese sticks are a great source of protein and come in portion-controlled servings [[7]].
Shrimp co*cktail: Shrimp is a lean, nutrient-dense protein that pairs well with co*cktail sauce or dips. It's low in calories and high in protein [[8]].
Pickles and Olives: Pickled veggies and olives provide flavor and are great for mindless munching. Pickles are low in calories, and olives range from 5 to 10 calories per olive [[9]].
Veggies and Hummus or Guacamole: Pair high-fiber, crunchy veggies with low-fat dips like hummus or guacamole. These dips are moderately low in carbs and calories [[10]].
Whole Grain Tortilla Chips and Salsa: Salsa is a low-calorie option that pairs well with whole grain or veggie chips [[11]].
Deli Meat Roll-ups and Cheese: Organic deli meat and cheese provide a lean and easy source of protein. Pair them with a mustard dipping sauce or serve as is [[12]].

Healthy Snack Recipes

If you're looking to get more creative and prepare some food options for the big game, here are some simple, high-protein snack recipes to try:

Tamarind-Chipotle Steak Nachos: A savory, smokey, and slightly sweet spin on traditional nachos that is lower in calories and fat compared to the classic version [[13]].
Shredded Buffalo Chicken Dip: A lightened-up buffalo dip made with non-fat Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning. It's gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly [[14]].
Crispy Baked Chicken Wings: Enjoy the flavor of traditional buffalo wings without the excess calories by baking your own wings at home [[15]].
Healthy Chicken Quesadilla: A protein and fiber-packed quesadilla made with lean shredded chicken, veggies, and cheese [[16]].
Vegan Mexican "Beef" Quesadilla: A plant-based quesadilla made with beyond burger patties, black beans, veggies, and vegan cheese [[17]].
Quick Shredded Chicken Sliders: Macro-friendly sliders made with lean shredded chicken and your choice of toppings [[18]].
Macaroni and Beef: A hearty and satisfying dish that is lower in calories and fat compared to traditional macaroni and beef recipes [[19]].
Grilled Chicken and Tomato Skewers: Protein-packed skewers that make a great finger food for your Super Bowl party [[20]].
Bacon and Guacamole Deviled Eggs: A flavorful twist on classic deviled eggs using spicy guacamole and crispy bacon crumbles [[21]].
Low Carb BBQ Chicken Pizza (Cauliflower Crust): A low-carb pizza option made with a cauliflower crust and topped with lean chicken, bell peppers, and sugar-free BBQ sauce [[22]].

These recipes provide a range of options for different dietary preferences and can be enjoyed while still maintaining a balanced diet.

Remember, moderation is key, and it's important to listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues. Enjoy the Super Bowl and the delicious snacks in a way that aligns with your health and fitness goals.