Snack Smarter With These 16 Low-Calorie Snacks for Guilt-Free Pleasure

low-calorie snacks

We all love to snack, but sometimes those extra calories can add up. Luckily, I made a lovely list of 17 low-calorie snacks that will fulfill your appetites without jeopardizing your health goals. Ranging from protein-rich yogurt barks to crunchy vegetable chips, these snacks are not only tasty, but also wise decisions to keep you feeling energized. Let's get to snackin'!

Grilled Corn With Cilantro and Queso Fresco

Craving some sweet corn on a summer night but infused with some different flavors? This cute snack will amaze you! Go ahead and customize it by yourself, be creative, and get some low-cal snacks on the go! (via Most-Hungry)

Healthy Baked Carrot Chips

When I'm trying to eat healthier, my biggest craving is usually something crispy, salty, and crunchy. Carrot chips are a healthy alternative to regular chips and great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while satisfying your craving for something crispy and flavorful. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Homemade Pita Chips

Who says pita chips can't be low in calories? The homemade version, with only 233 calories per serving, will satisfy even the most demanding snackers! (via Culinary Hill)

Deviled Eggs No Mayo

Even though deviled eggs do not seem like a low-calorie snack, this version with no mayo is pretty convenient. Late brunch, or a quick snack, this easy meal is extremely satisfying. (via Give Recipe)

4-Ingredient Chia Pudding

High protein chia pudding with only four ingredients and low in calories? Yes, please! With only 206 calories per serving, this snack will become one of your favorites! (via The Girl on Bloor)

Easy Vegan and Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins

When we think of snacks, we have to include something for sweet tooth people. A healthier version of blueberry muffins — with less sugar and gluten-free — will make you excited to indulge in guilt-free deliciousness. (via No Eggs or Ham)

Rutabaga Fries

This is one of my favorite french fries substitutes — rutabaga fries! If you've never heard of this vegetable, check it out with its many nutritional benefits, including Vitamin C. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Lebanese Rice Pudding

The creamy texture of the pudding combined with the subtle flavors of rosewater and pistachios create a delicious and exotic dessert. It's an easy-to-follow recipe that will satisfy your craving for a sweet treat while keeping your health goals in check. (via Forks and Foliage)

Roasted Acorn Squash

Slice up squash, season it, put it in the oven, and voila! Can't make it quicker than that! (via Barley and Sage)

6-Ingredient Frozen Blackberry Yogurt Bark

With just a few steps, create a delicious frozen snack by layering yogurt, fresh blackberries, and a sprinkle of honey. This refreshing and visually appealing dessert is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth on a hot summer day. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Vegan Bruschetta

With just a few steps, create a delicious frozen snack by layering yogurt, fresh blackberries, and a sprinkle of honey. This refreshing and visually appealing dessert is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth on a hot summer day. (via The Edgy Veg)

Crispy Baked Rosemary Fries

Okay, I know... How many fries recipes can one article have... Oops. Buuut, you have to check this one out! Garlic & rosemary seasoned white sweet potato strips baked in a hot oven — crisp heaven! (via No Eggs or Ham)

Vegan Tofu Egg Salad

Desperately need a protein-packed snack that will satisfy you for a while? A combination of tofu with a blend of flavorful ingredients and spices creates a creamy and satisfying plant-based alternative. (via Veggie Society)

Healthy Avocado Hummus Snack Jars

With layers of creamy avocado, flavorful hummus, and various toppings, these snack jars offer a satisfying combination of textures and flavors. Perfect for on-the-go or as a quick snack, they provide a nutritious and tasty option for any time of the day. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes

Don't have many options, but need a quick, low-calorie snack? Just toss a vegetable in your air fryer! This has to be one of the world's favorite quick alternatives because I'm sure everyone has some potatoes on hand. (via Gastroplant)

4-Ingredient Creamy Fruit Popsicles

Cool down and enjoy the creamy fruit popsicles — creamy and fruity combination will amaze you on hot summer days! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Baked Kale Chips

Get your crunch on with these baked kale chips! It's like a magic trick – watch as vibrant kale leaves transform into crispy, addictive chips right before your eyes. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Which snack are you thinking about trying? Let us know in the comments and subscribe to our Instagram for more quick snack ideas!

Header image via Most-Hungry

Whether you're spending Valentine's Day with your sweetie, hosting a Galentine's brunch for your gal pals, or basking in love with your fam, there's no question that a fancy dessert helps set the tone for a cozy and love-filled night in. We personally love cooking pasta recipes followed by a succulent dessert, but the menu options for Love Day run the gamut from seafood to international cuisine.

One thing that's not optional is chocolate — known to promote feelings similar to being in love or spending time with those closest to you, chocolate is one of the best flavors for Valentine's Day desserts. Combined with red wine and seasonal pear, it makes for a simply decadent treat — hence, this Red Wine Pear Cake. Trust us: This is going to be the best chocolate cake recipe you have ever tried.

Learn how to make the best Chocolate Cake ever

Red Wine Pear Cake With Chocolate Ganache

Sarah Anderson

Ingredients:

Pears

  • 3-4 firm Bosc pears
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 1/2 cups red wine
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3-4 whole cloves or 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Cake

  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 11 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups coconut sugar
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 1/2 teaspoon pink salt
  • 1/2 cup 85% dark chocolate chips or bar broken into small pieces
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 cup gluten-free or regular all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Ganache

  • 2/3 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons reserved spiced wine (see recipe notes)

Sarah Anderson

Directions:

  1. Peel the skin off the pears and remove the stems, seeds, and core. Slice in half. Add water, red wine, cinnamon, and cloves into a saucepan and place the pears in the liquid. Bring the wine mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let simmer for 20 minutes, until the pears are tender. Remove the pears from red wine and let cool. Continue simmering until sauce is reduced, and reserve 2 tablespoons for the chocolate ganache.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  3. Grease two 9-inch springform cake pans with butter or oil and set aside.
  4. Whisk two eggs in a separate bowl and set aside.
  5. In a small bowl, add the coconut milk and apple cider vinegar and whisk thoroughly. Let sit for at least 5 minutes.
  6. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Whisk in the coconut sugar then remove from heat and add in the red wine and salt until well mixed. Quickly add in the dark chocolate pieces and stir constantly until the chocolate is melted. Pour the vanilla extract in and whisk again.
  7. Add about one third of the chocolate mixture to the whisked eggs. Mix thoroughly and then pour back into a mixing bowl with the rest of the chocolate mixture.
  8. Add in coconut milk mixture, cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and baking soda, and mix until well combined.
  9. Pour the cake batter into two greased cake pans.
  10. Slice wine-poached pear halves in quarters and place in your desired design on top of the cake batter in the cake pans.
  11. Bake the cakes for 20-30 minutes.
  12. While cakes are baking, add the dark chocolate and coconut milk or heavy cream to a small saucepan. Heat on low until the chocolate is melted, whisking so that it is well mixed. Add in the reserved wine sauce and whisk again. Remove from heat and set aside.
  13. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool completely before removing them from the springform pans. Place one cake on a cake platter or stand, and drizzle some chocolate ganache on top. Then place the second cake on top of the first and pour the remaining chocolate ganache over the top.

If this is the best chocolate cake recipe you've ever tried, you'll want to sign up for our newsletter for more recipes like this one!

Recipe by Sarah Anderson

This post has been updated.

For as many amazing finds Costco has (looking at you, almond croissants and heart-shaped ravioli), there are still quite a few items worth skipping. Whether it’s due to texture, taste, or value, Costco shoppers are quick to clock the worst items between the aisles.

The latest discovery is an unassuming frozen meal that looks great from the outside, but the inside? That’s a whole different story.

Scroll on to discover the Costco item shoppers are calling “awful” and even “the single worst thing” they’ve bought there.

Reddit

Meet the Snapdragon Chicken Pad Thai, a microwavable meal that includes chicken, rice noodles, bell peppers, and bean sprouts in a “tangy” stir fry sauce. The item was surfaced to the Costco community by a Reddit user that definitely had a bone to pick with it.

“This was not a good choice,” they wrote. “The sauce was absolutely dry and the mix of undercooked noodles was not a pleasant experience. Even added a bit of water to the tray, after the general cooking time, to bring some moisture to it. Didn’t work.” Oof.

Snapdragon Food

Now, one shopper with a single negative review is one thing, but many more fellow Costco patrons chimed in re: the disappointing nature of the Pad Thai on the same Reddit thread.

“I'm surprised Costco still carries this,” one person wrote. “I thought it was awful.”

“It was so awful,” another said. “I couldn't make myself eat it.”

“Might be the single worst thing we’ve bought from Costco,” one more user commented.

Nadin Sh / PEXELS

A lot of people also noted that the noodles in the dish were dry, the chicken was not of good quality, and that the overall flavor was lacking – which, according to my hunch as a food lover, is a simple lesson that authentic international dishes shouldn’t always be replicated in a quick and convenient, “heat and eat” format.

So, all this to say: if you’re craving Pad Thai, it’s best to skip this Costco pick and order takeout from your local Thai joint. It's always better fresh!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more Costco finds!

Every January, I commit to a Whole30 month and throughout the year follow the low-carb program for a week or even a day. This year, 2025, I'm going to try to adhere to a low-carb diet all year long. My body just doesn't react well to carbs and it's generally a healthier way to live. I recently tried True Story's Whole30 Approved Bundle, which has been a great starter kit to get back in the swing of a low-carb routine, especially at lunchtime when I don't have time to cook from scratch.

Now there are tons of Whole30 recipes that you can enjoy without breaking the rules. The creativity of these dinner recipes make you feel like you're not giving up on dairy, grains, sweets or fun, but instead are venturing into a style of cooking that's healthy and *delicious.* Enjoy the adventure and experiment with these versatile mains that you can add to your monthly cooking routine.

Easy Paleo Chili Recipe

Make this easy Whole30-compliant dish that's full of healthy veggies (no beans!) and so simple to make. (via The Endless Meal)

Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs

For an easy dinner, try these meatballs without breadcrumbs made from ground beef or pork. Just add a veggie and your favorite sauce! (via Where Is My Spoon)

Sweet Potato Toasts

Sweet potatoes are low in calorie and high in fiber and a good swap for your toasty cravings. There are endless topping combos to turn them into a delicious and savory meal. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Sheet Pan Chicken And Asparagus

This Sheet Pan Chicken and Asparagus recipe is Whole30 approved and ready in less than 30 minutes! (via The Girl On Bloor)

Creamy Chicken Mushroom

Serve over cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash, this Creamy Chicken Mushroom recipe is made with garlic chicken thighs and a delicious mushroom sauce that's made creamy with healthy cashew butter. (via The Endless Meal)

Chicken Artichoke

This chicken smothered in a creamy spinach and artichoke cream sauce is Whole30-compliant and so delicious! (via Clean Cuisine)

Whole30 Chicken Zoodle Soup

Whole30 Chicken Zoodle Soup

If you’re looking for a soul-soothing dish that’s still diet-friendly, you’ve come to the right recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Hearty comfort food isn’t always compliant with the latest food trends, but this loaded baked potato soup just happens to be Whole30 approved. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Animal Style Burgers

Whole30 Animal Style Burgers

Crunchy lettuce leaves replace traditional buns to make burgers that are Whole30 compliant. You’ll be able to stop your drive-thru dreams after just one bite. (via Brit + Co)

Chicken, Pesto, and Sun-Dried Tomato Egg Pizza

Instead of a wheat crust, this pizza is made on a high-protein egg base. A creamy pesto made with pine nuts and cashews will make you forget all about cheese. (via The Whole Smith’s Good Food Cookbook, photo via Michelle Smith)

Whole 30 Salmon Avocado Salad

The most unexpected bite in this salmon salad comes not from creamy avocado, but rather from bright bursts of tangy grapefruit that liven up the entire dish. (via The Whole Smith’s Good Food Cookbook, photo via Michelle Smith)

Whole30 Broccoli Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes

Thank goodness white potatoes aren’t off-limits with Whole30. Turn them into an entire, satisfying meal by stuffing them with broccoli, chicken, fresh herbs, and spices. (via The Whole Smith’s Good Food Cookbook, photo via Michelle Smith)

Whole30 Chicken, Lime, and Avocado Soup

Don’t forget the avocado. It adds a cooling, creamy effect to your bowl. (via The Whole30 Slow Cooker, photo via Ghazalle Badiozamani)

Whole30 Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

This Whole30-compliant chicken cacciatore is comfort food at its best, made by swapping zucchini noodles for pasta. (via The Whole30 Slow Cooker, photo via Ghazalle Badiozamani)

Whole30 Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken

Make this sesame chicken at home in your Instant Pot so you don’t give in to your take-out cravings. (via The Whole30 Slow Cooker, photo via Ghazalle Badiozamani)

Taco Salad Bowl + Sautéed Plantains

Dig into this hearty salad served with sautéed plantains and a homemade Whole30-compliant taco seasoning for a totally satisfying dinner. (via The Real Food Dieticians)

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Roasted sweet potatoes, eggs, and the toppings of your choice (bacon and avocado, for example) create a hearty base for your day. (via Brit + Co)

Hashbrown Egg Cups

Sometimes nothing hits the spot like a cozy hashbrown egg cup. Opt for only shredded sweet potatoes in this dish to keep it compliant. (via Siriously Deliciousby Siri Daly / Time Inc., Books)

Sheet-Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Tangy, spicy sheet-pan shrimp fajitas can be wrapped in lettuce taco “shells.” (via Brit + Co)

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

This Greek-inspired whole chicken cooks fast and tasty in an air fryer. Add roasted potatoes for a complete meal! (via Vikalinka)

Green Egg Shakshuka

If you’re not famished after work, treat yourself to a pan of mixed greens topped with baked eggs. (via Brit + Co)

Spring Chicken Salad

Chicken, potatoes, and greens are always a choice grouping. Here, the addition of a pesto dressing transforms them into a vibrantly flavored dish. Use snap peas instead of English peas to keep things Whole30-compliant. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Shepherd’s Pie

Topped with a creamy cauliflower-potato mash, Whole30 shepherd’s pie is just one way to satisfy your comfort food cravings. (via Brit + Co)

Halibut en Papillote

Made with halibut, shiitake mushrooms, and a touch of sesame oil, this homemade fish dish is oh-so-memorable. Serve it with cauli rice to help soak up the extra sauce. (via The Clean Plate: Eat, Reset, Heal by Gwyneth Paltrow)

Instant Pot Salmon Dinner

Instant Pot Salmon Dinner

Sweet potatoes, broccoli, and orange-covered salmon cook up all at once in an Instant Pot within minutes so hanger doesn’t have time to strike. (via Brit + Co)

Keto Vegan Alfredo Zoodles

We think Whole30 will forgive us since alfredo sauce isn’t something people tend to binge on. Top it with shrimp or chicken for extra oomph. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Mashed Potatoes With Mushroom Gravy

Make a big batch of this and serve it alongside a steak. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Don’t knock it till you try it. Egg, bacon, avo, and sweet potatoes surprisingly go very well together. (via Brit + Co)

Paleo Dressing

This bowl combines roasted root vegetables and sausage for an earthy, filling combo. Serve it with some cauliflower rice for a complete meal. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Chicken Salad

This easy grilled chicken salad, ideal for the nights when you want to quickly throw something together, happens to be Pinterest’s top recipe. (via Brit + Co)

As you already know if you've made it this far, getting through a month of healthy meals is all about the meal plan! We hope you've found some inspiration for easy, flavorful, colorful, and tasty meals that we imagine might land in your regular meal rotation beyond your Whole30 month? Find more inspiration in our weekly newsletter or enjoy a free month of our on-demand baking and cooking classes.

Main image via The Endless Meal

Nordstrom’s sale section is the number one destination when it comes to finding underrated fashion gems. It’s the first place I usually think of when I’m shopping for something new because it’s typically packed with items from my favorite brands, like Free People, Reformation, BDG, Adidas, and more – for way less.

Whether you’re hunting for a designer piece (at a fraction of the price) or stocking up on wardrobe basics, I’ve found the 20 best Nordstrom sale items after scrolling through over 700 of ‘em.

Get ready to shop the best Nordstrom sale finds below!

Clothing Finds

Nordstrom

Faherty Stretch Terry Wide Leg Pants

These 35%-off wide-leg pants are such a steal. Inspired by workwear, they'll hold up extremely well through years of use. The material they're made of has a "touch" of stretch, so you're always comfy.

Nordstrom

Topshop Cable Stitch Cardigan

I adore the retro look of this cardi, thanks to the multitude of buttons and textured cable knit. It makes the ultimate cold weather layer, plus it's 40% off right now!

Nordstrom

Levi's Quilted Faux Fur Short Teddy Jacket

Originally $180, this paneled faux fur jacket is now only $80! Sounds like the perfect piece to get on sale right now if you live somewhere that's still super cold.

Nordstrom

Topshop Oversize Rib Sweater Dress

When it comes to sweater dresses, I only want an oversized fit. This Topshop pick (25% off, BTW!) checks all the boxes since it also boasts a fuzzy feel and subtle ribbing details along the hems that don't feel overly distracting.

Nordstrom

Reformation Haisley Ribbon Accent Organic Cotton Peplum Top

It's not every day you find a Reformation piece as cute as this top for a whopping 40% off. Yep, I'm obsessed.

Nordstrom

Reformation Alistar Halter Vest

This spring- and summer-ready one is 55% off! It has a flirty open back detail that wears well with everything from jeans to maxi skirts.

Nordstrom

Skims Stretch Cotton Jersey Long Sleeve T-Shirt

This "tried-and-true classic" long sleeve tee makes a cozy base layer for cooler days, plus this 30%-off pink color is simply too cute.

Nordstrom

Mother The Dodger Sneak Wide Leg Jeans

Everything about these 40%-off jeans is perfect: the mid-ride, the wide legs, the loose fit, and the medium wash that pairs with anything! I'd easily rock these year-round.

Nordstrom

BDG Tie Front Cardigan

This sweet sweater ties in the front so you can really get playful with your looks. It currently comes in 4 adorable colors – light blue, navy, red, and cream white – for up to 55% off.

Nordstrom

Reformation Josefina Off The Shoulder Knit Dress

Though it has quite the sophisticated look, this off-the-shoulder number is made of a "super soft and stretchy" blend of lyocell and organic cotton to keep you feeling comfortable as ever. It originally sold for $198, but is now on sale for $109!

Nordstrom

BP. Oversize Cozy Mock Neck Sweater

You can never have too many oversized sweaters in your closet. Snag this one for 25% off in so many different colors!

Nordstrom

Zella Zelfit High Waist Wide Leg Pocket Pants

I love these wide-leg pants (40% off) because they can work for everything from a gym sesh to a chill movie night at home. They're fitted with pockets, too, which can be hard to find in good, stylish leggings.

Nordstrom

Free People Movement Hit the Slopes Fleece Jacket

This iconic Free People fleece is an entire 30% off right now!

Shoe Finds

Nordstrom

Nordstrom Miah Water Resistant Chelsea Lug Boots

The chunkier, bolder soles on these Chelsea boots instantly make 'em commute-ready. Shop them on sale for $60 instead of the original price of $100 right now!

Nordstrom

New Balance 9060 Sneakers

There are limited sizes available for these 25%-off New Balance sneaks – run to see if they're still in stock!

Nordstrom

Adidas Gazelle Indoor Sneakers

This unique color combo of fashion's current "It" girl shoe is on sale for 40% off. I am in love with the serene green!

Nordstrom

Sam Edelman Michaela Mary Jane Flats

With 7 on-sale colors, these Mary Jane flats are unquestionably iconic, plus they won't break the bank since you'll literally save 50% off the OG price of $130.

Nordstrom

UGG New Heights Lined Clogs

I'm a certified clog lover, which is why I was pumped to see these platform UGGs on sale for $90 (35% off the original price)!

Nordstrom

Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes

Hokas are often in high-demand, meaning they're not on sale often. Luckily, I found this cream white pair for 24% off, so they now go for $110, not $145.

Nordstrom

Naturalizer Edda Knee High Boots

Oh, these tall black boots are everything. The thick block heel and squared-off toe combo qualifies them as super trendy for 40% off!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more amazing deals from the brands you love!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

After almost 17 years of marriage, Jessica Alba just officially split from her husband, Cash Warren. TMZ reported that the actress and film producer have been separated for a while now, and this article seems to make everything even more official. Here's everything we know so far about the breakup — including how long it seems like the pair's actually been split up.

Here's everything we know about Jessica Alba's split from husband, Cash Warren.

On January 8, 2025, sources spilled to TMZ about Jessica Alba and Cash Warren's separation. The sources shared that the couple is allegedly "moving forward" with a divorce, so unfortunately it doesn't seem like this split is a short-term solution.

TMZreported that both Jessica and have gone in public without wedding rings recently — Jessica as recent as the Golden Globes afterparties on January 5, 2025. Apparently, one of the last times the two were spotted publicly was back in November 2024. Outside of that, the couple celebrated their son's birthday at Universal Studios together in January, but it's unclear how official the separation was at that point.

Well, Jessica just confirmed her split from Cash on Instagram. The actress shared:

I've been on a journey of self realization and transformation for years - both as an individual and in partnership with Cash. I'm proud of how we've grown as a couple and in our marriage over the last 20 years and it's now time for us to embark on a new chapter of growth and evolution as individuals.

We are moving forward with love and kindness and respect for each other and will forever be family. Our children remain our highest priority and we request privacy at this time.

A source toldUS Weekly that the couple could actually file for divorce "soon." The source said, "Cash has been slowly moving things out of their house but since the fires, they have been spending more time under one roof as a family. They are being there for each other right now as it is a very stressful time."

According to PEOPLE, Jessica and Cash got engaged in 2007, after meeting on the set of Fantastic Four back in 2004. They got married and stayed together for 16 years, welcoming three children to their family: Honor (16), Haven (13), and Hayes (7).

Back in 2021, Alba told PEOPLE that they tend to "over-communicate" in order to best support each other and their different needs. She said that they don't have a "secret" to making it work — they "just need to check in with each other."

Whatever happens next, we hope that Jessica, Cash, and their kids are able to find peace and happiness throughout this major transition.

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