8 Low-Sugar Snacks at Target Nutritionists Love

August 4, 2023

Clean Plates

Sugar is continually a hot topic in the media, with many influencers calling it “toxic” while pushing keto/low-carb diets. According to the American Heart Association, “diets high in added sugars have been connected to heart risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and unhealthy cholesterol levels.” However, it’s not necessary to avoid all sugar, the key is understanding how much is too much and how to include modest amounts within the context of an overall balanced diet.

The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to 24 grams (6 teaspoons) for children, teens, and women, and 36 grams (9 teaspoons) for men per day. It’s easy to reach these totals quickly if you’re not paying attention, especially from foods that don’t “seem sweet” like dressings, marinades, sauces, crackers, and bread.

Technically, the FDA does not have a definition for low-sugar snacks. To be labeled “sugar-free”, the product must have less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving, and a “reduced sugar” food must contain 25% less sugar than the reference amount customarily consumed, which could still be very high in sugar… just less than before. Since there is no legal or official definition of a low-sugar snack, I usually recommend keeping added sugars per serving to 6 grams or less, though there is wiggle room depending on your own overall dietary needs.

As a registered dietitian, I’m frequently asked for snack ideas that are delicious and low in sugar. I’ve put together a list of low-sugar snacks at Target to help you and your family stock your fridge and pantry with tasty goodies to enjoy whether you are at home or on the go.

1. Two Good Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a fabulous snack due to the high protein content and gut-healthy probiotics but choose wisely since the sugar content can vary significantly. Two Good Greek Yogurt has zero grams of added sugar and only 2 grams of naturally occurring sugar per 5.3-ounce cup, with no artificial sweeteners or colors. My favorite is the Good Save Meyer Lemon flavor because it’s made with real lemon puree from verified rescued fruit to help minimize food waste. Win-win.

Buy now: Two Good Greek Yogurt

2. Good Culture Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is having a moment and I couldn’t be happier; it’s been a staple food for my family since I was a child. Thanks to Good Culture, this protein-packed, no-added-sugar cottage cheese is available in a single-serving container to grab as a quick snack, with the bonus of 19 grams of protein and live and active cultures for your gut health. Add fresh or dried fruit, low-sugar whole-grain cereal, or nuts for a fabulous combo of protein and fiber. The Good Culture Simply Pineapple is a great option if you want your fruit and cottage cheese in one product with 3 grams of total sugar, zero added.

Buy now: Good Culture Cottage Cheese

3. Good and Gather Sweet and Spicy Chunk Light Tuna

This sustainably caught, affordable tuna pouch is ready to eat with only a fork. This flavorful snack packs 14 grams of protein for 4 grams of added sugar and since most of us miss the mark on the recommended amount of seafood per week, it’s an easy way to increase our intake of heart-healthy EPA/DHA omega-3 fatty acids with 140 milligrams per serving.

Buy now: Good and Gather Sweet and Spicy Chunk Light Tuna

4. Clif Thins White Chocolate Macadamia Nut

Many granola and protein bars resemble candy bars when looking at nutrition facts. Clif Thins are delightfully crunchy and light tasting with 100 calories and 5 grams of added sugar per two-bar pack. The white chocolate macadamia flavor is a fun departure from everything chocolate chip and it’s a great non-perishable snack for the whole family.

Buy now: Clif Thins White Chocolate Macadamia Nut

5. Seapoint Farms Dry Roasted Edamame

“Dry roasted edamame is a great savory, crunchy snack option,” says Maxine Yeung, dietitian and owner of The Wellness Whisk, LLC. She shares that “one serving offers 20 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber, which is hard to come by in a quick snack. They also offer a good amount of iron, potassium, and heart-healthy fats. I love throwing these packs into my bag for an easy, on-the-go option.”

With only two ingredients, soybeans and sea salt, these no added sugar single serving packets are great alone or sprinkle with a teaspoon of mini chocolate chips for a sweet and savory bite.

Buy now: Seapoint Farms Dry Roasted Edamame

6. Tillamook Zero Sugar Original Beef Jerky

“Beef jerky can sometimes be a sneaky source of sugar,” says Jamie Nadeau, RD. This zero-sugar beef jerky is made with beef and spices and has 14 grams of protein and 0 grams of carbs and sugar per serving. Plus, it contains gluten-free soy sauce for those who avoid gluten in their diet. Maya Oueichek, MBA, RDN also recommends beef jerky as a low-sugar snack from Target. Her choice is Chomps Original Beef Sticks with 9 grams of protein and 0 grams of sugar per serving. Oueichek says, “They are budget-friendly and available in many flavors. I also appreciate that they’re shelf-stable and can be easily packed away for school or work.”

Buy now: Tillamook Zero Sugar Original Beef Jerky

7. Good and Gather Almonds, Cashews, and Peanuts Variety Pack

Nuts are naturally low in sugar, and provide a balance of healthy fats, dietary fiber, and protein to help manage hunger and sustain energy — the hallmarks of a great snack says Alissa Palladino, MS, RDN, LD, CPT. “I typically recommend purchasing nuts in single-serve packages for on-the-go convenience and built-in portion control,” she says.

Alyssa Pacheco, RD loves Good & Gather Everything Seasoned Cashews because “they’re not only delicious, but they’re a lower carb snack with only 9 grams of carbs and 1 gram of added sugar. These cashew snacks are packed with healthy fats and 5 grams of plant-based protein to keep you feeling satisfied.”

Target offers a variety of nuts in individual pouches, with 4 to 7 grams of carbs and 1 gram of sugar per 150-calorie serving, so pick your favorite!

Buy now: Good and Gather Almonds, Cashews and Peanuts Variety Pack

8. SkinnyDipped Dark Chocolate Cocoa Almonds

If you’re craving a low-sugar snack at Target that’s on the sweet side, these dark chocolate cocoa almonds fit the bill with 3 grams of added sugar! Nicole Ibarra loves these because “it’s a great sweet snack that’s low on sugar and helps to stabilize blood sugars better with the protein and fiber content.”

With 5 grams of fiber equaling 20% of the Daily Value for women, it’s a great way to bridge the gap towards fiber goals as well.

Buy now: SkinnyDipped Dark Chocolate Cocoa Almonds

Disclaimer: We only recommend products we seriously love and want to share. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which includes affiliate links.