Maintaining a heart-healthy diet doesn’t mean giving up on tasty snacks. In fact, with the right ingredients, you can enjoy delicious bites that are just as good for your taste buds as they are for your health. Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based nutrients, here are 20 low-cholesterol snacks that make it easy and enjoyable to snack smart and support your heart.
Oatmeal Energy Bites
Rolled oats, chia seeds, and nut butter combine to form a fiber-rich snack that supports heart health. Soluble fiber from oats helps lower LDL cholesterol by reducing absorption in the bloodstream. Skip added sugars and opt for honey or dates.
Edamame
Steamed edamame is packed with plant-based protein and fiber. It’s also a natural source of isoflavones, compounds in soy linked to lower cholesterol levels. A cup of edamame provides around 8 grams of fiber and 17 grams of protein.
Avocado On Whole-Grain Crackers
Mashed avocado offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that can help raise HDL and lower LDL cholesterol. Pair it with high-fiber whole-grain crackers for added cholesterol-lowering benefits. A squeeze of lime enhances the taste without sodium.
Pomegranate Seeds And Pistachios
Pomegranate seeds are packed with polyphenols and antioxidants that help lower blood pressure and reduce arterial plaque. Pair them with unsalted pistachios for a heart-smart combo full of plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats. This flavorful duo supports cholesterol control and overall heart health—perfect for a nutrient-rich, satisfying snack.
Tomato Slices, Olive Oil And Basil
Fresh tomato slices mixed with extra virgin olive oil and sprayed with fresh basil make a refreshing and heart-healthy snack. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a helpful antioxidant that reduces LDL cholesterol and inflammation. Olive oil adds monounsaturated fats, supporting cardiovascular health. This simple Mediterranean-style snack is light, flavorful, and cholesterol-friendly.
Pear Slices And Sunflower Seed Butter
Crisp pear slices paired with sunflower seed butter create a heart-healthy and fiber-rich snack. Pears contain soluble fiber, especially pectin, which helps lower cholesterol levels. Sunflower seed butter adds vitamin E and healthy fats without cholesterol. Together, they deliver a sweet-and-savory combination that supports artery function and sustained energy without added sugar.
Apple Slices And Almond Butter
Combining apples and almond butter provides soluble fiber and plant-based fats. Apple pectin binds with cholesterol in the gut, aiding its elimination. Almonds add vitamin E and phytosterols, compounds that block cholesterol absorption.
Roasted Chickpeas
A half-cup of roasted chickpeas contains more than 5g of protein and 6g of fiber. Chickpeas roasted with olive oil and spices become a crunchy, satisfying snack. They’re rich in fiber and plant sterols, which help reduce bad cholesterol.
Hummus And Carrot Sticks
Made from blended chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and garlic, hummus delivers fiber, healthy fats, and plant protein. Adding carrots contributes to the crunchiness and beta-carotene levels. Store-bought versions and olive oil are better than those with added canola or palm oil.
Berries Ground Flaxseed
Blueberries and strawberries are rich in antioxidants and soluble fiber. Adding a spoonful of ground flaxseed introduces alpha-linolenic acid, a plant-based omega-3 that may lower cholesterol. This combo supports artery health and reduces inflammation.
Popcorn (Air-Popped)
Three cups of air-popped popcorn deliver nearly 3.5 grams of fiber and under 100 calories—a light, heart-smart snack. When made without butter or too much salt, this whole grain stays low in calories and cholesterol. Its fiber content helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol over time, making it a crunchy and guilt-free choice.
Walnuts
Unlike many nuts, walnuts are especially high in omega-3 fatty acids. A daily handful (about 1 ounce) has been linked to reduced LDL cholesterol and improved arterial function. They also contain polyphenols that combat oxidative stress.
Greek Yogurt With Chia Seeds
Low-fat, unsweetened Greek yogurt provides probiotics and protein while reducing cholesterol intake. Stir in chia seeds for fiber and heart-healthy fats. These seeds absorb the liquid and form a gel that promotes satiety and gut health.
Celery With Peanut Butter
This simple combination offers fiber, protein, and healthy fats in one satisfying snack. Celery is naturally cholesterol-free and provides hydration and crunch, while peanut butter adds monounsaturated fats that support heart health.
Baked Sweet Potato Slices
Thinly sliced and roasted sweet potatoes make a flavorful, heart-healthy chip alternative. They’re rich in soluble fiber and potassium, which helps manage blood pressure. One medium-sized sweet potato offers about 4 grams of fiber and sufficient amounts of vitamin A.
Chia Pudding And Almond Milk
Chia seeds soaked in unsweetened almond milk form a pudding rich in fiber, omega-3s, and plant-based protein. The gel-like texture helps promote satiety while improving digestion. Two tablespoons of chai seed yield 10 grams of fiber and 5 grams of ALA.
Unsweetened Applesauce And Cinnamon
A half-cup serving of unsweetened applesauce is packed with roughly 1.5 grams of fiber. Applesauce made without added sugar provides pectin, a soluble fiber known to reduce LDL cholesterol. Cinnamon enhances flavor and may help improve blood lipid profiles.
Cottage Cheese And Pineapple
Skim milk ricotta cheese gives you calcium and protein, but spares you the saturated fats found in the whole-milk alternatives on the shelf. Pair it with pineapple for a naturally sweet twist—plus, you’ll get a boost of bromelain, an enzyme known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Just be sure to choose canned pineapple packed in juice, not syrup.
Seaweed Snacks
Roasted seaweed sheets have minimal calories but are rich in iodine, antioxidants, and fiber. They also contain sterols and stanols, plant compounds known to block cholesterol absorption. A typical serving has about 30 calories and minimal fat.
Dark Chocolate And Almonds
A small serving of dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) combined with almonds offers heart-healthy benefits. It contains flavonoids that can improve blood vessel function, while almonds provide fiber and unsaturated fats that lower LDL cholesterol.
Red Bell Pepper And Guacamole
Crisp red bell pepper slices pair well with guacamole, creating a nutrient-dense snack. Bell peppers include high quantities of vitamin C and carotenoids, which support heart health, while avocados in guacamole supply monounsaturated fats that help reduce cholesterol.
Trail Mix And Pumpkin Seeds
Whip up a homemade trail mix with unsalted nuts, dried fruit, and pumpkin seeds for a satisfying blend of protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Pumpkin seeds stand out—they’re rich in phytosterols, natural compounds that may help reduce cholesterol levels.
Cucumber Slices And Tzatziki
Cool cucumber slices paired with tzatziki make a refreshing, low-cholesterol snack. Greek yogurt in tzatziki provides probiotics and protein, while cucumbers add hydration and fiber. One half-cup of tzatziki made with low-fat yogurt contains about 5 grams of protein.
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