25 snacks under 300 calories

There are times when nothing less than a bar of chocolate will do. Here are 24 other treats that will hit the spot without breaking the calorie bank.

Mid-morning snacks

Two or three hours after breakfast, if you had breakfast that is, your glucose levels start to drop. It's at this point that you start finding it hard to concentrate and crave something sweet to eat. Banish those mid-morning blues with these great snacks:

• A strawberry smoothie with marshmallows - 277 calories
• Half a bagel with low fat cream cheese and figs - 190 calories
• Two slices of malt bread - 188 calories
• A small bag of banana chips (30g) - 199 calories
• A standard size chocolate bar - 281 calories

Mid-afternoon snacks

You probably know the feeling. Mid-afternoon, you're nodding off at your desk and there's a dull throb behind your eyes. You could go for a brisk walk in the fresh air or reach for a glass of water (headaches are most commonly caused by dehydration, so always try topping up your fluid levels before you pop a painkiller). But if that doesn't do it for you,' these energising snacks should get you through to teatime:

• A bag of candied popcorn (75g) - 240 calories
• 2 slices of pumpernickel bread with 2 tbsp honey - 232 calories
• 1 large slice of gingerbread - 254 calories
• 2 slices of rye bread with vegetable pâté - 265 calories
• 1 bag of Twiglets (50g) - 192 calories

After-dinner treats

You know you probably shouldn't be delving into the fridge so soon after dinner but there's a movie on and you fancy something sweet and comforting. Try the following puddings. They beat a plate of carrot sticks every time.

• A portion of fruit crumble - 288 calories
• A portion of lemon sorbet - 124 calories
• A portion of lemon mousse - 83 calories
• A portion of crème caramel - 98 calories
• 2 meringues filled with cream and strawberries - 243 calories

Party snacks

It's all very well going to a party with good intentions but in reality who can resist a handful of nibbles with a glass of wine? The problem with snacks is usually salt. It creates a vicious circle. The more you eat the more you want to drink, and the more alcohol you drink the more dehydrated and hungry you get. A good way to quench your thirst and prevent dehydration is to alternate a glass of wine with a glass of juice or sparking water, or drink spritzers instead. The following ideas for party snacks should tempt your taste buds and satisfy your hunger:

• 2 slices of garlic bread - 300 calories
• 2 sticks of chicken satay with peanut dip - 268 calories
• A portion of potato wedges with 2 tbsp sour cream dip - 280 calories
• A large slice of Spanish tortilla/fritatta - 155 calories
• Tortilla chips (50g) with 1 heaped tbsp guacamole - 294 calories

Post-drink munchies

After a long drinking session, your blood sugar levels will be low, so aim to eat and drink plenty of fluids before you go to bed. Fend off your pending hangover with these snacks:

• 2 large frankfurters with 2 tbsp sauerkraut (pickled cabbage) - 275 calories
• 2 fried fish cakes with a portion of tomato ketchup - 210 calories
• A portion of tomato and mozzarella salad with lemon and olive oil dressing - 300 calories
• 2 slices of cheese and tomato pizza - 288 calories
• 2 roasted chicken drumsticks with coleslaw in reduced calorie mayonnaise - 240 calories

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