Berries: A summery low-carb treat

Berries are the perfect low-carb treat.

Although sweet-tasting, their sugar content is much lower than that of most fruit.

Berries are in season now, and this year’s late spring resulted in a bumper crop in many countries. Make the most of it while it lasts!

Berries’ carb count is within the range of 5-12g net carbs per 100g, which is acceptable for most low-carb diet plans.

You can even get away with berries on a ketogenic diet – but make sure to count carbs diligently.

Unfortunately, berries are not included in phase 1 of Atkins, but you can add them from phase 2 onwards.

Net carbs in berries

Here’s a summary of carb counts for some popular berries.

Per 100g (3.5 oz)	Total carbs (g)	Fibre (g)	Net Carbs (g)	Calories
Blackberries	10	5	5	43
Strawberries	8	2	6	33
Raspberries	12	6	6	53
Gooseberries	10	4	6	44
Currants (red and white)	14	4	10	56
Blueberries	14	3	11	57
Cherries (sweet)	16	2	14	63

Ways to have berries

…apart from the obvious one of just eating them raw as they are – which is always good!

With whipped cream
Add some whipped cream plus a dash of sweetener (such as Stevia or Splenda) to fresh strawberries for a quintessential British summer dessert

Make ice-cream
Add berries to low-carb ice-cream

Add to low-carb baked goodies
Add crushed berries to low-carb pancakes and muffins

As a smoothie
Blitz berries in a blender with single cream or soya milk to make a low-carb smoothie

With protein shakes
Add crushed berries to your protein shake

Dipped in chocolate
Dip strawberries in melted unsweetened chocolate and let cool

Add to cocktails
Make low-carb berry cocktails by mixing them with sparkling wines and other low-carb alcoholic beverages

As a strawberry mousse
Mix strawberries with double cream, 2-3 egg whites and Truvia (or a similar sweetener), blitz in a blender and chill

Low-carb berry recipes

Here are some of my recipes with berries:

More low-carb berry recipes

Here are some further low-carb recipes round-ups on other blogs.

21 Delicious Low-Carb Blueberry Recipes by Low Carb Yum

39 Splendid Low Carb Strawberry Recipes by All Day I Dream About Food