The #1 Snack to Buy at Walmart for Weight Loss, According to a Dietitian

If you are focused on managing your weight, Walmart may not be top of mind when considering where to shop for weight-loss-supporting snacks. But the superstore known for rolling back prices has some impressive options on its grocery shelves that can support your weight-management journey—especially if you’re a snacker.

From fresh produce to protein-packed nuts, Walmart has no shortage of satisfying snacks to support your weight-loss efforts—but one that stands out is Lifeway Kefir.

Why Lifeway Kefir?

ICYDK, kefir is a fermented dairy drink that tastes similar to yogurt but has a thinner, drinkable consistency and a higher probiotic content. Originating from Eastern Europe, kefir is made by fermenting milk with kefir grains—this makes for a great combination of beneficial bacteria and yeast.

The end result is a tangy, probiotic-rich beverage that supports gut health. Beyond its probiotic benefits, kefir checks many boxes for a weight-loss-friendly snack: it provides protein and healthy fats, offers a satisfying taste and helps keep you full. Plus, kefir delivers essential nutrients like calcium, protein and B vitamins, making it a smart addition to a balanced diet.

Another thing kefir has going for it? It’s a dairy product, which could make it even more weight-loss-friendly. Research shows that adding dairy to a calorie-restricted diet can help reduce body fat and support greater weight loss compared to diets without dairy.

The taste of Lifeway unsweetened plain kefir is a unique blend of flavors, often described as tangy, tart and mildly sour, akin to a plain drinkable yogurt. Each cup delivers a solid 9 grams of protein and a bit of fat to help keep you feeling full. Plus, it contains no added sugar and is an excellent source of live probiotics.

If you don’t care for the slightly sour taste of unsweetened kefir, Walmart also stocks strawberry and peach varieties to satisfy your taste buds. While these options do contain some added sugars, the amount is far less than many drinkable yogurts or sweetened yogurt options on the market. You can also add some flavor by combining fruit with unsweetened kefir in a blender, like in this Berry-Kefir Smoothie.

Snack Shopping Tips

Snacking can get a bad rap. But while it’s true that downing a bag of potato chips or a carton of ice cream between meals won’t support your weight-loss goals, eating some snacks may actually help you with weight management.

In fact, research shows that the consumption of healthful snacks may promote satiety and appetite control—factors that can support weight loss. Fruits, veggies, nuts and yogurt are all sound snack choices. When it comes to packaged snacks, there are also a surprising number of good-for-you picks. But, how exactly do you choose one? If you’re shopping for weight-loss-friendly snacks, here are some things to consider.

Fiber and Protein

Fiber and protein contribute to feelings of satiety, reducing the likelihood of overeating. Including these nutrients in your snack choice helps limit blood sugar spikes and the subsequent crash that can leave you feeling hungry shortly after snacktime. Aiming for roughly 3 grams of fiber per snack or 7 grams of protein helps keep you satiated.

Lower Calorie Options

Consuming excess calories can contribute to weight gain. The exact amount of calories to aim for will vary based on your personal needs. Many people find that they’re satisfied with a snack that contains around 150 calories, though you may go for slightly larger snacks, depending on your daily calorie goal. It’s all individual. (If you have any questions about what you need, consulting a registered dietitian can help you set a daily calorie goal suited for you.)

Live Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial for your health, particularly for your digestive system. Often referred to as “good” or “friendly” bacteria, they assist in maintaining a natural balance of organisms in the gut. 

Often thought of as a must-have for gut health, probiotics may also impact your weight. Studies show that consumption of certain strains of probiotic bacteria may aid in weight loss when combined with calorie reduction, increased physical activity or both. One theory is that probiotics may help combat chronic low-grade inflammation, a factor that can impact a person’s risk of developing obesity. 

Finding a snack with probiotics isn’t a must, as more data is needed to confirm the potential link between consumption of these bacteria and weight loss. But doing so comes with little risk, and it’s unlikely that eating probiotic-rich foods will work against your weight-loss goals. Consider this a bonus benefit.

Limit Added Sugars

Many snacks have sugar added to help them taste good. But that sweetness also adds empty calories to your nosh. Sweetened drinks and bakery items (think cookies and muffins) are Americans’ top two sources of added sugar. Excess sugar consumption is linked to weight gain and obesity so health and nutrition experts recommend limiting added sugar consumption to 10% of your daily calories. Opting for a low-sugar snack is one way to lower your consumption of the sweet stuff. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a daily max of 6 teaspoons (25 grams) of added sugar for women and 9 teaspoons (36 grams) of added sugar for men. Check the nutrition label and aim to keep your daily added sugar under the recommended daily limit when considering your whole eating pattern.

Focus on Taste

It is unlikely that you will feel satisfied with a snack that doesn’t taste good. And feeling unsatisfied may lead to overconsumption later in the day. Because of this, it is important to find a weight-loss-friendly snack that you enjoy, even if that means that it is missing one of the key factors listed above.

Our Expert Take

There are many weight-loss-supporting snacks available at Walmart. Among the many fantastic choices out there, Lifeway Kefir tops the list as a convenient, delicious and protein- and probiotic-packed option. Just remember, eating one food won’t result in dramatic weight loss—it’s your overall diet that matters most. Adequate sleep, stress reduction and physical activity are also important for weight loss.