These sugar free chocolate covered almonds are one of my favorite easy sweet-and-salty low carb treats, made with roasted almonds, sugar-free dark chocolate, and flaky sea salt. They take about 10 minutes to prep and can be made as individual chocolate covered almonds or quick chocolate almond clusters.
I started making these as a lower-carb version of the sea salt chocolate covered almonds from Trader Joe's. The combination of crunchy roasted almonds, dark chocolate, and a little salt is hard to beat. These are super addicting!
When I'm not munching on chocolate covered almonds, I'm snacking on low carb cookies and sugar free candy like sugar free peanut butter cookies, low carb peanut butter fudge, or low carb sugar free blondies. They're all super delish and easy!
Things to Know About Sugar Free Chocolate Covered Almonds
- They take about 10 minutes of hands-on prep.
- Use roasted unsalted almonds for the easiest version.
- You can make individual chocolate covered almonds or small clusters.
- A little sea salt helps balance the sweetness of the chocolate.
- Use your favorite sugar-free dark chocolate or low carb chocolate chips.
- Powdered monk fruit, allulose, or stevia can be added if your chocolate needs extra sweetness. This is totally optional.
Ingredients You'll Need
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
- Whole almonds - Roasted unsalted almonds are easiest since they're ready to use. Raw almonds can also work, but I recommend roasting them first for better flavor and crunch.
- Sugar-free dark chocolate - Use your favorite sugar-free baking chocolate or chocolate chips. This is my favorite sugar free chocolate brand. Choose one you already like the flavor of since the chocolate is a big part of this recipe.
- Powdered monk fruit or allulose - Optional if you want the chocolate a little sweeter. Powdered sweetener blends into melted chocolate more smoothly than granulated.
- Sea salt - Sprinkle a little over the chocolate before it sets for that sweet-and-salty finish.
How to Make Sugar Free Chocolate Covered Almonds
Step 1: Prepare the pan
Line a large baking sheet or tray with parchment paper and set it aside.
Step 2: Melt the chocolate
Break the chocolate into smaller pieces and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. You can also use chocolate chips instead of bars.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each one, until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted. Stop heating as soon as the chocolate melts so it doesn't scorch.
Step 3: Coat the almonds
Stir the almonds into the melted chocolate until they're evenly coated.
If your chocolate needs a little more sweetness, stir in powdered monk fruit or allulose to taste.
Step 4: Make clusters or individual almonds
For chocolate almond clusters, use a small spoon or cookie scoop to drop little mounds onto the parchment-lined tray.
For individual chocolate covered almonds, place the coated almonds on the tray one at a time.
Sprinkle lightly with sea salt before the chocolate sets.
Step 5: Chill until firm
Refrigerate until the chocolate is completely set, about 30-60 minutes.
Once firm, transfer the almonds to an airtight container.
Recipe Tips
- Use roasted almonds - Roasting brings out more almond flavor and gives the finished candy a better crunch.
- Melt the chocolate slowly - Short microwave intervals help prevent the chocolate from overheating or burning.
- Use powdered sweetener - If you add monk fruit or allulose, powdered blends into the chocolate more smoothly.
- Add the salt before chilling - Sprinkle the sea salt over the chocolate while it's still soft so it sticks.
If you're starting with raw almonds, roast them at 300°F for about 10-12 minutes, then let them cool before coating them in chocolate.
Variations
- Use another nut - Pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts can also be coated in chocolate. The carb count will vary depending on the nut you use.
- Add flaky sea salt - A finishing salt gives them more of that Trader Joe's-style sweet-and-salty flavor.
- Use darker chocolate - If you like a less sweet treat, choose a darker sugar-free chocolate.
You can also use the same basic method to make our sugar free chocolate covered strawberries.
Storage
- Store sugar free chocolate covered almonds in an airtight container in a cool place for up to 3 weeks.
- I prefer keeping them in the refrigerator, especially if the kitchen is warm, because the chocolate stays firm and the almonds keep their crunch.
- Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving if you prefer softer chocolate.
Nutrition & Macros
Per chocolate almond cluster:
- Calories: about 145
- Protein: about 4g
- Total carbs: about 8g
- Fiber: about 4g
- Sugar alcohols: about 2g
- Net carbs: about 2-3g
- Fat: about 12g
- Sugar: about 1g or less
Note: The total carb count includes sugar alcohols from the sugar-free chocolate. To estimate net carbs, subtract the fiber and sugar alcohols from the total carbs. The exact numbers will vary depending on the brand of chocolate you use.
FAQs
Are chocolate covered almonds sugar free?
They can be. This version uses sugar-free dark chocolate instead of conventional sweetened chocolate, with monk fruit or allulose added only if additional sweetness is needed.
Are chocolate covered almonds low carb?
Sugar-free chocolate covered almonds can be low carb when made with unsweetened almonds and a low carb chocolate. The exact carb count depends heavily on the chocolate and sweetener you use.
Do chocolate covered almonds need to be refrigerated?
Not necessarily, but refrigeration helps keep the chocolate firm, especially in a warm kitchen. Store them in an airtight container to protect the texture of the almonds.
Can I use raw almonds?
Yes. For the best flavor and crunch, roast raw almonds at 300°F for 10-12 minutes and let them cool before adding the chocolate.
More Sugar Free Candy & Sweet Treats
If you're looking for more low carb sweets, try our no sugar candied pecans, low carb rum balls, sugar free chocolate mints, or check out our low carb Christmas cookies collection. We also recommend these low carb candies to buy for days you don't feel like baking.
If you loved our recipe, please leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and leave us a comment too! Connect with us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube!
Recipe
Sugar Free Chocolate Covered Almonds (Keto)
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole almonds roasted unsalted nuts
- 16 oz sugar free dark chocolate baking bar we use 2 low carb sugar free bars like Lilys
- 1 teaspoon powdered monk fruit optional 1:1 sugar free sweetener
- sweetener to sprinkle over the top
- sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Break the 2 keto friendly dark chocolate baking bars into large chunks. Add the pieces to a small glass mixing bowl.
- Microwave the chocolate in 30 second increments, stirring the chocolate after each time. Keep doing this until the chocolate is completely melted.
- Add the almonds and the sweetener to the melted chocolate and stir until completely combined.
- With a small cookie scoop or spoon, group the sugar free chocolate covered almonds into small mounds and place them on the baking sheet. Instead of making keto chocolate clusters, you can also make individual chocolate covered almonds by laying them one almond at a time on the baking sheet.
- To speed up hardening the chocolate, place the cookie sheet in the fridge for an hour.
- The healthy chocolate covered almonds do not require refrigeration, but the fridge is still the best place to store the candy so it doesn't melt.
Notes
- Use roasted almonds - They have better flavor and crunch. If using raw almonds, roast them at 300°F for 10-12 minutes and cool before coating.
- Melt the chocolate slowly - Microwave in 30-second intervals and stir after each one to prevent scorching.
- Make clusters or individual almonds - Spoon several almonds together for quick clusters or place them individually on parchment for classic chocolate covered almonds.
- Sweeten to taste - If your sugar-free chocolate needs more sweetness, mix in powdered monk fruit or allulose.
- Net carbs - The total carb count includes sugar alcohols from the sugar-free chocolate. To estimate net carbs, subtract the fiber and sugar alcohols from the total carbs. Each cluster has about 2-3g net carbs, depending on the brand of chocolate used.
Barb says
What is the serving size and how many net carbs?
Deborah McL says
Can I have the nutritional break down please