15 Best Foods for a Small Appetite
When appetite is low, every bite needs to count. These foods are useful because they are relatively easy to eat, still nutrient-dense, and do not require a huge portion to feel worthwhile.
The Rankings
Brussels Sprouts
At 56 calories with 4.0g protein per 1 cup (88g), brussels sprouts is a compact option when you do not feel like eating much.
Artichoke
At 60 calories with 4.2g protein per 1 medium (128g), artichoke is a compact option when you do not feel like eating much.
Green Peas
At 62 calories with 4.1g protein per 1 cup (145g), green peas is a compact option when you do not feel like eating much.
Egg
At 72 calories with 6.3g protein per 1 large (50g), egg is a compact option when you do not feel like eating much.
Chicken Soup
At 75 calories with 4.0g protein per 1 cup (241g), chicken soup is a compact option when you do not feel like eating much.
Whole Wheat Bread
At 81 calories with 4.0g protein per 1 slice (28g), whole wheat bread is a compact option when you do not feel like eating much.
Cod
At 82 calories with 18.0g protein per 1 fillet (180g), cod is a compact option when you do not feel like eating much.
Crab
At 82 calories with 16.0g protein per 3 oz (85g), crab is a compact option when you do not feel like eating much.
Beef Jerky
At 82 calories with 15.0g protein per 1 oz (28g), beef jerky is a compact option when you do not feel like eating much.
Skim Milk
At 83 calories with 8.3g protein per 1 cup (245g), skim milk is a compact option when you do not feel like eating much.
Shrimp
At 84 calories with 20.0g protein per 3 oz (85g), shrimp is a compact option when you do not feel like eating much.
Mozzarella
At 85 calories with 6.3g protein per 1 oz (28g), mozzarella is a compact option when you do not feel like eating much.
Scallops
At 94 calories with 17.0g protein per 3 oz (85g), scallops is a compact option when you do not feel like eating much.
Greek Yogurt
At 100 calories with 17.0g protein per 1 cup (245g), greek yogurt is a compact option when you do not feel like eating much.
Swiss Cheese
At 111 calories with 7.5g protein per 1 oz (28g), swiss cheese is a compact option when you do not feel like eating much.
Quick Comparison Table
Here is a side-by-side nutritional comparison of all the foods on this list:
| # | Food | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🥬 Brussels Sprouts | 56 | 4.0g | 11.0g | 0.8g | 4.1g |
| 2 | 🫐 Artichoke | 60 | 4.2g | 13.0g | 0.2g | 6.9g |
| 3 | 🫛 Green Peas | 62 | 4.1g | 11.0g | 0.3g | 3.6g |
| 4 | 🥚 Egg | 72 | 6.3g | 0.4g | 5.0g | 0.0g |
| 5 | 🍲 Chicken Soup | 75 | 4.0g | 8.4g | 2.5g | 0.7g |
| 6 | 🍞 Whole Wheat Bread | 81 | 4.0g | 14.0g | 1.1g | 1.9g |
| 7 | 🐟 Cod | 82 | 18.0g | 0.0g | 0.7g | 0.0g |
| 8 | 🦀 Crab | 82 | 16.0g | 0.0g | 1.0g | 0.0g |
| 9 | 🥩 Beef Jerky | 82 | 15.0g | 3.0g | 1.0g | 0.4g |
| 10 | 🥛 Skim Milk | 83 | 8.3g | 12.0g | 0.2g | 0.0g |
| 11 | 🦐 Shrimp | 84 | 20.0g | 0.2g | 0.2g | 0.0g |
| 12 | 🧀 Mozzarella | 85 | 6.3g | 0.7g | 6.3g | 0.0g |
| 13 | 🫐 Scallops | 94 | 17.0g | 4.3g | 0.8g | 0.0g |
| 14 | 🥣 Greek Yogurt | 100 | 17.0g | 6.0g | 0.7g | 0.0g |
| 15 | 🧀 Swiss Cheese | 111 | 7.5g | 0.4g | 8.8g | 0.0g |
Summary and Recommendations
The foods above are not magic, but they do make best foods for a small appetite a lot easier to execute in real life. The trick is building a pattern you can repeat, not chasing a perfect day. Use Calory to keep the numbers visible so the plan stays practical when the week gets messy.
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