An expert has revealed seven popular foods that could be causing your energy levels to crash. In the UK we love to snack.

Many of us munch on treats between meals as a means to ward off hunger and give ourselves an energy lift. Yet certain foods can have the opposite effect, leaving us feeling more tired becausethey trigger blood sugar surges.

And actually many of the snacks we're fond of eating across Britain are guilty of precisely this. Consequently, when selecting what to consume between meals, it's advisable to choose nutritious, energy-enhancing foods rather than sugary or high-carb nibbles.

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One specialist suggests opting for snacks containing a proper balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates can help maintain energy levels more successfully throughout the day. Speaking to Express.co.uk, Ashleigh Tosh, nutrition specialist from Prepped Pots powered by MuscleFood.com, explained: "If you experience sudden dips in energy during the day then you may want to take a look at the snacks you nibble on in between your meals.

"Being mindful of snack choices can make a significant difference in your energy and motivation levels. When we opt for snacks high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats, it can lead to drastic spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, leaving us feeling fatigued, irritable, and unable to focus.

"It's tempting to turn to sugary treats and high-carb snacks if they're available in your cupboards at home or in the office so it's best to make sure you've also stocked up on healthier alternatives.

"Making simple adjustments in your diet like swapping crisps with nuts or replacing sugary yoghurts with a bowl of Greek yoghurt and berries can make you feel more satisfied and sustain your energy."

She cautioned about seven common snacks that can lead to energy slumps - one of which may surprise you.

Crisps

According to Ashleigh, snacking on crisps can trigger an energy crash because they’re high in salt and unhealthy fats. “An excessive amount of salt dehydrates the body and makes you feel tired, while the fast-acting carbs lead to a blood sugar crash that saps your energy,” she said.

“If you’re feeling peckish, a better option would be snacking on nuts because they’re more nutritious and contain mainly unsaturated fats.”

Chocolate bars

It is true that indulging in a chocolate bar may give you a short-term boost of energy because of the caffeine in chocolate. But the boost will shortly be replaced with a sugar crash, which will make you feel sluggish.

“If you’re craving something sweet, opt for dark chocolate instead, it alleviates the sugar spike and provides a more sustained energy kick,” Ashleigh advised.

Toast

Another popular breakfast or snacking choice is toast but you might want to swap mass-produced white bread for whole-grain versions. “This leaves us feeling tired because white bread lacks fibre and can cause imbalances in blood sugar levels,” Ashleigh commented.

“A more energising and nutritious option would be whole-grain bread with avocado.”

Biscuits

If there’s one thing that Brits love more than a cup of tea, it’s a cup of tea with a biscuit on the side. She said: “Although it’s a delicious and classic combination, biscuits are high in fats and sugar and can trigger or worsen your slump.”

Sugary yoghurts

Yoghurts are seen as a healthy snack so many people might not realise that they can actually cause energy crashes. Ashleigh continued: “That is if people opt for sweetened yoghurts which are high in added sugars.

“Yoghurt can be a great energy-boosting snack if you opt for Greek yoghurt, which is rich in protein and probiotics, helping stabilise blood sugar levels.”

Pastries

It’s tempting to reach for a delicious croissant, sausage roll, or pain au chocolate when craving a snack. She added: “However, these baked goods are digested and absorbed quickly, causing a glucose spike.

Cereal

This one may come as a surprise as cereal is often advertised as a healthy way to start your day. Ashleigh said: “However, cereals are often highly processed and loaded with sugar, which can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels followed by a crash.

“Opt for whole-grain granola instead or consider making your own with rolled oats, nuts, raisins and honey.”