5 7 Published Aug 28, 2021, Updated Jan 12, 2024 But snacking can actually be a great way to keep hunger at bay. It’s all about choosing the right snacks… ones that are satisfying and filling. The key = make sure your snacks are high in protein! I’ve found that high protein snacks are the best option when it comes to snacking because they keep me feeling full… not running back to the cabinet for more like some snacks tend to do. I’m looking at you chips and crackers. For this reason I’m always on the hunt for protein-rich snacks and wanted to create this resource as an easy guide.
Why is Protein Important?
If you’ve been reading the blog for awhile, you know how much I stress the importance of protein! I specifically aim to have a balance of protein, fiber and healthy fats for every meal and snack. But why? Protein helps stabilize your blood sugar and keeps you feeling fuller, longer. It helps satisfy cravings, can help support weight loss (or weight management) and has so many important functions within the body, including muscle repair. So while the mainstream media messaging might be that protein is only important for athletes and body builders, I’m here to let you know that protein is important for everyone!
High Protein Snack Recipes
All of these snack recipes have at least 5 grams of protein per serving! Enjoy!
Smoothies and Shakes
Protein Bites, Balls and Bars
Protein Muffins + Pancakes
Protein Snack Bowls
Granola + Trail Mix
Savory Snacks
High Protein Dips
The Best Store-Bought High Protein Snacks
Now more than ever, I’m relying on quick grab-and-go snacks because I’m so busy running after my kiddos! I’ve found a great selection of protein packed store-bought snacks for when I’m on the road or when I don’t have time to prep something. Here are the high protein snacks I recommend:
Meat sticks or jerky– I always stock up on Chomps for Kalahari Biltong for a shelf stable, protein-packed snack. Greek yogurt – I always like to keep Greek yogurt in my fridge for a simple and creamy snack option… for myself and the kids. My fave brands are Stonyfield Organic Greek yogurt, Wallaby organic or Fage. It’s delicious straight up with a little nut butter, granola and/or berries for added flavor, but my whipped yogurt bowl is favorite way to enjoy Greek yogurt. I also love adding it to overnight oats or smoothies (like with my strawberry banana smoothie) to amp up the protein. Nuts or trail mix – check the ingredient list when buying store-bought trail mixes and nuts to make sure there isn’t a ton of sodium, oil and sugar added! When it comes to nuts I like to stick with lightly salted and roasted or raw and for trail mix I like to stick to mixes that are just nuts and dried fruit. Back to Nature has some great options with minimal ingredients. Protein bars – I love a good protein bar for a convienient high-protein snack. Here are some of my current faves: Barebells (I like the Chocolate Dough, Creamy Crisp and Cookies and Cream flavors best). And Aloha peanut butter cup protein bars. This flavor is super yummy and plant-based. RX Bars – these are another one of my go-to store bought protein bars because their ingredient list is so minimal. They have a ton of flavor options, but my personal favorite is the chocolate sea salt. Protein cookies – I’ve been on a protein cookie kick. My two favorites are the Tone It Up chocolate chip cookies and the Tone It Up snickerdoodle cookies. Nut butter packs – have you seen those little squeeze packs of almond or peanut butter? They’re a great way to easily add protein to meals when traveling! I pair them with oatmeal or fruit. I love Artisana because their nut butters are raw and have no added sugar or oil. Hummus – we are currently hooked on the lemon garlic ithaca hummus right now. It’s so good and 2 tablespoons has 2 grams of protein, so not a ton but it’s something! Roasted Chickpeas – these Biena chickpea snacks are crunchy and made with minimal ingredients – just roasted chickpeas, sunflower oil and sea salt. They’re a great alternative to chips and packed with 6 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber per serving. Protein Shakes – definitely check the nutrition label of store-bought protein drinks because many have tons of added sugar or a long list of ingredients that are hard to pronounce. My favorites include: REBBL chocolate protein elixir, Koia plant-based protein shakes or the Aloha chocolate sea salt protein shakes. Crackers – I skip the crackers that are high in sodium, loaded with refined grains and have a lack fiber. These flax seed crackers are great because they’re loaded with 8 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein per serving. Another great store-bought cracker option is these Back to Nature whole lotta seeds cracker. They have a whopping 7 grams of protein per serving thanks to the natural protein found in the four seeds (flax, chia, poppy, and hemp) and the addition of a plant-based pea protein powder. I also LOVE the Simple Mills almond flour crackers! They have less protein (only 3 grams) but they’re yummy. Oatmeal cup – I love my protein oatmeal recipes, but when I’m on-the-go and don’t have time to whip up a bowl, this Purley Elizabeth collagen protein oatmeal is a great alternative. It has a simple ingredient list and is loaded with 11 grams of protein per cup. Granola – if you’re buying store-bought granola make sure to check the label! Many granolas are loaded with tons of sugar. This KIND almond butter granola is a good option as it’s loaded with whole grains, fiber and 10 grams of protein.
More Recipes and Collections You Might Enjoy
High Protein Vegetarian Meals The Best Breakfast Drinks Breastfeeding Snacks for New Mamas 30+ High-Protein Breakfast Recipes 18 Hearty Vegan Salads 50+ Healthy Labor Day Recipes 50+ Vegetable Side Dishes
Be sure to check out all my popular protein recipes here.
