24 High-Protein Snacks you should have on hand When Hunger Strikes
Protein is a great nutrient for repairing muscle tears and promoting satiety. Aside from loading up your plate with protein-rich food, you also have the option to swap your snacks with high-protein alternatives to make sure you meet your daily protein need.
The RDA (recommended dietary allowance) for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. But if you are recovering from injury or if you are active, you have a higher RDA.
If you want to lose weight, protein is a great way to control those cravings and keep your appetite in check. So, incorporating protein into your snacks will help you achieve your fitness goals.
Here are some of the tastiest options that you can keep on hand that can keep you going until your next meal.
1. Mixed berry protein bar
This is a sophisticated version of the PB&J sandwich, same nostalgic taste with powerhouse ingredients. Per serving: 200 calories, 7 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 26 g carbs, 15 g sugar, 135 mg sodium, 6 g fiber, 12 g protein.
2. Organic String Cheese
These portable cheese sticks are loaded with organic protein and bone-building calcium. Per serving: 80 calories, 6 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 2 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 190 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, and 7 g protein.
3. Turkey Jerky
If you are trying to limit your red meat intake but want a chewy snack, this is a good option because it has no saturated fat and has a low-calorie count. Per serving: 70 calories, 1.5 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 1 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 500 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 12 g protein.
4. Fat-free plain Greek yogurt
This snack offers your complete protein requirement and you can add almost anything to it to make it tasty. Per serving: 146 calories, 4 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 8 g carbs, 7 g sugar, 68 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, and 20 g protein.
5. Chickpea snacks
These are good for snackers who prefer savory flavors. This is also good for your digestive health because it’s rich in prebiotic fiber. Per serving: 110 calories, 2.5 g fat (7 g saturated fat), 16 g carbs, 4 g sugar, 500 mg sodium, 5 g fiber, and 6 g protein.
6. Primal Thin Protein Bars
This grass-fed protein bar will keep you feeling full in-between days and will give you the fuel to go through the day. Per serving: 130 calories, 5 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 19 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 30 mg sodium, 18 g fiber, and 20 g protein.
7. Maple glazed and smoked salmon bites
This is packed with protein and omega-3 and can also help lower blood pressure. This is also great for those on the keto diet because they can indulge without guilt. Per serving: 80 calories, 4.5 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 4 g carbs, 3 g sugar, 220 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 7 g protein.
8. Cashew Nut Butter
This is a great alternative to the peanut and almond butter. This is buttery and delicious. Per serving: 180 calories, 14 g fat (2.5 g saturated fat), 10 g carbs, 2 g sugar, 348 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 6 g protein.
9. Zero Sugar Spicy Sesame Garlic Beef Jerky
This snack makes it possible to eat beef without using a steak knife. It’s a good source of iron too and will help with muscle function and energy. Per serving: 70 calories, 2.5 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 2 g carbs, 8 g sugar, 280 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 11 g protein.
10. Small curd 4% milkfat cottage cheese
This is full of protein and calcium and can be combined with fruit for a more flavorful version. Per serving: 92 calories, 2 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 5 g carbs, 5 g sugar, 348 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 12 g protein.
11. Wild Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
This would be a great snack on toast and is rich in omega-3, calcium, and protein. Per serving: 191 calories, 11 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 0 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 282 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 23 g protein.
12. Coconut Almond Chip Squares
This snack bar is packed with protein and caffeine and 100% plant-based for those who are vegan. Per serving: 220 calories, 12 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 19 g carbs, 11 g sugar, 160 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 10 g protein.
13. Edamame Soybeans in pods
if plain edamame doesn’t get you excited, try the edamame hummus for a fun twist. Per serving: 188 calories, 8 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 14 g carbs, 3 g sugar, 9 mg sodium, 8 g fiber, 19 g protein.
14. Plant-based hickory smoked deli slices
This faux-meat is a blend of tofu, garlic, and herbs. Per serving: 110 calories, 3.5 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 5 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 350 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 14 g protein.
15. Loaded taco tortilla-style protein chips
These low-carb and high-protein taco chips are made of pea protein. Per serving: 140 calories, 5 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 5 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 340 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 19 g protein.
16. Raw Whole Natural
One serving provides as much protein as an egg. Per serving: 160 calories, 14 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 6 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 0 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 6 g protein.
17. Air-dried thinly sliced beef
This age-dried spiced beef originates from South Africa. Per serving: 160 calories, 4 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 0 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 460 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 32 g protein.
18. Pumpkin Pie Protein Bar
This brand reigns supreme because it’s low in sugar, high in fiber, and perfectly replicates the taste of the pumpkin pie. Per serving: 220 calories, 8 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 24 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 150 mg sodium, 8 g fiber, 20 g protein.
19. Almond butter dark chocolate protein bar
This is a good snack to bring along with you when traveling. Per serving: 250 calories, 17 g fat (3.5 g saturated fat), 17 g carbs, 8 g sugar, 115 mg sodium, 5 g fiber, 12 g protein.
20. Lemon blueberry muffin bar
Just a few ingredients but packed with nutrients and flavor. Per serving: 220 calories, 8 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 25 g carbs, 19 g sugar, 115 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 11 g protein.
21. Peach mango soymilk yogurt alternative
You can get the silky-smooth texture of Greek yogurt with this vegan option. Per serving: 120 calories, 3.5 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 17 g carbs, 11 g sugar, 85 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 6 g protein.
22. Unsalted Pumpkin Seeds
This is rich in heart-healthy fats and nutrients that you can add to your soups and salads. Per serving: 163 calories, 14 g fat (2.5 g saturated fat), 4 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 5 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 8 g protein.
23. Bada bean bada boom mesquite BBQ crunchy broad beans
This gives you the sensation of snacking on a bag of chips. Per serving: 100 calories, 3 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 15 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 150 mg sodium, 5 g fiber, 7 g protein.
24. Roasted and salted peanuts
This will reduce hunger and prevent spikes in your blood sugar. Per serving: 170 calories, 15 g fat (2.5 g saturated fat), 4 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 90 mg sodium, 3 g fiber.