Do you need a snack that will help improve muscle tone, keep energy levels steady and boost your metabolism? Then it’s time you introduce high-protein snacks into your diet.
As an essential nutrient in our bodies, our bodies need enough protein foods to run smoothly. In the battle of the bulge, protein’s ability to jump-start metabolic levels makes it an ingredient worth including in both meals and snacks.
Protein not only forces your body to use more calories during digestion than carbs, but it also helps build and maintain muscle and keeps your body from storing extra fat.
There’s no need to limit protein intake to your three main meals. You’ll love these healthy, natural high-protein snacks when you need to quell hunger between meals, need a post-workout boost or want to serve something healthy — and delicious — to your family.
50 High-Protein Snacks
What makes these some of the best high-protein snacks? There is a mix of high-protein, low-carb snacks and high-protein, low-fat snacks here, and best of all, they’re all healthy high-protein snacks to boot!
Try some of these snacks high in protein starting today.
1. Almond Coconut Protein Bars With Hemp Seeds
These easy-to-make vegan bars are perfect for re-energizing during busy days. They’re packed with protein thanks to almonds, hemp seeds and protein powder. Who doesn’t love a bar that requires zero baking?!
2. Crispy Salmon Sticks
Perfect as an after-school snack for the children or just as an easy way to eat more nutrient-rich salmon, these sticks get coated in seasoned gluten-free breadcrumbs and baked for a healthy protein snack that takes just minutes to prepare.
3. Ants on a Log
Make snack time fun for children and adults with these ants on a log. Cashew butter is loaded with protein while celery is low in calories — for a little extra sweetness, swap in some dark chocolate chips for raisins!
4. Avocado Chicken Salad
When you need a heartier snack, this mayo-free chicken salad might be the answer. Eat it solo, on sprouted grain bread or on a bed of greens.
Greek yogurt and cottage cheese will give you a protein boost and keep you feeling full longer, while avocado gives it a nutrient boost and extra flavor. This protein snack is a keeper.
5. BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza
This pizza packs a double-whammy of protein thanks to the gelatin in the crust and the shredded chicken topping. It makes a great mid-afternoon snack that can be reheated — and it’s a great way to use up extra chicken, too!
6. Banana Chia Pudding
Not only are chia seeds full of protein, but they’re also loaded in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and antioxidants. Wondering how to eat chia seeds? Get the benefits of these powerful little seeds in this easy, four-ingredient pudding.
7. Black Bean Brownies
Black beans in brownies? Trust me, you’ll never notice the taste — but you will get all their benefits!
Just one cup of black beans has 15 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber. This is a dessert you can feel good about serving!
8. Black Bean Hummus With Lime and Cumin
Up the ante on your normal hummus recipe with this black bean-based version. This spicy version is a welcome change from the usual chickpea-based recipes — it’s so easy to whip up, you’ll never buy hummus at the store again.
Spread it on sprouted grain bread, use as a dressing in your favorite sandwich or dip veggies into it. No matter how you eat it, it’ll become one of your favorite protein snacks.
9. Blueberry Kefir Chia Pudding
New to kefir? This pudding recipe will turn you into a convert of the cultured dairy product.
It’s a great source of protein, especially if you’re tired of eating plain yogurt, and is packed with probiotics. Chia seeds give this super simple pudding an extra dash of protein, too.
10. Blueberry Yogurt Protein Bites
I love protein snacks that require little to no prep, and this is one of them. Combining honey, yogurt, blueberries and almonds and then freezing the mix is so easy and produces a snack that’s perfect on warm days.
Thanks to the almonds and yogurt, it’ll also increase your protein intake. Win-win!
11. Buckwheat Lentil Crackers
Not satisfied with being relegated to soups and stews, protein-rich lentils make a snack time appearance in this cracker recipe. They team up with another protein powerhouse, flaxseed, to create one of the healthiest crackers around. They can also be made gluten- or grain-free, perfect for those following specific diets.
12. Buffalo Chicken Deviled Eggs
Put those extra Easter deviled eggs to use, and turn them into one of your soon-to-be favorite protein snacks. I love how it transforms boring, old (but still full of protein!) chicken into a wing-reminiscent dish. Skip the mayo or ranch dressing, and opt for Greek yogurt.
13. Protein Cookie Copycat
If you’re keeping away from meat, pea protein is a great way to ensure you get enough of the nutrient. I love how it’s used in this chocolate-chip recipe.
With just a handful of ingredients, these vegan, gluten-free cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth while making a great after-school (or after dinner!) protein snack. Just be sure to let them cool completely before eating so they don’t fall apart.
14. Chocolate Oat Balls
These chocolate balls are perfect for packing as a snack to nibble on at work. They’re loaded with healthy ingredients and flaxseed, and the nut butter of your choice makes it a protein snack hit.
You might want to double (or triple or quadruple) the batch — these will go quickly!
