If you’re looking for the best high-protein snacks, you’re at the right place!
Protein is a powerhouse nutrient that plays a crucial role in your overall health and well-being. It helps build and maintain lean muscle, supports weight management by keeping you fuller for longer, and aids in recovery after physical activity. A high-protein diet can also help reduce body fat, improve skin appearance, and combat issues like cellulite.
But this isn’t all. Protein can also help you stay healthy by preventing muscle atrophy and managing blood pressure. The amount of protein you need varies based on your activity level, age, lifestyle, and gender. More of these nutrients in your diet are likely to improve your mood and performance, so you have no excuses for not eating them.
If I convinced you of why you should consume more of this amazing nutrient, here are the tastiest high-protein snacks you should try ASAP:
1. Cottage cheese
Cottage cheese is one of the most versatile high-protein snacks you could add to your diet. A single cup of this great food contains no less than 24 grams of protein, and the best part is that it is also packed with calcium, so your bones and teeth can be strong and healthy.
If you crave a sugary treat that won’t spike your insulin levels, you can combine cottage cheese with a teaspoon of jam and peanut butter, and you’ll have a well-rounded snack that will keep you full for hours. However, if you’re a savory snack person, you can add some parsley and eat it with Graham crackers or veggies.
Whether you consume it with fresh fruit, in smoothies, homemade ice creams, cookies, or baked goods, this high-protein snack is exactly what your body needs!
2. Edamame
Edamame is one of the best plant-based snacks you could eat, and besides being delicious, they’re also packed with amazing nutrients your body needs! These are young and tasty soybeans harvested before they harden or ripen. Whether you consume them in the pod, frozen, or fresh, they’re incredible for your body!
You can enjoy this high-protein snack in salads, in meals, or even on its own. A 1/2-cup serving contains 7 grams of carbs and 9 grams of protein, and if you pair it with a handful of almonds, you’ll have a crunchy and satisfying combo, packed with protein and healthy fats. Your body, skin, brain, hair, and nails will thank you!
3. Salmon jerky
If you’ve never had salmon jerky before, take this as your sign to try it. It’s a delicious high-protein snack that promotes a healthy brain and heart, as well as strong hair, nails, and plump skin.
According to nutritionists, salmon jerky is typically low in carbs and packed with protein, but make sure you don’t get one with too much sugary-sweet flavor. You can eat this on its own, add it to sandwiches, or put it in salads; it’s delicious.
A serving has around 12 grams of protein, which means that you won’t feel hungry until your next meal. If you want to get it from the grocery store, I recommend you check out the one from Kaimana Jerky, because it’s made with clean ingredients and has no carbs or artificial flavors.
…I love munching on salmon jerky when I hit a writing block at work! If you’re like me and can’t think straight when you’re hungry, I highly recommend this high-protein snack—it keeps me going and tastes amazing!
4. Pistachios
If you love nuts as much as I do, you’ll be happy to hear that they’re one of the best high-protein snacks you could ever indulge in. If you crave something a bit salty and more special, you can eat a 1-ounce serving (about 50 nuts) of pistachios. This contains around 8 grams of carbs and 6 grams of protein, but they’re packed with healthy fats, which will keep you fuller for longer.
Pistachios and nuts in general are great snacks for on-the-go. You can eat them on their own or pair them with cottage cheese or yogurt for even more protein and calcium. However, they’re high in calories, so make sure you respect the recommended portion size.
5. Tuna
Unless you’re a weirdo like me, you probably don’t eat canned tuna on its own. However, if you crave a nutritious, delicious, and satisfying high-protein snack, I couldn’t recommend tuna enough. A 3-oz serving contains no less than 20 g of protein, which is amazing for anyone who wants to keep their hunger levels in check, build stronger muscles, and fuel their body with all the right nutrients and minerals.
Speaking of minerals, tuna is packed with selenium and B vitamins, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. You can eat it with crackers and olives, on rice cake, on a piece of toast, with cottage cheese, in sandwiches, and so many other tasty combinations.
6. Peanut butter celery sticks
You might not like eating raw celery sticks, and I get you, but if you pair them with some peanut butter, you have a great high-protein snack.30 grams of peanut butter, which is approximately 2 tablespoons, contains 9 grams of protein. This is fantastic for those who prioritize their health.
This combination fuels your body with vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and other amazing nutrients and will help keep your hunger levels in check for hours. Besides that, this is a sneaky way to add more veggies to your diet, so this one is always a plus! Speaking of that, if you can’t stand celery, you can swap it with another veggie, such as carrots. It might sound weird, but this orange veggie with the delicious PB tastes amazing!
7. Hard-boiled eggs
Hard-boiled eggs might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they’re amazing for your body! They are healthy and contain almost every nutrient you need, especially trace minerals and B vitamins.
You can take them on the go, pair them with hummus and veggies, add them to different recipes, put them in sandwiches, and so many other combinations. One hard-boiled egg contains 6-7 grams of protein, depending on its size, and it will keep your tummy happy until your next meal.
Moreover, eating high-protein snacks will also help you reduce the amount of calories you typically consume in a day, so if you’re looking for an easy way to lose weight and build lean muscle at the same time, get that protein in!
8. Roasted chickpeas
If you’ve never tried roasted chickpeas, you have no idea what you’re missing out! Also known as garbanzo beans, this legume has a plethora of health benefits. Only half a cup of cooked chickpeas, which means approximately 82 g, contains 6 g of fiber and 7 g of protein, as well as several minerals and vitamins.
But this isn’t all. Additionally, chickpeas are rich in manganese, folate, copper, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus, allowing you to enjoy them guilt-free. While you can consume this legume in soups or salads, I recommend you also try roasted chickpeas.
You can make a sweet version with brown sugar and cinnamon, or a savory one with parmesan, garlic, and your favorite spices. This is a fantastic high-protein snack for a busy day or a movie night. It’s crunchy and tasty, and it keeps cravings at bay. You can make this fabulous snack in the air fryer, and it turns out amazing every time! If you’re looking for an air fryer that delivers great results, here’s the one I use at home—it’s a game-changer!
Did you find this article helpful? Do you plan on trying any of these high-protein snacks? Let us know in the comments below! And if you have any recommendations and requests, share them with us! Until next time, here’s another fantastic post for you: 11 Severe Dehydration Symptoms in Seniors You Shouldn’t Ignore