The Editor’s Choice Best High Protein Snacks

I don’t think I fully understood the importance of protein until I started working at Eat well. Protein isn’t just for building muscle; it’s a vital nutrient that can help you stay full. Not to mention, protein is great for your hair, skin, and immune system, and eating enough of it can keep you energized and mentally sharp throughout the day.

So, whenever possible, I try to include protein sources in my diet at every meal—and in between meals, too. I love snacking, so healthy snacks are a must for me. And there are plenty of snacks, from pre-packaged treats to easy-to-assemble handfuls, that contain a solid source of protein in every serving.

I could probably write a top 50 list of my favorite snacks, but I’ve narrowed it down to 7 that are packed with protein to give me energy on busy days.

Chomps Beef Jerky

Last year I tried Chomps Beef Jerky Snack Sticks for the first time and it has been my favorite ever since. Since they are made with simple ingredients, I never knew beef jerky sticks could taste fresh until I bit into a Chomps Original Beef Stick. It is so easy to pack and has become a camping essential for me. And the best part is of course the 10 grams of protein per serving. This brand is available at Trader Joe’s, Costco, Target and Wegmans. Besides the Original Beef, I also love the spicy tasting Italian Style Beef Sticks.

Planters Dill Pickles Cashews

Cashews are without a doubt my favorite nut. I love them dipped in chocolate—like in my Dark Chocolate Cashew Clusters recipe—and I’m a huge fan of their subtle, creamier flavor. Plus, research has shown that eating cashews can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and promote skin health.

I was recently in Pittsburgh in July to attend the annual Pickle Festival (aptly named Picklesburgh) and devoured endless amounts of dill-flavored treats. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I discovered that Planters carries dill pickle cashews. And all I can say is, wow. Each handful is a burst of pickle goodness—I’m definitely at a loss for words. With 4 grams of protein per serving, I look forward to having this snack in my pantry.

Justin’s Cinnamon Almond Butter

Almond butter is an easy, high-fiber, high-protein spread to add to your diet. Eating almond butter daily can boost your intake of heart-healthy fats and gut-healthy fiber. If you’re new to almond butter, I definitely recommend Justin’s Almond Butter products. They’re a little more expensive than the store-brand varieties, but in my opinion, they’re totally worth it with their perfectly smooth texture and simple ingredients.

My favorite flavor is Justin’s Cinnamon Almond Butter, and even this sweeter version has only 3 grams of sugar per serving—and 6 grams of protein per serving. I like to add this Cinnamon Almond Butter to apple slices and rice cakes to give them a fibrous crunch.

Yoplait protein vanilla yogurt

Ever since I tried Yoplait’s new high-protein yogurts, they’ve been at the top of my shopping list. I love the vanilla flavor because it’s completely customizable; with blueberries and granola, it’s one of my favorite healthy breakfasts. But they’re also great as a snack on the go and have 15 grams of protein per cup. I’m also a fan of popping one of these single-serve cups of yogurt in the freezer for a deliciously cooling dessert with little sugar. Delicious frozen yogurt without the hassle? I’m in!

Nice! Sweet and spicy trail mix

Back to salty snacks, I love savory trail mix, but sometimes it’s lacking in the satiating nutrients that help me feel good midday. During a typical Walgreens visit, I discovered their Nice! Sweet and Spicy Trail Mix, and trying it is an idyllic experience. The combination of sweetened peanuts with Cajun-spiced corn sticks is a prime example of “swicy.” And thanks to the variety of nuts in this mix, each handful contains about 5 grams of protein for a nutritious choice. If you don’t have a Walgreens location nearby, you can easily make a sweet and spicy snack mix at home by modifying our homemade trail mix recipe with your favorite spices.

Park Street Deli Hummus

Hummus checks all the boxes for a healthy snack you should always have in your fridge. The chickpea-based dip is high in fiber, high in protein, and bursts with incredible flavor when paired with dippable veggies. It’s easy to make at home (especially with one of our highly rated recipes), but for days when I just don’t feel like making hummus, I keep my prepackaged favorite on hand. Park Street Deli Hummus is by far the best tasting packaged hummus I’ve ever had.

Aldi carries the Dill Pickle variety, but my favorite is the one I like the most – but don’t rush out to buy it because it’s been out of stock lately. I’m leaning toward the Garlic-Topped Hummus and Spicy Hummus varieties while I continue to search for my beloved Pickle hummus. Each tablespoon of Park Street Deli hummus contains 1 gram of protein, so I usually eat 3 tablespoons with peppers and carrots as a hearty snack platter that keeps me full until dinner.