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Here are 25 of my favorite high-protein snacks—some savory, some sweet, and a few surprises that pack more protein than you’d expect. Each one has at least 12 grams of protein per serving, they help keep me going after a workout, or when I don’t have time to make a proper meal.
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Tips for Making High Protein Snacks
- Prep Ahead (Seriously, It Helps!) – I’ve learned the hard way that if I don’t prep snacks in advance, I end up grabbing whatever’s easiest—and let’s just say that’s not always the healthiest option. Now, I make a habit of batch-cooking things like hard-boiled eggs, grilled chicken, or roasted chickpeas so they’re ready to go when I need them.
- Pair Protein with Fiber – Protein keeps you full, but adding fiber makes it last longer. One of my favorite combos is apple slices with peanut butter—it’s sweet, satisfying, and doesn’t leave me hungry an hour later. Hummus with whole wheat crackers or cottage cheese with berries are also solid choices.
- Keep Portable Options on Hand – If I don’t have something high-protein on me when I’m out, I will end up snacking on whatever’s available (hello, gas station chips). Now, I always keep a few easy, grab-and-go snacks like nuts, string cheese, or protein bars in my bag so I don’t get stuck making last-minute choices I regret.
- Use Protein Powder When You Need a Boost – Some days, I just don’t have time to make a full meal, and that’s when protein powder comes in handy. I’ll blend it into a smoothie, mix it into yogurt, or even add it to energy balls. (If you need ideas, check out my Best Recipes with Protein Powder roundup!)
- Mix It Up – Eating the same snack every day gets old fast. I try to keep a mix of sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy snacks so I don’t get bored. Some days, I want Greek yogurt with honey and almonds. Other days, I just need a handful of spicy roasted chickpeas. Keeping it interesting makes it easier to stick with good choices.
High Protein Staples
These might not hit 12 grams per serving, but they’re still solid protein sources that help you hit your daily goal. I always keep a few of these on hand for easy, no-fuss snacks.
- Eggs: One egg has about 6 grams of protein, and it doesn’t get much easier than that. I like to keep a batch of air fryer hard-boiled eggs in the fridge for quick snacks, or I’ll scramble a few and make avocado toast with eggs.
- Chickpeas: A ½ cup has about 7 grams of protein plus fiber to keep you full. I love roasted chickpeas for a crunchy snack—air fryer chickpeas are my go-to when I want something crispy and salty
- Cheese: A slice of cheddar or mozzarella packs 6–8 grams of protein, and it’s perfect for pairing with fruit, nuts, or crackers. String cheese is also an easy grab-and-go option (and yes, I still peel it like a kid).
- Cottage cheese: A great high-protein snack that you can eat plain or dress up. I like mine with everything bagel seasoning, but adding fruit and honey is just as good.
- Meat: Leftover shredded chicken or ground beef makes for a quick, no-prep snack. I’ll eat it straight from the fridge or dip it in ranch dip, tzatziki, or guacamole to add extra flavor.
Best High Protein Snacks
High-protein snacks can be as simple or as creative as you want. Sometimes I just need something quick to grab on the go, and other times, I want a snack that actually feels like a mini meal. Savory, salty, sweet—there’s something for every craving. And the best part? Every single one of these snacks has at least 12 grams of protein per serving, so no matter what you’re in the mood for, you’re getting something that’ll actually keep you full.
Savory High Protein Snack Foods
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Cottage Cheese Toast – 4 Ways
Meat Stuffed Pitas (Arayes)
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Vegetable Spring Rolls
Crispy Cheese Rolls
Sweet High Protein Snacks
Fruit & Yogurt Parfait
Healthy Banana Split
Cottage Cheese Smoothie
Strawberry Parfait
Baked Oats
Strawberry Protein Smoothie
Coffee Smoothie
Grab-and-Go Protein Snack Ideas
Cheese & Fruit Snack Box
Lentil Cakes
Vegan Protein Bars
Cheese Fatayer
Avocado and Egg Meal Prep
High-Protein Snack Bowls & Dips
Hummus with Ground Beef
Cottage Cheese Bowl
Shrimp Cocktail in Avocado Bowls
Avocado Shrimp Salsa
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Black Bean Salsa
Frequently Asked Questions
This is very personal and depends on your protein goals, but for me, a high-protein snack provides at least 12 grams of protein per serving. This usually helps me reach my daily goal for protein intake.
If you want to get over the 12 grams of protein per serving, I recommend combining protein sources. For example, have a serving of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese topped with nuts or seeds, or pair a hard-boiled egg with some cheese or a protein-rich dip.
Some excellent store-bought snacks are protein bars, meat jerky sticks, tuna pouches, and hummus with veggies. Don’t overthink it – sometimes simpler is better for a protein-packed snack that’s already prepped for you.
For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: High Protein Soups, Easy Recipes for Meal Prepping, Best Recipes with Cottage Cheese, and Recipes to Make With Pantry Staples.
If you found this recipe roundup for High Protein Snack Recipes helpful or if you try any recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipes! It helps others who are thinking of trying out this tutorial and we would love to hear about your experience. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!
