10 Best High-Protein Snacks, According To Dietitians


Here are 10 high-protein snacks, recommended by registered dietitians.

Greek Yogurt

Plain, nonfat Greek yogurt is a versatile high-protein snack, with 156 grams containing about 16 grams of protein. Ayoob recommends adding ½ an ounce of nuts and one or two sliced dried dates or fresh fruit with a drizzle of honey for a sweet treat.

For a heftier hit of protein, add in some protein powder and blend it into a smoothie, recommends Brierley Horton, a registered dietitian nutritionist and co-host of The Happy Eating Podcast. Blend equal parts Greek yogurt and your favorite frozen fruit with about half as much milk (e.g., 3/4 cup Greek yogurt, 3/4 cup frozen fruit, 1/3 cup milk) and one to two scoops of protein powder, depending on your preference, she says, as well as any other ingredients for flavor, like nut butter, maple syrup or cocoa powder.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

While you can always make your own hard boiled eggs, Jones also recommends pre-boiled and peeled eggs for your fridge at home or when traveling. In addition to being a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, one large egg offers 6 grams of protein.

Jones suggests enjoying two hard-boiled eggs sliced on a piece of avocado toast or sprinkled with everything bagel seasoning with a side of fruit.

Hard Cheeses

“Hard cheeses like cheddar and parmesan offer a surprising protein dose along with a good source of calcium,” says Jones. For example, a 1-ounce serving (28 grams) of parmesan provides 10 grams of protein.

Jones recommends pairing your cheese of choice with whole grain crackers, carrots and hummus for a mini cheese board.

Edamame

Edamame is an excellent way to consume high-quality plant protein, says Jones. One cup of shelled edamame contains 18 grams of protein—plus it’s a good source of iron, she says.

For an easy snack, sprinkle it with your favorite savory seasonings and enjoy with a piece of fruit, suggests Jones. For an extra protein punch, combine your edamame with hummus and use raw veggies like jicama or celery to scoop it, adds Ayoob.

Cottage Cheese

“Cottage cheese is rich in protein, making it an excellent choice for individuals looking to increase their protein intake,” says Schleiger. “[It] contains various essential nutrients including calcium, phosphorus, selenium, vitamin B12 and riboflavin.”

Four ounces of the nonfat variety contains about 12 grams of protein. It also contains beneficial bacteria, such as lactobacillus, which can contribute to a healthy gut microbiome, says Schleiger.

Try pairing cottage cheese with fresh fruits, sprinkling some herbs or spices on top or use it as a protein-rich topping for whole-grain crackers, Schleiger suggests.

Jerky

Available in beef, turkey and chicken varieties, jerky is a convenient and portable snack option for busy days or when you’re on the move, says Schleiger, adding that grass-fed options—which don’t contain hormones or antibiotics—are the best option. One ounce (28 grams) of beef jerky contains over 9 grams of protein.

In addition to eating it straight from the package, you can try making jerky roll-ups, suggests Schleiger. Just spread cream cheese or nut butter on a slice of jerky, then roll it up with sliced veggies like bell peppers, cucumber or carrots for a flavorful snack, she says.

Tuna

Tuna is an excellent source of high-quality protein and is known for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, says Schleiger. One 3-ounce can has about 20 grams of protein.

For a healthy snack, mix canned tuna with Greek yogurt or avocado for a protein-rich tuna salad wrapped in lettuce or whole-grain wraps, advises Schleiger.

If you’re trying to get more protein in your diet, there’s no need to turn your eating style upside down tomorrow, says Ayoob. “Anything you do that’s an improvement gets applause from me,” he says. “It’s not a race here, and ‘perfect’ isn’t the prize because everyone is different.”

Roasted Chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas are a great option for a high-protein snack, offering 5.4 grams of protein per 1 ounce serving, as well as 5 grams of heart-healthy fiber that may help lower cholesterol and maintain digestive health, says Keri Gans, a registered dietitian nutritionist based in New York and a Forbes Health Advisory Board member.

“Whether you buy a package or bake up your own crispy roasted chickpeas, they offer a nutrient-rich way to punch up your protein,” adds Jackie Newgent, a plant-forward registered dietitian nutritionist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member based in Brooklyn. “Snack on them as-is or sprinkle them onto other foods, like hummus (for a double whammy of chickpea love), salads or soups. Try other crunchy, roasted, protein-packed pulses, like lentils, too,” she suggests.

Sliced Roasted Turkey

Three slices of fresh-roasted turkey offer up to 11 grams of protein and just 66 calories. Additionally, turkey is an excellent source of B vitamins, which help the body convert carbohydrates into energy, says Gans.

Gans suggests pairing sliced roasted turkey with a teaspoon of mustard or mayonnaise and a serving of 100% whole grain crackers, or rolled up with avocado slices into lettuce wraps for a healthy, protein-packed snack.

Pistachios

Newgent recommends making pistachios your go-to pick for a “mindful munchie snack,” as one serving—or 49 pistachios—provides up to 12% of the Daily Value of protein, she says.

Pistachios can be enjoyed as-is, or mixed into a simple trail mix along with sunflower seeds and dried tart cherries, suggests Newgent.

Get A Clean And Tasty Source Of Energy

Protein+ bars from Transparent Labs contains 15g of grass-fed protein, 23g of whole food carbs, and 16g of healthy fats and other key macronutrients required to fuel and recover.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *