30 Best High-Protein Snacks on Grocery Shelves

Protein, along with carbohydrates and fats, is one of the three essential macronutrients we need to stay healthy. It supports various body functions, from building and repairing tissues to acting as enzymes, aiding the immune system, and helping with muscle contraction. It also promotes feelings of fullness, which can support weight loss. An easy way to boost your protein intake is by stocking up on high-protein snacks.

Sure, you can rely on classics like cheese and crackers or a homemade protein smoothie for a quick fix. But when you're on the go, grabbing a pre-packaged, high-protein snack from the grocery store can be a real lifesaver in ensuring you get enough of this muscle-building macro at snack time.

With so many snack options on store shelves, it can be hard to choose. Finding snacks that are not only packed with protein but also low in added sugars and unhealthy fats can be tricky. To make life easier, we've done the hard work for you and put together a list of our top picks for high-protein snacks.

If you're in the market for healthy, high-protein snacks, keep reading to find 30 choices that are worth exploring. And if you'd rather make your own bites from scratch, check out these 23 High-Protein Snacks To Stay Full & Energized All Day.

How Much Protein Do You Need Per Day?

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans of 2020-2025, healthy adult Americans should consume between 10% to 35% of their calories from protein. So, if you consume 1,800 calories, that would mean shooting for between 45 and 155 grams of this important macro.

How To Buy Healthy, High-Protein Snacks

To compile our list of the best store-bought high-protein snacks, we could have simply added any food we found that contained protein. But being as nutrition-savvy as we are, we know that in order to be classified as the "best" by Eat This, Not That!, the options that made our list need to meet a little more criteria.

• At least 5 grams of protein or more:According to the USDA, a food must have at least 10 grams of protein per serving to be considered "high protein." However, since it can be tough to find snacks that meet this standard and fit the rest of our criteria, we selected options with at least 5 grams of protein per serving. This amount provides around 10% of the daily value (DV) for protein, helping to promote satiety and give the snack some staying power.

• Low to no added sugar: Most Americans are eating way too many added sugars, an ingredient that is linked to dental cavities, weight gain, and heart disease. To support better health, we focused on high-protein snacks that are low in added sugars.

• Prioritize snacks with fiber: While protein helps keep you full, fiber also plays a big role in making snacks more satisfying. To help curb hunger longer, we looked for high-protein snacks that also offer a good source of fiber.

• Under 200 milligrams of sodium: Salt is oftentimes a key ingredient in savory snacks. Unfortunately, consuming too much salt can overload your body with sodium, a mineral that, when consumed in large quantities, is linked to high blood pressure and other negative health effects. When possible, we aimed for snacks that contained under 200 milligrams of sodium.

• Low in saturated fat: The American Heart Association suggests that saturated fat should make up no more than 5-6% of daily calories. For someone on a 2,000-calorie diet, that's about 13 grams of saturated fat per day. With this in mind, we aimed for snacks that are low in saturated fat, choosing options with little to none.

The Best High Protein Snacks On Grocery Shelves

1. Whisps Very Cheddar Popped
2. Icelandic Provisions Skyr, Raspberry
3. CLIF Builders Minis
4. Lorissa's Kitchen Jerky
5. FULFIL Nutrition Bar, Chocolate Hazelnut
6. Second Nature White Cheddar Keto Smart Mix
7. Daisy 2% Low Fat Cottage Cheese
8. Quest Protein Chips, Spicy Sweet Chili
9. Saffron Road Sea Salt Crunchy Chickpeas
10. Prevail Umami Beef Jerky
11. KIND Protein MAX – Sweet & Salty Caramel Peanut Crisp
12. Kite Hill Greek Plant-Based Yogurt, Vanilla Unsweetened
13. Wonderful Pistachios, Sea Salt and Vinegar
14. Eggland's Best Hard-Cooked Eggs
15. ZING Bar, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter
16. Henrietta Said Jumbo Roasted Peanuts, Lemon Pepper
17. Harvest Snaps Lightly Salted
18. Tillamook Sharp White Cheddar Snack Portions
19. Sunnie Hummus Dipper
20. Big Spoon Roasters Apricot Pepita Peanut Butter Bar
21. Yasso Cookies n' Cream Bar
22. Cabot Cheddar Cheese Curds
23. Once Again Peanut Butter Graham Sandwiches
24. Lifeway Farmer's Cheese
25. Jack and Friend's Jack and Tom Plant-Based Jerky, Tomato and Poblano Pepper
26. Chinook Seedery Dill Pickle Sunflower Seeds
27. Banza Protein Waffles
28. Brami Sea Salt and Vinegar Lupini Beans
29. Dave's Killer Bread Amped-Up Organic Protein Bars Double Chocolate Coconut
30. Wilde Protein Chips

Whisps Very Cheddar Popped (10g protein)

Whisps are known for their deliciously healthy cheese crackers, which boast 10 grams of protein and 15% of your daily calcium needs!

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Icelandic Provisions Skyr, Raspberry (15g protein)

Sourced from traditional methods from Iceland, Skyr has taken the world by storm. Made from heirloom Icelandic cultures and a higher milk ratio, this yogurt from Icelandic Provisions is extra creamy and packed full of energy with 15g of protein. The raspberry blend—and who doesn't love raspberry—also provides essential potassium and Vitamin A to round out your nutritional goals.

CLIF Builders Minis (10g protein)

CLIF Builders Minis provide 10 grams of complete plant protein with essential amino acids to help support, rebuild, and repair muscles—all in a perfect portion. This delicious gluten-free bar contains 140 calories and can be consumed with water after a light-to-moderate training session or on a rest day. They are non-GMO, and they contain no high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Lorissa's Kitchen Jerky (13g protein)

Beef is one of the most protein-packed food sources out there, but it's important to ensure that you're only ingesting quality beef products without loads of added sodium. Lorissa's Jerky is made with 100% grass-fed beef without any added hormones, nitrates, or preservatives, making this jerky one of the healthiest options on the market. Not only will you be getting a serious protein kick, but beef offers significant amounts of iron, which is critical to cognitive and red blood cell function.

 11 Best & Worst Beef Jerky Brands, According to Dietitians

FULFIL Nutrition Bar, Chocolate Hazelnut (15g protein)

Sometimes, we just really need that sweet kick, especially around that 3 p.m. slump. Instead of reaching for the ice cream or candy bar, consider FULFIL nutrition bars. Made with chocolate and hazelnut, your sweet tooth will definitely be satisfied, but you'll also receive a whopping 15 grams of protein as well as eight different vitamins ranging from calcium to Vitamin B12, making this one of the healthier sweet options on the market.

Second Nature White Cheddar Keto Smart Mix (8g protein)

Whether or not you follow a Keto diet, eating a wealth of nuts and seeds is never a bad idea. This Second Nature Smart Mix Blend is packed with ingredients such as almonds, edamame, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and pecans as well as white cheddar cheese for that added calcium punch. It may be hard to put this snack down, but you can rest assured that you're receiving ample protein with 3 grams of fiber per serving.

Daisy 2% Low Fat Cottage Cheese (13g protein)

Cottage cheese is on fire these days, for many good reasons. But not all cottage cheese choices are the same. Daisy Cottage Cheese is creamy and delicious with just three ingredients and zero thickeners, stabilizers, preservatives, or additives. It is a convenient source of protein and bone-building calcium and also has live and active cultures.

Cottage cheese can be combined with fruit for a balanced snack, paired with veggies, used as an ingredient in many recipes, or simply enjoyed on its own!

 The 8 Best Cottage Cheese Brands, According to Dietitians

Quest Protein Chips, Spicy Sweet Chili (19g protein)

This spicy sweet chili tortilla-style Quest Protein Chip is chock full of 19 grams of protein thanks to their specific "protein blend" sourced from milk and whey proteins. These chips come in a variety of flavors, and because of their high protein content, are sure to keep you full and energized until it's time for your next meal. Definitely reach for these instead of your classic chip that's devoid of nutritional value!

 15 Healthy Chips You Can Eat When You're Trying To Lose Weight

Saffron Road Sea Salt Crunchy Chickpeas (6g protein)

A staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, chickpeas are known for their protein density and the fact that they provide ample amounts of manganese, iron, and folate. With their traditional roast methods, Saffron Road offers an abundance of global flavors that you may not get to experience throughout your daily food journey.

Prevail Umami Beef Jerky (12g protein)

Although traditional jerky has been given a bad rap in recent years, companies like Prevail keep up the hard work of ensuring that wholesome and soy-free ingredients are the backbone of their jerky sticks. With 100% grass-fed beef, Prevail's livestock is raised with no antibiotics or added hormones—ever—and with flavors as diverse as Umani to Spicy, there's sure to be a flavor that fits your specific pallet.

KIND Protein MAX – Sweet & Salty Caramel Peanut Crisp (20g protein)

KIND Protein MAX bars provide 20 grams of protein from a combination of nuts, soy, and milk, making it a great option for those looking to maintain or build lean muscle. Its high protein content makes it an ideal snack to keep you full and fueled throughout the day, whether you're recovering from a workout or just need a satisfying, nutrient-packed snack.

 The 10 Best Protein Bars in 2024, According to a Dietitian

Kite Hill Greek Plant-Based Yogurt, Vanilla Unsweetened (15g protein)

It's estimated that a whopping 68% of the globe has a hard time digesting dairy products, and for many of us, we try to just ignore the gas and bloating and go along with our day. But with delicious plant-based yogurts made by the likes of Kite Hill, we no longer have to suffer the consequences. This Greek-style yogurt is made from almond milk and soy, providing 15 grams of protein per serving and—get this—15% of your daily iron needs!

 12 Lactose-Free Yogurts You'll Love

Wonderful Pistachios, Sea Salt and Vinegar (6g protein)

Wonderful Pistachios are among the highest protein nut snacks, with six grams of plant-based protein to fuel your body. Pistachios are unique because they contain all of the essential amino acids, making them a plant-based source of complete protein. Pistachios give you more nuts per serving—about 49 pistachios, compared to 23 almonds or 18 cashews. That's right—pistachios give you more than twice as many nuts per serving as almonds and cashews.

The Sea Salt & Vinegar variety offers up that classic combo of flavors without having to stick to deep-fried potato chips. Perfectly packed with zingy vinegar and sea salt, these protein snacks will tantalize even the most discerning taste buds.

Eggland's Best Hard-Cooked Eggs (11g protein)

Eggland's Best Hard-Cooked Peeled Eggs are an ideal protein-packed grab-and-go snack that fuels your body with 6 grams of protein per serving—plus, they taste great! This snack is perfect for hard-cooked egg lovers who don't want to spend time cooking, peeling, and cleaning. And since all of Eggland's Best eggs contain 25% less saturated fat, 10 times more vitamin E, double the omega-3 fatty acids, and 38% more lutein compared to ordinary eggs, this option is ideal for those who are focused on supporting their health.

ZING Bar, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter (10g protein)

Zing Bars are plant-based, vegan-friendly bars are packed with a whopping 10 grams of protein and 4 grams of satiating fiber. Zing bars are made with quality ingredients, like nuts, seeds, brown rice, and almond protein. They also contain prebiotic fiber, which can help support a healthy gut microbiome, especially if your diet includes fermented foods.

Henrietta Said Jumbo Roasted Peanuts, Lemon Pepper (7g protein)

Jumbo roasted peanuts seasoned with lemon pepper make for a surprisingly delicious combo. And with 7 grams of plant-based protein per serving, it isn't hard to understand why this snack made our list. Peanuts are a natural source of many important micronutrients, like folate, to help us meet our nutritional needs, too.

Harvest Snaps Lightly Salted (5g protein)

As one of the first healthy snacks on the market, Harvest Snaps have really stood the test of time. Little known, however, is that these baked green peas offer 5 grams of protein as well as 4 grams of fiber without any sugar and very little fat. These little green wonders really revolutionized plant-based protein, so it's time to go out and get you a bag or two…or three (we won't judge).

 Eat These High-Fiber Snacks Every Day for Weight Loss, Dietitian Says

Tillamook Sharp White Cheddar Snack Portions (5g protein)

With no sugar and 5 grams of protein, these Tillamook Sharp White Cheddar Squares are the perfect snack-sized portions that will keep you on track with your nutritional goals while pairing nicely with different meats, pickled veggies, and/or high-protein crackers. With these little beauties, you can even make yourself an on-the-go charcuterie board to enjoy during your work breaks.

Sunnie Hummus Dipper (5g protein)

This vegan-friendly hummus dipper pack is the perfect on-the-go option for parents and kids alike. Hummus is a great source of plant-based protein and this perfectly portioned dipper offers 5 grams of protein with crackers made from flax seeds and cassava flour, both of which are a great source of fiber to keep your tummy happy and regular.

Big Spoon Roasters Apricot Pepita Peanut Butter Bar (11g protein)

Apricots, peanut butter, and pumpkin seeds—what a flavor combination! These powerful little bars offer 11g of protein and pack a serious punch when it comes to taste and texture. We're all tired of bland protein bars that offer the same flavors over and over, so why not spice things up? The best part is that these bars are gluten-free for those with sensitivities and are made with zero refined sugars, so rest assured you're only eating the best.

Yasso Cookies n' Cream Bar (5g protein)

Ah, frozen treats…what's not to love? But wait, it gets better. Yasso's line of frozen Greek yogurt bars (we're partial to the cookies and cream flavor) offer 5g of protein and only 90 calories, so you won't feel like you need a nap and a few Tums after consuming. Greek yogurt is also a great source of calcium, and each bar contains 8% of your daily calcium needs to keep those bones strong and healthy!

 15 Low-Calorie Frozen Desserts for Weight Loss

Cabot Cheddar Cheese Curds (6g protein)

These garlic cheddar cheese curds are perfect for snacking straight from the bag, or pairing with crackers or tossing on a salad. With 6 grams of protein per 1-ounce serving, they'll keep you satisfied. And the best part? All of Cabot's cheeses are lactose-free, so they're totally sugar-free and safe for anyone with lactose intolerance.

Once Again Peanut Butter Graham Sandwiches (5g protein)

Once Again's gluten-free nut butter graham cracker sandwiches are a great option for both big and small hands alike. These USDA organic-certified sandwiches offer 5 grams of protein per serving and have a lower sugar content than many graham cracker and peanut butter products out there. Plus, this snack also provides a portion of your daily vitamin D, iron, calcium, and potassium needs.

Lifeway Farmer's Cheese (13g protein)

Move over, ricotta cheese. Lifeway Farmer's Cheese is a ricotta-like dairy food that is made with 12 live and active probiotics, is gluten-free, and contains a whopping 13 grams of protein. This cheese is a delicious spread for crispy crackers, stuffed inside a fig or a prune, or simply enjoyed on its own with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Jack and Friend's Jack and Tom Plant-Based Jerky, Tomato and Poblano Pepper (7g protein)

This protein-rich jerky is made from jackfruit which is known for its meat-like texture and high nutritional value (without the unwanted fats found in traditional beef and other meats). Jack and Friend's "Jack and Tom" jerky has a spicy kick from poblano peppers, and with no added sugars, you can rest assured that you're ingesting healthy, wholesome ingredients.

Chinook Seedery Dill Pickle Sunflower Seeds (6g protein)

Sunflower seeds aren't just for the dugout! Brands like Chinook Seedery are rolling out heart-healthy sunflower seed options that rival the bigger brands in terms of sodium and sugar levels. With flavors like dill pickle (I mean, what a combination!) you can reap the benefits of these high-fiber seeds without the unnecessary "sandpaper tongue" that so many of us get when indulging in sunflower seeds.

Banza Protein Waffles (10g protein)

There is no reason why waffles can't be enjoyed at snack time. Instead of classic waffles made with flour, opting for these chickpea-based options helps boost the protein and fiber in this nosh. Pro tip: Try topping your waffle with nut butter for even more protein.

Brami Sea Salt and Vinegar Lupini Beans (4g protein)

Ever heard of a Lupini bean? It's okay, we hadn't either! This Mediterranean bean has been enjoyed for eons, and this single-serve pouch of Sea Salt and Vinegar Lupini beans offers 4 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber without any sugar for just 35 calories! It is technically lower than our 5-gram minimum, but that's because the portion size is on the small side.

You can eat these straight or out of the package. But we like adding them to a snack board or a "girl dinner" for a plant-based addition.

Dave's Killer Bread Amped-Up Organic Protein Bars Double Chocolate Coconut

If you're already a fan of Dave's Killer Bread, you've have to check out their Organic Protein Bars next time you're shopping. Each bar packs 10 grams of protein and 8 grams of sugar, making it an awesome choice for both pre- and post-workout fuel, especially on those long endurance days.

Wilde Protein Chips

Once you try Wilde chips, regular chips just won't cut it anymore. These protein-packed chips are made with real chicken and egg whites, so you're getting 10 grams of protein in every serving. Plus, they've got 2 grams of fiber—way more than what you'd get from Lay's Potato Chips. The flavors are amazing, too. We're all about the Buffalo Chicken, Nashville Style, and Spicy Queso, but honestly, you can't go wrong with any of them!

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