22 Best Protein-Packed Meat Snacks
Meat lovers everywhere, rejoice! Brands introducing creative concoctions made of dried and dehydrated meats are making portable meat snacks the new thing. And we're totally not beefin' with that. Lean meats are an excellent low-calorie source of protein, omega-3s, anemia-fighting iron, energy-boosting vitamin B12, and even choline (the vitamin that can help cinch your waist).
And we're not just talking beef-only meat snacks—there are pork, chicken, deer, and salmon, too! Just remember to choose grass-fed over grain-fed because the former contains less fat and higher levels of omega-3s, which have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. From bars and bites and little bits to jerky and sticks (and even trail mix!), we've rounded up a meaty list of our favorite high-protein snacks. Sorry to all the vegans and vegetarians out there—this one's not for you.
Field Trip Cracked Pepper Turkey Jerky
This all-natural jerky is made of lean turkey marinated in cracked black pepper, smoky brown sugar, and apple—making it a finger-lickin' good snack. Plus, it's naturally sweetened (with fruit juices) and without corn syrup, giving you the green light to munch on this between meals.
Epic Chicken Sriracha Bar
Who knew a mere 130 calories can pack in 13 grams of wholesome, naturally raised chicken protein, and still be low in carbs, sugar-free, and pack in some hunger-quelling fiber? Apparently, Epic did. And its nutrition isn't the only part we're raving about. Seasoned with cumin, oregano, garlic, and spicy red pepper flakes, this sriracha bar is revolutionizing chicken as the health foodie's holy grail.
Paleo Valley Beef Sticks
This low-carb, grass-fed snack boasts high levels of B vitamins, vitamins A and E, and CLA, which is known for its cancer- and stomach fat-fighting properties. They also come in five taste bud-pleasing flavors: original, jalapeño, teriyaki, summer sausage, and garlic summer sausage.
Brooklyn Biltong
You may be wondering what is biltong. In simple terms, it's beef jerky's tender brother—aka the one that's not going to give your jaw muscles a workout. It's made by hanging the grass-fed beef to dry in a drying box for 3-6 days, after which it is ready to be paired with allspice, coriander, and black pepper. This brand even sells a 16-ounce bag, which is perfect for sharing with your friends.
Lorissa's Kitchen Ginger Teriyaki Chicken
Try saying chicken kitchen three times fast. Now, try it with a piece of chicken jerky in your mouth. Just kidding! But we're definitely not joking about the jerky. These antibiotic-free chicken bits are doused with a marinade of fresh ginger, sesame seeds, sea salt, and cane and brown sugars, guaranteeing this pick is taste bud-approved.
Epic Bison Bacon Cranberry Bar
Bison and bacon pair up perfectly well in this delectable snack. This is Epic's modern take on pemmican, a survival superfood that is comprised mainly of dried meat and fruit, as well as rendered fat that lends the meat its long shelf life. This portable snack packs a substantial source of omega-3s, iron, and vitamin B12, making it a go-to pick when you're craving a meaty snack.
The New Primal Cilantro Lime Turkey Sticks
These free-range, antibiotic- and hormone-free turkey sticks provide a whopping seven grams of protein for only 50 calories. These meat snacks are individually packaged, making them perfect to throw in a bag and enjoy whenever. Bright flavor notes like cilantro, parsley, and lime prove that this bird's not just for Thanksgiving.
Epic Wagyu Beef Steak Strips
If you want a succulently marbled Wagyu steak delivered to your door, ready to be salted and thrown on the barbie, then Holy Grail Steak is your absolute go-to. But if you want a portable snack that also packs in that rich tenderness, reach for Epic's steak strips. The touch of wildflower honey and clean spices truly let the grass-fed Wagyu's winning taste shine through.
Perky Jerky Truffle & Thyme Wagyu Beef Jerky
We can't think of a better fancy snack to fuel your next hike. Teeming with ultra-tender beef and umami coming from black truffle, Perky Jerky's humanely-raised meat snack will definitely perk you up. Major bonus: it's low in sugar and salt without sacrificing flavor or texture.
The New Primal Cayenne & Honey 100% Grass-Fed Beef
This yummy jerky is made of 100% grass-fed beef that's spiced with paprika and coconut aminos, packing in a punch from cayenne and jalapeño peppers added to the mix. It's low in carbs and high in protein, making it a perfect Atkins-approved snack. Plus, the jerky is free of artificial preservatives, soy, and gluten—so feel free to indulge all of your carnivorous cravings.
Chomps Original Beef Sticks
Next time you're in need of a savory snack, unwrap Chomps' protein-packed beef sticks. They're made with 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef, which ensures your snack is packed with beta-carotene, inflammation-fighting omega-3s, and more fat-burning CLA.
Country Archer Herb Citrus Turkey Bar
This meaty bar is spiked with extra protein thanks to the addition of chicken collagen—which helps up the protein content to a whopping 15 grams. Collagen, the most abundant protein in our bodies, helps keep our skin, joints, and hair youthful. You'll want to pair this bar with a vitamin C-rich fruit, as the water-soluble vitamin helps your body form collagen. Bring Country Archer's turkey bar and a few juicy tangerines along on your next adventure for the perfect portable snack.
Epic Venison Sea Salt Pepper Bar
Epic keeps it simple, sprinkling only salt, pepper, and vegetable powders on the grass-fed and free-range deer bar, staying true to the venison's gamey flavor. With 12 whopping grams of protein, alongside being gluten- and sugar-free, we are totally digging this as our next mid-afternoon snack. And with only 80 calories, this one is our lowest-calorie protein-packed pick.
Krave Honey Habanero Chicken Jerky
This chicken jerky is not only low in sodium compared to other jerkies, but it's also packed with vitamin B6, niacin, and tryptophan (an amino acid that works to increase serotonin levels in the brain, therefore improving sleep latency). So, whether you want to enjoy it as a midday or midnight snack, the choice is yours!
Epic Maple Glazed & Smoked Salmon Bites
Put down the lox bagel lunch and grab a bag of these salmon bites. This low-carb snack is made with wild-caught salmon (which has more omega-3s than its farmed counterpart) from the Bristol Bay Region of Alaska and comes packed with 8 grams of muscle-building protein. Dill and maple complement the salmon's rich flavor and texture.
FishPeople Lemon Zest + Herb Wild Alaskan Salmon Jerky
The makers of our favorite seafood dinner kits debuted a scrumptious line of wild-caught salmon jerky. You'll get 900 milligrams of omega-3s per bag, but if you're eating the entire bag, make sure to pair it with a glass of water, as the sodium content is a bit on the high side.
Mighty Spark BBQ Sweet Potato Chicken Snack Sticks
This tryptophan-packed snack is spiked with real sweet potatoes, which add a hint of sweetness and some fiber to hold you over until your next meal. It's your favorite healthy dinnertime combo made into a portable snack stick!
Chef's Cut Korean BBQ Chicken Jerky
Craving Korean BBQ, but don't have time to take the drive up to town? This sriracha-chili- and ginger-spiked jerky will definitely crush your cravings for the sizzling grilled meat. While Chef's Cut's rendition doesn't come with any tangy banchans, it does come packed with 10 grams of protein for just 70 calories.
Olli Salumeria Calabrese & Asiago Cracker Snack Tray
Consider this snack pack your ultimate shortcut to Italy. Olli takes a twist on your favorite charcuterie board by combining Calabrese spicy salami with sharp Asiago cheese and La Panzanella crackers into a purse-friendly snack. Delizioso!
Stryve Original Trail Mix With Beef Biltong
This snack mix is studded with beef biltong, whole nuts, and seeds for extra-satiating healthy fats and 20 grams of muscle-maintaining protein in addition to four grams of fiber. Plus, it's got way less sugar than your average trail mix, so you'll want to swap out the sweet stuff for Stryve's bag during your next hike.
Shrooms Splits Turkey & Portabella
If you're all about umami flavor, this pick is the best of both worlds. Shrooms' split-up snack bag packs in equal parts hearty portabella mushrooms and robustly marinated turkey breast. This innovative snack is an omnivore's dream, as well as a great gateway into the mushroom jerky trend while still getting your meaty fix.
Epic Lamb Currant Mint Bar
If you're desperately craving a lamb gyro, but not really into getting your hands messy with tzatziki sauce, grab one of these bars on the way to work. The grass-fed ovis aries is paired with robust spices like basil, marjoram, and rosemary. It's also seasoned with spearmint leaves and organic currants, which will totally get you daydreaming of a trip to Greece.
