35 Best Store-Bought High-Protein Snacks

Americans have a dual obsession with snacking and eating more protein. In fact, an NPD report shows that consumers want to get more protein in their diet but a whopping 71 percent don’t know how much they should get (for reference, it’s at least 46 grams for women and 56 grams for men). Adding low-sugar, high protein snacks to your daily diet is an easy way to meet that quota.

High protein snacks can help fuel weight loss efforts by boosting metabolism and reducing hunger pangs. “Although snacks usually get a ‘bad rap’ for dieters, they can be quite essential when selected wisely. Proteins aren’t considered the building blocks of our bodies for nothing” says Bonnie Balk, RD, and Health & Wellness Expert for Maple Holistics.

“Snacks high in protein that are eaten between meals can reduce hunger, prevent overeating at mealtimes, and can help maintain weight loss,” says Balk.

Luckily, you don’t have to keep bags of chicken breast or turkey in your bag in order to reap the benefits. There are plenty of portable, non-perishable ways to sneak in some protein. Next time you go to the grocery store, don’t get overwhelmed. Instead, use this list as your guide to shop for the healthiest store-bought high-protein snacks. If you’re looking for more protein-packed goods, don’t miss these best low-sugar protein bars.

How we chose the best store-bought high-protein snacks.

Not just any snack landed on our list. We consulted registered dietitians to come up with some nutritional guidelines to follow when making our picks.

How much protein should you aim for? “I try to make sure the protein serving is 8 to 15 grams. If it’s over 20 grams, you won’t absorb all of it,” says dietitian Jessi Holden, MS, RDN, CSOWM. While you should aim to get at least 8 grams of protein in your high-protein snacks, we’ve also included some snacks with at least 6 grams of protein in case you want to mix and match.

Besides protein, what other nutrients should you look for? “I try to aim for a snack with less than 15 grams of sugar, and maybe some fiber, and healthy fats depending on the food,” says dietitian Kasey Hutchinson, RDN, owner of Vibrant Nutrition, RD.

What about ingredients? “It is important to read the nutritional label. Avoid snacks high in saturated fats. Be mindful of snacks that are high in sodium and preservatives,” says Lee Cotton, RDN, LDN.

With these tips in mind, we put together a list of the 25 best store-bought high protein snacks that follow these guidelines. Many of them are approved by dietitians themselves.

The following store-bought, high-protein snacks have at least 6 grams of protein per serving.

Protein per serving: 15 grams

While there are dozens if not hundreds of protein bars, none compare to the Perfect Bar (it’s called “perfect” for a reason!). Peanut butter, honey, chocolate chips, and over 20 superfoods come together to build this 15-grams of protein bar that makes a great high protein snack or a high protein meal replacement bar.

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Protein per serving: 16 grams

Stryve is not technically beef jerky—it’s better. This classic, South African biltong snack eschews the sugar often found in jerky and is made with just beef, vinegar, and spices. It’s thin and tender, and you should definitely buy a few bags.

Protein per serving: 13 grams

If you’re looking for a high protein, low carb snack, you’ve come to the right place. Whisps dried cheese crisps are made with just one ingredient: parmesan cheese. Eat alone, pair with jerky, or eat alongside an apple for a filling midday snack.

Protein per serving: 7 grams

It’s almost magical that you could get 7 grams of protein, support your immune system (each shot contains 300% of your daily value of vitamin C), and reap body and skin benefits (from the combination of collagen, biotin, and hyaluronic acid) in just one second. For the most effective and convenient high-protein snack (or drink), these shots are more than worth the investment.

Protein per serving: 15 grams

Siggi’s Icelandic yogurt goes through multiple straining stages to increase the yogurt’s natural protein content. Per ounce, siggi’s has some of the highest protein counts on the market. And the extra protein is beneficial if you’re looking to pack on some extra muscle or trim down. Balk says she’s a big fan of siggi’s. “With its high protein content and minimal additives, it is a great choice as part of a breakfast meal, or snack.” If you’re looking to avoid sugar, Balk recommends selecting the plain flavor and adding in your own fresh fruit for sweetness.

Protein per serving: 11 grams

Oatmeal cups make healthy protein-rich snacking easy and satisfying—without adding globs of sugar like some other brands. Keep a container or two in your desk drawer. When you’re eyeing your go-to vending machine indulgence, nip that unhealthy urge in the bud by simply adding water to one of these before zapping it in the break-room microwave. Your waistline will thank you.

Protein per serving: 7 grams

Ounce for ounce, peanuts are one of the most protein-dense nuts. On the run? Rip open the top of the squeeze pack and eat the sugar-free butter right from the pouch. For more of a sit-down snack, smear some of the flavonoid-packed spread onto a few pear slices. For a more comprehensive run-down of one of the most popular nut butters, don’t miss the 36 top peanut butters—ranked!.

Protein per serving: 6 grams

Enjoy Life’s Dark Raspberry Protein Bites are a delectable duo of dark chocolate and tangy raspberries that serve up 6 grams of plant-based protein.

Protein per serving: 11 grams

The best part about this hummus is that it’s portable. Snack on the high-protein hummus with pita chips or grab a pack along with a baggie of raw veggies for some extra belly-filling fiber on the run.

Protein per serving: 19 grams

To mix things up, opt for this oft-overlooked grab-and-go dairy item in lieu of your daily yogurt. With a low sugar count, it packs an impressive 19 grams of protein into its diminutive 5.3-ounce container. “The fact that [Good Culture’s Cottage Cheese] includes live and active probiotics makes it a good alternative to anyone that does like yogurt but still wants to have a high protein snack that can help with gut heath,” says dietitian Emily Tills, MS, RDN, CDN, founder of Nourished With Emily.

Find the taste a bit bland? Mix in a few small pieces of pineapple or melon. Both fruits make for a delicious pairing.

Protein per serving: 6 grams

KIND uses real fruit, peanuts, almonds, walnuts, Brazil nuts and not much else to make their wholesome high protein snacks. Coming in at 200 calories, this bar is great for warding off the afternoon slump or satisfying a craving for something sweet and crunchy.

Protein per serving: 15 grams

If you’re looking for pure protein, anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, and a blast of flavor (thanks to garden herb pesto), invest in this can of wild-caught, Pacific Northwest tuna.

Protein per serving: 9 grams

Sink your teeth into the most tender, grass-fed beef jerky money can buy.

Protein per serving: 7 grams

Made from roasted beans and a kick of sriracha, this portable, pre-portioned high protein snack is easy to throw into a purse, briefcase, or gym bag. With seven grams of protein and fiber, it’s sure to keep you satiated until your next meal. For more fiber-rich snacks, see: 25 Best High-Fiber Snacks to Buy That Keep You Full.

Protein per serving: 6 grams

There are very few high-protein snacks that also happen to be high in protein—this one serving up over 28 percent of your daily value in just one serving.

Protein per serving: 7 grams

Sick of dry high protein snacks? Tear open a bag of BRAMI—a lightly pickled legume snack that is incredibly nutritious (7 grams of plant protein) and delicious (who can pass up garlic and rosemary).

Protein per serving: 7 grams

Even if you aren’t a fan of pork rinds, you should not pass up this plant-based version of the popular high protein snack. Made with pea protein and the perfect blend of spices, you’ll consume 7 grams of protein per serving or 25 grams of protein per bag.

Protein per serving: 13 grams

Any day can be wine and cheese night with these crispy, crunchy pepperoni slivers.

Protein per serving: 6 grams

Can you think of a more indulgent high-protein snack than black truffle almonds?!

Protein per serving: 6 grams

If you don’t think beans can be a snack, then you obviously don’t know that it’s 2021 and anything is possible. Where else would you be able to get 6 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber for just 90 calories and a flavor reminiscent of cooking over a campfire? Grab a bag of microwaveable rice or fiber crackers to go alongside your spicy beans.

Protein per serving: 10 grams

Getting sick of snacking on almonds and walnuts? Mix things up (while still satisfying that craving for something crunchy) by incorporating packs of dry roasted edamame into your high protein snacks lineup. There are 11 grams of soy protein and six grams of belly-filling fiber in each 100-calories serving! “Seapoint Farms Roasted Edamame is an excellent source of iron and calcium and makes for a great between-meal snack or pre-dinner appetizer!” adds NYC-based dietitian Rachel Fine, MS, RD, CSSD, CDN, and owner of To The Pointe Nutrition.

Protein Punch: 12 grams

“As a rule of thumb, if you can pronounce all the ingredients listed in the nutrition facts, you’re in a good place. With RXBAR, there are 12 grams of protein per bar, stemming from egg whites, almonds, and cashews,” says Balk.

Protein per serving: 6 grams

These high protein snacks are packed with crispy, roasted chickpeas that are hot, hot, hot! Foods loaded with capsaicin—the compound responsible for giving chilies their fire—have been proven to reduce belly fat, suppress appetite and boost thermogenesis—the body’s ability to burn food as energy.

Protein per serving: 19 grams

This tuna comes pre-seasoned with lemon and pepper, eliminating the need for mayo or sauces to amp up the flavor. Plus, this kit comes with a little knife and a few crackers so you can easily eat this protein-packed mini-meal no matter when you are when hunger strikes.

Protein per serving: 13 grams

Unlike Slim Jims, which use scary ingredients like sodium nitrite and monosodium glutamate (MSG), Field Trip’s take on the classic, naturally protein-filled snack is free of preservatives, MSG, nitrites (they even eschew the “natural” alternative celery juice powder), and corn syrup. Plus, it’s lower in fat and sodium than many conventional varieties, which is just another reason it earns a place on our list.

Protein per serving: 6 grams

Forget the cheese puffs of your past—this chickpea-based riff on an old-school classic serves up 7 grams plant protein and 40% fewer carbs per serving.

Protein per serving: 7 grams

They’re portable, fun to eat, and packed with protein and calcium—just a few of the reasons we’re such big fans of these cheese sticks. They’re a welcome addition to both kids’ lunchboxes and adults’ brown bags.

Protein per serving: 7 grams

This snack pack is made with simple ingredients: cheddar cheese, almonds, and dried cranberries, and less than 200 calories per container. It has good protein-to-carb ratio with 14 grams of carbs and 7 grams of protein which will satisfy you without spiking your blood sugar.

Protein per serving: 9 grams

These Paleo, gluten-free bars are made from hormone-free meats and poultry, organic spices and dried fruit. Although we don’t have any bones to pick with the wholesome ingredient list, they’re a bit high in sodium. Your best bet is to enjoy one after a sweaty workout. Since you’ll have just depleted your sodium levels, the extra salt may be beneficial, plus the protein can help rebuild the muscles broken down during your gym sesh.

Protein per serving: 18 grams (per 2 bites)

These are pasture-raised eggs, cooked, reasoned and ready to eat—in that classic bacon egg and cheese combo you love. Just pop in the microwave for a huge protein punch!

Protein per serving: 6 grams

Nuts are a great source of protein and healthy fats; they provide all the energy-boosting nutrients your body needs while keeping portions in check. You’ll get 6 grams of protein for just 160 calories. “Almonds also make a great snack because they’re high in vitamin E, copper, and magnesium,” says Fine.

Protein per serving: 10 grams

This gluten-free snack uses a combination of soy protein flour to pack 10 grams of protein into every serving, making them substantial enough to enjoy on their own. Can’t stomach plain crackers? Pair them with a pre-portioned piece of cheese.

Protein per serving: 12 grams

Egg protein is one of the cheapest, simplest sources of this macronutrient. “The incredible, edible egg is the ultimate high-protein snack,” says Laura Lagano, MD, RDN, CDN, integrative & functional nutritionist with an in-person & virtual private practice. “Eggs are a complete protein, portable in the hard-cooked version, and tasty. Numerous stores are selling hard-cooked eggs as snacks and a relative new-comer, Peckish, offers organic eggs with various crunchy dips. Love this product!”

Protein per serving: 20 grams

Using grass-fed protein from New Zealand cows milk, ICONIC makes a high-quality protein drink with not a lot of sugar. It’s a great option for a healthy workout recovery or when you’ve got a meeting planned during lunch.

Protein per serving: 10 grams

Start your day with delicious whole grains and 10g protein per serving. We combined creamy almond butter with our crunchy super grain blend and a touch of cinnamon to create a snack that’s perfect to enjoy by the handful or paired with milk or yogurt. That’s a much better a.m. meal than one of the worst breakfast foods on the planet.

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