This post is all about high protein snack ideas that are perfect for your low-calorie diet. 

Today, I am excited to share some of the best high protein snack ideas with you. 

But now you might wonder, why do we need high protein content in snacks? 

We often think of snacking as indulging in some sweet treats and chips, but the reality is that these snacks are bad for our health and loaded with empty calories. 

That’s why so many experts recommend choosing snacks that are nutritious and high in protein to truly nourish your body. 

And to help you choose the best ones, I have already put together a list of some tasty and fulfilling alternatives. 

Here’s a List of 27 Healthy High-Protein Snack Ideas

All the snacks mentioned in the list below are arranged in order of their protein content in their raw form. 

I have added a mixture of all, some sweet, some savoury, and some don’t even require cooking at all.

So, let’s not waste time and start the list.

1. Tuna Salad

Protein Content: 25.5g / 100 g

Tuna is one of the highest lean protein sources. 

And when you pair it up with veggies, it becomes a perfect choice for a gluten-free, high-protein snack that anyone can enjoy. 

You can eat it simply or, if you wish to be more creative, try something like tuna-stuffed mini bell peppers.

2. Protein Mug Cake 

Protein Content: 24 g/ mug 

Protein mug cake is a high-protein snack idea that can help you fulfill that sweet craving. 

Made with oat flour and protein powder, you can get a nice 24 g in a single serving.

To make it, just mix the ingredients in a mug, microwave it for a quick treat, and enjoy the guilt-free dessert snack!

3. Protein Bars 

Protein Content: 20 g/ 53 g bar

Protein bars, as we know by name, are the best high-protein snacks for anyone.

They are good for cutting that hunger curb as well as a post-workout treat. 

While store-bought bars are great, you can also DIY one at home following this recipe. 

4. Roasted Chickpeas (Crunchy and Savory) 

Protein Content: 18.6 g/ 100 g

Chickpeas are one of the best plant-based sources of protein and fiber, making them a quick high high-protein snack for anyone who prefers a vegan diet. 

But when you roast them in the oven with the seasoning of choice, like paprika, salt, and cayenne, it becomes a super yummy, high-protein snack to binge on. 

5. Jerky Meats

Protein Content: Beef(9.4g/ one oz), Chicken ( 17 g/ one oz ), Turkey (13 g/ one oz)  

Jerky meats (dried, fat-free, and dehydrated meat of beef, turkey, or chicken) are a low-sugar, low-carb option for a snack to try. 

These can be made at home or store-bought. 

You can eat it as it is, but it’s best to pair the jerky up with some veggies to get some extra fiber boost.

6. Trail Mix

Protein Content: 13.8 g/ 100 g

Trail mix is traditionally a mixture of nuts, seeds, dry fruits, and sometimes granola and chocolate chunks. 

It can be one of the best high-protein snack ideas for your go-to days. 

While there are many store-bought options to try, I highly suggest you make your own by customising it with your favourite nuts like almonds, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, walnuts, and raisins. 

I am also sharing a trail mix idea from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Just a tip to skip the candies and sweet additions mentioned, as they can increase the calorie content. 

7. Oatmeal Bars

Protein Content: 13 g / 100 g

Oatmeal bars are the perfect replacement for regular overnight oatmeal with an amazing protein content. 

Once you make them, you can store them in the fridge for a week and use them as a snack option on your busy days, or even for kids as a high-protein snack.

8. Pear and Cottage Cheese 

Protein Content: Pear (0.6 g/ one medium size), Cottage cheese (half cup / 2.7 g) 

Snacking on pears with half a cup of cottage cheese is a perfect combo. 

It is super easy to prepare and at the same time, provides the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, making it great for any time of the day. 

To make it, slice up to pears and dip them into the cottage cheese bowl and enjoy!

9. Hard Boiled Eggs 

Protein Content: 12.6 g/two large eggs

Eggs are simply the best and the easiest source of protein. 

They are also rich in vitamins A, D, and E, choline, folate, and iron, making them a rich and satisfying snack.

And they don’t even require extra effort to make. 

Simply boil eggs and season them with your favorite spices, such as salt and pepper. 

For a more yum twist, you can try them with avocado halves. 

10. Endamame With Sea Salt

Protein Content: 12 g/ 100 g

Edamame beans are immature green soybeans and a great low-carb, high-protein snack that you can enjoy. 

These gems are covered in a green tough shell and can be eaten either hot or cold. 

Making edamame is super easy, just steam them and sprinkle some salt. 

Or if you find them a bit bland in taste, choose your condiment of choice and enjoy. 

11. Bean Salad 

Protein content: 12 g/ one cup 254 g

While a veggie salad is healthy, it won’t be as protein-filled as a bean salad.

To make it, combine cooked lentils with some chopped onions, cucumbers, and carrots, and season it with chilli and paprika, and vinegar for a yummy flavour. 

Store it in the fridge for 4-5 days, it tastes better as it marinates! 

12. Protein Smoothie Popsicles

Protein Content: 12 g/ per popsicle 

If you love cold, sweet snacks, then these protein popsicles are perfect and super easy to make. 

Just blend soy milk or any other low-fat milk with a scoop of protein powder and some cocoa powder. 

Pour the mixture into moulds and add some of your favourite frozen fruits. 

Let them freeze for a few hours and enjoy our refreshing treat. 

13. Cottage Cheese

Protein Content: 11g /100 g

Cottage cheese is a must-snack, and for a good reason: it is a protein-rich food, also loaded with calcium and other essential nutrients. 

The versatility of cottage cheese is amazing, as you can make many recipes with it. 

For a sweet treat, try mixing cottage cheese with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a handful of almonds. 

Or for the savoury option, fill your cup with veggies and seasoning, all topped with cottage cheese. 

14. Greek Yogurt

Protein Content: 10.2 g/ 100g 

Greek Yogurt is another fantastic protein source, thicker and creamier than regular yogurt, and of course, with fewer calories. 

There are countless ways to enjoy it as a snack. 

Try it as a base topped with fruits such as berries, cereals or even nuts. 

You can even whip a delicious dip by mixing it with simple seasonings and enjoy it with corn chips.

15. Protein Shakes 

Protein Content: 10-30 g/ per serving 

What can be a better snack than a simple protein shake to curb those cravings? 

They are made with protein powders, and you can easily customize them with your favorite fruits for that sweet kick. 

Want some recipes? Here are some of the best ways to make them at home.

16. Tofu Nuggets 

Protein Content: 10 g/ 100 g 

Tofu is an excellent high-protein snack that is versatile and nutritious.  

You can enjoy them on their own by sautéing them with spices, adding them to salads, or making nuggets from them.

17. Bone Broth

Protein Content: 9.4 g/ one cup (253 g)

Bone broth is for sure a super high protein snack, offering not only a rich source of protein but also providing enough hydration, reducing inflammation in the body, and a collagen boost. 

Newer research suggests highlights its benefits for gut health as well. 

To make bone broth, simmer bones and meat of your choice for 3-4 hours in a pan. 

This slow cooking extracts all the nutrients and flavors, resulting in a nourishing broth that you can sip as a snack. 

18. Turkey Roll-ups

Protein Content: 8.5 g/per oz

Turkey is one of the finest sources of protein. 

Each serving size of turkey has a whopping 8.5 g of protein packed in it. 

You can enjoy these as a high-protein snack by making turkey roll-ups. 

Simply roast turkey slices and put them in small tortilla bread with some cheese. 

If you wish to spice it up, add some condiments and veggies. 

19. Quinoa 

Protein Content: 8.14 g/ per cup 

Quinoa is a nutritious grain that offers a great source of protein, fiber, and essential minerals.

To eat it as a high protien snack, use it as a cereal by drizzling some honey and cinnamon. 

Or you can use it as a salad with some veggies.

20. Hummus and Veggies

Protein Content: 7.9 g / 100g 

Hummus is a very famous dip made with chickpeas and tahini (sesame seed oil) seasoned with lemon juice and garlic. 

Along with a nice source of protein, hummus has a nice amount of healthy fats, calcium, and folate. You are getting plenty of fiber as well. 

This tasty high-protein snack can be enjoyed with veggies like cucumbers, carrots, and radishes.

21. Omelette Roll-ups

Protein Content: 6.81 g/ 100 g

Just like turkey slices, you can simply roll up some omelettes and have them as a snack. 

They provide you with enough protein and fiber, but adding veggies also boosts their nutritional content and taste.

22. Canned Salmon 

Protein Content: 6.7 g/ 1 oz 

Canned salmon can be a very simple high-protein snack, especially when you are on the go. 

Single-portion pouches of cooked salmon are available to make it easier to pack salmon with you on the go.

You can enjoy salmon on its own, add some flavors with seasonings, or pair it with crackers or veggies.

23. Chia Pudding 

Protein Content: 6g /per serving (3 tablespoons)

Chia seeds are tiny powerhouses with incredible health benefits. 

Not only are they great as a high fiber, high protein snack, but they are also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and minerals. 

One of the best ways to enjoy them is to make chia pudding. 

Just add your favourite fruits such as strawberries, apples, and bananas. 

Here is one of my favorite recipes.  

24. Banana with Nut Butter and Hemp Seeds 

Protein Content: 6g/ per serving 

This high-protein snack is one of the simplest and quickest on the list. 

Along with a good amount of protein, it is also gluten-free and vegan. 

All it requires is a large banana, cut it into big pieces, and top it with some peanut butter and hemp seeds. 

25. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Protein Content: 6 g/ per oz

Pumpkin seeds are a popular snack worldwide, with fewer calories and a good source of protein. 

If you like your snacks spicy, then you can sprinkle some salt and roast these seeds in a few drops of oil for a bit of crunch.

26. Almonds 

Protein Content: 5.9 g per serving oz 

Snacking on almonds is beneficial, as they not only contain a significant amount of protein but are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fats. 

Research suggests that certain nutrients help our bodies achieve better gut health, manage blood sugar levels, and facilitate exercise recovery. 

However, remember that they are high in calories as well, so consume them in moderation.

27. Nut Butters With Fruits 

Protein Content: 5-6 g/ per serving (32 g) 

Nut butter of any kind, like peanut, almond, or cashew butter, is a great choice for high-protein snack ideas. 

If you wish to consume it as a snack, you can spread it on whole-grain toast or serve it with crackers. 

This Was The List of the Best High-Protein Snack Options

So, this is it for all the best high-protein snack ideas that are perfect for a low-carb diet. 

We would love to hear our opinion, so when you try any of these, do let us know in the comments down below!

You May Also Like:

• 18 Healthy High-Protein Breakfast Ideas for Clean Eating & Weight Loss
• 25 Easy Cholesterol-Lowering Meals for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

References

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2. Nutrition and Food Services. Create Your Own Trail Mix. Jan. 2022, www.nutrition.va.gov/docs/UpdatedPatientEd/CreateYourOwnTrailMix_2022.pdf.
3. Mar-Solís, Laura M., et al. “Analysis of the Anti-Inflammatory Capacity of Bone Broth in a Murine Model of Ulcerative Colitis.” Medicina, vol. 57, no. 11, Oct. 2021, p. 1138. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina57111138.
4. Colino, Stacey. “Is Bone Broth Really a ‘Liquid Miracle’? Here’s What Science Says.” Science, 26 Dec. 2024, www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/bone-broth-benefits.
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