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The Best High Protein Snacks to Power You Through the Day
Written By Supplement Institute Review Team
One of the main problems busy people face these days is getting the proper nutrition each day. Limited free time often results in turning toward unhealthy, highly processed foods. However, instead of reaching for these typical snacks, some people are turning to protein-based ones to improve their diet and health.
Protein-rich snacks are excellent as they focus on the essential macronutrient without providing too much sugar and fat. They’re great for a quick bite on road trips, before a workout, or even to satisfy a late-night craving. Not sure what protein snacks are right for you? This guide covers the most delicious protein snacks of 2025 to help meet your fitness and nutrition goals.
Compare the Best High Protein Snacks of 2025
Quest Nutrition Chocolate Chip Protein Cookie
Best Overall
Nobody can say no to a good chocolate chip cookie. Quest, a nutrition-focused brand, created a sweet, protein-rich snack so people could enjoy the chewy texture and flavorful taste of America’s favorite cookie without the unhealthy ingredients. A single box consists of 12 individually packed, ready-to-eat cookies. Each contains 15 grams of protein and about 10 grams of fiber. With less than 5 grams of net carbs and less than 1 gram of sugar, this cookie is a win-win for health and taste. As a bonus, maltodextrin, a low glycemic index carbohydrate, is responsible for the sweetness and won’t spike your blood sugar.
Due to their small size, these cookies make a quick treat that you can easily carry and enjoy on the go. We chose them as our ‘best overall’ pick because these protein snacks feature purely dairy-based protein, making them rich in essential amino acids.
Bunny James Fitness Snack Box
Most Versatile
This Bunny James Fitness Box provides a versatile combination of healthy and gourmet snacks for on-the-go meals. The box includes 20 individually-wrapped low-sugar and high-protein snacks. With savory and sweet options, this snack box truly has something for everyone. The snacks are all organic and non-GMO.
The box is decorated with artificial grass and looks like a miniature garden full of nutritious snacks. It is not only for those who have an active lifestyle, but it can also be a thoughtful gift for a special occasion. If you’re looking for a nutritious and on-the-go energy snack, the Bunny James Fitness Box is sure to meet your needs.
Twin Peaks Protein Snack
Low-Calorie Snack
The Twin Peaks Protein Snack is an excellent choice for those looking for a snack to meet their dietary and sports nutrition goals. Each serving contains 21 grams of protein and 4.2 grams of BCAAs as well as 4.5 grams of glutamic acid. They are also completely peanut-free, soy-free, and potato-free, and made with high-quality milk protein isolate. The isolate has undergone microfiltration to separate the protein from lactose and fat, resulting in a lower-calorie snack that provides more fuel than traditional snacks.
Each serving contains only 120 calories, making them a great contribution to a healthy keto diet. These protein puffs have a robust seasoning that gives them a tasty flavor without any unnecessary sugars or carbs. With these snacks, you don’t have to feel guilty about snacking, as they provide a healthy alternative to traditional chips and crackers. The product is safely packaged in a tamper-proof screw-on lid, which helps preserve the flavor of the puffs while still retaining their nutritional value.
Jack Links Premium Cuts Beef Steak Strips
Best Budget Buy
When hunger strikes, Jack Link’s Premium Cuts Beef Steak Strips are a satisfying meaty snack. The top-selling beef jerky brand certainly has excellent protein-packed snacks. This option in particular contains ready-to-eat steak marinated in a special blend of herbs and spices. The Original flavor features slow-cooked, hardwood smoked beef that offers an epic taste with minimal fats and carbs.
Each packet delivers 11 grams of protein and only 70 calories. The ingredients include 100% premium beef, various spices, brown sugar, mustard, and more. Highly suitable for carnivores and people on keto diets, this classic protein snack is a great choice that won’t break the bank.
Enlightened Bada Bean Bada Boom Protein Snack
Most Filling
Enlightened Bada Bean Bada Boom, made purely from plant-based protein, is a roasted broad bean snack. They are a healthier alternative to chips and other crunchy, savory snacks. Their protein content, 6 grams per serving, is significantly higher than other vegan protein snacks. With only 110 calories per packet and 4 grams of fiber, one of these packs is packed with nutrients to keep you going on a busy day.
The brand prides itself on its wide variety of flavors. In this particular savory box, there are 24 packets, including eight Sea Salt, eight Sweet Siracha, and eight Garlic and Onion flavored bags. If you want a healthy vegan protein snack that’s non-GMO, too, these roasted beans are perfect for you.
Popcorners Flex Energy Protein Snacks
Best Flavors
Salty protein chips are a great option if you’re into muscle-building and eating healthier. Popcorners’ protein snacks are made with plant-based protein yet still taste like regular potato chips. These are a fantastic alternative to your usual bag of chips, making them the perfect snack for helping you cut extra calories.
They are low in carbs, contain healthy ingredients, and are colored with natural spices instead of artificial dyes. The Flex chips come in a couple of different flavors, so you’re sure to find one that works for you. With 10 grams of protein per serving and only 120 calories per packet, these are a great protein snack to quickly enjoy during a long day.
Finding Your Favorite Protein Snack: A Buyer's Guide
Protein is an essential macronutrient. As a major building block of cells, it plays a crucial role in your body. While most diets get enough protein, others may want to consume more. Finding suitable protein options can be tough if you’re a vegan or vegetarian, and diets focused on muscle building, weight loss, and managing some illnesses are always keen on more protein.
Prepping and cooking protein-rich foods is not a quick task, though. That’s where protein snacks fit in, requiring no prior preparation, refrigeration, or serving. Despite their health benefits, there are no detectable compromises on taste or flavor. Unfortunately, choosing the right one may be difficult due to the huge variety of snacks available. This section will help you make your ideal choice.
Factors To Consider When Buying Protein Snacks
Protein serving
Protein snacks are not made entirely of protein. Different products provide varying grams of protein per serving. Some products stuff 20 grams of protein in a 120-calorie snack, while others keep protein relatively low at 6 grams per 100 calories.
Depending on your protein needs, either product style may fit into your diet. Ask yourself, how much protein do you consume outside of snacks? Does protein make you feel full and satisfied? Does too much protein upset your stomach? Answering these questions will help you assess if a snack has the right protein content for you.
Type of snack
Protein snacks come in as many forms as regular snacks do. If you like eating BBQ-flavored potato chips, there are BBQ-flavored protein chips too! Protein snacks shouldn’t be annoying to eat but instead should fit into your existing eating habits. So, go ahead and pick out the protein-packed version of your favorite snack. Don’t forget to check if the protein version fits into your diet, whether it’s plant-based or has any allergens.
Nutritional labels
As stated earlier, protein snacks are a mixture of macro and micronutrients. It is essential to be mindful of the nutritional labels of your chosen protein snack. Make sure you choose a snack with balanced protein, carbs, and fats. Many protein snacks are based on high, though not pure, sources of protein. That’s totally fine, though! Sarah Chatfield, a registered dietician and nutritionist, shares that nuts, a common ingredient in protein snacks, “are a great protein source, in addition to providing healthy fats and a variety of minerals, vitamins and beneficial phytonutrients.” Likewise, Chatfield commented that another regular ingredient, eggs, is “a great source of protein and other crucial nutrients.” Another ingredient to look for is fiber. High fiber content is a great bonus.
While a protein snack may have some ideal ingredients like those above, you should avoid products that are rich in saturated fats, sugars, sodium, and artificial dyes, flavors, and preservatives.
Daily intake
Healthy food doesn’t mean that eating large portions or constantly snacking throughout the day is a good idea. Too much of one food can upset your digestive system, and too many calories can lead to weight gain, no matter where they come from. Determine how much protein snacking you actually should do before purchasing any of these tasty foods.
People Also Asked
Does the type of protein matter?
Yes, the type of protein does matter. Snacks may have animal or plant-based proteins; if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, that's a big deal. Also, different proteins possess unique rates of absorption. For example, whey is absorbed very fast and can satiate quickly. Some types of protein may offer other unique benefits, like soy. Figure out what protein is best in your snacks based on your diet and response.
Should I pay special attention to the sugar content?
Yes, since you’ll want to stay away from protein snacks with excessive sugar. Very high concentrations of sugar mean relatively less protein. Too little protein may make said snack pointless for your goals. Too much processed sugar also isn’t very good for your health.
How does fiber help?
Fiber in protein snacks is a bonus. It does an excellent job of keeping your digestive system healthy.
How does protein help in weight loss?
Protein is great at making you feel full. It also helps you build more muscle to achieve a toned and strong physique. If you feel fuller and have more muscle to burn calories, you’ve got a great recipe for losing weight.
Are there good plant-based protein snacks?
Yes, there are plenty of delicious vegetarian and vegan-friendly protein snacks to choose from! Look for sweet and savory options that feature ingredients like legumes, soy, and nuts.
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