My Fave High Protein Snacks For Weight Loss

Enjoy this extensive list of yummy high-protein snacks to keep you satisfied and energized all day!

I love a good snack. But, sadly, not all snacks are created equal.

With the clean-eating lifestyle I lead, I don’t really go for snacks that aren’t healthy. Sure, if we’re on vacation, I’m good to go like everyone else with a sweet snack that celebrates the fun of travel and being away.

But in general, if I’m going to snack, I want to make it count and have it fit my macros. I also want it to be good for me and keep me going all day without continuous cravings. That’s why I opt for a high-protein snack, which is like a treat with a power-packed punch. 

Why is protein important for a snack?

Eating a high-protein snack can improve your physical well-being and make you feel less hungry, especially compared to an ultra-processed high-sugar refined snack.

Protein can give you the energy to keep moving all day. You will be more alert, and as well, your blood sugar levels will be maintained, which would reduce blood sugar spikes and crashes that can leave you feeling exhausted.

Are protein snacks good for weight loss?

Yes, protein is ideal as a food to consume for weight loss. Relying on high protein snacks as a way to keep you going in between meals and not reaching for sugary or fatty foods is a great idea.  You eat less because you feel full and satisfied.

But protein by itself isn't what makes a high-rptoein snack great. There are other things to keep in mind, too. Here's what I consider when looking for a high-protein snack

• Nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables 
• Fiber-filled
• Low sugar content (less than 5 grams) and no added sugar

What foods are highest in protein?

Looking for an awesome source of protein? Here are some of my top high-protein picks:

• Beans
• Protein powder
• Lentils
• Lean chicken and pork
• Cheese
• Seeds
• Full-fat cottage cheese
• Nuts
• Full-fat plain Greek yogurt
• Eggs and egg whites

You'll see many of these tasty snacks as you go through the list below!

High Protein Snacks

Here's a list of my top 20 favorite high-protein snacks. This list is pulled from the high-protein foods I most often have. Each of the foods below was chosen because of a high protein content along with other nutritional benefits, like low fat, high complex carbs, and more. As for protein, it has to have a minimum of 5g per serving fo rme to consider it high-protein.

1. Hardboiled Eggs

Eggs are very high in protein! They keep you full and feeling satisfied. One egg has 6 grams of protein. Read more about the goodness of eggs in my post 10 Benefits of Eggs and Why You Should Eat Them More Often!

2. Protein Muffins

Protein muffins can be a great protein source if they are made with good ingredients and with added protein, like extra eggs, egg whites, and even unrefined flours. Here are a few recipes that make a sweet, yet high protein snack.

• 9-Ingredient Blender Chocolate Muffins
• The Best Healthy Strawberry Muffins
• Paleo Apple Muffins with Crunchy Crumb Topping

3. Homemade Trail Mix

Notice I say *homemade* trail mix. Store-bought brands will likely have added sugars you'll want to avoid. Combine ingredients like walnuts, almonds, dried fruit (natural sugars only!), healthy dark chocolate morsels, and seeds. Two ounces will give you 8 grams of protein. This snack has more calories than some I have listed, so eat in moderation!

4. Beef Jerky or Turkey Jerky

Store-bought beef jerky can offer a high protein snack with 9 grams of protein per ounce. However, look at the nutrition labels as they tend to have added salt, artificial ingredients and sugar. My post on the best beef jerky for weight loss will point you in the right direction.

5. Kale Chips

Drizzle olive oil, salt, and garlic on washed and dried kale to make chips. Powerful antioxidants, fiber, and yes, protein (5g in 1 medium-sized bunch of kale).

6. Protein Shakes

I’m a big fan of protein shakes. They are delicious, easy to throw together, and perfect for a snack on the run ← LOVE.  Here are all my fave high protein smoothies. MOst protein powders will add up to 15-25g of protein per scoop, making it a fantastic option for protein.

7. Tuna

Tuna is very high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are vital nutrients.  Canned tuna is a great option, especially if canned in water, and can carry upwards of 45 grams of protein per can! 

8. Hummus

Hummus is a healthy snack that's great to have prepped in the fridge for an easy, high protein snack. I make my own chickpea hummus, and with 4g of protein per serving, I always have it ready in the fridge for dipping veggies in any time of day! It works well as a higher protein replacement to mayo on sandwiches as well.

9. Edamame

One-half cup of edamame (soybeans) gives you a delicious treat with a unique taste containing 8 grams of protein. Buy this fiber-rich food in the freezer section of the grocery store, shelled and ready to eat. I love the edamame in this corn salad.

10. Cottage Cheese

A half-cup serving of full-fat cottage cheese has about 100 calories, 12 grams of protein, and 4.5 grams of fat (1.8 grams of saturated fat).  Top cottage cheese with avocado, cucumber, and tomato for a snack that combines heart-healthy fat with vitamins and lots of protein.

11. Pumpkin Seeds

When you eat pumpkin seeds, you get a great boost of zinc and magnesium. They contain antioxidants as well, and 8 ounces will supply 5 grams of protein. I love roasted pumpkin seeds. Seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper add that extra pop of flavor. Yum!

12. Nut Butter

I’ve always been a fan of homemade peanut butter, but now I go for other nut butters, too. Healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, along with protein, make nutter butter an excellent option to include in a jhigh-protein snack. In 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, there is just under g protein, so it's not as high as others, but should still be considered in the list, given its relationship to weight loss and healthy fats.

13. Broccoli

One cup of this crunchy green veggie has 3 grams of protein, and it's so easy to eat more than a cup. I often eat it as a quick higher protein and high-fiber snack. My favorite ay to enjoy broccoli is roasted broccoli.

14. Nuts

An ounce of cashews contains 5 grams of protein. The same amount of almonds has 6 grams of protein. Look for raw, unsalted nuts when possible.

15. Chickpeas

Chickpeas are pretty impressive. The protein and fiber in this legume work together to keep you full. They’ve got amino acids, are low on the glycemic index, and the fiber I mentioned can also be helpful for the digestive system. Try my chickpea hummus recipe!

16. Cheese (Ex: Cheddar and Parmesan)

A serving of cheddar cheese cut into cubes packs 7g of protein, which makes it a great filling, high-protein snack. A 1-oz serving of parmesan contains 11 g of protein.

17. Energy Bites

I’ve got a few recipes you are going to love. With ingredients like chia seeds and peanut butter, these bites are perfect, and high in protein.

• Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Edible Cookie Dough Bites
• Dark Chocolate Cherry Energy Bites

18. Full Fat Plain Greek Yogurt

A one-cup serving of plain Greek yogurt has 20 grams of protein. I think Greek yogurt is fabulous – so impressive that I've written an entire post on the benefits of Greek yogurt.

19. Black Beans

Black beans have about 7.5 grams of protein in one-half a cup. They are low on the glycemic index (meaning they are slowly digested, absorbed. and metabolized), and have lots of fiber. Try my recipe for Instant Pot Black Beans.

20. Popcorn

Believe it or not, popcorn is a source of fiber and protein and contains antioxidants. Check out this recipe for homemade popcorn, which is a family fave.

Bonus option: Try one of my Chia Pudding recipes – the Blueberry pudding, for example, has close to 7 grams of protein per portion. And 9.9 grams of fiber too!

Bonus: There are even more great ideas for high-protien snacks inside the meal prep for weight loss plan.

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