Calorie DeficitWeight Loss

25 High-Protein Snacks That Actually Keep You Full

April 2, 2026  ยท  Plateful of Joy  ยท  20 min read

๐Ÿ’ช Nutrition Guide

25 High-Protein Snacks That Actually Keep You Full

๐Ÿ“… Updated 2026 โฑ 8 min read โœ… Dietitian reviewed

Struggling to hit your protein goals between meals? These easy high-protein snacks pack 10โ€“25g of protein and taste amazing โ€” no bland protein bars required.

If you’ve ever hit 3pm and found yourself raiding the snack drawer, you’re not alone. Most snacks are loaded with carbs and sugar โ€” they give you a quick energy spike, then leave you more hungry than before.

The secret? High-protein snacks. Protein keeps you fuller for longer, helps preserve muscle while you lose weight, and stops those mid-afternoon energy crashes. The US Dietary Guidelines recommend 10โ€“35% of your daily calories from protein โ€” and most of us aren’t getting nearly enough.

๐Ÿ’ก How much protein counts as “high protein” for a snack? Aim for at least 10g of protein per snack. That’s enough to trigger satiety signals and help you reach your daily protein goals.

๐Ÿ”ฅ

Not sure how much protein you need daily?

Use our free Calorie Calculator to get your personalised daily protein, calorie and macro targets in under 60 seconds.

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The Best High-Protein Snacks โ€” Ranked

We’ve split these into three categories: grab-and-go (no prep needed), make-ahead (prep on Sunday, eat all week), and store-bought picks with Amazon links for your convenience.

๐Ÿƒ Grab-and-Go Snacks (Zero Prep)

These require absolutely no cooking or prep โ€” perfect for busy days when you need something fast.

1

Greek Yogurt (Plain, Full Fat)

Creamy, satisfying and packed with probiotics. Add a drizzle of honey if you need it sweeter.

17g protein 130 kcal
2

Hard-Boiled Eggs (2 eggs)

The original high-protein snack. Meal prep a batch on Sunday for the whole week.

12g protein 140 kcal
3

Cottage Cheese + Cucumber

Low calorie, high protein, incredibly filling. One of the most underrated snacks out there.

14g protein 120 kcal
4

String Cheese (2 sticks)

Portion-controlled, satisfying and kid-friendly too. A classic for good reason.

14g protein 160 kcal
5

Edamame (1 cup, shelled)

One of the highest-protein plant foods. Delicious warm with a pinch of sea salt.

17g protein 190 kcal
6

Tuna Pouch (no mayo)

Single-serve tuna pouches are portable, cheap and insanely high in protein.

20g protein 90 kcal
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StarKist Tuna Creations Pouches โ€” Variety Pack

Ready-to-eat, no draining needed. Each pouch has 20g protein and only 90 calories. Perfect for your desk drawer or gym bag. Available in 8 flavours.

View on Amazon โ†’

*As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

๐Ÿณ Make-Ahead Snacks (Prep Once, Eat All Week)

Spend 30 minutes on Sunday and you’ll have protein-packed snacks ready to grab every day. These keep well in the fridge for 4โ€“5 days.

7

Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Oats, peanut butter, protein powder and honey rolled into balls. No baking required.

12g protein 180 kcal
8

Mini Turkey Roll-Ups

Deli turkey slices wrapped around cream cheese and cucumber. Low carb and super filling.

18g protein 150 kcal
9

Egg Muffins (Mini Frittatas)

Bake a batch of mini egg muffins with veggies and cheese. Grab 2 for a perfect snack.

14g protein 160 kcal
10

Protein-Packed Overnight Oats

Oats + Greek yogurt + milk + chia seeds. Make 5 jars Sunday night for the whole week.

20g protein 290 kcal
11

Hummus + Chicken Bites

Pre-cooked chicken breast cut into cubes with a side of hummus for dipping. Meal-prep hero.

25g protein 200 kcal
12

Greek Yogurt Bark

Spread Greek yogurt on parchment, top with berries and nuts, freeze for 2 hours. Incredible.

11g protein 140 kcal
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Want to know the exact calories in your snack recipe?

Plug your ingredients into our free Recipe Calculator and get the full nutritional breakdown in seconds.

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๐Ÿ›’ Best Store-Bought High-Protein Snacks

Sometimes you just need something you can buy and eat right now. These are the best options available at most US grocery stores and on Amazon.

13

RXBAR Protein Bars

Whole food ingredients, no junk, 12g protein. The chocolate sea salt flavour is elite.

12g protein 210 kcal Amazon Pick
14

Chomps Beef Jerky Sticks

Grass-fed beef, no added sugar, Whole30 approved. Perfect for purse or gym bag.

9g protein 90 kcal Amazon Pick
15

Siggis Skyr Yogurt

Icelandic-style yogurt with way more protein than regular yogurt and less sugar.

15g protein 130 kcal
16

Wonderful Pistachios (no shell)

One of the highest-protein nuts. Satisfying crunch with healthy fats and fibre.

6g protein 160 kcal Amazon Pick
17

Fairlife Core Power Protein Shake

Ready-to-drink, 26g of protein, lactose-free. Best post-workout convenience snack.

26g protein 170 kcal Amazon Pick
18

Quest Protein Chips

Tastes like real chips but with 18g protein. Tortilla style is the crowd favourite.

18g protein 140 kcal Amazon Pick
๐Ÿ’ช

Fairlife Core Power Elite Protein Shakes (26g) โ€” 12 Pack

Ultra-filtered milk protein, 26g protein, only 170 calories. No prep, no mess. Chocolate and vanilla available. A staple for anyone hitting protein goals on the go.

View on Amazon โ†’

*As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

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RXBAR Whole Food Protein Bars โ€” 12 Count Variety Pack

Made with egg whites, dates and nuts โ€” no junk, no fillers. 12g protein per bar. The most transparent protein bar on the market. Great for lunchboxes too.

View on Amazon โ†’

*As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

๐ŸŒฑ Plant-Based High-Protein Snacks

Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan or just trying to eat less meat, these plant-based options deliver serious protein.

19

Roasted Chickpeas

Crunchy, satisfying and full of fibre + protein. Season with paprika and garlic powder.

10g protein 180 kcal
20

Peanut Butter on Apple Slices

Natural PB + apple = fibre, protein and healthy fats. A classic combo that never fails.

8g protein 200 kcal
21

Lentil Crackers + Hummus

Higher protein than regular crackers. Pair with 3 tbsp of hummus for a complete snack.

11g protein 190 kcal
22

Tempeh Strips

Slice, season and pan-fry tempeh strips. More protein than tofu and a satisfying chew.

15g protein 160 kcal
23

Black Bean Quesadilla (Mini)

Half a whole wheat tortilla, black beans and a sprinkle of cheese. Microwave in 90 seconds.

13g protein 220 kcal
24

Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seeds soaked overnight in almond milk with a scoop of protein powder. Creamy and filling.

16g protein 200 kcal
25

Smoked Salmon + Cream Cheese Crackers

Elegant, filling and loaded with omega-3s and protein. Feels like a treat but is totally on-plan.

16g protein 190 kcal

โœ… Pro Tip: Mix and match 2โ€“3 of these snacks throughout the day to hit your protein goal without overeating. A good target is 20โ€“30g of protein per snack if you’re very active, or 10โ€“15g for lighter snacking.

Get Your Free High-Protein Snack Cheat Sheet! ๐ŸŽ‰

The 10 best high-protein snacks ranked by protein โ€” with calories, where to buy them and exactly how to prep them. Free instant download!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies as a high-protein snack? โ–ผ
Generally, a snack with 10g or more of protein qualifies as high-protein. For very active people or those with high protein targets, aim for 15โ€“25g per snack. The snacks above all meet the 10g minimum.
How many high-protein snacks should I eat per day? โ–ผ
Most people benefit from 1โ€“2 protein-rich snacks per day between meals. The right amount depends on your daily calorie and protein goals. Use our Calorie Calculator to find your personal targets.
Are high-protein snacks good for weight loss? โ–ผ
Yes! Protein is the most satiating macronutrient, meaning it keeps you fuller for longer and helps reduce overall calorie intake. Studies show that higher protein diets lead to better weight loss outcomes compared to lower protein diets.
What is the highest protein snack on this list? โ–ผ
Fairlife Core Power Protein Shake tops the list with 26g of protein per serving at only 170 calories. For whole-food options, hummus and chicken bites (25g) and tuna pouches (20g) are excellent choices.
Can I eat high-protein snacks before bed? โ–ผ
Yes โ€” a small high-protein snack before bed (like Greek yogurt or cottage cheese) can actually support muscle recovery overnight. Keep it under 200 calories and avoid snacks high in sugar or fat late at night.
๐Ÿ“…

Want all your snacks planned out for the week?

Download our free 7-Day Meal Planner โ€” it includes snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner with calorie counts for every single meal.

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