On the days when hunger strikes between meals, it is important you have a pantry full of protein-packed snacks to hold you over.
At the same time, you want to enjoy mid-day treats that are holistically nutritious. These snacks should satisfy your hunger, flood your body with essential nutrients and not be too harsh on the caloric bank.
Not sure where to start? Check out these 10 protein-packed snacks to enjoy any day of the week.
No guilt. All goodness.
- Veggies & Yogurt Dip or Hummus
Veggies by themselves are nutritious, but are not your most pronounced source of protein.
That’s where yogurt dip and hummus come in.
These delicious additions partner great with a range of vegetables. Carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes and snap peas are just a few flavorful dipping instruments to savor alongside your spread of choice.
Both yogurt-based dips and hummus are high in protein. However, if you are looking for a super-protein snack, check out Greek yogurt-based spreads.
- Yogurt Parfait
Yogurt parfaits are a flavorful and filling protein-packed snack. They are incredibly customizable, so you can change up your palate by day or by season.
Start with a Greek yogurt base and sprinkle in the toppings of your choice. Mix in some granola, berries and honey to transform this smooth treat into a refreshingly sweet and subtly crunchy snack.
- Tuna
For the fish lovers, tuna is the perfect, protein-packed snack to keep you feeling lean and clean.
Just one cup of tuna contains 39 grams of protein. And if that isn’t impressive enough, that same cup of tuna offers high amounts of other essential nutrients, including B vitamins, selenium and omega-3’s.
- Hard Boiled Eggs
Containing 6 grams of protein, numerous B vitamins and high amounts of trace minerals, hard boiled eggs are a popular protein-packed snack for a reason.
Boil a batch of eggs at the beginning of the week and save them for when hunger makes an appearance.
Grab and go has never been easier.
- Jerky
Believe it or not, all foods that taste amazing aren’t bad for you… and jerky is all the proof you need.
Offering 9 grams of protein per ounce, this dried carnivorous treat is just what you need to carry yourself over to your next meal.
However, your best bet is to make jerky yourself. The store bought products typically contain loads of added sugar, making the packaged version of this protein-packed snack something you should actually steer clear of.
- Turkey Roll-Ups
Bread is the culprit of so many high-calorie snacks (even those that contain ample protein).
So, ditch the bread and get creative.
Take a slice of turkey and dress it in cheese, vegetables and any other toppings that speak to your taste buds. Now, instead of throwing this savory stack on a slice of bread, simply roll her up.
In this case, the slice of turkey will be holding the goods together.
- Apple or Celery with Peanut Butter
Peanut butter so often gets a bad rep. However, when consumed in the recommended serving size, this nutty spread is a nutritional, protein-packed snack.
So grab some apple slices or celery stalks and enjoy 1 to 2 tablespoons of peanut butter as a salty topping.
- Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese isn’t your average cheese, especially when it comes to protein.
Offering 14 grams of protein per half cup of this creamy snack, this food is truly a protein king. In fact, 69% of cottage cheese’s total caloric content is protein.
You can eat it by itself or sprinkle in your favorite fruit for a refreshing treat.
- Edamame
Looking for a simple, salty snack that is high in protein, vitamins and minerals… and that doesn’t break the caloric bank?
Edamame is your answer.
One cup of edamame offers 17 grams of protein, loads of vitamin K and more than 100% of your daily recommended amount of folate.
- Protein Shake
Now, while hard boiled eggs, turkey roll-ups and cottage cheese are phenomenal sources of protein that won’t do damage to your caloric intake, there is an even simpler way to boost your daily protein consumption: protein shakes.
It all starts with a high-quality protein powder. You can mix it with water or blend it into your favorite smoothie. Whatever route you take, you can rest assured that with just a couple shakes or pulses of a blender, you’ll have a simple, sweet and shockingly nutritious beverage ready to be sipped.