I don’t think I fully understood the importance of protein until I started working atEatingWell.Proteinis not just about building muscle; it’s a vital nutrient that can help you stay satisfied. Not to mention, protein is amazing for your hair, skin and immune health, and eating enough of it canhelp keep you energizedand cognitively sharp throughout the day.
So when I can, I try to consume sources of protein in my diet with every meal—and in between. I love snacking, so healthy snacks are a necessity in my day. And there are plenty of snacks, from prepackaged goodies to easy-to-throw-together handfuls, that have a solid source of protein in each serving.
I could probably write a top 50 list of my favorite snacks, but I narrowed it down to six that are packed with protein to help keep me nourished on busy days.
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Chomps Beef Jerky
Brand
$50$45 at Amazon
Last year, I tried Chomps beef jerky snack sticks for the first time, and it’s been my go-to ever since. I appreciate that it’s made with simple ingredients—I didn’t think beef jerky sticks could taste fresh before biting into aChomps Original Beef Stick. It’s so easy to pack and has become a camping must-have for me. And of course, the best part is the 10 grams of protein in each serving. This brand is available at Trader Joe’s, Costco, Target and Wegmans. Alongside the Original Beef, I also love the zesty-flavored Italian Style Beef Sticks.
Planters Dill Pickle Cashews
$4 at Amazon
Cashews are, no competition, my favorite nuts. I love them dipped in chocolate—like in myDark Chocolate Cashew Clustersrecipe—and I’m a big fan of their subtle, creamier taste. Also, research has shown that cashew consumption can help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol and support skin health.
I recently visited Pittsburgh in July for their annual pickle festival (fittingly called Picklesburgh) and scarfed down endless dill-flavored goodies. Imagine my pleasant surprise when I discovered that Planters hasDill Pickle Cashewsin their lineup. And all I can say is, wow. Each handful is a burst of pickle-y goodness—clearly I’m at a loss for words. With 4 grams of protein per serving, this snack is one I look forward to when I have it in my pantry.
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Justin’s Cinnamon Almond Butter
$10 at Amazon
Almond butter is an easy, fiber-packed and protein-packed spread you can add to your routine.Eating almond butter every daycan help boost your intake of heart-healthy fats and gut-healthy fiber. If you’re a first-time almond butter shopper, I definitely recommend Justin’s almond butter products. They’re a little pricier than the store-brand varieties but, in my opinion, entirely worth it for the perfectly smooth texture and simple ingredients.
My favorite flavor isJustin’s Cinnamon Almond Butter, and even this sweeter option is low in added sugar with just 3 grams per serving—alongside 6 grams of protein per serving. I love adding this cinnamon almond butter tosliced applesand rice cakes for a fibrous crunch.
Yoplait Protein Vanilla Yogurt
Buy Now for $1
Since taste-testing Yoplait’snew line of high-protein yogurts, they’ve been on the top of my grocery list. I love theYoplait Protein vanilla flavoras it’s fully customizable; topping it off with blueberries and granola is one of my favorite healthy breakfasts. But they’re also great as-is for an easy grab-and-go snack, boasting 15 grams of protein per cup. I am also a fan of popping one of these single-serve yogurt cups in the freezer for a deliciously cooling low-sugar dessert. Yummy frozen yogurt with zero effort? Sign me up!
Nice Sweet & Spicy Trail Mix
Buy Now for $4
Park Street Deli Hummus
My favorite one is the Dill Pickle flavor—but don’t go running to buy it, as it’s been impossible to find lately. I’ve been gravitating toward the Garlic-Topped Hummus and the Spicy Hummus varieties while I continue to search for my beloved pickle hummus. Each tablespoon of Park Street Deli hummus has 1 gram of protein, so I usually eat 3 tablespoons with bell peppers and carrots for a heartier snack plate to keep me full until dinnertime.
The 3 Snacks a Celebrity Trainer Swears By for a Pre-Workout Energy Boost
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