This recipe collection has 25 High Protein Snack ideas including sweet snacks, portable snacks, savory snacks and dips!
Here are 25 of my favorite high-protein snacks—some savory, some sweet, and a few surprises that pack more protein than you’d expect. Each one has at least 12 grams of protein per serving, they help keep me going after a workout, or when I don’t have time to make a proper meal.
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Tips for Making High Protein Snacks
- Prep Ahead (Seriously, It Helps!) – I’ve learned the hard way that if I don’t prep snacks in advance, I end up grabbing whatever’s easiest—and let’s just say that’s not always the healthiest option. Now, I make a habit of batch-cooking things like hard-boiled eggs, grilled chicken, or roasted chickpeas so they’re ready to go when I need them.
- Pair Protein with Fiber – Protein keeps you full, but adding fiber makes it last longer. One of my favorite combos is apple slices with peanut butter—it’s sweet, satisfying, and doesn’t leave me hungry an hour later. Hummus with whole wheat crackers or cottage cheese with berries are also solid choices.
- Keep Portable Options on Hand – If I don’t have something high-protein on me when I’m out, I will end up snacking on whatever’s available (hello, gas station chips). Now, I always keep a few easy, grab-and-go snacks like nuts, string cheese, or protein bars in my bag so I don’t get stuck making last-minute choices I regret.
- Use Protein Powder When You Need a Boost – Some days, I just don’t have time to make a full meal, and that’s when protein powder comes in handy. I’ll blend it into a smoothie, mix it into yogurt, or even add it to energy balls. (If you need ideas, check out my Best Recipes with Protein Powder roundup!)
- Mix It Up – Eating the same snack every day gets old fast. I try to keep a mix of sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy snacks so I don’t get bored. Some days, I want Greek yogurt with honey and almonds. Other days, I just need a handful of spicy roasted chickpeas. Keeping it interesting makes it easier to stick with good choices.
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High Protein Staples
These might not hit 12 grams per serving, but they’re still solid protein sources that help you hit your daily goal. I always keep a few of these on hand for easy, no-fuss snacks.
- Eggs: One egg has about 6 grams of protein, and it doesn’t get much easier than that. I like to keep a batch of air fryer hard-boiled eggs in the fridge for quick snacks, or I’ll scramble a few and make avocado toast with eggs.
- Chickpeas: A ½ cup has about 7 grams of protein plus fiber to keep you full. I love roasted chickpeas for a crunchy snack—air fryer chickpeas are my go-to when I want something crispy and salty
- Cheese: A slice of cheddar or mozzarella packs 6–8 grams of protein, and it’s perfect for pairing with fruit, nuts, or crackers. String cheese is also an easy grab-and-go option (and yes, I still peel it like a kid).
- Cottage cheese: A great high-protein snack that you can eat plain or dress up. I like mine with everything bagel seasoning, but adding fruit and honey is just as good.
- Meat: Leftover shredded chicken or ground beef makes for a quick, no-prep snack. I’ll eat it straight from the fridge or dip it in ranch dip, tzatziki, or guacamole to add extra flavor.
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Best High Protein Snacks
High-protein snacks can be as simple or as creative as you want. Sometimes I just need something quick to grab on the go, and other times, I want a snack that actually feels like a mini meal. Savory, salty, sweet—there’s something for every craving. And the best part? Every single one of these snacks has at least 12 grams of protein per serving, so no matter what you’re in the mood for, you’re getting something that’ll actually keep you full.
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Savory High Protein Snack Foods
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Quick and easy to make, these air fryer zucchini chips are a great healthier option for an appetizer. Served with a creamy sour cream dip.
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Cottage Cheese Toast – 4 Ways
These savory cottage cheese toast recipes pair cucumbers with pesto, tomatoes with za’atar, smoked salmon with dill, and avocado with sesame!
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Meat Stuffed Pitas (Arayes)
Quick and easy to make, these Lebanese meat stuffed pitas are one delicious recipe! These beef arayes are ready to enjoy in minutes and every bite is truly tasty!
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Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
Have you tried cooking a Grilled Cheese in the air fryer? The bread turns perfectly crispy, and the cheese melts just right.
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Vegetable Spring Rolls
These Vegetable Spring Rolls are full of colorful veggies rolled up in Vietnamese rice paper and served with a creamy peanut sauce for a fun appetizer idea!
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Crispy Cheese Rolls
Crispy cheese rolls (Rakakat) is the perfect crunchy, ooey-gooey appetizer to make with just a few ingredients. This Lebanese recipe is perfect for Ramadan!
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Fruit & Yogurt Parfait
This easy and delicious fruit and yogurt parfait layers juicy strawberries, creamy Greek yogurt, fresh blueberries, and crunchy granola in every bite!
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Healthy Banana Split
Quick and easy to make, this healthy banana split is perfect for breakfast or snacking. Topped with Greek yogurt, berries, granola and peanut butter drizzle
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Baked Oats
Baked Oats is a viral TikTok recipe that’s getting popular because it’s an easy, versatile & healthy breakfast with a cake taste and texture!
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Trail Mix
Trail mix is the ultimate snack! Keep it on the counter for everyday snacking, or take it on the go for a sweet and salty treat with crunchy nuts, dried cranberries, and chocolate chips.
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Lentil Cakes
Lentil cakes with a creamy lemon dill yogurt dip make for an easy, healthy and delicious appetizer. Simple to make and packed with protein.
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Vegan Protein Bars
These vegan protein bars are a great post workout snack or great for a healthy energy boost. Made with no refined sugar, they are gluten-free and dairy-fee.
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Cheese Fatayer
Cheese Fatayer is a delicious Lebanese pastry perfect for dinner, savory breakfast, or brunch, offering irresistible flavor and comfort in every bite.
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Hummus with Ground Beef
This Hummus with Ground Beef recipe is a simple, authentic and popular Middle Eastern meal – easy to make with your favorite hummus, beef and pine nuts!
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Shrimp Cocktail in Avocado Bowls
Shrimp Cocktail in Avocado Bowls are easy to prepare and a huge hit at parties – making them a fun & delicious appetizer for the holidays!
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Buffalo Chicken Dip
This Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect game day appetizer. You’ll love this cheesy, spicy chicken dip with chips, veggies, and more!
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Black Bean Salsa
This flavorful, chunky black bean salsa is a crowd pleaser and can be made in advance for an easy party appetizer; perfect with tortilla chips
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Avocado Shrimp Salsa
This Avocado Shrimp Salsa is a bright & zesty recipe! It makes the perfect appetizer or even main dish for parties. Serve with tortilla or pita chips and enjoy!
About the Author
Yumna Jawad, who was born in Africa to Lebanese parents and moved to the US at 11 years old, is beloved by millions of fans globally on Instagram, TikTok, and her website, Feel Good Foodie for her unique, delicious, creative and easy recipes that often go viral on social media. She has grown her massive following from scratch the past decade and has recently founded a new culinary venture, Oath Oats, launched in November 2022. Yumna’s viral food trends have been featured by Live with Kelly & Ryan, The Today Show, Good Morning America, PEOPLE, Vogue, and the New York Times. A graduate from the University of Michigan Business School, she now lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband and two kids. Yumna’s parents are both Lebanese so she proudly features Lebanese, middle eastern and Ramadan recipes as part of her heritage. Her first cookbook, The Feel Good Foodie Cookbook, launched in May 2024 (Penguin) and is filled with over 100 approachable, unique and delicious “Middle Eastern meets Midwestern” recipes for the entire family. The cookbook hit the bestseller lists on Amazon, USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly.
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This article originally appeared on Feelgoodfoodie.net and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org
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