High Protein Snacks:

In High Protein Snacks: No matter where you are, it’s always important to eat regularly in order to maintain the balance of nutrients your body needs to function properly.

But this isn’t always easy when you’re busy. This list of high protein snacks that are portable and ready-to-eat will help you keep your energy levels up and stave off hunger pangs whenever you need to fuel up on the go.

Cottage cheese

In High Protein Snacks: If you’re looking for a portable high protein snack that’s not just a piece of cheese, cottage cheese is a great alternative.

It can easily be brought to work or school with you and eaten between meals or as an accompaniment to your lunch. A large cup (six ounces) of fat free cottage cheese contains 20 grams of protein, almost half of your daily recommended intake.

Plus, it’s incredibly filling and leaves you feeling satisfied without adding extra calories. Stick with plain varieties or add some fresh fruit and nut butter on top!

Greek yogurt

Traditional yogurt gets a protein boost when milk is fermented with beneficial bacteria. Greek yogurt is strained to remove excess liquid and fat, which makes it richer in protein (usually double or triple that of regular yogurt) while also making it leaner than other varieties.

To top it off, many Greek yogurts are also fortified with calcium, vitamin D and/or vitamin A. The thicker texture also makes Greek yogurt an excellent choice for dips or spreads (it’s especially great paired with fresh fruit).

If you prefer to avoid dairy altogether, there are several vegan brands that make Greek-style yogurts using soy or coconut milk.

Dark chocolate bars

If you’re in a rush and need some quick fuel, grab a handful of dried fruit. According to registered dietitian nutritionist Anna-Marija Hoffman, any fruit with a low glycemic index that’s unsweetened can be considered a smart snack.

Fruits with high glycemic indices (or those that convert sugar into energy faster) should be avoided when trying to lose weight or prevent weight gain.

Snack on unsweetened cherries, apples, apricots, and strawberries instead of sweets like cakes and cookies—your belly will thank you.

Fruits are loaded with antioxidants, which means they’re good for your overall health. Eating more antioxidant-rich foods will reduce your risk of cancer and other diseases as well!

Dried fruit

Trail mix is a great go-to snack to keep at your desk, in your bag or purse, or stashed in your desk at work. The combination of protein and fiber will give you energy that lasts through most of your day.

If you’re not a fan of trail mix, dried fruit such as apricots, figs and raisins are also good options. Dried fruit is higher in sugar than trail mix so you might want to portion it out over a few snacks instead of eating an entire container at once (but let’s be honest—who could resist?).

Plus, dried fruit can help cut down on cravings if they set in while you’re on-the-go. Opt for mixed varieties to get a mixture of protein and fiber with each bite.

Almonds

You can take them anywhere, they are portable and they have a high protein content. They’re also full of healthful fats (around 6 grams per serving) as well as lots of vitamin E and calcium.

They don’t taste like much on their own, but you can use them to top salads or add them to baked goods, smoothies and your favorite trail mix.

You can also buy almond butter to spread on breads or make your own by grinding almonds in a food processor with a little bit of salt.

If you opt for store-bought, just be sure to read labels carefully because some brands include extra oils that add unnecessary calories and fat that won’t help keep you full until your next meal.

Peanut butter packs

Skip sugary treats that are high in fat and calories, and instead stock up on nutrient dense foods like nuts. Research has shown that people who snack on nuts and peanuts tend to be healthier than those who don’t snack at all.

Keep a bag of walnuts or almonds handy to snack on before dinner—it’s an easy way to prevent overeating later in the evening. If you get hungry mid-afternoon, grab a handful of nuts to tide you over until dinner time.

Edamame

This tasty, high protein snack is available frozen in many grocery stores. The advantage of frozen edamame is that it’s already shelled and requires zero prep time.

Simply pop a handful into your mouth and you’re good to go! Just be careful when opening—the pods can pop out of their shells unexpectedly.

Jerky

Whether you’re on a business trip or heading out for a hike, packing beef jerky is one of my favorite ways to get extra protein without much bulk.

Many stores sell small snack-sized bags of jerky that make it easy to grab before hitting up your destination. The only downside is that they can be expensive.

It’s far cheaper (and healthier) to buy your own lean cuts of meat and make your own at home, though it takes some time to cook all of those strips!

Hummus and carrots

With 4 grams of protein per 2 tablespoon serving, hummus is a great source of portable nutrition. And it’s packed with healthy fats and fiber to keep you feeling full as well.

Try dipping veggies like carrots in hummus for an easy and delicious snack. Or make your own hummus at home using canned chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic powder and tahini paste or peanut butter.

Just combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. This recipe has 6 grams of protein per 2 tablespoons. Add cayenne pepper or black pepper if you want some spice!

Hard boiled eggs

The egg is one of nature’s most perfect foods. It’s inexpensive, packed with protein and rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

They also taste great whether prepared scrambled, sunny side up or deviled. In addition to being quick and convenient, hard boiled eggs are portable and make a tasty snack on-the-go.