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I'm A Dietitian, And These Are The 20 High-Protein Snacks I Always Throw In My Grocery Cart
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Micah Siva is an award-winning cookbook author, trained chef, and registered dietitian, specializing in plant-based cooking and modern Jewish cuisine. On top of my official credentials, I am the target demographic of many snack companies and am constantly being convinced to buy snacks. This feels like a low bar, BUT some protein snacks on the market just aren't doing it for me. I also try to keep it to single-serve options, with the rare exception, because most of my snacking occurs on the go. This is my go-to airplane snack. It's the perfect mix of crunchy and salty, and enough fiber and protein to keep me full. With a whopping 10 grams of protein, it is a winner in the snack aisle. I even like mixing it with popcorn or using it as a salad topper. I'm known to pick out all the pretzels and cheese crackers, don't hate me! Cheese is an original protein bar, but when you don't want to whip out a block of cheddar, this is the next best thing. I love the salty, crunchy, crispy, and umami flavor that these bites bring. You'll often find me adding them to a big bowl of popcorn. A one-ounce serving comes with 13 grams of protein, which is pretty impressive. I love finding protein-rich snacks that aren't sweet — I'm a savory girl! These beef sticks are made with grass-fed and finished beef for a low-sugar, high-protein snack. Each stick has a whopping 10 grams of protein in a convenient package. Where do I sign up? I love that these bars are kept in the refrigerator; it tells me that they're full of good ingredients like peanut butter, honey, and cashew butter. These bars are HEARTY, and my toddler loves sharing them with me. If you are looking for PROTEIN, this could be the best bang for your buck, packed with an impressive 28 grams of protein (seriously, how did they do that?!). David Bars are a little more expensive, but they're one of the highest-protein bars on the market with zero grams of sugar. I find most protein bars to be overly sweet and full of artificial ingredients that cost a fortune and are seriously mediocre. My go-to bars are Aloha — they taste great and are vegan, gluten-free, Kosher, soy-free, and high in fiber, made with organic brown rice protein. I love all the flavors, but always have a Mint Chocolate bar in the cupboard (seriously, they taste like Thin Mints!). Mush has been a lifesaver at airports and hotels across the US. As someone who constantly travels for work, I love getting a few of these to store in my hotel fridge for easy, protein-rich breakfasts. Even better, my toddler loves them. Note that classic flavors have about six to eight grams of protein, while their protein flavors have 15 grams. Eggs are nature's protein bar, each with about six to seven grams of protein, and perfect for anyone looking for a whole-food protein option on the go. Sure, you might smell them a mile away, but you'll love the convenience of these snacks. Plus, no peeling required! If you think protein bars taste like chalk and you'd rather be eating a candy bar, this is for you. Each of these chocolaty, nutty bars is packed with 20 grams of protein and tastes like a caramel-filled, nougat-layered, peanut-y chocolate bar. If you want to drink your protein, take a swig of this drinkable yogurt with just 4 grams of sugar and 20 grams of protein. Not only are you getting a high-protein snack, but a dose of your daily fiber and probiotics to promote a healthy gut! Whenever I travel (which is at least twice a month), I take single-serve packets of protein powder to make quick and easy breakfasts and snacks in my hotel room. I love this all-in-one powder, no blender required for a smoothie on the go. It is packed with collagen, banana, coconut, real vanilla, and more for an impressive 25 grams of protein in one pouch. If you had asked me 10 years ago if chicken-based chips would be on store shelves, I wouldn't have believed you. But it turns out, there's a market for them! Wilde chips are made of chicken breast, bone broth, and egg whites, giving you 13 grams of protein per serving. My son loves these, even as a picky eater! Lactose-free friends, unite! This yogurt is not only delicious, but lactose-free AND full of 20 grams of protein. I love the subtle vanilla flavor with zero added sugars. I like to add a scoop of nutty granola on top for an all-day snack. Craving something salty? Me too. I love these crunchy edamame beans, with an impressive 11 grams of protein per pack. I throw a bag in the car, in my purse, in my diaper bag, and in my suitcase for the busy days ahead. I'll even add them to a salad for added protein! Sometimes I need a little caffeine with my protein, and that means I want a protein coffee without waiting in line at my local coffee shop. I love these Slate canned coffee beverages; they boast 20 grams of protein, low sugar, and are lactose-free (mega win!). I've tried the Salted Caramel and Mocha flavors, and can't wait to get my hands on their other flavors like Cookies and Cream and Vanilla. When my body craves a little treat, whether at 9 a.m. or 9 p.m., I grab a Kodiak Cake Muffin Cup and pop it in the microwave. It's as easy as pour, mix, and microwave, and in 60 seconds, I have a sweet treat with 12 grams of protein and whole grains. My tip: Top it with crunchy peanut butter and flaky salt, best paired with a marathon of reality dating shows. I'm a firm believer that pancakes are an all-day food, not just for breakfast! I love these cottage cheese, egg whites, and oat flour-based pancakes. I eat them on the go, as a peanut butter sandwich, and I even pass them to my toddler in his car seat on long car rides. If you can find them, grab a bunch; they always sell out. No doubt inspired by your favorite coffee shop's egg bites, these are a fantastic way to get a little protein on the go, conveniently found in the refrigerated section with both vegetarian and meaty options. My favorite is the Harvest Vegetable Hash with egg whites, cottage cheese, asiago, sweet potato, onion, celery, and butternut squash. If you love "girl dinner," you'll love this on-the-go charcuterie snack from Aldi with Genoa aalami, provolone, and breadsticks, packaged in a single-serve snack with 19 grams of protein per pack. Think of it as your own personal picnic. Cottage cheese is still having a moment, and I am here for it. I love a small curd cottage cheese; it's a little smoother and a great entryway into the world of cottage cheese. With 12 grams of protein per serving, it's a great snack or breakfast option. I like to add a dash of maple syrup and vanilla extract in mine, and serve it with sliced berries. So good!