The Best High-Protein Snacks (Ranked by Nutrition, Sugar & Ingredients)
Protein-packed snacks with 10-20g+ per serving. Bars, shakes, granola, and more to keep you full and fuel your muscles.
💪 Protein Powerhouses
The highest protein options to maximize satiety and muscle fuel
Chocolate Mint Builder's Protein Bar, 2.4 OZ
Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bar, 1.4 OZ
Nature Valley Protein Chewy Bars, Peanut, Almond & Dark Chocolate
Nature Valley Protein Chewy Bars, Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate
Hot Chocolate Protein Bar, 1.4 OZ
Barebells Chocolate Dough
Think! Bar Crmy Pnt Btr Gf 5Pc
Nature Valley Protein Smoothie Berry Bars
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bar, 2.12 OZ
Matcha Vanilla Protein Bar, 1.4 OZ
Chunky Peanut Butter Bar, 2.12 OZ
Organic Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Protein Bar, 1.76 OZ
Kodiak Cakes Peanut Butter Crunchy Granola Bars
Protein One 90 Calorie Protein Bar, Chocolate Chip
Barebells Cookies & Cream
Think! Bar Keto Choc Pb 5Pc
Protein One 90 Calorie Protein Bar, Strawberry Cream
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bar, 2.12 OZ
Vanilla Cashew Almond Protein Chewy Bites, 1.58 OZ
Chocolate Chip Protein Cookie, 1.69 OZ
Think! Bar Brownie Crunch 5 Piece
THE Snack Mates Chicken & Apple Sticks, 2.5 OZ
One Bar, Protein Maple Glazed Donut
Organic Coconut Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Bars 4 Count, 2.3 OZ
Kodiak Cakes Maple Brown Sugar Crunchy Granola Bars
No Nut Butter Cup Pro Elite Plant Protein Shake, 12 FZ
One Protein Bar Cinnamon Roll Wrap 1 Count
Coconut Macadamia Protein Chewy Bites, 1.58 OZ
Quaker Peanut Butter & Chocolate Granola Bars 5 ea
Peanut Butter & Jelly Protein Popper, 1.58 OZ
Chocolate Chip Protein Waffles, 7.4 OZ
Lemon Zest Bar, 1.69 OZ
What is NOVA?
NOVA isn't just about "good vs bad" but about understanding how food is made. Foods are grouped into 4 categories, from unprocessed or minimally processed (Group 1) to ultra-processed foods (Group 4).
Unprocessed or minimally processedRaw grains, nuts, seeds, fresh produce
Processed culinary ingredientsOils, butter, salt, sugar
Processed foodsSimple foods made by combining NOVA 1 + 2 with methods like baking, canning
Ultra-processedIndustrial formulations with additives
What You Should Know About High Protein Snacks
High-protein snacks (10g+) are about staying full and fueling your muscles—whether you're lifting, trying to eat better, or just sick of crashing between meals. Protein bars are the obvious choice: CLIF Builders (20g), ONE Bars (20g), and Barebells (20g) are the heavy hitters. Ready-to-drink shakes (Core Power, Fairlife, OWYN) are faster and easier to digest, but bars are more portable. Plant-based options (No Cow, Vega, Orgain) work if you're vegan or lactose-intolerant, though they often have a chalkier texture. The key is 10g+ protein per serving—anything less won't keep you full for more than an hour. Avoid bars that are mostly sugar and chocolate coating pretending to be protein (looking at you, some Nature Valley varieties). Pro tip: pair protein snacks with fruit or veggies for balance—a bar plus an apple beats just a bar. And yes, most protein bars taste like dessert because that's how companies get you to eat them. Embrace it—chocolate peanut butter is the universal protein flavor for a reason.
Key Benefits
- Keeps you full for 3-4 hours instead of crashing after an hour like carb-only snacks
- Supports muscle recovery and growth if you're working out or trying to build strength
- Curbs cravings better than sugar-heavy snacks—protein stabilizes blood sugar
- Portable and convenient—no prep, just grab and go when you need fuel
- Many options are lower in sugar than traditional snacks while still tasting good
Buying Guide: How to Choose High Protein Snacks
Start with variety: protein bars (CLIF Builders, ONE, Barebells, No Cow), ready-to-drink shakes (Core Power, Fairlife, OWYN), and protein granola (Kodiak, Trader Joe's). Aim for 15-20g protein per bar—10g is the minimum, but more is better if you're using it as a meal replacement. For shakes, Core Power Elite (42g) is overkill unless you're serious about lifting; regular Core Power (26g) is plenty. Plant-based folks: No Cow and OWYN are the best-tasting options. Budget tip: Costco sells Premier Protein and Quest bars in bulk for way cheaper than grocery stores. Avoid bars with 20g+ sugar—that's basically a candy bar with protein. Chocolate peanut butter and cookies & cream are safe flavor bets; avoid weird flavors (birthday cake, s'mores) unless you've tried them first. Stock your gym bag, car, and desk drawer so you always have one ready. And if you're eating these daily, rotate brands/flavors so you don't burn out.
Quick Comparison
| Product Type | Protein (g) | Taste | Portability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protein Bars (20g+) | 15-20g | Very Good | Excellent | Meal replacement, post-workout |
| Protein Shakes (ready) | 20-30g | Good | Good (needs fridge) | Fast digestion, recovery |
| Protein Granola | 10-12g | Excellent | Medium (bulk) | Breakfast, snacking |
| Plant-Based Bars | 15-20g | Good-Medium | Excellent | Vegan, lactose-free |
| Protein Cookies | 15-20g | Excellent | Good | Dessert alternative |
| Meat/Chicken Sticks | 10-15g | Good | Excellent | Savory option, low-carb |
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