Like many people, protein bars are my go-to when I’m looking for a quick, protein-packed snack. But it’s nice to switch things up sometimes! These days, there are endless options for protein snacks you can pack in your purse or gym bag for a healthy snack on the go. Whether you’re in the mood for crunchy and salty or chocolatey and sweet, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Vitacost.com. Here are 11 of my favorites to try.
![Blue Corn Chips with Guacamole on Wooden Cutting Board as Example of Protein Packed Snacks | Vitacost.com/blog]( "11 Protein-Packed Snacks to Fuel Your Day")
Crunchy protein snacks
Rather than reaching for a bag of chips, the next time you’re craving something crunchy, munch on one of these protein-packed, healthy snacks.
Twin Peaks Protein Puffs | Protein: 21 grams per serving
This is high-quality protein specialty snack is a perfect post workout treat that promotes healthy muscle development. It includes 4.2 grams of BCAAs and 4.5 grams of glutamic acid per serving. Choose from four great flavors: sour cream and onion, nacho cheese, mesquite BBQ and jalapeño cheddar.
Kay’s Naturals Protein Pretzel Sticks | Protein: 12 grams per serving
These gluten-free pretzels are made with all-natural ingredients and contain only 125 calories per serving. They also provide 4 grams of fiber to help fill you up. Besides original pretzel flavor, you can enjoy cinnamon toast or jalapeño-honey mustard flavors to satisfy different cravings.
Quest Nutrition Tortilla Style Protein Chips| Protein: 19 grams per serving
You don’t have to wait until Taco Tuesday to crunch on these tortilla chips! They’re baked, not fried, plus they’re gluten-free, kosher and net only 4 grams of carbs per serving. Ranch, chili lime, taco and nacho cheese flavors are all perfect on their own, or dip them in your favorite salsa.
![Quest Nutrition Tortilla Style Protein Chips | Vitacost.com/blog]( "Quest Nutrition Tortilla Style Protein Chips")
Simply 7 Quinoa Curls |Protein: 5 grams per serving
These plant based crunchy curls are made with wholesome quinoa, topped with a pinch of sea salt. Non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher and made with only seven simple ingredients, they’re a nutritious choice any time of day.
Luke’s Organic Multigrain & Seed Protein Chips| Protein: 5 grams per serving
Blue corn and red lentils are the main ingredients in Luke’s multigrain chips. They contain no gluten, soy, dairy or nuts, so this snack can be enjoy by just about anyone. Pair them with salsa, guacamole or munch them straight from the bag!
Hippie Snacks Cauliflower Crisps |Protein: 5 grams per serving
Fully plant-based, these crispy treats are minimally processed using real almonds and cauliflower – all non-GMO, gluten-free and grain free. Enjoy a crunchy snack from a wide variety of flavors including original, cheese, classic ranch, rosemary and sea salt.
Jerky protein snacks
Tanka Buffalo Meat with Cranberries & Pepper Blend |Protein: 7 grams per serving
Lean prairie-raised buffalo bites make an excellent all-natural protein snack. The benefits of these bites include being made with no nitrates, antibiotics or added hormones, as well as no artificial preservatives, dyes or fillers. Also good to know: the ingredients are sourced from Native American producers to help build more sustainable Native food systems.
Vermont Smoke and Cure Turkey Stick | Protein: 10 grams per serving
If Buffalo meat isn’t your thing, try these turkey sticks – they’re also made from vegetarian-fed turkeys raised without antibiotics or hormones. Sugar and gluten-free with only 70 calories per serving, they make perfect snacks for anyone watching sugar and calorie intake.
Sweet protein snacks
Sustainable Snacks Chocolate Superfoods Snacks | Protein: 12 grams per pouch
Craving a sweet treat but also want to get your protein in for the day? A chocolate superfood snack with cranberries, walnuts and pepitas is the way to go! Made with 80% dark chocolate, no refined sugars and 100% plant based ingredients, you’ll feel really good about this addition to your snack rotation.
Enjoy Life Dipped Banana Protein Bites |Protein: 8 grams per serving
Enjoy Life products are well known for being allergen friendly and delicious. In these bites, you’ll find real bits of banana, surrounded by a vegan chocolate pumpkin seed coating. Enjoy them with an afternoon cup of coffee or tea. They also come in convenient individual packs for when you need a quick pick me up – wherever you are!
Setton Farms Pistachio Chewy Bites | Protein: 5 grams per serving
Pistachio chewy bites are made with over 50% pistachios, no trans fats or cholesterol and are a heart-healthy snack. This tasty snack is infused with blueberry, cranberries and coconut to really hit that sweet spot.
