11 High-Protein Snacks to Help You Avoid the Dreaded Afternoon Slump

“Orgain upped the protein bar game by adding its popular protein powder to bars. It provides 10 grams of plant-based protein without soy and gluten, and it’s low on sugar. This can be a great mid-morning snack to keep you satisfied until lunch,” Meyer-Jax says. 

“Cottage cheese is a high-quality protein snack that is low in sugar, but it can often feel pretty plain,” Meyer-Jax says. With its multiple fruit flavors, “Good Culture upped the flavor game and has 16-19 grams per serving, which is higher than many Greek yogurts. Cottage cheese is also an easy protein add for salads, or to use as a dip with veggies.”

“At 11 grams per serving, this high-protein pasta could be a great whole-food workout recovery snack, as it has a good balance of carbs and protein to refuel muscles,” says registered dietitian and nutritionist  Kelly Houston, M.S., R.D.N. Modern Table pastas are also made from lentils and rice, which means they have “potassium and other heart-healthy nutrients, which are lacking in most traditional pastas.”

“I love high protein bites,” Meyer-Jax says. “They literally are the perfect car or shuttle-ready commuter snack. The Protein Plus bites pack 10-13 grams, which should help fuel long trips home.”

Made from peas and lentils, Peatos are intended to satisfy all of your crunchy snack cravings. “Peatos have a decent amount of protein and over 10 percent of daily fiber value,” Houston says. 

Yes, you love to eat healthy...but sometimes, you just want a freaking cookie. Meyer-Jax likes these protein cookies because it doesn’t just contain protein powder: “much of the protein comes from whole food sources, such as nuts and grains,” she says. “Reward food that delivers on nutrition? That’s the win-win I’m looking for with my clients when they have late-night snacking needs.”

“Safe Catch tuna is a great option for athletes,” Houston says. “They test every fish before purchasing to ensure a mercury content so low that you can eat it every day. In addition to being a high-quality lean protein source, it’s also a good source of heart-healthy omega 3 fats.” Plus, they come in pouches, so they’re easy to grab and eat on the run. 

There are tons and tons of protein shakes on the market, but Meyer-Jax likes the OWYN 100 percent Plant Protein shake best of all. “Not only does it provide all nine essential amino acids, but it also helps get in some greens by delivering an organic kale, spinach, and broccoli blend,” she says. 

“Purely Elizabeth Vibrant Oats provides unique flavors such as pitaya or dragonfruit, which is packed with antioxidants,” Meyer-Jax says. “Better yet, it’s a good source of both protein (8-9 grams) and fiber (6-7 grams).” With the single-serving cups, you have no excuse to skip breakfast. 

“I love hard-boiled eggs as a snack,” Houston says. “In addition to protein, they offer many other nutrients, like iron, choline, and lutein.” Vital Farm eggs are also great because they “come in a convenient two-pack that’s great to grab and go.”

Yes, “turkey stick” is perhaps not the most appetizing name for a food product ever. But if you have a craving for beef jerky, this snack (which contains 7 grams of protein and 4 grams of carbs) is a nice alternative.