Looking for store bought healthy high protein snacks to take on the go for you or your kids? Protein is the key element to a satisfying snack. But, it’s hard to find pre-workout snack ideas you can feel good about eating on a regular basis! In this post, I’m sharing all of my favorite high protein store bought snacks.
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Whether your goal is weight loss, to energize before a big work out, or just generally get more protein in throughout the day this post is for you. Good pre-workout snacks are hard to come by so I’m sharing some great finds.
Getting ready to start a strength training workout? You might want to consider a high-protein snack first! These are the best pre-workout snacks for any time of day. Proper nutrition includes plenty of protein and I’m here to help you achieve that goal.
1. Dry Roasted Edamame
I love having dry roasted edamame for a snack! Each serving (about a third of a cup) has 14 grams of protein. Sometimes I’ll have these on an empty stomach before starting breakfast for a bit of protein and a quick snack.
- High-Protein All-Natural Vegan: Our edamame is dried and processed to preserve its nutrients and has 14g of protein per serving. Naturally gluten-free, low in calories, vegan, non-gmo, and an excellent source of protein, fiber, potassium and iron.
2. Truvani Protein Powder
I have tried I think three or four different protein powders by now and don’t really love the taste of any of them. Except for Truvani that is! Chocolate is my favorite, Peanut Butter is next, and in third place (for me) is Vanilla! Of course what flavor your pick will depend on personal preferences.
One bag has 20 servings but here is how I stretch it out to last me a whooping 40 servings. I only use a half a scoop (10 grams of protein) in one cup of Fairlife milk (13 grams). This gives me a delicious chocolate milk that has a total of 23 grams of protein.
- Premium, Hand-Selected Ingredients: Elevate your health with Truvani plant-protein powder, crafted with premium ingredients to support a clean and vibrant lifestyle. Indulge guilt-free in a variety of decadent flavors, all made with vegan ingredients. Truvani is ideal for those with dietary restrictions or sensitivities, promoting digestive wellness.
I think it’s a good idea to put this in a fruit smoothie, too! Or toss it into some greek yogurt for a super high protein-packed snack. It’s great for muscle growth!
3. Cashew Butter Chocolate Protein Bars
This is the snack that inspired the entire post! You see, I wrote a blog article about daily meals plans that were all over 140 grams of protein for the day. I shared five full days. You can check that post out here if you want.
Anyways, I mentioned this protein bar in that post. I can see in my affiliate sales dashboard that y’all most be loving those because they are my most clicked/purchased link! Honestly, they are my favorite too. The price is ridiculously low for 4 bars of this quality and taste. It’s like Target has a little hidden gem.
I think the best part about these bars is the incredibly short ingredient list (and hey, you can actually pronounce all of the ingredients!). Needless to say, I’m very impressed with these protein bars.
4. RXBAR Chocolate Sea Salt Protein Bars
Coming in second choice for protein bars are RXBars. If you’re relying soley on the front packaging you’d think it was all real food ingredients. Then flip over to the ingredients label and you’ll see they real sneaky like add natural flavors. I’m not worried about.
We’re still avoiding high fructose corn syrup, seed oils, and excessive sugar. They are a great option for when you’re on the go and really need a snack with some protein. Just wanted you to be aware that unlike the Target option, we do have some “natural flavors” being added in here.
5. Dry Roasted Chickpeas
If you’re a chickpea lover listen up! Roasted chickpeas are the perfect snacking option and hearty complex carbohydrates. However, a lot of them have added seed oils in the ingredient list. If you choose to avoid those as much as possible like I do, finding an option with JUST organic roasted chickpeas/salt in the ingredient list is HARD. But at last I finally have found a great option.
Also, these are “lightly roasted” which means they aren’t break your teeth hard. If you read the reviews a lot of other customers are saying the same thing. They have a nice crunch, but aren’t hard as rocks like most dried chickpeas.
These are also good as post-workout snacks for blood sugar levels and fitness goals.
6. Beef Sticks
These are really the snack to go for if you’re looking for high protein and low calorie. I love that it’s also 0 grams of sugar. Chomps in my opinion is the best brand but of course there tons of other brands out there to explore! These are my picks for before or after high intensity exercise.
- Total Snackage: Each satisfying 1.15 oz Original Beef Jerky snack stick is made with high quality, real ingredients, has 10 grams of protein, zero sugar, and just 100 calories. The perfect snack you can feel good about anytime, anywhere.
These are great for taking on hikes, to the gym, to work, and beyond! They are a great pre-workout meal paired with a few other protein sources. Or, maybe a spoonful of almond butter, peanut butter, or other nut butters favorite would help “beef” this snack up more. Pun intended..
7. Pistachio Packs
Now, these aren’t the highest protein option out there. But each pack does give you 6 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. Pair a pack of these with a cheese stick and you’ll have a well balanced snack with plenty of protein. Pistachios are actually one of the highest protein forward nut options. They are great for a small snack.
- SIZE: Size 9 x 0.75 Ounce (21 g) Bags / Net Wt 6.75 Ounce (189 g) No Shells – Our Wonderful Pistachios (Pack of 9) single-serving .75 ounce bags makes snacking on-the-go, healthy snack tasty and easy. Throw one of these individually packaged snacks in your purse or in your lunch bag for a deliciously fulfilling protein snack. See nutrition information for fat content.
These are also pretty affordable since you get 9 individually packages in this bundle. It’s just so easy to grab and go!
8. Tuna Packets on Crackers
You won’t catch me eating these (the thought is just a total turn off) but since my husband is obsessed and always has a pack of these in his work lunchbox, I thought I would add it to the list. I guess it’s really just a personal preference whether or not you like the taste of these! If you do, that is awesome because they make for a great high protein snack for optimal performance.
- DELICIOUS, FRESH FLAVOR: We’ve teamed up with the flavor connoisseurs at Thai Kitchen to create this elegantly seasoned wild caught tuna in a convenient, on-the-go packet. The sweet and spicy tang of red chili adds a delicate kick to your favorite salads or pastas.
One packet of this Tuna has only 90 calories but 15 grams of protein! Those are great numbers. They give him enough energy to make it through 12 hour shifts and intense workouts (as a snack not a full meal, that is).
9. Tosi Super Pops
Okay these are PRICEY but if you want something new to try and feel like treating yourself these look delish. The ingredient list? SUPERB. Such clean, awesome ingredients that won’t leave you feeling less than wonderful. Each serving has 8 grams of protein.
- BITE-SIZED DELICIOUS NUTRITION: These nut-free, vegan snacks are loaded with 8 grams of plant protein and a variety of organic ingredients such as flax seeds, hemp seeds, quinoa and coconut sugar. Perfect for curbing hunger between meals.
10. Bearded Brothers Organic Vegan Protein Bars
So the actual amount of protein in these bars is less than optimal. Actually, each bar only has around 5 grams of protein. However, the ingredients are so so super clean AND it is certified organic. The cherry on top? They are actually really affordable in my opinion!
Of course, you might just want to pair these with a cheese stick for more protein if you are on a energy exerting hike but overall a great snack bar to have.
- VEGAN WHOLE FOODS BAR: Clean, simple, all organic, and truly delicious. The perfect snack bar for anyone and everyone – even kids! A mouth watering, satisfying bite great for on-the-go, office snacks, energy for your hike, lunchbox treats, breakfast and more. This truly is the bar you can feel good about eating and sharing.
Plus, you support a small business by ordering these bars so that makes me feel so good.
11. Pork Rinds
My husband LOVES these things. I feel pretty good about buying them because there are only two main ingredients – pork skins and salt. Each serving has 11 grams of protein and only 70 calories so these definitely pack a protein punch.
- PROTEIN SNACK: satisfy your crunch craving with 11 grams of protein per serving
12. Rise Whey Protein Bars
The ingredients really impressed me on this one for a convenient on the go protein option. Plus, the pricing is really good. 18 grams of protein in each bar is not too shabby at all!!
- 18G PURE WHEY PROTEIN ISOLATE: Easy to digest and with high bioavailability, our bar is a great source of protein and a quality health snack perfect for a high protein diet. With no artificial sweeteners, no sugar alcohols, no preservatives and no added sugar!
13. Three Wishes Cocoa Cereal
Have this for breakfast as a special protein treat, or pack it for an on the go snack. You can totally eat this dry as a snack if you want to skip the milk. But, if you do go ahead and eat this the traditional way you’ll double the protein because most milk has about 8 grams of protein per cup.
- Gluten & Grain Free Cocoa Cereal: Start your day off right with delicious, gluten and grain free Three Wishes Cereal. Our cocoa flavor is the real deal, made from real cocoa. Now you can have your chocolate and eat it too. 8.6 oz box.
Each serving of this cereal has 8 grams of protein and about 130 calories. Now, is this something I would eat every single day? Probably not. But as a special once in a while breakfast treat or snack option for when you need extra protein in a pinch it is certainly a delicious option.
14. Protein Chewy Bites
Want an absolutely delicious way to get roughly 10 grams of protein? These protein chewy bites are the bomb. You get five different flavors in this variety pack. Love that there is a bit of healthy fats in there, too!
- Brought to you by Whole Foods Market. The packaging for this product has a fresh new look. During this transition, you may get the original packaging or the new packaging in your order, but the product and quality is staying exactly the same. Enjoy!
I bet you haven’t seen these on any other high protein snack idea lists. They are sort of a hidden gem. Such a great way to get pre-workout fuel.
15. Portable Protein Snack Pack
If you have access to a refrigerator wherever you are taking these store bought snacks (maybe to work?!) then a protein-packed snack like this is something to add to your next shopping list for enough fuel. It’s tasty, affordably, and gets you over 10 grams of protein.
Hard-boiled eggs are of course also great if you have a refrigerator and you can buy them already boiled to save time! They are full of amino acids and great energizers.
Conclusion
My number one top pick? The Target Good & Gather Cashew Butter Chocolate Protein Bars! I just can NOT get over how cheap they are and how spectacularly clean the ingredients are. Just trust me and give them a try. They taste amazing and provide a boost in energy levels.
Overall, you can definitely add in some extra protein and help curb those severe hunger cravings by having a high protein store bought snack in the morning or afternoon. It’s the perfect way to boost that protein intake! These are all great pre-workout snacks that I’d highly recommend as best foods.
