Are you reaching for a packaged snack? Checking protein levels is a smart first step. But a few other factors can mean the difference between a snack that keeps you on the edge of your seat and one that leaves you hungry an hour later.
A protein-rich snack should actually help you stay full, support a consistent supply of energy, and fit with your overall nutritional goals.
We asked MyFitnessPal’s registered dietitians to tell us the packaged protein snacks they personally buy—and how they make them work in real life.
Why protein snacks can help
Protein plays an important role in appetite regulation. Research shows that high-protein foods can increase feelings of satiety compared to lower-protein options (1).
That doesn’t mean every snack needs 30 grams of protein. But it does mean that choosing options that contain a meaningful amount of protein can make a real difference in how satisfied you feel between meals.
Several of our nutritionists also emphasized combining protein with fiber when possible. Fiber slows down digestion and supports the feeling of satiety (2).
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Protein snacks recommended by nutritionists
1. Bada Bean Bada Boom (roasted broad beans)
Melissa Jaeger, RD, LD, MyFitnessPal Head of Nutrition, recommends this legume-based snack.
“Crispy, perfectly seasoned and full of protein and fiber – sign up! Bada Bean is actually broad beans (fava beans) – perfect for satisfying your salty snack cravings while providing some great nutritional benefits.”
Your favorite variety – Mesquite BBQ – provides 6g of protein and 4g of fiber per serving (3). Jaeger recommends enjoying them alone or combining them with fruits or vegetables for extra fiber.
2. Wild protein chips
If you love chips but want something more filling, Jaeger Wilde recommends Protein Chips.
“I love crunchy chips, but I’m always looking for better-for-me alternatives to satisfy my cravings while adding essential nutrients to my day – and Wild Protein Chips tick all the boxes.”
These chips provide 10 or more grams of protein per serving from chicken breast, egg whites, and bone broth, which helps make them more substantial (4).
Combining it with vegetables or fruit provides additional fiber and makes the snack more balanced. Try your favorite type of buffalo chicken or opt for classic options like sea salt and vinegar.
3. Chomp’s Beef Jerky Sticks
Brookell White, RD, MyFitnessPal nutritionist values
“I love a grab-and-go snack. Especially if it’s high in protein and keeps me feeling fuller for longer.”
Your preferred option provides 10-12g of protein for about 100 calories (5). She also appreciates brands that offer recognizable ingredients and no added sugar.
Protein-rich snacks like jerky can be especially helpful on busy days when refrigeration isn’t available.
4. Wonderful pistachios without shells
White also recommends pistachios as an easy, shelf-stable option.
“Need a simple and filling snack to satisfy your salt cravings? Wonderful Salted Pistachios could be the snack for you!”
A single-serve sachet contains approximately 5g of protein as well as fiber and unsaturated fats. Pistachios also provide important vitamins and minerals, including thiamine and vitamin B6 (6).
“Keep a handful of protein snacks at home so you always have easy choices. These, along with nut butters, seeds, cheese sticks, and hard-boiled eggs, are great to have on hand,” adds White.
5. The only crispy roasted edamame beans
If you’re looking for a plant-based snack, roasted edamame is a good option.
Emily Sullivan, RD, MyFitnessPal nutritionist, recommends this snack if you’re looking for something crunchy and filling.
“They deliver 11g of plant-based protein per serving in a crunchy, savory bite, ensuring you stay full and energized between meals or after a workout.”
With 4g of fiber per serving and all essential amino acids as a complete plant protein, edamame offers a well-rounded plant-based option (7,8).
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6. Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shake
Sullivan also appreciates protein-rich shakes for convenience.
“As a busy working mom, sometimes I need a snack that I know will give me long-lasting energy that I can easily consume.”
This shake provides 30g of complete protein with just 2g of sugar (9), making it a good choice for a protein-packed snack when you’re short on time or on the go.
7. RxBar Protein Energy Bites
Joanna Gregg, RD, MyFitnessPal nutritionist, likes these for their simple ingredient list.
“They taste like a little dollop of peanut butter and jelly…but are made simply with peanut butter, apples, dates and egg whites.”
Each serving contains 8g of protein (10). Gregg recommends paying attention to ingredient lists and added sugars when evaluating protein bars or packaged snacks.
8. Kodiak Cakes Muffin Power Cup
Gregg says she uses these as a “sweeter dessert option” and loves that there are several flavors to choose from – from blueberry to double dark chocolate.
“I like to reach for one of these when I’m craving something sweet for a quick protein-packed option. However, these cups contain up to 15g of added sugar per serving, so be sure to use them as a healthier replacement for a traditional dessert rather than as a daytime staple.”
It contains 12g protein and 4g fiber per serving (11).
To boost the nutritional value even further, she recommends adding fresh blueberries or diced strawberries before microwaving. This little addition provides natural sweetness, a touch of tart flavor and extra fiber.
Gregg also offers a broader tip when shopping for packaged snacks: Go for fewer ingredients, especially ones you’re familiar with, and watch out for added sugar. You want a higher protein and fiber content with less added sugar.
9. TRUBAR Cocoa for Coconuts protein bar
Katherine Basbaum, RD, MyFitnessPal nutritionist, doesn’t hide her excitement about it.
She admits that she’s “a fan of all things chocolate and coconut,” and when she discovered this bar she said she was “in heaven.” What surprised them most was that something so dense, chewy, and rich only has 190 calories while providing 12 grams of protein and an impressive 14 grams of fiber per bar (12)
She also points out that the brand offers several other flavors with similarly strong nutritional profiles, making it easier to switch up options and avoid falling into the snacking rut.
When evaluating protein bars, Basbaum recommends looking at the big picture: high protein, high fiber, and low added sugar.
10. Harvest Snaps snack chips with green peas
Katherine Basbaum, RD, reaches for these when she wants something crunchy and savory without resorting to traditional chips.
She says they’re her favorite chip alternative and loves that they’re made with just a handful of simple ingredients.
“I don’t know how they do it, but Harvest Snaps are so delicious, filling and nutritious.”
One serving, about 22 chips, provides 5 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and just 75 mg of sodium (3), making them a balanced option for a salty snack break (13).
Basbaum usually sticks with the original flavor, but points out that they also come in fun varieties like Caesar and White Cheddar, so you have options depending on your mood.
How to Choose Better Protein Snacks
Across all nutritionists, the advice was consistent:
- Choose snacks where protein is an important part of the nutritional profile.
- Combine protein with fiber whenever possible
- Watch out for added sugar and aim for as little amount as possible.
- Choose recognizable ingredients
Katherine Basbaum, RD, MyFitnessPal nutritionist, also reminds readers that packaged snacks are not the only solution:
There’s definitely a place for pre-made protein-rich snacks when you’re short on time and need something convenient or portable. But don’t forget about the easy options already in your fridge or pantry.
Leftover grilled chicken from dinner last night? Slice it up and combine it with some whole grain crackers and some fruit. A scoop of cottage cheese with tomato slices and ground pepper can work just as well.
As long as your base consists of some form of lean protein, the possibilities for making a filling, protein-packed snack are endless.
And remember:
“Just because something is marketed as high in protein doesn’t mean it’s automatically ‘healthy’.” – Emily Sullivan, RD, MyFitnessPal Nutritionist.
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Frequently asked questions
- Where can I get edamame in the supermarket?
Traditional edamame pods can usually be found in the frozen section. Roasted edamame snacks are typically stocked on the snack aisle next to nuts or other protein-rich packaged options. - Are low sugar protein bars a healthy choice?
They can be. Look beyond the “low sugar” claim and also check the protein and fiber content. A balanced option contains useful protein, some fiber and little added sugar. - Is protein popcorn a good snack?
Protein popcorn can be a good snack if it provides useful protein without too much sugar, sodium or saturated fat. Unlike regular popcorn, some protein-enriched popcorn brands like Khloud contain additional milk protein isolate or other protein ingredients to increase the protein content. (14). So, as with any packaged snack, check the nutrition label.
The conclusion
Snacks don’t have to be an afterthought and you certainly don’t have to be left hungry an hour later.
If you choose options that contain real protein and, ideally, some fiber, they can help you feel full, stabilize your energy, and make it easier to show up to your next meal without being overly hungry.
You don’t have to get it perfect. You just need some better options when you feel hungry.
And if you’re curious about how your snacks actually add up, log them in the MyFitnessPal The app lets you see how your protein, fiber and added sugar intake adds up throughout the day.
Small upgrades. Real impact.
The post 10 Packaged Protein Snacks That Actually Taste Good (and Keep You Full) appeared first MyFitnessPal Blog.
