Reaching for packaged snacks? Checking the protein content is a smart first move. But a few other factors can make the difference between a snack that grabs you and one that leaves you hungry an hour later.
A protein-rich meal should help you stay full, support consistent energy, and meet your overall nutritional goals.
We asked MyFitnessPal’s registered dietitians to share their personal favorite packaged protein snacks—and how they make them work in real life.
Why Protein Snacks Can Help
Proteins play an important role in food regulation. Research shows that high-protein foods can increase feelings of fullness compared to low-protein options (1).
That doesn’t mean that every snack needs 30 grams of protein. But it does mean that choosing options that contain a reasonable amount of protein can make a real difference in how satisfied you feel between meals.
Our nutritionist also emphasized pairing protein with fiber whenever possible. Fiber slows digestion and supports fullness (2).
You may also like
What Does Protein Do For Your Body?
Dietitian-Recommended Protein
1. Bada Bean Bada Boom (Fried Broad Beans)
Melissa Jaeger, RD, LD, MyFitnessPal Head of Nutrition, recommends this legume-based meal.
“Sweet, flavorful, and full of protein and fiber—sign me up! Bada Bean Bada Boom is actually broad beans (fava beans)—perfect for satisfying your salty snack cravings while providing some nutritional benefits.”
His favorite flavor – Mesquite BBQ – provides 6g of protein and 4g of fiber per serving (3). Jaeger suggests enjoying them on their own or combining them with fruits or vegetables for added fiber.
2. Wilde Protein Chips
If you like chips but want more filling, Jaeger suggests Wilde Protein Chips.
“I love a crunchy chip but I’m always looking for better options to satisfy my cravings while still adding important nutrients to my day—and Wilde Protein Chips check all the boxes.”
These chips provide 10 grams or more of protein per serving with chicken breast, egg whites, and bone broth to help bulk them up (4).
Pairing with vegetables or fruit adds fiber and makes the snack balanced. Try his favorite Buffalo Chicken flavor, or opt for classic options like Sea Salt & Vinegar.
3. Chomp Beef Sticks
Brookell White, RD, MyFitnessPal Dietitian keeps things simple with simple ingredients.
“I like light meals, especially when there is a lot of protein that helps me feel full for a long time.”
His go-to option provides 10-12g of protein for about 100 calories (5). She also appreciates products that offer natural ingredients and no added sugar.
A high-protein snack like jerky can be especially helpful on busy days when a refrigerator isn’t available.
4. Sweet Shelled Pistachios
White also recommends pistachios as an easy, shelf-stable option.
“Need a light and filling snack to satisfy your salty cravings? Wonderful Salted Pistachios might just be the snack for you!”
A single serving bag provides about 5g of protein as well as fiber and unsaturated fat. Pistachios also provide important vitamins and minerals, including thiamin and vitamin B6 (6).
“Keep protein bars on hand in your home so you always have easy options. This along with nut butters, seeds, cheese sticks and hard-boiled eggs are all good to go,” White adds.
5. Roasted Edamame Beans Only
If you’re looking for a plant-based dish, roasted edamame is a solid option.
Emily Sullivan, RD, MyFitnessPal Dietitian recommends this snack when you’re looking for something filling and satisfying.
“They deliver 11g of plant-based protein in a solid, delicious meal, helping you stay full and energized between meals or after exercise.”
With 4g of fiber per serving and all the essential amino acids as a complete plant protein, edamame offers a well-rounded plant-based option (7,8).
You may also like
Can You Get Enough Protein from a Vegan Diet?
6. Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shake
Sullivan also recommends high-protein 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 eat easily.”
This shake delivers 30g of complete protein with 2g of sugar (9) making it a solid protein snack choice when you’re short on time or on the go.
7. RxBar Protein Energy Bites
Joanna Gregg, RD, MyFitnessPal Dietitian likes these for their simple ingredient list.
“They taste like peanut butter and jelly… but they’re made with peanut butter, apples, dates and egg whites.”
Each serving provides 8g of protein (10). Gregg recommends paying attention to ingredient lists and added sugars when checking protein bars and any packaged snacks.
8. Kodiak Cakes Muffin Power Cup
Gregg says she uses this as a “sweet/dessert option” and loves that there are several flavors to choose from—from blueberry to double dark chocolate.
“I like to grab one of these when I’m craving something sweet for a quick protein-rich option. These cups have up to 15g of added sugar per serving though so use them as a healthy substitute for an indulgent dessert instead of your main meal of the day.”
It has 12g of protein and 4g of fiber per serving (11).
To increase the nutrition even more, he recommends adding fresh berries or crushed strawberries before microwaving. That little addition adds natural sweetness, a pop of tart flavor, and extra fiber.
Gregg also offers a broad tip when buying packaged snacks: look for a few ingredients, especially visible ones, and watch out for added sugar. High protein and fiber with low added sugar is what you want.
9. TRUBAR Cocoa for Coconuts Protein Bar
Katherine Basbaum, RD, MyFitnessPal Dietitian, doesn’t hide her excitement about this.
She admits she’s “a lover of anything chocolate and coconut,” so when she found this bar, she says she was “in heaven.” What surprised her most was that something dense, chewy, and rich was 190 calories while delivering 12 grams of protein and 14 grams of fiber per bar (12).
He also points out that the product offers several other flavors with similar nutritional profiles, making it easy to switch up options and avoid getting into a snacking dilemma.
When evaluating protein bars, Basbaum recommends looking at the whole picture: high protein, high fiber, and little added sugar.
10. Harvest the Green Snack Pea
Katherine Basbaum, RD, achieves this when she wants something crunchy and flavorful without opting for traditional chips.
He says they are his choice of chips and loves that they are made with just a few simple ingredients.
“I don’t know how they do it, but Harvest Snaps are so delicious, satisfying and nutritious.”
One serving, which is about 22 crisps, provides 5 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and 75mg of sodium (3), making it a balanced option for a salty snack break (13).
Basbaum usually sticks to the original flavor but notes that it also comes in fun flavors like Caesar and White Cheddar, giving you options depending on how you’re feeling.
How to Choose the Best Protein Foods
For all nutritionists, the advice was unanimous:
- Choose snacks where protein is an important part of the meal profile.
- Pair protein with fiber if possible
- Check for added sugar and aim for the lowest number possible.
- Choose visible ingredients
Katherine Basbaum, RD, MyFitnessPal Dietitian also reminds readers that packaged snacks aren’t the only solution:
There is definitely a place for pre-made high-protein snacks when you’re short on time and need something easy or portable. But don’t forget about the easy options already in your fridge or pantry.
Leftover roast chicken from last night’s dinner? Slice and pair with a few grain crackers and fruit. A scoop of cottage cheese topped with diced tomatoes and cracked pepper would work well.
As long as your base is some form of lean protein, the possibilities are endless for creating easy, high-protein meals.
And remember:
“Just because something is marketed as high protein doesn’t mean it’s automatically ‘healthy.'” — Emily Sullivan, RD, MyFitnessPal Dietitian.
You may also like
5 Signs You May Not Be Getting Enough Protein, According to a Dietitian
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is edamame in the grocery store?
Traditional edamame pods are usually found in the frozen vegetable section. Roasted edamame snacks are often kept in the snack bar next to nuts or other options packed with high protein. - Are low-sugar proteins a healthy choice?
They can be. Look beyond the “low sugar” claim and check the protein and fiber content. A balanced option will contain meaningful protein, some fiber, and limited added sugar. - Is protein popcorn a good snack?
Protein popcorn can be a great snack if it delivers reasonable protein without a lot of added sugar, sodium, or saturated fat. Unlike regular popcorn, some fortified popcorns, such as Khloud, include added milk protein or other protein ingredients to increase the protein content. (14). So, as with any packaged drink, check the nutrition label.
The Bottom Line
Snacking doesn’t have to be an afterthought, and it doesn’t have to leave you hungry an hour later.
If you choose options that contain real protein, as well as fiber, they can help you feel satisfied, boost your energy, and make it easier to show up for your next meal without feeling too hungry.
You don’t need to get it perfect. You just need a few better options that are ready when hunger strikes.
And if you want to know how your snacks add up, logging into the MyFitnessPal app can help you see how protein, fiber, and extra sugary foods add up throughout the day.
Small improvements. Real impact.
The post 10 Protein-Packed Meals That Taste Good (And Keep You Full) appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.
