Reaching for a packaged snack? Checking the protein content is a smart first move. But a few other factors can make the difference between a snack that holds you over and one that leaves you hungry an hour later.
A protein-rich snack should actually help you stay full, support steady energy, and fit into your overall nutrition goals.
We asked MyFitnessPal’s registered dietitians to share 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 higher-protein foods can increase feelings of fullness compared to lower-protein options (1).
That doesn’t mean every snack needs 30 grams of protein. But it does mean choosing options that contain a meaningful amount of protein can make a real difference in how satisfied you feel between meals.
Several of our dietitians also emphasized pairing protein with fiber when possible. Fiber slows digestion and supports fullness (2).
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Dietitian-Recommended Protein Snacks
1. Bada Bean Bada Boom (Roasted Broad Beans)
Melissa Jaeger, RD, LD, MyFitnessPal Head of Nutrition, recommends this legume-based snack.
“Crunchy, perfectly seasoned, and packed with protein and fiber—sign me up! Bada Bean Bada Boom is actually broad beans (fava beans)—perfect for satisfying your salty snack cravings while serving up some awesome nutrition benefits.”
Her favorite flavor – Mesquite BBQ – provides 6g of protein and 4g of fiber per serving (3). Jaeger suggests enjoying them alone or pairing them with fruit or vegetables for additional fiber.
2. Wilde Protein Chips
If you love chips but want something more filling, Jaeger suggests Wilde Protein Chips.
“I love a crunchy chip but I am always on the lookout for better-for-you options to satisfy my craving while still adding key nutrients to my day—and Wilde Protein Chips check 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).
Pairing them with vegetables or fruit adds fiber and makes the snack more balanced. Try her favorite Buffalo Chicken flavor, or opt for classic options like Sea Salt & Vinegar.
3. Chomps Beef Jerky Sticks
Brookell White, RD, MyFitnessPal Dietitian values convenience and simple ingredients.
“I love a grab-and-go snack. Especially when it’s high in protein which helps me to feel full longer.”
Her go-to option provides 10-12g of protein for about 100 calories (5). She also appreciates brands that offer recognizable ingredients and no added sugar.
High-protein snacks like jerky can be especially helpful on busy days when refrigeration isn’t available.
4. Wonderful No Shells Pistachios
White also recommends pistachios as an easy, shelf-stable option.
“Need an easy and filling snack to satisfy your salty cravings? Wonderful Salted Pistachios may be the snack for you!”
A single-serving bag provides about 5g of protein along with fiber and unsaturated fats. Pistachios also provide important vitamins and minerals, including thiamin and vitamin B6 (6).
“Have a handful of protein snacks stocked in your home so that you always have easy options. These along with nut butters, seeds, cheese sticks and hard boiled eggs are all great to keep on hand,” White adds.
5. The Only Bean Crunchy Roasted Edamame
If you’re looking for a plant-based snack, roasted edamame is a strong option.
Emily Sullivan, RD, MyFitnessPal Dietitian recommends this snack when you’re looking for something crunchy and satisfying.
“They deliver 11g of plant-based protein per serving in a crunchy, savory bite, helping keep you full and energized between meals or after workouts.”
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 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 easily consume.”
This shake delivers 30g of complete protein with only 2g sugar (9) making it a solid choice for a high protein snack 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 a little burst of peanut butter and jelly… but are made from simply peanut butter, apples, dates and egg whites.”
Each serving provides 8g of protein (10). Gregg recommends paying attention to ingredient lists and added sugar when evaluating protein bars or any 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 love to grab one of these when I am craving something sweet for a quick protein rich option. These cups do have up to 15g added sugar per serving though so definitely use it as a healthier sub for a traditional dessert as opposed to a staple of your day.”
It has 12g of protein and 4g of fiber per serving (11).
To boost the nutrition even more, she recommends adding fresh blueberries or diced strawberries before microwaving. That little addition adds natural sweetness, a pop of tart flavor, and extra fiber.
Gregg also offers a broader tip when shopping for packaged snacks: look for fewer ingredients, especially ones you recognize, and pay attention to added sugar. Higher protein and fiber with lower 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 one.
She admits she’s “a sucker for anything chocolate and coconut,” so when she discovered this bar, she says she was “in heaven.” What surprised her most was that something so dense, chewy, and rich clocks in at just 190 calories while delivering 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 nutrition profiles, making it easier to rotate options and avoid getting into a snack rut.
When evaluating protein bars, Basbaum recommends looking at the full picture: high protein, high fiber, and low in added sugars.
10. Harvest Snaps Green Pea Snack Crisps
Katherine Basbaum, RD, reaches for these when she wants something crunchy and savory without defaulting to traditional chips.
She says they’re her go-to 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 tasty, satisfying, and nutritious.”
One serving, about 22 crisps, provides 5 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and just 75mg of sodium (3), making them a balanced option for a salty snack break (13).
Basbaum typically sticks with the original flavor but notes that they also come in fun varieties like Caesar and White Cheddar, giving you options depending on your mood.
How to Choose Better Protein Snacks
Across all dietitians, the advice was consistent:
- Choose snacks where protein is a meaningful part of the nutrition profile.
- Pair protein with fiber when possible
- Check for added sugars and aim for the lowest number possible.
- Choose recognizable ingredients
Katherine Basbaum, RD, MyFitnessPal Dietitian also reminds readers that packaged snacks aren’t the only solution:
There’s definitely a place for pre-made high-protein snacks when you’re short on time and need something convenient or portable. But don’t forget about simple options already in your fridge or pantry.
Leftover grilled chicken from last night’s dinner? Slice it up and pair it with a few whole-grain crackers and some fruit. A scoop of cottage cheese topped with sliced tomatoes and cracked pepper can work just as well.
As long as your base is some form of lean protein, the possibilities are endless for building a satisfying, high-protein snack.
And remember:
“Just because something is marketed as high protein doesn’t mean that it is automatically ‘healthy.’” — Emily Sullivan, RD, MyFitnessPal Dietitian.
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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 typically stocked in the snack aisle near nuts or other high-protein packaged options. - Are low sugar protein bars a healthy choice?
They can be. Look beyond the “low sugar” claim and check protein and fiber content as well. A balanced option will contain meaningful protein, some fiber, and limited added sugars. - Is protein popcorn a good snack?
Protein popcorn can be a good snack if it delivers meaningful protein without too much added sugar, sodium, or saturated fat. Unlike regular popcorn, some protein-fortified popcorn brands, such as Khloud, include added milk protein isolate or other protein ingredients to increase protein content. (14). So, as with any packaged snack, check the nutrition label.
The Bottom Line
Snacks don’t have to be an afterthought, and they definitely don’t have to leave you hungry an hour later.
When you choose options that contain real protein, and ideally some fiber, they can help you feel satisfied, steady your energy, and make it easier to show up to your next meal without feeling overly hungry.
You don’t need to get it perfect. You just need a few better options ready when hunger hits.
And if you’re curious how your snacks are actually adding up, logging them in the MyFitnessPal app can help 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 on MyFitnessPal Blog.
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