Protein Packed Snacks to Satisfy Your Cravings | Clean Plates

Protein is absolutely essential for everything from muscle growth to skin health. It can also help you feel fuller longer, which means you won’t eat breakfast (or lunch) and then be hungry an hour later. But, just in case your breakfast (or lunch) was lacking, it’s good to be prepared with some protein packed snacks.

Here are 15 high-protein snacks to satisfy your cravings, savory and sweet.

These no-bake protein bars taste incredibly indulgent, but they’re actually healthy, thanks to whey protein powder, natural peanut butter, and ground flaxseed meal. Best of all, they’ll last in the fridge up to two weeks, making them the perfect option for meal prep.

Packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, edamame is truly a nutritional powerhouse and a worthy addition to your snack rotation. Warning: Edamame tossed with garlic powder, parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper and baked to crispy perfection is highly addictive.

For a bite-sized snack that’s full of flavor (and nutrients!), look no further. This healthy muffin recipe pairs protein-rich quinoa with carrots, Greek yogurt, whole wheat flour, and toasted walnuts for a guilt-free snack that can double as dessert. For an added dose of sweetness, toss in some dried cranberries, dried apricots, or raisins and enjoy.

Roasted chickpeas get a bold and tasty twist with spices like curry powder, garam masala, and white pepper. Not only is this snack a great way to ramp up your protein intake, but it’s also loaded with fiber, potassium, and iron.

You could grab a bag of granola from the grocery store, or you could make your own. With ingredients like chia seeds, oats, and almond butter, this is a delicious snack that you can feel good about eating.

In our book, hummus is pretty much the perfect afternoon snack. This recipe kicks it up a notch by pairing roasted sweet potatoes with garbanzo beans to make the ultimate creamy, savory spread. Try sprinkling some pumpkin seeds over your next batch to boost the protein content and texture even more. DIY pita chips are optional.

This power-packed protein shake is the perfect way to squeeze more veggies into your diet while also getting your daily dose of protein. Simply blend up some baby kale, bananas, blueberries, yogurt, oats, and protein powder and serve. If you’re pressed for time, you can even pour it into a travel cup for a compact and convenient snack later in the day.

We know that cottage cheese can be… divisive. But if you love it, you’ll love this combination of chunky black bean salsa and cottage cheese. It’s easy to whip up at home using just a few ingredients. And, with high-protein cottage cheese, fiber-filled black beans, and avocado wedges to bump up your intake of healthy fats, this simple snack is also an excellent way to help round out your diet.

This tried-and-true trail mix features a combination of nuts and seeds, dried fruits, and “fun stuff” like chocolate and popcorn.

This recipe combines cream cheese with veggies, herbs, and spices for a creamy, savory, and super satisfying snack. Spread onto your favorite whole-grain tortillas, roll it up, slice, and enjoy.

Crispy, crunchy, and nutritious, roasted pumpkin seeds are super-easy to make and ready to enjoy in less than an hour.

With nearly 23 grams of protein packed into every serving, this is a hearty, healthy snack that’s sure to satisfy. In addition to Greek yogurt, it also features other high-protein ingredients like peanut butter and flaxseed meal. 

High in fiber, protein, and B vitamins, lentils are one of the healthiest foods on the planet. Start upping your intake of this nutritious legume with these bites, which pair lentils with couscous, parsley, turmeric, olive oil, and a tangy yogurt herb dip.

14. Toasted Quinoa, Dried Fig and Dark Chocolate Granola Bars from Ambitious Kitchen

Allergic to nuts? These chewy-crunchy bars are packed with whole grains, fruit and seeds for bars that are nut-free and gluten-free.

15. Guacamole Chicken Salad from Paleo Running Momma

Adding guacamole to chicken salad makes it totally snack-worthy. If you got some pre-made guacamole and a rotisserie chicken, this recipe practically makes itself.