Protein has become a pretty trendy word in the health and wellness space, and for good reason. Protein is an essential nutrient, carrying out functions like building and repairing your tissues, transporting and storing oxygen and nutrients, maintaining fluid balance, and providing energy when necessary.
For women in particular, adequate protein intake is also crucial for maintaining muscle mass, supporting bone health, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting immune function. During seasons like pregnancy and breastfeeding, protein needs increase to support both mom and baby. And as we get older, protein becomes even more important for preventing muscle loss and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
While most of us meet (or exceed) our protein needs, you might be wondering how to spread out your intake more evenly over the day. That’s where high protein snacks come in. In the hustle and bustle of modern living, having some quick protein snacks in your to-go bag or car can be super helpful when you feel the munchies coming on.
Below, we’ve rounded up 5 high-protein snacks from Sprouts Farmers Market that meet the requirements of being tasty, made with a reasonable amount of ingredients, and diverse — coming in a variety of flavors to meet a gal’s preferences.
5 High Protein Snack Ideas
1. Biena High Protein Snacks Made from Chickpeas
Gone are the days when potato chips and pretzels were the only options when you were craving a crunchy snack. Finally, we have products like Biena Chickpea Snacks, made from whole roasted chickpeas (garbanzo beans).
They’re packed with protein and fiber to help satisfy that afternoon craving without going overboard. Per serving, you’ll get around 5-6 grams of protein and 4-6 grams of fiber, with approximately 120-130 calories and 3.5-4 grams of fat. The low calorie and fat content combined with the high protein and fiber profile of these little cuties makes Biena Chickpea Snacks a smart snacking choice at Sprouts.
Plus, they come in multiple flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for Sea Salt, Honey Roasted, or Rockin’ Ranch, there are fewer than 5 ingredients in these delish recipes.
2. Perfect Bar
Snack bars may be a dime a dozen, but Perfect Bar has come swooping in with a unique, whole-food-based snack designed to balance nutrition with flavor. Made with a blend of ground nut butter, honey, and over 20 organic superfoods, Perfect Bars are known for their soft, doughy texture and rich, natural taste.
Depending on which flavor you choose (like Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, or Salted Caramel), each bar provides 12-17 grams of protein (from nut butter, nonfat dry milk, and dried whole egg powder), 330-360 calories, and 18-22 grams of fat to fuel your day or support your post-workout recovery. Perfect Bars are sweetened with honey and offer a more nutrient-rich alternative to typical ultra-processed snacks.
Note that they do require refrigeration, so rather than keeping them in your purse, they’re best as a grab-and-go high protein snack.
3. No Cow High Protein Snack Bar
It’s not often that we can find a tasty high protein snack bar that’s free from animal-derived ingredients, but No Cow has done just that. They’re made without eggs, dairy, soy, or gluten, making them suitable for various dietary preferences and restrictions.
Each No Cow protein bar has around 20-22 grams of protein, which comes from a blend of brown rice and pea protein. With only 1 gram of sugar and about 200 calories per bar, these provide a low-sugar, lower-calorie option compared to many other protein bars.
Not to mention, they have around 15-18 grams of fiber each, which supports satiety and digestive health. No Cow protein bars come in flavors like Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Birthday Cake, and Chunky Peanut Butter.
4. Jojo’s Chocolate Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Bites
Protein paired with chocolate? Yes, please. Jojo’s Chocolate Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Bites are a delectable sweet that combines rich dark chocolate with creamy peanut butter for a satisfying and indulgent high protein snack.
These little bites are plant-based and made with ingredients like dark chocolate, hemp protein, and peanuts. Each serving typically provides 6 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and around 180 calories.
5. Calbee Harvest Snaps
We could all benefit from adding more legumes into our lives, and Calbee has answered the call with their light and tasty Harvest Snaps. These are a popular high protein snack choice especially if you’re looking for a lighter, healthier alternative to things like chips.
Made primarily from green peas, red lentils, or black beans (which are their first ingredients) Harvest Snaps are baked rather than fried. Each serving provides around 5 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber, with about 130 calories and 5 grams of fat.
Choose from flavors like Lightly Salted, Caesar, Mango Chili Lime, Tomato Basil, and Wasabi Ranch. In addition to being gluten-free, they are also free from artificial colors and flavors, leaving you satisfied and guilt-free.
Optimizing the Benefits of Eating High-Protein Snacks
As you add more protein to your snack game at Sprouts, there are a couple of other things you can do to make sure you’re reaping all the nutritional benefits of doing so.
First, consider adding HUM Flatter Me
Additionally, you might also be seeking a smooth and easily digestible plant-based complete amino acid protein powder like our HUM Core Strength
Not sure how much protein you need between your meals and high protein snacks? See our post on how much protein we really need each day.