Best Bulking Snacks

Whether you’re a powerlifter, bodybuilder, or just an athlete trying to pack on pounds for the upcoming season, the best bulking snacks make life so much easier. 

Some people struggle to hit their calorie goals when they’re in a massive surplus, and just want high-fat snacks to help them meet their quota. Others are trying to keep the bulk relatively clean and want something protein-packed but light in calories. We’ve got you covered either way. Carnivore Snax makes the best snacks for bulking - our meat chips check every box:

• They’re packed with complete protein sources.
• Available in cuts ranging from lean chicken to fatty ribeye (and everything in between).
• They’re absolutely delicious, almost like a meat pastry.
• They’re ethical since we source from the most elite regenerative farms.
• They’re made with just two ingredients - meat and salt. That’s it.

Learn more about our carnivore chips and how they fit into your bulking regimen below. We’ll also cover some other good snacks for bulking to help you round out your diet as well, from the basics like hard-boiled eggs to nuts, canned fish, greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and more.

“I don’t even know how to explain the sliders without sounding dramatic, but Carnivore Snax are life-changing. They’re not “jerky.” They’re not “chips.” They’re somewhere in between: buttery, crispy, melt-in-your-mouth perfection made from real meat and salt.” - Rebecca

“This is a MUST for me. I am an athlete and I travel a lot for work. You can't get anything better to fuel you while also feeling satisfied. This is a staple food item in my bag, car, office, home.” - Jackie

“I love these snacks and believe me when I tell you it is not jerky. Once you open up that bag for the first time and you have a bite of the ribeye or the New York strip, you’re gonna be amazed and you’re going to wish you had ordered more.” - Luis

What Does Bulking Involve?

Bulking is a temporary phase where you eat more calories than you would normally. It involves figuring out how many calories your body needs for baseline weight maintenance, and then adding anywhere from a few hundred to 500+ calories on top of that - depending on how aggressive you want to be in building muscle and packing on pounds.

There are two main ways you can go about bulking - our preferred approach is known as “clean bulking.” This entails eating more calories but still focusing on real food. This way you reach your goals while still feeling good.

On the other hand, “dirty bulking” involves eating just about anything in sight - and usually, pushing the limits in terms of calorie consumption. It makes sense for people who have tried clean bulking and still struggled to gain weight. But reaching your caloric surplus through junk food takes a toll on energy levels, leads to excess fat gain, and just isn’t good for you.

That’s why it’s so important to have the best bulking snacks in your arsenal. These make it easy to hit your calorie goals on a daily basis without turning to processed garbage. So, what are the key criteria you should have in mind when choosing good snacks for bulking?

Key Criteria For the Best Bulking Snacks

Even though all snacks can technically be part of a bulking regimen, some are going to cause more harm than good - while others will set you up for success. 

Think about it like this: you’re trying to bulk for a reason, whether it’s to gain muscle mass or perform better in your sport. Fueling up on clean, nutrient-dense foods is going to help you reach your full potential. Eating just anything high in calories will only weigh you down.

Here are the things we look for in choosing snacks for bulking:

• High Protein Content: Protein is the foundation of muscle growth, so this goes without saying. Snacks with 10-20g per serving make it easier to hit your daily target without forcing you to choke down huge meals.
• Calorie Density: Foods with more calories per serving help you stay in a surplus without needing to eat nonstop. They also give you the energy you need to get through training.
• Easy to Digest: Heavy, greasy snacks slow you down. Pick options that sit well so you can lift hard without feeling stuffed.
• Prep and Portability: You won’t stick with snacks that take effort. Grab-and-go items you can keep at home, in your bag, or at your desk are your best bet.
• Quality Ingredients: Whole-food snacks tend to give you steadier energy. They help you gain muscle. This is why we advise you to steer clear of empty calories that leave you sluggish.
• Fat and Carb Balance: A good bulking snack gives you a mix of fats and carbs, so you get both quick energy and longer-lasting fuel.
• Flavor You’ll Actually Crave: Bulking works best when you enjoy what you’re eating. Pick snacks with flavors and textures that keep you coming back so you never fall short on calories.

There is no shortage of snacks for gym rats that check all these boxes, but what are the BEST bulking snacks? We’ll unveil our personal favorites below. 

What are the Best Bulking Snacks?

Bulking is easier when you have snacks that hit hard on calories and protein without feeling like a chore to eat. Of all the snacks to eat while bulking, though, none bring you the balance of performance and enjoyment that Carnivore Snax do.

Carnivore Snax

Our meat chips provide high protein, calorie-dense cuts, and ingredients you can count on one hand. Each bag is made from a pound of real meat cuts shrunken down into light, crispy chips that feel nothing like jerky.

They’re easy to eat, easy to pack, and they deliver the kind of quality you rarely get in shelf-stable protein snacks. Everything is 100% grass-fed and finished, made in the USA, and seasoned with Redmond Real Salt.

That’s what makes them so great. They’re made from just two ingredients: meat and salt. That’s it. They’re a match made in heaven if you’re bulking on carnivore diet. But really, anyone trying to pack on pounds can rest assured that Carnivore Snax fit the bill for the best bulking snacks. 

Because each bag starts with nearly a pound of meat before drying, you get a surprising amount of protein in a tiny footprint. That’s exactly what you want during a bulk: big nutrition in a snack you’ll actually crave. 

Whether you want leaner protein or fattier cuts for extra calories, Carnivore Snax gives you options that fit any style of bulking - clean or aggressive. Find your new favorite snacks for bulking below:

• Chicken Chips: Leaner protein with a light crunch that never feels heavy.
• Lamb Chips: Richer flavor and a satisfying fat profile for easy calories.
• Pork Chips: Crispy, savory slices that deliver steady fuel between meals.
• Steak Chips: A classic cut with a bold flavor that makes hitting protein simple.
• Brisket Chips: Higher-fat bites that melt in your mouth and push calories up fast.
• Ribeye Chips: The most decadent option, packed with both protein and buttery fat.

Not sure where to start? Try them all and see which you love the most! Order now and see what keeps customers coming back for more.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is one of the easiest high-protein snacks to work into a bulk. A single cup provides a solid protein hit and you get plenty of calories to hold you over until your next meal. 

It pairs well with fruit, honey, granola, or protein powder when you need extra calories, too. You can even stir in nut butter if you want a heavier option at night. Super versatile, plenty filling, and very tasty when done right.

The main consideration is the added sugar in flavored cups and the fillers in cheaper brands, so sticking to plain or high-quality tubs gives you better nutrition than the dessert-style versions. Do they taste as good? Definitely not, but remember that clean bulking is the way to go!

Nuts / Seeds

Nuts and seeds pack a surprising amount of calories into a small serving, and this can be traced back to their healthy fats. Personally, we prefer walnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.

They’re perfect for busy days because you can keep a bag in your car, gym bag, or desk drawer. They also mix easily into oats, yogurt, or trail mix when you want a little more variety.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is one of the best bulking snacks you have at your disposal, specifically for building muscle. That’s because it’s packed with casein protein, which digests really slowly. That’s why we eat cottage cheese before bed - to ensure muscles have the fuel they need to rebuild overnight.

The texture pairs well with fruit, jam, tomatoes, or savory seasonings depending on what you like. You can also mix it with protein powder or blend it into a creamy “protein pudding” when you want something sweeter.

The only problem is cottage cheese isn’t exactly the tastiest, most enjoyable snack to eat while bulking. The texture we talked about above can often be a sticking point - we’ve seen others say it’s too lumpy or “weird” for their tastes.

Protein Bars

This one sounds obvious, but it has to be included on a list of the best bulking snacks. There are few easier ways to get 15-25 grams of protein in a quick bite. You can find these just about anywhere, too - gas stations, grocery stores, your gym, etc.

They’re helpful when you’re stuck at work, on the road, or between training sessions. You get plenty of fats, carbs, and overall calories to go with the protein content as well.

That said, a lot of protein bars are made with low-quality protein - the type that your body can’t actually use. They’re also notoriously dirty when you take a closer look at the ingredients label. 

You will need to do your research to find a brand that meets your standards. Or, avoid the hassle and enjoy something more nutritious. Carnivore Snax is the #1 protein bar alternative.

Hard Boiled Eggs

Looking for something reliable, inexpensive, and easy to prep in batches? Hard-boiled eggs fit the bill, and they are one of the best bulking snacks from a nutritional perspective as well. They’re loaded with protein, healthy fats, and other nutrients you need to grow stronger.

You can season them, slice them into sandwiches, or eat them straight from the fridge when you need something quick. They’re perfect after a morning workout or as an afternoon filler snack when dinner feels far away. 

But let’s be honest - these aren’t the most enjoyable or portable snack. The smell can be a bit off-putting, especially in public. That’s why Carnivore Snax is a smart eggs alternative for protein.

Avocado

They may not be packed with protein, but avocados give you lots of calories and healthy fats - and they don’t feel very filling, so it’s easy to get them into your bulking regimen.

You can spread avocado on toast or rice cakes. Or, you can add them to wraps, eggs, or smoothies. They’re endlessly versatile. But just make sure you’re aware of their nutritional limitations. You’re not getting much aside from fat.

Trail Mix

You can’t beat the mix of fats, carbs, and protein on the go that trail mix provides. The blend of nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate helps you hit calorie goals quicker than most snacks, especially when you’re out and about and need something that stays fresh in your bag.

You can also build your own mix to control the ingredients and flavor. Pack it in small containers or a bag for a dependable option all week long. Store-bought mixes can be heavy on added sugar, so do your research!

Smoothies / Protein Shakes

Another obvious choice for anyone seeking the best snacks for bulking - smoothies and/or protein shakes. These are lifesavers when you’re struggling to eat enough solid food. 

You can blend protein powder with milk, yogurt, oats, fruit, honey, nut butter, or even cottage cheese for a calorie-dense mix that’s easy to drink. This is the obvious post-workout snack, but they’re also a great way to start the morning or end the day.

That being said, these aren’t the most convenient snacks for bulking - unless of course you don’t mind just mixing protein powder with plain water on the go. The same issue we have with protein bars applies here, too. You’ll have to carefully vet the type of protein you’re consuming. At the end of the day, Carnivore Snax is a better alternative to protein powder.

Rice Cakes (With Nut Butter)

Any bodybuilder knows that rice cakes are among the best bulking snacks. As bland as they may be, they’re effective and affordable. 

But really, they serve as a base for other ingredients - that’s where the real nutrition comes from, be it peanut butter or almond butter. You can also add honey, banana slices, or protein powder mixed into the nut butter if you need more fuel.

Canned Fish

Last but certainly not least on our list of the best bulking snacks, we have canned fish - especially tuna, salmon, or sardines. These give you a surprising amount of protein for the cost and there’s no prep necessary whatsoever.

The flavor is strong, and the odor is even stronger - so keep that in mind when you’re planning your day out. Your coworkers may not be fond of this choice, but at the end of the day, you’re trying to better yourself -and that is what matters most!

Advice on Bulking in General

Having the best snacks for bulking is a great start, but there are a few other things you need to know to make sure you’re actually working closer to your goals and not just eating more for the sake of eating more. Here are some quick tips:

• Eat in a caloric surplus: The scale needs to move up for muscle to follow. Find your baseline calorie needs and decide how many additional calories you want to add. 
• Train with intention: Progressive strength work gives those calories a purpose. Follow a training regimen that forces your muscles to grow, and pair it with the right nutrition. It’s impossible to fail when you follow this simple framework.
• Sleep enough: Growth happens when you recover well. Get 7-9 hours of sleep every night and make sure you’re scheduling rest days. 
• Track what matters: Keep an eye on bodyweight, meals, and strength so you can make quick adjustments if you’re not seeing the progress you want.
• Pick foods you actually enjoy: Consistency wins every time, and enjoyable snacks make it easier to stay on track. Set yourself up for success with the best bulking snacks.

Whether you’re looking for a beef jerky alternative or something to replace protein bars/shakes, your search ends here at Carnivore Snax. Get the best snacks for bulking today and discover the difference firsthand. 

Final Words on the Best Snacks For Bulking

There you have it, the best bulking snacks! Just about everything on our list provides plenty of calories and protein. Some give you fats, others give you carbs. From Greek yogurt to trail mix, there are plenty of snacks to support your bulking journey - and we encourage you to add a mix of all of them to your diet for the best results.

That said, none check as many boxes as Carnivore Snax - that’s why these are the best snacks for bulking, and it’s not close. You get the highest-quality nutrition in a portable format that’s actually enjoyable. What more could you ask for? 

Shop now and see how easy it can be to hit your macros and calorie goals daily.