THE CARNIVORE DIET BENEFITS
Whether you’re following a carnivore meal plan or simply trying to get more protein in as an athlete, snacks can be your secret weapon in meeting your daily intake.
The problem is most snacks do more harm than good. They’re loaded with processed ingredients, they’re carb-heavy, and offer little to no protein - or nutritional value at all, for that matter.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best high-protein snacks today. Discover the top 20 snacks high in protein and low in calories, including our very own meat chips here at Carnivore Snax! They’re carefully crafted with just 2 ingredients, sourced ethically, and they’re delicious.
But we’ll highlight plenty of other great choices as well such as boiled eggs, nuts, seeds, biltong, chickpeas, cheese - the list goes on and on. First, though, let’s talk about why beefing up your protein intake is worthwhile in the first place.
Understanding Your Protein Needs
Be it keto vs carnivore or even the standard American diet, protein is perhaps the most important macronutrient for active individuals looking to push the limits of their potential. It’s essential that you understand what it does in the body and how much you need daily.
The Role of Protein in the Body
Most people know protein’s primary role is supporting muscle repair and overall recovery. But that’s really just the tip of the iceberg. Every cell in your body relies on protein to grow, repair, and maintain itself. From immune function to metabolic health, here’s what protein does:
- Builds and repairs muscles: Especially important if you’re a bodybuilder or athlete.
- Supports metabolism: Protein has a high thermic effect, which just means it burns more calories during digestion than carbs or fats. This helps speed up your metabolism.
- Regulates hunger: High-protein foods keep you feeling full for longer, in turn reducing cravings and helping you avoid overeating.
- Strengthens immunity: Antibodies, which fight off infections in the body, are made of protein. In this sense you need to eat enough protein just for the sake of staying healthy.
- Improves skin, hair, and nails: Collagen is a specific type of protein used in your connective tissues, which means you’ll start to see the effects of suboptimal protein intake eventually.
How Much Protein You Should Aim For Daily
It’s clear you need protein, but how much protein do you need? How much protein should an athlete eat compared to an individual just trying to keep themselves healthy? It can be broken down based on goals, activity level, and overall health:
- Sedentary individuals: 0.6-0.8 grams per pound of body weight
- Active individuals: 0.8-1.0 grams per pound of body weight
- Muscle-building and strength training: 1.0-1.2+ grams per pound of body weight
So a 150 pound person who doesn’t do much in the way of exercising should get anywhere from 90-120g of protein daily. In contrast, a 200-pound athlete could need as much as 200-240g per day.
The key takeaway is that the more active you are, the more protein you need to support your lifestyle. Even those trying to lose weight need to eat enough protein to preserve muscle mass.
While most of your protein should come from meals, you’ll inevitably need to fill in the gaps with the best high-protein snacks. So without any further ado, let’s get into our list of the best low-calorie, high-protein snacks below.
What are the Best High-Protein Snacks to Get Your Daily Intake? 20 Snacks High in Protein to Add to Your Rotation
From pepperoni to peanut butter, there are plenty of great snacks that are high in protein. However, we’ve decided to limit it to just our top 20 personal favorites when cravings strike and we don’t want to compromise on nutrition.
That being said, if we could only recommend one of these as the best high-protein snack, it would be easy: look no further than the carnivore chips we’ve developed for you.
Carnivore Chips
- Protein: 23 grams/serving
- Calories: 130/serving
- Other nutrients: High in essential fats and minerals like iron and zinc
Carnivore Snax tops the list of carnivore diet snack ideas, but they’re not just a staple on the carnivore diet food list. Anyone can benefit from incorporating these delicious, nutritious snacks into their regimen.
We’ve sourced the best meats for carnivore diet from elite, ethical regenerative farms right here in the USA so you can spoil yourself without compromising on your values. You’re getting a clean snack, too, with just 2 ingredients: meat and salt. That’s it.
Yet, they’re often called meat pastries because the light, airy crunch quickly transitions into melt-in-your-mouth goodness, as tantalizing flavors take hold of your taste buds.
Eat them straight out of the bag for a crunchy, satisfying snack. Or, dip them in guacamole or a high-fat spread for extra calories if you’re trying to gain weight. They work great as a low-carb alternative to crackers. With so many options to choose from, you’ll never get bored, either:
These are the best 0 carb snacks high in protein, period. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Try them today and taste the difference yourself.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Protein: 6g per egg
- Calories: 70 per egg
- Other Nutrients: High in choline (for brain function) and vitamin D
You can’t talk about the best high-protein snacks without mentioning eggs. They’re a versatile staple, but when it comes to snacking, the convenience of hard-boiled eggs can’t be beaten.
These are among the most complete protein sources you have at your disposal, packed with essential amino acids and healthy fats. They’re mess-free and keep you full for longer than most other snacks, too.
You can eat them plain or flavor them with salt, pepper, or everything bagel seasoning for better taste. We’ve also seen them mashed with avocado for a creamy, protein-rich snack, or paired with cheese or cold cuts for a balanced protein-and-fat combo. Speaking of cheese…
Cottage Cheese
- Protein: 14g per ½ cup
- Calories: 90 per ½ cup
- Other Nutrients: High in casein protein, calcium, and probiotics
It’s certainly not for everyone, but those who don’t mind the creamy, lump texture of cottage cheese can indulge in one of the most powerful protein sources in the world.
What makes cottage cheese so great is its high casein protein content specifically, a slow-digesting type of protein that provides a sustained energy boost.
It’s really versatile, too. Mix it with berries and nuts, sprinkle cinnamon on it, add a drizzle of honey - the possibilities are endless. You can also use it as a dip for raw veggies to round out your nutrition.
Greek Yogurt
- Protein: 18g per 6 oz
- Calories: 120 per 6 oz
- Other Nutrients: High in probiotics for gut health
Yogurt in general is a great snack, but when you want the best high-protein snacks, greek yogurt takes the cake. It’s thicker and creamier with nearly double the protein content.
Plus, it’s rich, filling, and pairs well with both sweet and savory flavors. You can top it with granola, nuts, or fresh fruit. Personally, we like throwing chocolate chips in ours.
But you can also use greek yogurt as the base for a protein-packed smoothie, or mix up some herbs and lemons with it to create a high-protein dip. Get creative to keep things from getting stale.
Beef Jerky
- Protein: 10-15g per ounce
- Calories: 80-100 per ounce
- Other Nutrients: High in iron and B vitamins
If you’re going to try our meat chips you technically don’t need to bother with beef jerky. We’ve had customers tell us Carnivore Snax is just a better version of beef jerky - more nutritional and tastier, with a more enjoyable texture.
That being said, no list ranking the best low-carb, high-protein snacks could be complete without at least giving credit to beef jerky. It’s been around for centuries for a reason. It’s high in protein, shelf-stable, and packed with flavor.
The only issue is where that flavor comes from. Many brands season their jerky with artificial flavoring, so you’ll need to do your due diligence in picking the right type of jerky.
It’s typically enjoyed on its own and doesn’t offer the same versatility that other snacks on this list do. However, you can try pairing it with cheese or even using it as a salad topper if you want to find unique ways to incorporate it.
Tuna Packets
- Protein: 20g per packet
- Calories: 90-120 per packet
- Other Nutrients: Rich in omega-3s
Tuna is high in lean protein and there’s no prep needed when you buy it in packets. Just eat it straight - or, find other ways to enjoy it. We like sprinkling hot sauce or lemon juice on to neutralize the fishy taste.
As far as the best high-protein snacks go, this one is pretty bland and boring. But nutrition isn’t always going to be exciting. Food is for function first and foremost, and tuna checks that box.
String Cheese or Cheese Cubes
- Protein: 7g per stick
- Calories: 80 per stick
- Other Nutrients: High in calcium and fats
Another cheesy variety you can add to your snack rotation is string cheese, or even cheese cubes. This is a more convenient, portable, and oftentimes, satisfying snack than cottage cheese. It won’t offer the same level of nutrition, though.
Still, it’s a great way to add protein without adding unnecessary carbs. Eat these on their own as you go about your day, or pair them with nuts or jerky to round out your macronutrient intake.
Protein Shakes and Bars
- Protein: 20-30g per serving
- Calories: 150-250 per serving
- Other Nutrients: Little to none
It should go without saying that drinking protein shakes or eating protein bars is one of the most straightforward ways to increase your protein intake for the day. While they’re technically different snacks, we’ve lumped them together for the sake of time.
These definitely have their place since they’re fast, convenient, and packed with protein. The only problem is that the actual nutritional value is often just limited to protein. Maybe that’s not a problem - but in considering how some of the other snacks on this list are more versatile, it’s with noting.
You also need to do your research into the type of protein shake/bar you’re consuming as many are made from cheap, low-quality protein sources and loaded with artificial flavors.
Still, they’re a great way to add another 20-30 grams of protein to your daily intake. Mix protein with almond milk for a creamier shake that doesn’t add much more calories. Otherwise, water works fine.
Chickpeas
- Protein: 7g per ½ cup
- Calories: 135 per ½ cup
- Other Nutrients: High in fiber and plant-based iron
Chickpeas are one of the best plant-based protein sources, and they’re a great snack when you want something that brings a satisfying crunch to your palate.
This is actually what hummus is made of, but the protein content in hummus tends to be lower than pure chickpeas on their own. For a higher protein punch, eat roasted chickpeas with olive oil and spices.
Smoked Salmon or Lox
- Protein: 16g per 3 oz
- Calories: 100 per 3 oz
- Other Nutrients: High in omega-3 fatty acids
Smoked salmon is rich in protein and healthy fats, making it one of the best high-protein snacks for those who love fish. You can eat it plain kind of like you would with tuna packets - but there are other ways to enjoy it, too.
For example, try rolling it up with cream cheese and cucumber for a high-protein wrap that rounds out your nutritional intake. Or, serve it on whole-grain toast or alongside eggs.
Peanut Butter With Celery or Apple
- Protein: 8g per 2 tbsp
- Calories: 190 per 2 tbsp
- Other Nutrients: High in healthy fats and fiber
Peanut butter is a classic protein-packed pairing that delivers sustained energy through its combination of protein and healthy fats. It’s very satisfying, and we’ve been known to enjoy it by the spoonful.
However, it can also be spread on apple slices or celery sticks for a sweet-salty balance. Or, stir it into greek yogurt, add it to protein shakes, or even make a sandwich with it - the possibilities are endless with peanut butter.
Almonds and Other Nuts
- Protein: 6g per 1 oz
- Calories: 160 per 1 oz
- Other Nutrients: High in magnesium and monounsaturated fats
No list of the best low-calorie, high-protein snacks would be complete without mentioning nuts - another powerful plant-based protein source. Some of our personal favorites are almonds, walnuts, and cashews - but there are many more worth considering, too.
In general, nuts tend to be a really satisfying, calorie-dense way to get a quick protein boost. Just eat them raw by the handful for an on-the-go snack. Or, blend your own nut butter and spread it on toast or fruit if you’re feeling creative and have some spare time.
Chia Seed Pudding
- Protein: 5g per ½ cup
- Calories: 150 per ½ cup
- Other Nutrients: High in fiber and omega-3s
We know what you’re thinking - but hear us out. It’s a lot better than it sounds! It’s also really easy to make chia seed pudding, as you simply mix chia seeds with almond milk and vanilla extract. They’ll absorb the liquid of your choice to create a thick, creamy protein.
Refrigerate it overnight and the next day you’ll have a plant-based protein source that’s also packed with gut-friendly fiber. You can top it with berries and nuts for texture and flavor.
Turkey Roll-Ups
- Protein: 9g per 3 slices
- Calories: 90 per 3 slices
- Other Nutrients: Low in fat, high in selenium
Turkey roll-ups provide lean protein without extra carbs, a really great light snack that keeps you feeling full. Simply wrap turkey around cheese, avocado, or pickles - you have the freedom to choose your concoction. You can also use dipping sauces like mustard or hummus for flavor.
Edamame
- Protein: 8g per ½ cup
- Calories: 100 per ½ cup
- Other Nutrients: High in fiber and plant-based protein
Edamame is one of the most protein-rich plant-based snacks, right up there with chickpeas. It offers a mild- nutty flavor. Try steaming edamame and then sprinkling sea salt and chili flakes on top. Or, toss edamame with soy sauce and sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired kick.
Biltong
- Protein: 16g per ounce
- Calories: 90 per ounce
- Other Nutrients: High in iron and B vitamins
Biltong is often lumped in with beef jerky, but these are very different meat-based snacks. This softer, less-processed alternative to beef jerky is packed with protein and free from added sugars (at least, most of the time.
So if you love the idea of beef jerky but are having trouble fighting through how chewy it is, or want something cleaner, look no further. Eat it straight from the bag for a protein-heavy snack. Just remember, the best meat snacks are here at Carnivore Snax waiting for you!
Canned Sardines
- Protein: 22g per can
- Calories: 200 per can
- Other Nutrients: High in omega-3s and calcium
Maybe it’s not the most appetizing snack high in protein, but you can’t deny the nutritional value of canned sardines. These are a powerhouse high in protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals.
They’re best consumed straight from the can with a bit of lemon juice and salt to cover up the sardiney taste. Or, mash them onto whole-grain toast for some extra carbs.
Seared Tofu or Tempeh
- Protein: 15g per 3 oz
- Calories: 120 per 3 oz
- Other Nutrients: High in plant-based iron and calcium
Tofu and tempeh are two other excellent plant-based protein sources you can rely on as part of your regular snack rotation. They’re dense and chewy, and really flavorful when pan-seared with soy sauce and sesame oil.
You can then add them to salads or stir-fries to incorporate them in meals - tofu in particular is so much more than just a snack, after all.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas)
- Protein: 8g per 1 ounce
- Calories: 150 per ounce
- Other Nutrients: High in magnesium, zinc, and iron
Last but certainly not least on our list of the best high-protein snacks, we have roasted pumpkin seeds, or pepitas as they’re commonly called. This crunchy choice packs plenty of protein, more than most other seeds in fact.
They’re also loaded with essential minerals that further support your muscle recovery and overall health goals. Eat them plain or toss them into one of the other best low-calorie high protein snacks mentioned today, like cottage cheese or greek yogurt.
Parting Thoughts on the Best Low Calorie High-Protein Snacks
That does it for our list of the best high-protein snacks! We hope you found some of your new favorite go-to healthy snacks reading along today. There are so many options to choose from, so you can stay on track with your nutritional goals without getting bored.
Just remember - the best low-calorie high-protein snacks are right here waiting for you at Carnivore Snax. Take a chance on our carnivore treats today and see what the hype’s all about - we’re confident you’ll be back for more!
