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The high-protein snacks you need in your bag
Written byEmily Coates
Reviewed byH&B Regulatory Affairs
Fuel up with our high-protein snacking faves. From crunchy chickpeas to dessert-inspired protein bars, we’ve got your snack game covered
Our top picks
21g of protein per 100g
Holland & Barrett
Holland & Barrett High Protein Truffle Chickpeas 150g
3 for 2 Mix & Match
£3.49
Five plant points per serving
Holland & Barrett
Holland & Barrett Bombay Protein Mix 210g
3 for 2 Mix & Match
£2.99
1.6g protein per serving
Kallo
Kallo Protein Lentil Cakes 100g
25% off
£1.68
£2.25
Life's busy, right? With a calendar jam-packed with events, you’ll need some flavoursome snacks to fuel your body. That’s where healthy, high-protein foods come in! We’ve put together some tasty inspiration for grab-and-go grazing during your hectic schedule.
Read on to find out why protein makes for a great snack, as well as high-protein favourites you’re going to love.
What are high-protein foods?
If you’re looking for high-protein inspiration, the likes of beans, pulses, lean meat, fish and eggs are a great place to start.1,2 It’s recommended that men between 19-64 have around 55g protein a day, and women of the same age to aim for 45g. For the over 65s, 53.3g and 46.5g are suggested for males and females respectively.3
What makes a good high-protein snack?
Not all protein sources need to be meat or fish, as there are plenty of plant-based high-protein ideas out there for those who follow a vegan or dairy free diet, especially with the use of legumes. Look out for the sugar, salt and calorie content against the protein ratio. High protein and good fats are a great way to go, whilst being mindful of too much sugar and simple carbs when looking for a great quality, protein-packed snack.
So now you know why you need them, let's look at some on-the-go options.
Our best high-protein snacks
Layers of smooth caramel, indulgent vegan chocolate and loads of vitamins and minerals, this new bar from Huel is the perfect way to treat your sweet tooth while fuelling your body. It’s high in protein and fibre, low in sugar and contains 26 essential vitamins and minerals. Each bar has 14g of protein, all under 200 calories – ideal for a chocolatey snack that keeps you going.
Roasted for the perfect level of crunch and coated in rich truffle seasoning, these chickpeas are a sophisticated twist on your usual crisp habit. They’re a great source of protein and fibre, with over 21g of protein per 100g. Snack on them at your desk, pack them for a hike or serve them up with drinks.
A plant-powered take on a traditional classic, this Bombay mix is made with crunchy roasted peas and beans and a mild, aromatic spice blend. They’re high in both protein and fibre, and a single serving delivers five plant points – perfect for anyone trying to up their plant diversity. A great pick for pre-dinner nibbles or those moments when you’re craving something savoury on the go.
These roasted yellow peas and fava beans are here to challenge your crisp addiction. Grown in the UK and seasoned with punchy apple cider vinegar and sea salt, they’re high in plant-based protein and fibre, with a low sugar and salt content.
Great to grab-and-go. Swap your regular crisps with these sweet, smoky and spicy BBQ-flavour plant puffs which boast 7.8g of protein per 25g serving. Delightfully crunchy and full of flavour, throw in your bag and enjoy as they are.
Fire up your taste buds with our protein-packed roasted chickpeas. As well as a snack alternative, these fibre-filled faves can be scattered over your favourite savoury meals for that extra morning kick. One for the spice lovers with a deliciously moreish hot and sour seasoning.
Aside from being super tasty, this crunchy mix is made up of 31% yellow peas, 31% green peas and 31% fava beans. Yellow split peas alone are made up of a quarter protein4 while fava beans are a great plant-based ingredient.5 Low sugar, low salt and high fibre, this colourful mix is great on the go, so you can chuck it in your rucksack for an adventure and re-seal for freshness.
The fabulous fava bean strikes again... Grown, seasoned and packed here in the UK, this nibble-worthy snack is made from an amazing 81% fava beans. With every bite you are fuelling your body with 5.6g fibre and 9.6g of protein in each 40g bag.
At 30 calories each, these plant-based lentil cakes are made with protein-rich lentil flour and peas. They’re low sugar, with an impressive 1.6g of protein per serving. Whether you’re packing up a picnic or need something for that 3pm lull, you can go sweet or savoury with your toppings. Try spreading peanut butter on top – whether you prefer crunchy, smooth, rich roast or even the likes of cashew and almond alternatives.
The final say
Snacking smart doesn’t have to be boring, especially when high-protein options come packed with crunch, flavour and spice. Whether you're heading to the office, off for a sunny stroll or dashing between errands, these on-the-go bites help keep energy levels steady and hunger in check.
And if you’re looking to wash it all down with something equally energising, don’t forget to browse our range of natural energy drinks for an added kick.
This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. Eating a balanced diet [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2022. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet/eating-a-balanced-diet
2. The importance of protein in your diet [Internet]. Available from: https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/media/109513434/importance-of-protein-in-diet-bhp220.pdf
3. Public Health England. Government Dietary Recommendations Government recommendations for energy and nutrients for males and females aged 1 - 18 years and 19+ years [Internet]. Public Health England. 2016 Aug p. 7. Available from: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a749fece5274a44083b82d8/government_dietary_recommendations.pdf
4. Smith CE, Mollard RC, Luhovyy BL, Anderson GH. The effect of yellow pea protein and fibre on short-term food intake, subjective appetite and glycaemic response in healthy young men. British Journal of Nutrition. 2012 Aug 23;108(S1):S74–80
5. Martineau-Côté D, Achouri A, Karboune S, L’Hocine L. Faba Bean: An Untapped Source of Quality Plant Proteins and Bioactives. Nutrients. 2022 Apr 7;14(8):1541.
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