High-protein low-carb snacks give you concentrated fuel. They’re perfect when you need to take something on, get something done, or simply live your best life.
We’ve selected some delicious snacks that are high in protein and low in carbs, so you know just what to grab when you want a power snack!
These snacks can be a wonderful addition to any kind of diet, even if you don’t want to go full ketogenic. Use these ideas as inspiration, whether you want to give a low-carb high-protein diet a try or you want to completely change your lifestyle.
Benefits of Eating High-Protein Low-Carb Snacks
A University of Toledo literature review of studies on high-protein low-carb diets found evidence to suggest that high-protein low-carb diets may…
- Have a positive effect on weight loss
- Increase feelings of fullness
- Lead to decreased calorie intake
- Contribute to lower LDL cholesterol
How to Find High-Protein Low-Carb Snacks
These figures provide some context on what constitutes high-protein and what constitutes low-carb.
Protein intake recommendations vary from expert to expert, but 50 grams makes a good general ballpark.
For carbohydrates, the Obesity Medicine Association has isolated these targets:
- Strict: 0-20 grams/day
- Moderate: 20-50 grams/day
- Liberal: 50-100 grams/da
Key low-carb and high-protein ingredients:
- Eggs
- Lean meats
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Whey protein
- Seafood
- Tofu
*This collection of snacks was designed to empower readers to choose the best snacks for their own personal goals and lifestyles. None of the information was provided or reviewed by health professionals and should not substitute for medical consultations and advice.
Grab-and-Go High-Protein Low-Carb Snacks
You’re hungry, and you’ve got a big day ahead of you. A protein-packed snack that’s also light in the carbohydrates could be just what you need. Providing flavor and satiety, these grab-and-go options will not disappoint.
1.Detour Banana Nut Smart Bar Protein Bar
- Protein: 10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 18 grams
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Whey protein, a protein source which may be more filling than other options.
Sweet banana pieces and high-protein whey make a bar that’s sweet and comforting but also filling and satisfying. These bars also stay light on the added sugar to keep the carbohydrate count in check.
2.Rowdy Bar Sunflower Butter N Berries Energy Bar
- Protein: 10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 23 grams
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Egg white protein
Pure and simple berries and seeds feature alongside egg-white protein to make a snack that’s both delicious and satisfying.
3. Crunchsters BBQ Crunchsters
- Protein: 7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 19 grams
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Sprouted mung beans
Mung beans sub in for potatoes in your new favorite barbeque flavor snack that also happens to provide a low-carb protein boost for extra energy.
4. Old Wisconsin Original Turkey Stick
- Protein: 5 grams
- Carbohydrates: < 1 grams
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Turkey
Enjoy pure, protein-rich turkey in a snackable package you can eat anywhere. When you want something savory and low in carbohydrates, this snack will save the day.
5. Pure Protein Chocolate Coconut Protein Bar
- Protein: 19 grams
- Carbohydrates: 19 grams
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Whey protein
If you want something sweet, but you don’t want to spend carbohydrates to get it, then you can grab a protein bar that tastes unbelievably similar to your favorite candy bars.
- Protein: 10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 3 grams
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Egg whites
Available starting this July, these one-of-a-kind egg white chips have the power to crush all your cravings for savory flavors while also filling you up with clean protein.
7. NuGo Peanut Butter Egg White Protein Bars
- Protein: 14 grams
- Carbohydrates: 19 grams
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Almonds
Peanut butter and egg whites team up in a powerful protein-filled combination that’s as satisfying as they come. Snack on it when you need a protein fix or when you just have a powerful peanut butter craving.
- Protein: 14 grams
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Pumpkin seed kernels
Add wholesome boiled eggs to a crispy dip of nutrient-rich pepitas and sea salt to get a flavorful and nourishing experience that will tide you over until dinnertime.
9. Venison Sea Salt Pepper Bar
- Protein: 12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Grass-fed venison
Grass-fed venison comes in a bar with protein power and minimal carbohydrates. Grab this bar when you’re feeling connected to the wild or you need energy to get there.
10. The New Primal Sea Salt Beef Thins®
- Protein: 13 grams
- Carbohydrates: 8 grams
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Grass-fed beef
This snack is Whole30-approved, certified Paleo, and certified gluten-free. These beef thins accomplish the once-impossible task of turning juicy moist beef into a delightfully crispy snack.
11. Veggie Protein Power Graze
- Protein: 26 grams
- Carbohydrates: 27 grams
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Edamame
This crunchy snack features a blend of savory black peppered cashews, spicy chickpeas, and edamame.
12. Treehouse Raw Whole Almonds
- Protein: 6 gram
- Carbohydrates: 6 grams
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Almonds
Treehouse almonds capture all the best qualities of nature’s powerhouse nuts. They have protein, vitamin E, magnesium, and iron.
From-Scratch High-Protein Low-Carb Snacks
When you have to hit specific nutrient targets, making your own snacks is a solid strategy. These easy-to-make snacks feature simple ingredients that provide plenty of filling protein.
13. Tuna Deviled Eggs from OhCarlene
- Protein: About 18 grams of protein per 4 egg halves
- Carbohydrates: About < 1 gram of carbohydrates
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Tuna
Add tuna to deviled eggs to elevate a favorite snack to new protein heights.
14. Turkey Egg Cups from Pumpkin N Spice
- Protein: About 23 grams of protein per one cup
- Carbohydrates: About 4 grams of carbohydrates
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Turkey
The magic of cooking produces another wonder in the form of turkey cups that runneth over with a protein-packed golden egg.
15. Tofu Cubes with Peanut Dipping Sauce
- Protein: About 13 grams protein
- Carbohydrates: About 7 grams carbohydrates
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Tofu
Cooking takes time, and eating raw tofu can be just as delicious and exciting as eating the cooked version. To make this snack, simply cube up some extra-firm tofu and then eat it with a simple peanut sauce.
16. Keto (Low Carb) Chia Seed Pudding from Life of a Cherry Wife
- Protein: About 4 grams of protein
- Carbohydrates: About 12 grams of carbohydrates
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Chia seeds
Superfood chia seeds provide plenty of protein and some omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, as you probably know, they transform simple liquid into a creamy pudding.
- Protein: 7 grams of protein
- Carbohydrates: 7 grams of carbohydrates
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Almonds
When big buffalo flavor comes on high-protein almonds instead of fatty chicken, you can feel better about enjoying your favorite spicy treat.
18. Low-Carb Steak Fajita Roll-Ups from A Spicy Perspective
- Protein: 13 grams of protein
- Carbohydrates: 3 grams of carbohydrates
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Baby asparagus
This steak-based snack comes along with a few tasty vegetables. What more could you want in a high-protein snack?
19. Apple Tuna Bites from Eat, Drink, Love
- Protein: 42 grams of protein
- Carbohydrates: 26 grams of carbohydrates
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Tuna
Fresh apple slices and rich umami tuna make a powerful combination for ending your cravings once and for all.
20. Cottage Cheese Stuffed Avocado with Hemp Seeds and Black Pepper
- Protein: About 17 grams per avocado half
- Carbohydrates: About 21 grams per avocado half
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Cottage cheese
Add a dollop of cottage cheese to a hollowed-out avocado to make an impossibly fresh and easy snack you can throw together in seconds.
21. Zucchini Boats with Vegan Pumpkin Seed Pesto from Cocoon Cooks
- Protein: About 4 grams of protein
- Carbohydrates: About 11 grams of carbohydrates
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Pumpkin seeds
Slice zucchini squash lengthwise and turn the pieces into boats using a metal spoon. Dollop pumpkin seed pesto—packed with herbs, garlic, and black pepper—into the center and enjoy.
22. Mom’s Stuffed Celery a.k.a Celery Crack (Ketogenic, low-carb) from Paleo Mom Noms
- Protein: About 6 grams of protein
- Carbohydrates: About 2 grams of carbohydrates
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Celery
Cream cheese, dill pickles, and bacon make a low-carb snack that’s more indulgent than most. Make this snack when you’re having a party or when you have some powerful cravings that just won’t quit.
23. Sriracha Salmon and Blue Cheese Stuffed Celery from Healthy Aperture
- Protein: 16 grams of protein
- Carbohydrates: 3 grams of carbohydrates
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Salmon
Salmon is not just for dinner, especially when you can munch on it atop crisp, fresh celery sticks. The contrast between blue cheese and sriracha elevates the whole experience.
24. Low-Carb Mozzarella Sticks from One Drop
- Protein: About 12 grams of protein
- Carbohydrates: About 1 gram of carbohydrates
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Mozzarella sticks
Almond flour and mozzarella string cheese make yummy snack sticks that taste even better than the frozen and restaurant versions you know and love.
25. Keto Candied Nuts with Bacon from Peace, Love, and Low Carb
- Protein: 7 grams of protein
- Carbohydrates: About 5 grams of carbohydrates
- Good-for-you ingredient spotlight: Pecans
Sweet candied nuts and bacon come together in a low-carb treat =that’s perfect for anyone looking for a snack that walks the line between sweet and salty.
What great high protein snack suggestions. I haven’t had a zucchini boat in awhile. Can’t wait to make one now!