11 Snacks That Are Quick Protein Sources

It’s easy to get worn out when life gets busy. From running errands, to work, to driving your kids to all their activities, it’s often a challenge to stay energized and nourished throughout the day. Luckily, we’re here to help!

Protein snacks are a great way to help boost your energy, and we have a ton of options for you to choose from. Whether you’re on the go or getting ready to exercise, these snacks are quick protein sources that can help you keep your energy up. 

What Factors Affect Your Energy Levels?

Many factors impact our energy levels, such as:

• Stress
• Our amount of daily exercise
• How much we sleep
• Consuming alcohol and smoking
• Our water intake and the foods we eat

When your energy levels are low, snacking can be a great way to perk up. In fact, snacks can help boost your energy for several hours when your glucose levels drop. 

However, the types of foods we eat greatly influence how energized we feel. That’s why it’s important to choose foods that are rich in nutrients. These foods include whole grains, high-fiber veggies, nuts, and proteins. 

What Are Some of the Best Snacks for Energy?

1. Lorissa’s Kitchen Meat Snacks

Dried, smoked meat snacks are not only delicious, but they’re also a source of protein. Protein is essential to every single cell in your body and can support important processes like muscle growth, your immune system, and digestion. 

It’s important to choose quality dried meat snacks to help fuel your energy. At Lorissa’s Kitchen, our meat snacks are made from 100% grass-fed beef raised without antibiotics.

When you need something quick, compact, and portable, try our Original Beef Sticks. These tender beef snacks are slow-smoked and seasoned with a savory spice blend that includes rosemary, black pepper_, and dried garlic. 

Each serving has six grams of protein, which helps your body fuel up when it’s running low on energy. Chow down on a stick before your next workout or when you need an afternoon pick-me-up.

Need a quick protein snack for on-the-go? Pick up some Original Beef Sticks Snack Packs. They’re made just like the original beef sticks and have four grams of protein per serving. These snack packs are perfect to fit into any lunch bag.

2. Snack Bars

Snack bars are easy to find in grocery stores and convenience shops. Plus, there’s a huge variety to choose from, whether you’re looking for a sweet and salty granola bar or a savory nut bar. When finding a bar to help replenish your energy, choose one that’s rich in nutrients and protein, such as nut bars or low-sugar protein bars. Be sure to look through the ingredients list for wholesome ingredients, such as nuts, fruit, and whole grains.

3. Dried Fruit and Nuts

Nuts and dried fruit offer a nice balance of protein and carbs, while helping satisfy both sweet and salty cravings. Plus, they’re shelf-stable and can be stored almost anywhere so you can bring them wherever you go. When you need high-protein snacks on the go, just grab a few packs of your favorite nuts and dried fruits to store in your bag for when hunger strikes.

4. Yogurt

When you’re hankering for a quick protein source, try smooth, creamy yogurt. A single cup (100 grams) of plain, whole-milk yogurt has 3.82 grams of protein and 5.57 grams of carbohydrates. It’s also high in nutrients like calcium and phosphorus.

Many flavored yogurts have a lot of sugar, so opt for plain yogurt. You can sweeten it with some fresh or frozen fruit, or add some nuts for an extra protein boost. For even more protein, try a cup of plain, whole-milk Greek yogurt, which has 8.78 grams of protein.

5. Smoothies With Protein Powder

Protein smoothies are refreshing, filling, and can help you feel more energized. For a convenient option, try premade protein shakes from the store to bring on the go. You can also try making your own protein smoothies at home for a quick, energizing breakfast that includes the ingredients you want to help fuel your body.

When choosing a protein powder, there are a few general guidelines to keep in mind. Aim for 15 grams of protein, 100-200 calories, and less than 15 grams of carbs per serving. 

6. Banana and Peanut Butter

Peanut butter topped with bananas creates a scrumptious and classic snack pairing. This snack is more carb-focused for quick energy while still having a hefty dose of protein. A slightly ripe banana has 26.4 grams of carbs and half a cup of peanut butter has 12 grams of protein. You can also substitute other kinds of nut butter to fit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

7. Dark Chocolate-Covered Almonds

A few dark chocolate-covered almonds can go a long way. When you’re craving something sweet and still want protein, munch on a small handful of chocolate-covered nuts to enhance your energy levels quickly. If almonds are not your favorite, try another option like peanuts or cashews!

8. Nut Butter Packets

You can’t always carry your favorite jar of nut butter around when you need a quick protein snack, but with nut butter packets, you don’t have to. These little portable packets can be squirted right into your mouth or onto your favorite crackers for a convenient, energizing snack. Plus, they are shelf-stable and individually packaged for easy storage on-the-go.

9. Chickpeas/Garbanzo Beans

Did you know you can roast chickpeas for a simple protein snack on the go? Just open a can, pat them dry, and bake them at 425 degrees in your oven for 20 minutes or until crispy. 

A single cup of chickpeas has 7.05 grams of protein and 6.4 grams of fiber, to help you feel energized throughout the day.

10. Hummus

Hummus and veggies are a great on-the-go snack for quick energy. Hummus is usually made from chickpeas, making it rich in protein. Pair it with fiber-rich foods like broccoli, carrots, or whole-wheat crackers for an extra boost while helping satisfy those savory cravings.

11. Trail Mix

Want more variety in your nuts and dried fruit? Make it into a trail mix! For whole grains, add some granola or popcorn. You can also try dried coconut flakes and pieces of dark chocolate to make it sweeter, just make sure to keep it protein-focused with plenty of nuts and seeds. You can also buy pre-made trail mix bags for an easy on-the-go option that fits right in your bag or desk at work.

Fuel Up With Mouthwatering Meat Snacks From Lorissa’s Kitchen

Choosing foods that can help you feel energized and full is important to keep up with your busy day. Our delectable meat snacks can help your family feel nourished and energized while satisfying their cravings. Stock your cupboards with delicious protein snacks by shopping Lorissa’s Kitchen’s meat snacks today!