10 Dairy-Free High Protein Snacks to Keep You Energized
Looking for tasty and nutritious snack ideas to satisfy your cravings while maintaining a healthy lifestyle? Look no further! Discover these dairy-free high protein snacks that will not only keep you full but also help you increase your protein intake. With at least 5 grams of protein per snack, these options are perfect for fueling your body.
Hard Boiled Eggs – A Classic Favorite
Hard-boiled eggs are a go-to option for many reasons. They are simple to make and budget-friendly, costing only about 20-35 cents per egg. Each large egg contains 6 grams of protein, so two eggs will provide you with 12 grams. Enjoy them plain, make deviled eggs, or create a tasty egg salad sandwich for a filling snack.
Roasted Chickpeas – Crunchy and Nutritious
Roasted chickpeas are another fantastic dairy-free high protein snack choice. Packed with protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, they keep you satisfied and support digestive health. Roasting your own chickpeas is easy – simply toss them in olive oil and your favorite seasonings, then bake them until crispy. You can also find dairy-free options at the store, such as Biena Sea Salt Chickpea Snacks or Saffron Road Bombay Spice Crunchy Chickpeas.
Tuna Pouches – Convenient and Protein-Packed
Tuna pouches are a game-changer for snacking on the go. With no can opener required, these portable snacks provide around 15-18 grams of protein per 2.5-2.6 ounce pouch. Most plain pouches are dairy-free, but double-check flavored versions for any dairy ingredients. Try Safe Catch Elite Citrus Pepper Tuna or Bumble Bee Spicy Thai Chili Tuna for some dairy-free options.
Jerky and Beef Sticks – Savory and Satisfying
Jerky and beef sticks offer a tasty and protein-rich snack option. With approximately 9-10 grams of protein in a one-ounce serving of jerky and 5-9 grams in a beef stick, these treats are perfect when you need a quick and filling snack. Look for dairy-free options such as Tillamook Zero Sugar Beef Jerky or Vermont BBQ Beef Sticks.
Trail Mix – A Balanced and Energizing Snack
Trail mix is an excellent choice when you need sustained energy. While the protein content varies, a ⅓ cup serving typically provides around 5-7 grams of protein. If you need a nut-free option, you can still create a version with seeds that provides about 5 grams of protein per serving. Make your own trail mix using nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and extras like dairy-free chocolate chips or beef jerky. Alternatively, you can try store-bought options such as Power Up Trail Mix or Enjoy Life Nut-Free Trail Mix.
Protein Bars – Convenient and Delicious
Protein bars are a favorite snack for many, offering a quick and satisfying protein boost. You can easily make your own protein bars using natural peanut butter, honey, plant-based protein powder, and dairy-free chocolate chips. Each homemade bar contains around 10 grams of protein. If you prefer store-bought options, consider RX Bars or Zing Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars, both offering 10-20 grams of protein per bar.
Higher Protein Dairy-Free Yogurt – A Creamy Delight
While most dairy-free yogurts have relatively low protein content, a few options stand out. Kite Hill Protein Almond Milk Yogurts provide at least 10 grams of protein per serving, with soy protein isolate as the protein source. Siggi’s Plant Based Cups offer 10 grams of protein and are known for their delicious taste and low added sugar content. Nancy’s Oatmilk Non-Dairy Yogurt, with 6 grams of protein per serving, is also worth trying.
Smoothies – A Refreshing and Nutritious Option
Dairy-free smoothies are a fantastic way to incorporate more protein into your diet. Add fruits, veggies, dairy-free milk, and a protein source of your choice to create a personalized blend. The protein content can vary, so ensure you include a source of protein in your smoothie. Consider ingredients like silken tofu, higher-protein dairy-free yogurt, peanut butter, almond butter, or plant-based protein powder.
Edamame – A Nutritious and Crunchy Snack
Edamame, both cooked from frozen or in snack pack form, is a protein-packed snack option. A cup of cooked edamame contains 17 grams of protein, while a crunchy snack pack provides around 10-14 grams. You can cook your own edamame by sautéing them in oil with a dash of salt and soy sauce. If you prefer the convenience of dried snacks, try The Only Bean Crunchy Dry Roasted Edamame or Seapoint Farms Dry Roasted Edamame.
Lentil Snacks – Crunchy and Flavorful
Lentil snacks have been gaining popularity, and two favorites are Harvest Snaps Tomato Basil Flavor and Mighty Lil’ Lentils by Seapoint Farms. Harvest Snaps provide 5 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per one-ounce serving, while Mighty Lil’ Lentils offer 5 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber in a quarter-cup serving. Enjoy these puffed, crunchy snacks as a delicious alternative to traditional snacks.
The Bottom Line – Delicious Options for Every Palate
With an array of dairy-free high protein snacks available, you can easily find something that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you choose hard-boiled eggs, roasted chickpeas, or lentil snacks, these options will keep you satisfied and energized throughout the day.
Share: What’s your favorite snack from this list? If you have other ideas, feel free to drop them in the comments!
