Between work, school drop-offs, and everything else on the calendar, figuring out what to eat can easily fall to the bottom of the to-do list. While it can be tempting to reach for something quick and unhealthy, those types of foods rarely keep you full for long. Even if you don’t have time to prepare a full meal, you can still satisfy your cravings by opting for high protein low carb snacks.
However, not all snacks are created equal. Some high protein low carb snacks can also be loaded with sugar, sodium, or saturated fats, which may taste good but aren’t the healthiest choice of food. If you really want to stay satisfied in between meals, then these are the easy-to-eat snacks worth keeping on hand for when hunger strikes.
Yummy High Protein Low Carb Snacks for Dads to Try
1. Almonds
In general, nuts are a convenient option if you’re looking for a quick snack. While most nuts offer healthy fats and some protein, almonds are best if you want something high in protein and low in carbs. The best way to enjoy them is raw, although you can get them lightly salted or even covered in dark chocolate from Shipt.com if you pay attention to portion size.
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2. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are one of the most satisfying high protein low carb snacks you can eat. Each large egg contains around 6 grams of protein and less than 1 gram of carbohydrates, with just 60 calories per serving. This resealable pack from Walmart means you can just eat them on their own, but adding them to salads or using them for deviled eggs can add some variety to your daily menu.
3. Cheese Sticks
If you’re looking for a savory snack for those in-between meal times, cheese is always a good option. However, you’ll want to choose something low in fat and without any added emulsifiers (like processed cheese). Target carries a line of Kraft cheeses that have 7 grams of protein and half the amount of fat compared to regular Kraft cheese. Best of all, they’re individually wrapped and ready for snacking!
4. Lean Ground Beef
For something filling that only takes a few minutes to whip up, stock your fridge and freezer with lean ground beef from Omaha Steaks. It has virtually zero carbs, especially if you only season the meat with garlic, paprika, or chili powder. You can make mini lettuce wraps, meatballs, or stuffed bell peppers for a satisfying lunch that’ll kick hunger to the curb!
5. Greek Yogurt
Skip the flavored or granola-topped yogurts and opt for plain, no-sugar-added Greek yogurt instead! Target sells a non-fat yogurt that contains a whopping 16 grams of protein in just ¾ of a cup, making it one of the healthiest high protein low carb snacks. If you are craving some sweetness, feel free to add a handful of berries, a few nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
Related: Delicious Protein Smoothie Recipes
6. Edamame
A lot of people aren’t aware of just how much protein is in a handful of edamame! Soybeans are a complete plant-based protein that’s also packed with fiber to help you feel more full throughout the day. If you don’t have time to cook them at home, you can still get your fix with these individual snacking pouches of crunchy roasted edamame beans from Walmart.
7. Beef Meat Sticks
Unlike traditional beef jerky, which can be high in added sugar and sodium, these beef meat sticks from Chomps are a healthy and high-protein alternative. Each stick is made from 100% grass-fed beef and contains 10 grams of protein and absolutely no sugar. If beef isn’t your go-to flavor of choice, don’t worry, as Target also has them in turkey or chicken!
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Which High Protein Low Carb Snacks Have the Most Protein?
If you’re trying to get more protein into your diet without loading up on carbohydrates, some snacks offer considerably more protein per serving than others. Lean ground beef and plain Greek yogurt are among the higher protein options, while hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and almonds are convenient choices when you don’t have time to prepare anything. Of course, serving size matters, so it’s worth comparing the nutritional values before deciding which snacks work best for your routine.
Here’s how some of the most popular high protein low carb snacks compare:
| Snack | Serving Size | Protein | Carbohydrates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lean ground beef, cooked | 3 oz | 22 g | 0 g |
| Plain nonfat Greek yogurt | ¾ cup | 16 g | 6 g |
| Hard-boiled eggs | 2 large eggs | 13 g | 1 g |
| Roasted edamame | ¼ cup | 13 g | 9 g |
| Beef meat stick | 1 stick | 10 g | 0 to 1 g |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 oz | 7 g | 1 g |
| Almonds | 1 oz | 6 g | 6 g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the brand, ingredients, and preparation method.
While lean ground beef provides the most protein per serving on this list, that doesn’t necessarily make it the best choice for every situation. If you’re heading out the door with the kids, a beef stick or a handful of almonds might be more practical. Greek yogurt and hard-boiled eggs are great options to keep in the refrigerator for when you need something quick between meals. Ultimately, the best snack is one that fits your nutritional needs, satisfies your hunger, and is easy enough to incorporate into your daily routine.
Related: 3 Protein Packed Smoothies to Incorporate into Your Weekly Workout
How to Make High Protein Low Carb Snacks Easier
- Pair protein with healthy fats: Combining lean protein with healthy fats like nuts, avocado, or cheese can help you stay full for longer.
- Buy snacks in bulk: Having a stash of snacks means you’ll always have something close by, which reduces the urge to order takeout or choose something else unhealthy.
- Use a delivery service: Companies like Good Chop allow you to order high-quality meats and seafood straight to your door, which takes the pressure off fighting crowds at the grocery store.
- Use a cooler: Packing a small cooler with ice will allow you to have things like Greek yogurt, cheese, and hard-boiled eggs on hand.
- Make snacking a routine: Don’t wait until you’re starving to think about food! By having a snack at certain times of the day (like on the drive home or a few hours after lunch), you can beat your cravings ahead of time.
- Read nutrition labels: Check the label before you eat, as some protein bars, flavored yogurts, and packaged meat snacks can contain more sugar, carbohydrates, or sodium than expected.
- Plan for busy days: If you need a quick meal, have a few restaurants and specific dishes picked out beforehand so you can order from DoorDash without being tempted by other options!
Related: What Foods Contain High Protein – 10 Excellent Choices
Stay Full with High Protein Low Carb Snacks
Eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite foods. With the right high protein low carb snacks, you can still satisfy cravings while also staying on track with your health goals. The key is to choose foods that are easy to eat (or prepare) so you don’t end up reaching for less nutritious options.
If you have more time to spend in the kitchen, then there are lots of other high protein low carb snacks you can make. Whether you’re grilling up a steak or making a warm bowl of soup, putting effort into your meals can help you make healthier choices.
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