HurryTheFoodUp is reader-powered. If you click through using links on our site we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
- SAVE TO FAVOURITES
- COMMENT
- JUMP TO RECIPE
When hunger hits and you haven’t got the time to put together a full meal, a high protein low calorie snack is just what you need!
Jump To:
- What snack qualifies?
- Recipe list
- FAQs
Let’s face it guys, snacks don’t get the best rep. Most options out there are packed with calories and fats in amounts that don’t align with your health goals.
Many people try to avoid snacking overall, starving themselves till their next meal but if you’re a busy person, the hunger pangs can be kinda hard to ignore.
The fast food joint might be right by the corner and before you know it, you might find yourself strutting down their pavement or going to their drive-through to make an order.
The bad news is, that order could be the first in a long line of many ones that could put your health, muscle gain or weight loss targets and ultimately, whole body goals in jeopardy.
Sounds pretty tragic, right? I even had to stop myself from tearing up but the good news is things don’t have to be that way.
13 High Protein Low-Calorie Snacks for the Win!
With the help of HTFU’s resident nutritionist, James, and my badass scouting skills, I’ve been able to compile a lip-smacking protein-packing list of high-protein snacks that are both healthy and satiating (we also have a different compilation that focusses solely on low calorie snack recipes).
These snacks alongside the meals in our high protein meal plan provide you with so much protein, you’ll be sure to feel fuller for longer and meet or even beat your required daily intake of protein!
But, before you go through the compilation, you must be wondering what kind of low-calorie high protein snack made our cut. The rules were that each treat:
- contains about 15 grams of protein in every 250kcal portion and wholegrain carbs rather than refined ones or empty calories;
- can’t be any more than 250kcal per serving;
- has less than 8g of saturated fat, 20g of fat overall and is filled with heart-healthy fats and important nutrients instead;
- is filled with natural and healthy ingredients like fruits and veggies.
And last but not least, they have got to taste absolutely amazing. Wondering what that must look like? Scroll through to see!
Stay healthy and satisfied with these 13 healthy protein snacks for weight loss!
Add to Collection
The Best Savoury Ricotta Muffins
Check out the recipe here
4.69 from 41 votes
Protein: 6.7g
Calories: 101kcal
Ready in:25 minutes minutes
Recipe by: Heiko & HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: the olives, sundried tomatoes and cheese gives this low-fat snack many wonderful and distinctive flavours
Mediterranean Baked Ricotta Muffins. High protein meets high flavour in these delicious ricotta muffins, perfect as a filling snack or post-gym meal.
Add to Collection
Japanese Silken Tofu – Hiyayakko
Check out the recipe here
5 from 2 votes
Protein: 6g
Calories: 72kcal
Ready in:10 minutes minutes
Recipe by: Abril Macías
Bonus: super easy and tasty 10-minute snack
This melt-in-your-mouth Japanese silken tofu recipe is a quick and refreshing snack or side dish that’s full of flavour.
Subscribe to get our FREE 7-Day Vegetarian High Protein Meal Plan for Weight Loss
- Ideal for weight loss
- Easy vegetarian recipes only
- Automated grocery lists
- Use on mobile or download as PDF
Add to Collection
Best Easy Omelette Recipe
Check out the recipe here
4.37 from 11 votes
Protein: 17g
Calories: 220kcal
Ready in:7 minutes minutes
Recipe by: Hurry The Food Up
Bonus: serving this with a filling is the best way to make this all the more hearty
Trying to make the perfect omelette? This protein-packed snack, our easy omelette recipe, has got your back!
Add to Collection
Asian-Style Easy Egg Muffins
Check out the recipe here
4.89 from 26 votes
Protein: 25g
Calories: 359kcal
Ready in:30 minutes minutes
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: if you’re not one for dairy, these egg muffins are a great option for you!
These Asian-Style Easy Egg Muffins are beautifully different. The carrot and ginger are a fresh and zippy combo and the soy sauce rounds it all up! Enjoy
Add to Collection
Easy Sweetcorn Fritters
Check out the recipe here
4.76 from 33 votes
Protein: 16g
Calories: 325kcal
Ready in:20 minutes minutes
Recipe by:
Bonus: top this off with some baby leaf salad and sour cream!
Sweetcorn fritters can be made for any weeknight tea with the family. Served as a main or side dish, they’re so yummy!
Add to Collection
Low Carb Egg Muffins
Check out the recipe here
4.60 from 146 votes
Protein: 17g
Calories: 219kcal
Ready in:25 minutes minutes
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: a cheesy keto-friendly snack with enough protein
Looking for a high-protein, low-carb treat? Try these egg muffins – 1 amazing recipe, 4 tantalising flavours!
Add to Collection
Soy Sauce Eggs (Shoyu Tamago)
Check out the recipe here
5 from 3 votes
Protein: 13g
Calories: 186kcal
Ready in:10 minutes minutes
Recipe by: Abril Macías
Bonus: hard-boiled eggs are so last season
More high-quality protein and flavour? Check. These flavourful soy sauce eggs with jammy yolks are beyond addictive!
Add to Collection
Italian-Style Healthy Breakfast Egg Muffins
Check out the recipe here
4.79 from 23 votes
Protein: 19g
Calories: 228kcal
Ready in:30 minutes minutes
Bonus: you can either use regular or low feta cheese if you prefer
Fresh basil, salty feta, tangy sun-dried tomatoes and sweet cherry tomatoes: that’s thebeautiful combo that gives these breakfast egg muffins the name ‘Italian Style’.
Add to Collection
Japanese Silken Tofu with Radish and Basil
Check out the recipe here
No ratings yet
Protein: 6g
Calories: 93kcal
Ready in:10 minutes minutes
Recipe by: Abril Macías
Bonus: a rich and creamy side dish, snack, or dessert
This Japanese silken tofu with radish and basil has spice and crunch that go perfectly with the soft and creamy tofu!
Protein: 19g
Calories: 260kcal (this might contain ten extra calories than our recommended count, but it’s such a damn great snack we just had to include!)
Ready in: 17 minutes
Recipe by: VeganPunks
Bonus: marinate this first before airfrying!
Crispy Air Fryer Tempeh only needs three ingredients and takes 15 minutes to make! It’s perfect for adding extra protein to stir-fries and curries. With both oil-free and low-oil options, this air-fried tempeh will really hit the spot!
Protein: 13g
Calories: 248kcal
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: MomFoodie
Bonus: make this with olive oil, any other flavourful oil or a mild oil.
Crispy air fryer chickpeas are a budget-friendly, healthy snack you can make in minutes (if you like the sound, you need to check out all our savory vegan chickpea recipes!)!
Protein: 20.8g
Calories: 150kcal
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: VegBuffet
Bonus: this snack is filled with over twenty grams of plant-based protein!
This Black Chana Salad recipe gathers in no time and is a high protein salad fused with tangy and spicy flavors and can be had as a light breakfast, evening meal or easy snack (if you like the sound of this, you need to try some of these low calorie salad recipes).
Add to Collection
Smashed Cucumber and Edamame (vegan protein snack)
Check out the recipe here
5 from 2 votes
Protein: 11g
Calories: 146kcal
Ready in:10 minutes minutes
Recipe by: Abril Macías
Bonus: a 10-minute vegan-friendly snack!
Try this oriental-inspired smashed cucumber and edamame recipe, a quick high-protein snack to have at home or on the go!
I love serving these in mason jars but you can try yours out with a nice bowl too. Give it a whirl and tell me how it went!
No ratings yet
Prep Time:10 minutes minutes
Total Time:10 minutes minutes
Servings:2
Calories:146kcal
Author: Abril Macías
Equipment
Knife
Cutting board
Mixing bowl
Jar
Ingredients
- 1 small persian cucumber (or 1 pickling cucumber)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tbsp rice vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp sesame oil (or olive oil)
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup edamame, pre-cooked
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp cilantro/coriander, fresh (chopped)
Instructions
Slice the cucumber in half, lengthwise. Place the cucumber, cut side facing down, and smash it, applying pressure with the back of a knife against the cucumber or smacking it until it starts to split. Then slice the cucumber into small pieces of 1 cm.
1 small persian cucumber
In a small bowl mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chili flakes, sesame oil, and 1 tsp of water. If necessary, add salt to taste.
2 tbsp soy sauce, ½ tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, ¼ tsp chili flakes, 1 tsp sesame oil, Salt to taste
Fill two small mason jars with the cucumber and edamame. Add dressing, mix and top with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro.
1 cup edamame, pre-cooked, 1 tsp sesame seeds, 1 tbsp cilantro/coriander, fresh
Eat immediately or put a lid on and reserve until ready to be consumed.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
11 Easy and Healthy High Protein Low Calorie Snack Recipes
Amount per Serving
Calories
146
% Daily Value*
Fat
7
g
11
%
Saturated Fat
1
g
6
%
Trans Fat
0.01
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
2
g
Sodium
1016
mg
44
%
Potassium
468
mg
13
%
Carbohydrates
13
g
4
%
Fiber
5
g
21
%
Sugar
5
g
6
%
Protein
11
g
22
%
Vitamin A
145
IU
3
%
Vitamin C
6
mg
7
%
Calcium
72
mg
7
%
Iron
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Tag @HurryTheFoodUp on Instagram so we can admire your masterpiece!
FAQs for High Protein Low Calorie Snacks
Really quick, I’ll go over the answers to some questions you might be pondering about.
What protein snacks are good for weight loss?
Cheesy popcorn, yoghurt parfaits, cottage cheese sandwiches, celerey sticks or even apples coated with peanut butter are snacks that have a decent protein content and are good for weight loss.
If you’re looking to drop a few, the general rule of thumb is that you steer clear from calorie dense foods when you’re choosing a high protein weight loss snack. This usually includes seeds like chia seeds or pumpkin seeds and even nuts.
Scratch that, especially nuts.
Time without number, it’s what we’ve been told but it might shock you to know that there are actually many ways how nuts can help with weight loss.
In fact, there are loads of health benefits associated with the consumption of nuts like how pairing dried fruits and nuts can help with your cardiovascular health and lower your risk of a heart disease and CVD (cardiovascular disease) as a whole.
Now, isn’t that something? So, the next time you’re thinking of ditching that bag of trail mix or keeping back that jar of almond butter in fear they’re unhealthy, you might want to think again.
Can you lose weight on a high protein and low calorie diet?
A high protein and low calorie diet is an incredibly effective one for weight loss.
A high protein and low calorie diet is an incredibly effective one for weight loss. Besides the fact that the nutrient helps you feel fuller for longer so you can cut back on your calorific intake, there are several other ways how protein can help you lose weight. If you’re looking to cut down or stay fit, you should definitely consider going on a high protein diet
What is the healthiest high protein snack?
Roasted chickpeas, cottage cheese, hard boiled eggs, hummus and chia pudding are some of the healthiest high protein snacks.
You’re going to want to aim for snacks that are low in fat and contain a decent amount of other essential nutrients.
Better still, you could save this page for the best inspiration anytime you’re in the mood for a healthy protein-rich snack (or you could check out our other high protein vegetarian snack ideas)!
Super healthy, highly satiating and packed with protein: these high protein low calorie snacks are the best there are (and if you’re not satisfied, head over to our list of vegan low calorie snacks to find more awesome snacks!). Give yourself a protein boost by making these snacks a big part of your healthy diet.
If you’ve got any questions to ask, comments to make or testimonies to share, go ahead and drop ‘em in the section below and follow this blog for more!