Top 10 Grab and Go Store Bought Protein Snacks

I have been on a mission to increase my protein for a few months now. My personal reasons include wanting to ensure my muscle mass stays consistent and wanting to help stay full which protein can help with. I love snacks and it’s easy for me to end up making too many empty calorie decisions in moments I get even a twinge of hunger. I still love snacks but increasing my protein has actually helped with some of the choices I am making which I am happy about.

As a full-time working mom, I have to set myself up for success by keeping items on hand that I can grab and go. Whether it be to grab before heading into the office, items to keep on hand at work or a busy day of sports watching on a weekend, it is important for me to have easy things ready to roll. After a lot of trial and error including coming to terms with snacks, I simply just don’t like so I need to stop buying (sorry turkey jerky, I just don’t like you), I feel like I finally have a good system down and know what things to buy on the regular.

I don’t have exact macros I aim for because honestly, I never have figured out that whole macro thing. I try to stick to items with 10+ grams of protein to help hit my goal each day. I make sure my meals pack in at least 25 grams of protein, but the snacks are important to help reach that goal.

Here are my top 10 grab and go items that are also store bought; because sometimes we just don’t have time to be prepping things in the kitchen!

Protein Chips. These are annoyingly expensive but I do keep them on hand sometimes. I love the Quest brand Chili Lime flavor and really love that each single serve bag has 20 grams of protein

Daisy Cottage Cheese with fruit. 14 grams of protein and 160 calories. Breeze past this if you can’t stand the texture of cottage cheese. I get it but luckily have learned to enjoy it. Pro tip- Good Culture brand is, in my opinion, the best out there. But I love this Daisy one with the fruit ready to go for an easy healthy snack.

Chomps. The jalapeno kind is my favorite but they have a variety of flavors. Zero sugar and 10+ grams of protein, depending on which one you order.

Barebell Protein Bars. There are hundreds of protein bars out there and I have tried dozens of them. My all-time favorite is the Barebell brand in the chocolate dough flavor. 20 grams of protein, 200 calories and 1 gram of sugar. Downside, they are on the more expensive side and rarely go on sale.

Premier Protein Shakes. Similar to protein bars, there are practically endless kinds of shakes too. I love the Premier Protein because they are that “grab and go” I need. I have other protein mixes I can use at home with a blender bottle, but the Premier brand requires none of that. They don’t even require refrigeration (until you open) so you can keep some at work, in a cool spot in your car etc. My favorite flavors are vanilla and strawberry, but they have several flavor options. 30 grams of protein, 160 calories and 1 gram of sugar.

Crunchy Roasted Edamame Beans. These can be found on Amazon, Costco and many grocery stores. They are that perfect snack on the go when you know you need protein, but you also want that crunch, 11 grams of protein, 100 calories and 2 grams of sugar.

Ratio Yogurt. Yogurts can be deceiving and packed with sugar. I love the brand Ratio because it has just 3 grams of sugar and packs 25 grams of protein. This one is also honestly really yummy tasting.

Packaged hard boiled eggs. Yes, I know you can hard boil eggs yourself. But I have learned that I am just not gonna do that. I buy a pack at Trader Joes each week for a few dollars, and they are awesome to have on hand to throw into a Tupperware to eat on the way to work or anytime. I put a little mustard or salt and pepper on mine. Typically packs about 6 grams per egg and I usually eat two.

Single Serve Nuts. Nuts do pack higher calories and fats so it might be something to be aware of. But they also pack a good amount of protein. I buy the single serving pistachios or almonds. You can also buy by the bulk and just measure it out or take a handful for a super easy light snack.

Chicken on the Run. The idea of this use to not be appetizing to me but then I tried it and honestly I really like it. 150 calories and 9 grams of protein. They don’t need to be refrigerated making it a super convenient snack to keep at work or in your work bag. They come with cute little crackers too.

Do you have any go-to grab and go protein items? We’d love you to share!