10 High Protein, Low Carb Snacks for Satisfying Hunger

If you’re following a low carb, high protein diet you may find yourself scrambling to find the perfect snack to hit the spot. 

Your typical snack foods are often loaded with processed carbohydrates, artificial ingredients, and are likely lacking in high-quality protein. Eating these types of foods will not only sabotage your low-carb lifestyle but can also lead to sugar crashes, and possibly weight gain.

Protein is an essential component of a well-balanced diet. This important macronutrient can help you feel fuller for longer, promote muscle growth and strength, and can help prevent muscle loss while losing weight.

What is a low carb, high protein diet?

While there is no hard and fast rule regarding the definition of a low carb, high protein diet, generally speaking, low carb diets limit the number of carbohydrates you eat while emphasizing protein-rich foods.

A low-carb diet is generally one that provides less than 40% of your total energy from carbohydrates. Additionally, many low carb, high protein diets recommend that you get 30% to 50% of your total calories from protein.

High protein, low carb diets are popular among people interested in weight loss, those looking to improve their blood sugar control, and for people looking to improve their general health. 

High protein Low Carb Snacks

The key to sticking with your low-carb, high protein diet is to ensure that you’re not starving in between meals. When choosing snacks, make sure they are rich in protein, as protein can have a powerful and positive effect on your appetite.

For example, studies have shown that protein-rich snacking can help you feel fuller for longer and can also help facilitate weight loss.

Additionally, eating a low carb high protein snack has been linked to improved heart health. One 2015 study found that people eating the highest amount of protein had a 40% lower risk of developing high blood pressure compared with those consuming the least amount of protein.

There is no shortage of high protein low carb snacks to choose from; however, the following are the best high protein snacks that will surely satisfy you between meals.

Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt is a protein-rich dairy product that is ultra-creamy and versatile. You can mix it with a variety of herbs to make a savory veggie dip, or you can stir in some fresh berries for a tasty low-carb treat.

In addition to being an excellent high protein snack, Greek yogurt is also loaded with calcium to help support your bone health and contains probiotics that can restore healthy gut bacteria. 

Hummus

Hummus is a popular Middle Eastern spread made with chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and a variety of spices. This delicious snack delivers roughly 5 grams of protein for every ¼ cup, and also contains some fat and fiber making it an ideal snack for combating hunger.

Hummus makes an excellent dip for a variety of raw vegetables including carrots, celery, peppers, sliced radishes, and sugar snap peas.

Almonds

Heart-healthy almonds pack a powerful punch of protein but are also rich in fiber and other important nutrients like vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium. The brown layer of skin found on an almond is loaded with antioxidants that can help slow the aging process and protect from chronic disease.

Moreover, studies show that eating almonds can help reduce LDL, or bad cholesterol levels resulting in a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Pumpkin seeds

The small but mighty pumpkin seed is loaded with protein and healthy fats, in addition to important minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium.

Due to their fat, protein, and fiber content, pumpkin seeds are an ideal snack to help curb hunger between meals. This popular high protein snack can be eaten raw or roasted and added to a wide variety of foods including yogurt, salads, or soups. 

Boiled egg

Hard-boiled eggs are the perfect unprocessed high protein low carb snack as they provide heart healthy fats and important nutrients to keep your bones strong and protect your vision.

Eggs contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, both of which can stabilize your cholesterol levels and lower your risk of heart disease. Eggs also contain choline, an important nutrient used by your brain and nervous system to help regulate mood, memory, and muscle control along with other functions.

Peanut butter

Peanut butter is a steadfast favorite among children and adults alike. This wonderful high protein, low carb nut butter can be paired with fresh fruit or eaten on its own. The healthy spread provides a nice variety of vitamins and minerals including magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. 

Research suggests having a daily dose of peanuts or peanut butter can reduce LDL, or “bad” cholesterol levels, improve heart health, and help reduce weight. When choosing peanut butter, try to steer clear of brands that contain added ingredients like sugar, salt, or added oils.  

Cottage cheese

With its creamy texture and mild flavor, cottage cheese is not only high in protein but also provides important vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, zinc, choline, and copper.

Dairy products that provide calcium and vitamin D, like cottage cheese, have been shown to decrease the risks of bone loss along with bone fractures and breaks. 

Cottage cheese can be mixed with fresh berries, or toasted nuts for an extra protein boost.

Chomps meat sticks

Beef sticks are an outstanding low-carb, high-protein snack. However, traditional meat sticks are filled with highly-processed meats and chemical preservatives making them less than ideal.

Chomps meat sticks provide high-quality protein from grass-fed beef, free-range venison, and antibiotic-free turkey. Additionally, this perfectly convenient dried meat snack contains no added sugar and no chemical preservatives or hidden ingredients.

Chomps come in a wide variety of delicious flavors and a range of mild to hot seasoning blends to satisfy any palate. 

Canned tuna

Tuna is packed with protein, and when canned, it makes a healthy and convenient low carb snack. Tuna provides important omega-3 fatty acids which have been linked to reduced rates of cardiovascular disease. Canned tuna also provides several important vitamins and minerals including vitamin D, B vitamins, selenium, and iodine.

Edamame

Edamame are young soybeans that are found in the pod. These little beans contain a whopping 17 grams of protein in one cup and also provide a variety of vitamins and minerals like folate, vitamin K, and magnesium. 

Edamame makes an ideal high protein, low carb snack because they are considered a complete protein, meaning they provide all the essential amino acids your body needs. Moreover, edamame is easily portable and can be eaten plain or flavored with your favorite seasoning and spices.

High Protein Low Carb Snacks You Love

When hunger hits between meals, it’s important to ensure that you have high protein snacks that are low carb to keep you full and satiated for the long term.

Popular snack foods typically contain processed carbs, unhealthy fats, and excess sodium making them less than ideal for your healthy, low-carb lifestyle.

If you’re following a low carb, high protein diet, you’ll want to ensure that your snacks are loaded with nutrition and also provide enough protein to keep you full between meals. Healthy and portable snacks like Chomps meat sticks are your perfect between meals companion to keep you full, healthy, and strong.