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These protein-packed foods are versatile, portable and convenient.

Reviewed by Dietitian Christa Brown, M.S., RDN, LD

Key Points

• Shrimp, canned fish and edamame are protein-packed, versatile snacks.
• Cottage cheese, Greek yogurt and kefir offer protein, probiotics and calcium.
• Almonds, chickpeas and almond butter provide plant-based protein and fiber.

You’ve probably heard that protein-rich snacks are the ticket to keeping you full and satisfied between meals. When it comes to snack options, eggs are often one of the top protein-packed snacks that come to mind, for various reasons. Besides the fact that each large egg offers 6 grams of protein, eggs are also delicious, nutritious and versatile.

Truthfully, there isn’t a standard definition for a high-protein snack, but we’re using an egg an ideal reference point to compare other foods because it is one of the best high-protein foods. To give you other options, we’ve rounded up a list of versatile, tasty, portable and convenient protein-rich foods that offer as much or more protein than one large egg. Read on to discover which foods made our list.

Shrimp

Shrimp is a seafood you could eat as a snack to meet the recommended 8 ounces of seafood intake every week. A 3-ounce serving of shrimp provides a whopping 20 grams of protein.

Dip chilled cooked shrimp into cocktail sauce (you can buy it precooked in most seafood departments), or wrap them up in lettuce leaves with veggies, peanut sauce and herbs. Use your airfryer to make them hot and crispy for a savory and filling snack.

Canned Fish

Canned fish is another seafood source that’s rich in protein. For example, one small can of salmon (75 grams) has 19 grams of protein. Canned salmon, tuna, trout and sardines—where the bones are often tiny and soft enough to eat—are also sources of calcium and vitamin D. And, if you are looking for another way to include omega-3s in your diet, canned fish is an excellent choice.

Pair the canned fish with whole-grain crackers, or use it to make a spread to go with cucumber slices and carrot sticks.

Cottage Cheese

Thanks to viral TikTok trends elevating humble cottage cheese, it’s one of the most popular items in the dairy aisle. Tangy and tart, cottage cheese boasts 12 grams of protein for every half-cup serving. Look for low- or no-sodium varieties if you are watching your salt intake.

Dig into cottage cheese alone or top it with fruits like strawberries or pineapple for added fiber and sweetness, or whip it in to a savory dip with ranch seasonings or caramelized onions for a French onion vibe.

Edamame

A half-cup of edamame, in pods, has 9 grams of protein. What is also great about these baby soybeans is that they are a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids needed to maintain and build muscle.

Edamame is an excellent snack because of its filling fiber—4 grams per ½-cup serving. What we love about edamame is that they are easy to prep—steam, boil or microwave them in their pods, or use shelled edamame, and flavor them with a dash of salt, Aleppo pepper or seasoning of your choice. You can find them in the freezer section of your local grocery store and sometimes in the fresh produce section.

Another way to enjoy shelled edamame is by whipping it into a hummus. Pair the dip with your favorite whole-grain crackers, pita bread or veggies.

Almonds

Eating almonds regularly may help improve cholesterol levels and protect your heart, partly due to their heart-healthy fats. A 1.5-ounce serving of almonds, or about 35 almonds, has 9 grams of protein. And while all nuts will provide some protein, besides almonds, other nuts that rank among the highest in protein include peanuts, pistachios and cashews. But almonds boast the most fiber, vitamin E and calcium of all tree nuts.

Snack on them plain, toss them into oatmeal, cookies or yogurt or roast them in the oven with your favorite seasoning.

Kefir

Milk kefir is a fermented yogurt-like drink made with kefir grains and milk. Milk kefir has 9 grams of protein per cup. It is also an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D—all of which, along with protein, are essential nutrients for bone health. Because kefir is fermented, it also provides probiotics—those gut-loving beneficial bacteria. If you love the tang, drink it on its own or use it as a base for smoothies.

Strained Whole-Milk Yogurt

If you are looking for an alternative protein to eggs, don’t forget about strained whole-milk yogurt, including Greek-style yogurt. A 6-ounce container provides 15 grams of protein. Strained yogurt is a source of calcium and probiotics and is a portable snack that can be enjoyed in a pre-portioned container. Eat it as-is, blend it into a smoothie or dress it up with your favorite fruit and nuts.

Almond Butter

If whole almonds aren’t your thing or you want to incorporate them in different ways, try mixing things up by enjoying them as a spread, like almond butter. Two tablespoons of almond butter provides close to 7 grams of protein. Pair almond butter with a slice of 100% whole-grain bread for even more protein and fiber.

Chickpeas

A half-cup of cooked chickpeas has more than 7 grams of protein. Plus, these little legumes also have 6 grams of digestion-friendly (and filling) fiber per ½-cup serving. Chickpeas are also a good source of iron. Pairing them with vitamin C-rich foods, like a citrusy dressing, will help your body better absorb the iron, which is important for energy production.

Both dried and canned chickpeas are nutritious, affordable, versatile and delicious. Make your own hummus, or use the legumes to add to a salad. Looking for a crunchy snack instead? Roast chickpeas and sprinkle with spices, herbs and seasonings for added flavor.

Our Expert Take

Looking for protein-rich snacks? You have many options, including canned fish, shrimp, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, almonds and chickpeas.

Most importantly, a balanced meal pattern comprises eating a variety of foods, including protein sources, to obtain a wide range of essential nutrients. Except for almonds, almond butter and chickpeas, the foods mentioned in this list are complete proteins. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan-based diet, it is important to enjoy a variety of whole grains, plant-based proteins, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds to get the essential amino acids that your body needs to feel its best.