Looking for a healthy snack that’s high in protein? You’ve come to the right place! These High Protein Snacks are not only quick to make, they also can be modified to be keto, paleo and whole 30 approved! Ready in under 10 minutes, you’re hangry self will thank you!
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Why you need these protein rich snacks
While you know I have my love affair with carbohydrates, I recognized I was really falling short here in providing you with simple high protein, lower carb snack options to help satiate and satisfy you throughout your busy days.
Well, the wait is over because the Shaw Kitchen has a variety of High Protein Snacks for you today. I decided to use my tried and true simple swap, deli meats, because they are so convenient and affordable!
What You Need to Make High Protein Low Carb Snacks
Ingredients Swaps + Substitutions
There are multiple ways you can prepare these low carb, high protein snack boxes. Here are a few other wonderful additions to the snack trays.
- Higher Protein Dairy Options
- cheese sticks, Greek yogurt cups, cottage cheese cups, individual chocolate milk
- Dried Fruit (that satisfy a sweet tooth)
- raisins, cranberries, dried figs, apricots, dates
- Complex Carbs
- 100% whole grain crackers (or a gluten-free almond based cracker for a lower carb choice)
- Popped amaranth or sorghum, or traditional popcorn
Recipe Notes + Expert Tips
I love this “recipe” because it’s essentially a “no-recipe recipe”, the best kind of recipe to work with! You can really build these high protein snack boxes using whatever you have on hand.
I recommend if you have a sweet tooth like me to consider making one of these to add into the boxes as well:
If you are adding a dip into the box, I also recommend considering making your own (like my Garlic Hummus, DIY Ranch Dip, or for a sweet alternative the Sweet Hummus Recipe.)
Note, if you are going to make these ahead of time and store in the fridge, be sure to keep your dried items separate from your refrigerated items. The glass bento box style work wonderfully for this, or you can invest in some small containers that fit into a larger air tight container as well.
FAQ on Deli Meats
Yes, this registered dietitian is giving you full permission to enjoy processed meats and here’s why! First off, we really need to look at the term “processed”.
“Processed” is literally just another term for “prepared”. Just as you would buy a pre-chopped bag of mixed greens (read “processed salad”), you can purchase a “processed meat” like beef jerky, seasoned and cooked pastrami or a cut and trimmed beef roast at the market.
Whether preparation occurs at home or in a large scale manufacturing plant, the similar processes like cutting, chopping, seasoning and cooking are involved.
From a nutrition standpoint, not only does processed beef provide a convenient source of protein (especially for busy people on the go), it’s also a great way to provide your body with important vitamins and minerals, like iron and zinc.
Everything in moderation has always been my mentality so if you’re a fan of meat, you can rest easy knowing enjoying your high protein snack box below will not derail your health!
In fact, prepared meats have been a significant staple of global food cultures for centuries. According to studies evaluated by the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, followers of the highly regarded Mediterranean diet eat twice as much red and processed meat than followers of USDA Food Patterns.
You may be asking yourself, how can I eat like a Mediterranean and still eat processed meats? It’s actually quite simple! Balance your plate (or box) with at least 50% of volumizing fruits and vegetables! These foods add fiber, antioxidants and other phytonutrients that embrace the Mediterranean lifestyle.
These High Protein Snacks below are excellent examples of incorporating the Mediterranean emphasis of fruits, vegetables and healthy fats with a little added protein from the processed meats (read prepared meats!)
When purchasing processed meats, you can rest easy knowing that the options available to you at your local market have all been inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) before they are sold.
Depending on the type of processing that is done to the beef (read cooking, seasoning, etc.), certain additives may be included in the ingredient list to increase the safety and shelf stability of the product.
In the Shaw Kitchen, we purchase products (like the beef pastrami and beef jerky above) with natural nitrite sources, like celery powder. But, that doesn’t mean if you’re a fan of a product that uses a more traditional nitrite source you’re at risk of anything other than a safe, bacteria free product. Though many brands are now making their products using the natural alternatives, it’s totally up to you as the consumer in making the choice that is best for you.
The government also regulates the use of nitrite to ensure it is used at the proper levels that have been scientifically shown to control harmful bacteria. Nitrite has been studied carefully by the National Institutes of Health and other government researchers and deemed safe at the levels used.
Other Quick Snack Ideas You Will Love
Plan ahead and add these healthy recipes to your snack boxes too!
If you try this recipe, would you please do me a favor and leave a star rating in the recipe box and/or comment below! This helps immensely in Google to continue delivering high quality content to you. And please be sure to tag and share what you made with me on social, I love seeing your creations! You can find me here: Instagram – Facebook – Pinterest!
High Protein Snacks
Ingredients
Snack Box Option 1
- 3 ounces deli meat
- 2 ounces broccoli florets
- 2 ounces heirloom grape tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons horseradish dip yogurt-based
Snack Box Option 2
- 1 oz beef jerky
- 2 each hard boiled eggs
- 1/2 cup pistachios in-shell
Snack Box Option 3
- 3 ounces deli meat
- 2 ounces cucumbers sliced
- 1/2 cup berries
- 2 tablespoons tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Assemble ingredients in portable snack box or bento style box. Store in the refrigerator or in an insulated bag with an ice pack until ready to eat.
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Disclosure: This post was originally sponsored by The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) , a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, in 2018.
Marie says
I love these snack time ideas and might even use them for a quick, portable lunch. Good balance of protein with veggies and so easy to make. Thanks for sharing!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Thank you! I hope you enjoy!
Julie says
These snack boxes look exactly like the lunches we pack for our preschooler (minus the nuts — everything has to be nut free these days). We love the simple prep and the balanced nutrition from them, and my 4 year old loves getting to eat lots of different things for lunch instead of just one boring sandwich or yogurt!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Oh so true- you can easily swap the nuts for a seedy trail mix!
Analida Braeger says
These are what the I imagine “Adult Lunchables ” would look like , I love to keep ahead and meal prep so these are perfect :)_
Elizabeth Shaw says
Love that thought, “Adult Lunchboxes” lol!
Saima says
What a perfect balance of protein and good for you veggies and nuts ! And so convenient to eat as snacks! And healthy as well! Seriously, what more could anyone want?
Elizabeth Shaw says
LOL! I am glad you’re a fan too!
Heather says
Been working on counting macros which isn’t easy so I have been in the search of finding some quick and easy lunches and snacks to bring to lunch. These are perfect!
Elizabeth Shaw says
I’m so glad these are helpful Heather! Enjoy!
Eva says
They may be “just” snack boxes but they are plated so nicely! I would dare to say that even children who are a bit fussy with veggies could enjoy those!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Totally! Thanks Eva!
Kate says
I love these snack ideas, I always have a hard time thinking of what to snack on that isn’t super processed (like my daughter’s goldfish crackers!). I will definitely use these ideas, thanks 🙂
Elizabeth Shaw says
So glad they are helpful Kate!
Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen says
I love the variety in these snack boxes and they are so easy to put together! A great idea to stop those mid day snacks!
Elizabeth Shaw says
I’m so glad you like the variety! It keeps them fun!
Denise says
I love these snack choices, they are really good ideas! I’m always looking for different and healthy snacks to have on hand.
Elizabeth Shaw says
I’m so glad they are helpful Denise!
EA The Spicy RD says
Love ALL of these ideas Liz! I know many of my clients could benefit from these snack boxes, and my “He Man” son who’s trying to bulk up, would love them too! Ha, ha!!
Elizabeth Shaw says
I’m so glad EA! Can’t wait to hear what your son thinks!
Kylie | Midwest Foodie says
We have little boxes like this at work that I way too often spend $5 on when I forget my lunch or need a late afternoon snack. Love this recipe – now I’ll be making my own boxes at home and saving tons of money!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Woohoo! I love it when I help a fellow friend save money too!
Elaine Benoit says
I love snack ideas. I’m always trying to get creative when I pack my hubby’s lunches – which is something I enjoy doing. But I’ve been in a rut lately, wanting to pack the same things all the time. Thanks for the inspiration and I love all of the choices above.
Elizabeth Shaw says
I’m so glad this helps! I too get in ruts and always find inspiration online too!
Serena says
Yummy ideas. Just pinned!!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Thanks Serena!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy says
Loving the selection of healthy snacks here. Having them ready and waiting in the fridge is key. Easy to grab and go.
Elizabeth Shaw says
Totally! It makes healthy eating that much more attainable!
Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli says
Well, I am vegetarian, so I would replace that protein with my protein of choice, but my husband would actually love these snack boxes to bring to work. Delicious and highly nutritious, he would say.
Elizabeth Shaw says
You can definitely customize them! Maybe a his and hers variety for the fridge?!