Best High Protein Snacks on the Go

If you’re trying to follow a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle, it can be hard to find healthy, energizing snack options. Most widely available pre-packaged snacks tend to be high in carbs and sugars, which can make it difficult to avoid sugar crashes while staying in ketosis or calorie control. 

But there’s good news: there are plenty of high protein snacks that can keep you energized and full on the go, without sacrificing your nutrition goals. Whether you’re heading to work, the gym, or on a weekend getaway, keeping the best protein snacks with you can help you stay full, focused, and energized all day long. Below, we’ll look at some of the best high protein snacks available, including options for low carb snacks on the go and keto snacks on the go. 

Carbs, Fats, and Proteins

Along with fats and proteins, carbohydrates are one of the three essential macronutrients – commonly referred to as “macros” – that our bodies get from food and break down into necessary energy. 

If you’re reducing your carb intake, you need to balance out that deficit either with more proteins or more fats. Ketogenic diets focus on adding more fats, while low-carb, high-protein diets prioritize proteins. 

Benefits of a Low Carb, High Protein Diet

Many people start low-carb, high-protein diets as a way to encourage weight loss. Diets that are low in carbohydrates have been found to help maximize weight loss in their first six to twelve months. 

Without properly balancing macros, however, a sharp decrease in carbs can cause lean muscle mass loss. That’s why low-carb and high-protein diets work well together: research shows that “increasing protein intake while cutting 500 to 750 calories daily can maintain muscle mass while promoting fat loss.” 

And if you’re looking to build muscle mass, combining a high protein diet with resistance training is one way to do it. After a workout, try a protein snack like Fx Yes Whey!! Bars from Designs for Health, a delicious, portable bar that provides 15 grams of premium whey and milk proteins, along with creatine and fiber.

Along with supporting weight loss, potential benefits of low-carb, high-protein diets may include:

• Increasing feelings of fullness while reducing cravings
• Boosting baseline metabolism 
• Supporting blood sugar regulation
• Promoting reduced bone loss and fracture risk in older adults

Choosing the Right Protein Snacks

It’s not hard to find foods, snacks, and supplements that boast a high protein content. But not all high protein snacks are created equally. If you’re on a low sugar or low carb diet, look for low carb snacks on the go that have balanced macros, clean ingredients, and low net carbs. 

Low Net Carbs

Those following a ketogenic diet generally restrict their net carbs to 50 or fewer per day. To calculate the net carbs when looking for keto snacks on the go or other low carb snacks on the go, take the total carbohydrates and subtract the amount of dietary fiber and (when relevant) half of the amount of sugar alcohols. 

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds like Roasted Pistachios with Sea Salt or Raw Almonds Unsalted from NOW Foods are two of the best keto snacks on the go if you’re looking for delicious, steady sources of protein, energy, fiber, and healthy fats with five or fewer net carbohydrates per serving.

Single Serving Healthy Fats

On a keto diet, fats like certain nut butters, coconut oil, and MCT-based products can provide a steady source of lasting energy. Phat Fudge makes it easy to get these healthy fats even when you’re on the go. Designed to provide professional athletes and entertainers with high-performing, real ingredients, Phat Fudge can help you gear up for an intense workout, a demanding workday, or any moment you need a steady source of sustained mental and physical energy. You can even try it in at-home recipes like this keto crepe with Phat Fudge. 

Protein Bars

Protein snacks, such as protein bars, are one of the most convenient ways to meet your protein goals throughout the day. But if you’re following a low calorie or low-carb diet, you might struggle to find protein bars that aren’t packed with sugar, fillers, or excess carbohydrates. That doesn’t mean you need to write off protein bars altogether, though. Just be sure to look for bars that are low in net carbs and high in protein from clean sources. 

• Ultra Protein Bar by Metagenics: Ultra Protein Bar from Metagenics is a delicious gluten-free bar that comes packed with 19 grams of whey/milk protein, 8 grams of dietary fiber, and just 4 grams of sugar.
• Organic Vegan Protein Bar by Pure Power: Pure Power’s Organic Vegan Protein Bars are one of the best high protein snacks for vegans. These chocolate peanut butter flavored bars are made with a muscle-building, triple-protein blend of three superfood vegan proteins: organic pumpkin seed protein, organic sacha inchi protein, and organic yellow pea protein.

Natural Healthy Concepts offers a wide variety of sports and fitness nutrition supplements for your unique nutritional needs.