You Need to Try These Creative High-Protein Snacks If You’re Constantly Hungry

You know the feeling: It's the mid-afternoon slump and your stomach is rumbling. Lunch feels like a distant memory; dinner like a far-off dream. You need a snack, and fast—but you end up reaching for a candy bar, chips, or a cookie, which ends up making you even more tired in the long run.

When between-meal hunger strikes, the type of snack you choose could determine how the rest of your day will go. Something sugary and full of refined carbs may cause your energy levels to take a nosedive, causing you to overeat. A snack with plenty of protein, meanwhile, will leave you pleasantly surprised at how little you need to eat to feel satisfied.

Why are protein-packed snacks good for you?

“Protein is an important nutrient that helps keep you fuller for longer,” says Amy Gorin, RDN, a New York City-based dietitian nutritionist.

“Ensuring your snacks have protein can help prevent mindless munching during the day that can add empty calories to your diet,” says Elizabeth Shaw, RDN, CPT, a California-based dietitian and author.

How much protein should a snack have?

But how much protein should be in a snack? Both Shaw and Gorin say around10 grams is the ideal amount. “I would consider anything more than 15 grams as more of a mini-meal, so 10 grams is the sweet spot,” says Shaw. Aim to keep your snack under 300 calories, too.

“I like to pair protein-rich ingredients with foods that offer healthy fats and fiber, both of which also help keep you satiated,” adds Gorin. “If you eat a snack that’s mainly carbs, you’ll likely be hungry again a lot more quickly.”

With that, this list of snacks features healthy combos that come in around 10 grams of protein with plenty of healthy fats and fiber in the mix. Ready to beat hunger? Reach for these high-protein snacks when you need something tasty to beat hunger in between meals.