Filling Protein Snack Options for Your Ravenous Teenager

Any parent knows that feeding a hungry teenager is a Herculean challenge. Their appetite changes with their mood, and finding something that satisfies them seems impossible. 

The thing about teenagers is when it comes to snacks, they want something quick and convenient so they can get back to scrolling through their phones. When choosing snacks, you must find that perfect balance between convenient and healthy. 

Lucky for you, many snacks for teenagers have the taste they crave and the nutrients you want. Let’s take a look at the best protein snacks for teens. 

Look for Protein Snacks

Something to remember when choosing snacks for teenagers is that they need to be filling because who knows when they’ll want to eat again. Choosing something rich in protein is more likely to help keep your teens feeling full longer.  

Jack Link’s Meat Snacks

Jack Link’s Beef Jerky contains 10 grams of protein per serving in an excellent portable package, making it a solid option for your hungry teen. 

We offer slabs of beef jerky in traditional flavors, but we also wanted to add some “wild” to feeding your wild side. So, we combined bold flavors to create epic pairings, like Jack Link’s DUOS Mango and Jalapeño Beef Jerky and Jack Link’s DUOS Buffalo and Ranch Chicken Bites.

For another portable option your teens can take to school or the gym, try our meat sticks. They’re tender and savory, and they’ll help keep some of that growling at bay.

The hunger of teenagers is well-known. It’s ravenous. It’s primordial. It is, dare we say, beastly. That’s why we’ve teamed up with the popular YouTube star to create Jack Link’s x MrBeast meat sticks, available in Original or Teriyaki flavors.

Protein Bars

Like protein shakes, protein bars are great snacks for teenagers because of their variety and portability. Protein bars can include fruits, chocolate, granola and more.

Each bar is conveniently individually wrapped, so your teen will never have to worry about cleanup.

Yogurt Parfaits

If you struggle to get your teen to eat anything resembling a fruit, yogurt parfaits are the way to go. With fruit, yogurt, and granola, a yogurt parfait is the perfect snack to make at home.

Hummus and Veggies

Veggies don’t have to be boring. Pairing veggies with a dip like hummus is a great filling snack for your teen, with 2.5 grams of protein in 2 tablespoons. 

For more options for your picky eater, you can use crackers alongside veggies for another tasty option. 

Smoothies

Another great choice for a protein snack you can make at home is smoothies. You can make smoothies with a variety of different fruits, proteins, or nearly anything else your teenager finds delicious.

Make it a Mini-Meal at Home

If your teen comes home in a particularly hungry mood, you may need to forgo the snacks for teenagers and go straight for a mini-meal at home. Here are a few examples of the mini-meals you can make at home for your teen. 

Frozen Appetizers

Frozen appetizers are a quick and easy solution to get your teen fed after a busy day at school. There are almost endless options when it comes to frozen appetizers. Everything from buffalo chicken to egg rolls, your picky teen will surely find something they like. 

Quesadilla

When it comes to a flavorful mini-meal, it doesn’t get much better than a quesadilla. A quarter cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese has 6.6 grams of protein. You can add a variety of meat or vegetables to your teen’s quesadilla. 

Charcuterie Board

If your teenager is the type who likes to graze over their snack throughout the afternoon, a mini charcuterie board will get the job done. Filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and eggs, a charcuterie board will satisfy even the most picky teenagers. 

Meat and cheese are a classic pairing, just like Sasquatch and Yeti, and they appear on nearly every charcuterie board. That’s why we’ve made beef and cheese combos to pair up these two protein powerhouses. Add whatever pantry items you have, like crackers, jelly, or nuts.

Need custom charcuterie quickly? No need to fret. Charcuterie is all about the presentation (though teenagers will dive right in either way). Line the beef sticks in neat rows or into a circle, then cut the cheese sticks smaller and do the same. Easy! Add some flavor pizzazz by using our jalapeño combos and keep them guessing. 

Mini-Meals, On the Go

With sports practice, debate club, or any other extracurricular activities, a teenager’s life can be busy. You may need to get creative and have a few on-the-go mini-meal snack options ready. Here are some easy on-the-go snacks for teenager: 

Nut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

Who else got that jolt of excitement when you looked in your backpack and realized you had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? This incredible sandwich is the perfect combination of savory and sweet. If your teen is an adventurous eater, you can use different fillings like deli meats. 

Pre-Made Protein Shakes

The great thing about pre-made protein shakes is their variety and portability. You can find dozens of protein shakes, guaranteeing you will find something for your picky teenager. Pre-made protein shakes are also available in bulk, making it easy to stay stocked.

Bagel and Spread

A bagel with a flavorful spread is the perfect solution for getting your teenager fed in the morning, and half a bagel contains 4 grams of protein. Using a spread like cream cheese will give your teen the boost they need with 7 grams of protein in 100 grams. 

You can also add different things to your bagel with cream cheese, like lox, to kick up the flavor a notch. 

Tips to Help Keep Your Teen Full

If you can hear the growl from across the house, you know you’re going to need something satisfying and long-lasting. Try these tips to help feed your teen:

• Have all major food groups on hand. Include some favorites and some new complementary items. Carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats all work together to help your teen feel full.
• Buy in bulk to save time and money. Whenever possible, get a subscription to their favorite foods so you can put that mental energy elsewhere. (Psst… You can stock up on your favorite Jack Link’s snacks by subscribing or picking up a Jerky Pounder!)
• Have them help with meal prep. It’s easy to have them heat up frozen meals, but those are never quite as good as fresh. The more they learn, the more they’ll be able to create their own mini-meals for snack time. And a meal-based snack is often cheaper and more nutritious than chips and sweets.

Jack Link’s Has You Covered with Teen-Approved Protein Snacks

It is fair to say that teenagers are moody enough without being hungry. Having a variety of snacks ready to go is the best way to keep your teen satisfied until dinner time. 

The snack experts at Jack Link’s have a variety of protein snacks to keep even the pickiest of teenagers satisfied. If you want to master snack time, shop online or find them in-person at a store near you!