5 Protein Snacks to Keep in Your Desk Drawer

The desk drawer contains a lot of junk. Be real, how many things have you chucked in there just to get them out of sight?

Seriously, if you ever feel like you’re out of pens, just check your work desk drawer, because that’s probably where they all went.

But desk drawers can hold more than the random promo products you get from clients and conferences. You can also put something helpful in there, like snacks for the day!

People get hungry during work. It’s stressful, takes a lot of mental energy and sometimes it’s just plain boring. That’s why it’s good to have a snack readily available for a boost.

The key is to pick snacks that have protein. Protein is good for you, just ask the Mayo Clinic:

“Anywhere from 10% to 35% of your calories should come from protein. So if your needs are 2,000 calories, that’s 200 to 700 calories from protein, or 50 to 175 grams. The recommended dietary allowance to prevent deficiency for an average sedentary adult is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. For example, a person who weighs 165 pounds, or 75 kilograms, should consume 60 grams of protein per day.”

There you have it. Eat that protein and avoid filling your stomach with empty calories! Candy and other junk foods are tempting, but they just won’t be as satisfying.

If you’re doing meal planning for the week, you might as well include snacks. Planning your snacks can help you remember to eat throughout the day and can also give you a little something special to look forward to throughout the workday.

To set yourself up for a successful week, go with some wholesome snack options like these:

1. Beef Jerky

If you want a mid-day snack with protein, you’ll never go wrong with beef jerky. Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky has 10 grams of protein per serving (19% of the daily value for a 2,000-calorie diet).

But nutrition isn’t the only good thing about jerky. There is also a variety of flavors to satisfy different cravings. Some of these include peppered, teriyaki, barbecue and jalapeno.

Packaging is also important. You can’t be leaving pieces of meat all over your desk drawer. Luckily, Jack Link’s jerky comes in a convenient resealable pouch to ensure freshness and cleanliness. Just be sure to place in the refrigerator, or consume within three days once opened!

2. Nut Mixes

Nuts are known for being a good source of protein and fat. One ounce of salted almonds contains 5.7 grams of protein and 15.1 grams of fat.

Mix those with another type of nut or two and you’ll have a solid snack that’s not too filling in the middle of the day. The possible combinations are many, and you can even toss in other items like raisins to make the flavor more dynamic.

You can buy nut mixes pre-packaged for convenience, or you can buy your favorites in bulk and make your own mix! A lot of people like going the bulk route because it’s more cost-effective and can make the flavor more personalized to their taste preferences.

3. Protein Bars

People use protein bars to help give them some energy before and after workouts. Loaded with calories and rich in protein, it’s safe to assume these bars will keep you happy at a desk job.

If you’re concerned you’ll get bored with them, it shouldn’t be a problem. Protein bars come in so many different flavors–from peanut butter to chocolate chip to birthday cake. One thing to keep in mind, though, is to read the label of the bars before you buy them.

4. Beef Sticks

Do you enjoy the flavor of meat but want something softer than jerky? Beef sticks contain protein but are easier to chew than standard jerky. The experience is different, offering more of a snap when you bite into them instead of the tear and pull off jerky.

Meat sticks can come in mild and savory flavors, sweet flavors like teriyaki and spicy flavors like wild heat. These sticks come in individual packages to make them easy to store in a desk drawer.

5. Nut Butter

Sometimes you’re craving a sandwich, but it’s either too early for lunch or you’re only mildly hungry. There’s a solution to this dilemma: nut butter and crackers!

The great thing about nut butter is the variety. It can be made from peanuts, almonds, cashews and even sunflower seeds. Speaking of nutrients, a 32-gram serving of almond butter has 6.72 grams of protein.

Make the Work Day Easier With Jack Link’s Meat Snacks

You go into the office hoping for a good day. Things start off strong, but by mid-morning or later afternoon, you start to get sluggish.

You’re tired, maybe a bit irritable. Snacks can be a great way to snap back into focus and finish the day strong.

Jack Link’s offers a wide variety of meat snacks to help keep you full. Whether it’s jerky, beef sticks or steak strips, you’ll find something to satisfy your wild cravings.

Shop our products online or buy some from a store near you!