6 Protein Focused Alternatives to Protein Powder

Everyone needs protein to be healthy, and many people depend on protein powders to make sure they get enough protein each day. However, protein powders aren’t for everyone, and some protein powders even contain ingredients that aren’t as delicious as can be. 

If you’ve depended on protein powders and want to change up your routine, there are plenty of protein alternatives. From lightweight meat snacks to tasty, nearly effortless breakfast dishes, we have the easiest and most delicious ways to meet your daily protein intake goals.

How Much Protein Should You Be Consuming in a Day?

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of protein for adults is 0.8 grams for every two pounds of body weight. To get a general idea, divide your weight by two and then multiply that number by 0.8. 

For instance, if you weigh 210 pounds and divide that in half, you get 105. 105 multiplied by 0.8 equals 84, which is how many grams of protein the USDA says you need each day.

The specific amount of protein you need depends on a number of factors, including your weight, age, activity level, height and sex. To calculate how much protein to consume each day, you can use the USDA’s MyPlate widget or use their calculator. 

What you Need to Look for in Your Protein Powder

Protein powder may be a great addition to your routine if you’re not getting enough protein in your diet to keep your day running. There are some things to look out for, so let’s get into it!

The first thing to look for in protein powder is the amount of sugar per serving. Some protein powders will have high amounts of sugar, which can work against your nutritional goals and make your blood sugar spike.

When reading the ingredients label, keep an eye out for possible allergens that the powder contains so you can avoid an unpleasant or life-threatening reaction. In these cases, you’ll need to find a protein powder alternative.

How Protein Powders are Used and What to Look For In Alternatives to Protein Powder

Protein powders require no prep and are easy to store in your pantry. When seeking out alternatives, you’ll want them to be just as convenient..

A protein powder alternative should be quick and easy to prepare, and it should be easy to take with you when you’re on-the-go.

Many people use protein powder to get enough protein each day. If you’re cutting it out, you’ll want your protein powder alternative to be rich enough in protein so you don’t miss out on your nutrients. 

Our Favorite Alternatives to Protein Powder

Jack Link’s Jerky

Our different types of jerky can be an addition to your daily protein intake and help you reach your macronutrient goals. They’re nonperishable and come in convenient shapes and sizes, allowing you to take them anywhere. 

Plus our meat snacks are non-crushable, so you can throw them into your gym bag or stuff them into the bottom of your purse without worrying about smashing them. 

Overnight Oats

A half a cup of rolled oats has five grams of protein, so adding oatmeal to your diet is a simple, convenient way to boost your protein intake. To make overnight oats, just take one part oats and mix them in a bowl with one part milk. Then set them in your fridge overnight for your morning breakfast.

While plain oats and milk might not sound appealing, you can dress them up with your favorite ingredients. Add more protein with some nuts, seeds, or Greek yogurt, or top them off with your favorite fruit.

Protein Shakes With Fruits, Veggies and Grains

Making a protein shake doesn’t need to involve protein powder. You can actually use protein-rich foods mixed with water, milk or fruit juices to power up for your day. Flax seeds, oats and greek yogurt are all great protein sources that work well in shakes. 

Granola

Granola is both tasty and simple to carry around. You don’t have to worry about refrigerating it and can easily store it in baggies or airtight containers. When choosing granola, find one low in sugar with rich protein sources such as nuts. 

Peanut Butter

You may not want to carry a jar of peanut butter around, but did you know it also comes in easy-to-store single-serving packets? Squeeze it onto crackers or just squirt it directly into your mouth for an energizing treat. Peanut butter is rich in protein, but make sure to use one that doesn’t have a ton of added sugar.

Yogurt With Grains

If you loved protein powder in the morning, you may find that yogurt with grains is a tasty and filling alternative. Grains can include rolled oats, granola or cooked quinoa. You can even add protein-packed chia seeds and add a layer of sweetness with berries.

If You Want Something Filling, Exciting and Easy to Pack, Reach for Jack Link’s

If you’re sidestepping protein powder, we have your back. Our jerky is a good source protein and marinated in a special blend of herbs and spices for maximum flavor. Find your favorites at a store near you.