10 Packaged Protein Snacks to Keep at the Ready

Why is Protein Important in Your Diet?

You’ve probably heard that protein is good for your body. It’s been said by countless athletes, personal trainers and general health enthusiasts for years. But do you ever wonder why you should have protein in your diet?

In moments like these, it’s good to consult the experts. The Mayo Clinic says that “Protein is important because it provides the amino acids your body needs to build and repair muscle.” In addition, it’s also suggested that highly-active people should eat up to two grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.

Why Eat Snacks?

Everyone knows they need meals, but snacking can be good for you, too! It’s good to have snacks between meals to help your body increase energy when glucose levels drop.

Snacking in moderation can also help you avoid overeating during meals and bring needed nutrients that you might not otherwise get from meals. However, it’s possible to overdo it on snacks and suffer unhealthy consequences.

Harvard’s School of Public Health suggests that, generally, snacks should be between 150 and 250 calories each. It’s just enough to keep you from getting too hungry before your next meal while helping you avoid overeating.

Our Top 10 Packaged Protein Snacks

Now that we know the value of protein and the importance of snacking, there’s just one thing left to do—put the two together and make a list of the ultimate snacks!

But let’s approach this without assuming you’re sitting next to a fridge or cupboard all day. It’s fairly easy to get adequate snacks at home, but what if hunger hits when you’re out and about?

Eating adequately on the go can be a challenge, which is why planning ahead can help you stay happy when cravings strike. Here are 10 great packaged protein snacks that’ll hit the spot.

Jack Link’s Beef Jerky

When people think of protein, one of the first foods to comes to mind is meat. It makes sense considering four ounces of 80/20 ground beef contains 19 grams of protein.

But since you can’t always have ground beef on the go, beef jerky makes for a great protein option when you have the urge for meat. Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky contains 10 grams of protein per serving and a delicious smoky-sweet flavor to satisfy your cravings.

Jack Link’s Cold Crafted® Beef + Cheese Combos

There are many iconic duos in history. Batman and Robin or peanut butter and jelly come to mind, but we’d argue that the title of best combination belongs to meat and cheese.

Think about the savory goodness of a Jack Link’s meat stick paired with that sharp yet creamy flavor of Wisconsin cheddar cheese. The Jack Link’s Cold Crafted® Beef Stick & Cheddar Cheese Combo gives you that flavorful delight along with 10 grams of protein per serving.

String Cheese

String cheese is a light snack that’s mild and pleasant without being too filling. Most of the time, string cheese is mozzarella cheese, which has a lower moisture content, making it perfect for stick form. It’s also individually wrapped for convenience, and some string cheese sticks contain 6.72 grams of protein.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a popular choice for travel meals because it’s filling, comes in various flavor options and you can add other ingredients to it to make it even better. One single-serving, 156-gram container of nonfat Greek yogurt contains 16 grams of protein.

Almonds

Nuts are an ideal snack because they have a neutral flavor profile (when unseasoned) and won’t make a mess if they’re already unshelled. Raw almonds also have a substantial protein content of 6 grams per one ounce serving.

Protein Bars

These might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of portable protein foods. They come in an assortment of sweet flavors (peanut butter, brownie, birthday cake, etc.) and protein content can range from low to high. Be sure to check the label of whatever bar you choose!

Lorissa’s Kitchen Beef Sticks

Lorissa’s Kitchen Original Beef Sticks bring another great meat option to the mix. They’re a slow-smoked, seasoned and savory snack that people crave.

But being packed with flavor isn’t their only benefit. They’re also made with 100% grass-fed beef with no preservatives and contain six grams of protein per stick.

Protein Shakes

A popular choice for weightlifters and athletes, protein shakes are an easy way to get protein into your system quickly. One scoop of whey protein powder may contain 13 grams of protein based on the brand you buy, and you can add items like peanut butter to the blend to increase the protein content.

Hummus Dips

There’s one thing that hits the spot even better than chip dip: hummus dips! They have just the right amount of tang to keep the taste buds happy. You can even try dipping your beef jerky into it to add more protein!

Protein Bites

When you want something chewy and enjoyable, protein bites and protein balls can subdue your hunger and give you a boost.

Need a Great Packaged Protein Snack? Jack Link’s is Your Ultimate Sidekick!

No matter how busy you get, you should always have some spare moments for a snack. When those moments arise, a packaged protein snack can give you a boost until your next meal.

Jack Link’s meat snacks pack serious flavor and have enough protein to make a difference in your day. Shop Jack Link’s products, and start building your on-the-go protein stash today!