April 14, 2026

The 9 Best Cheap Protein Snacks

Author: Mike

These days, the cost of living can smack you like the large, rawhide palm of a startled bigfoot. Mortgage, tuition, utilities…none of it is cheap.

And then there’s food.

Sure, we’d all like to be eating porterhouse steaks three times a week, but do you really want to give up the roof over your head?

Fortunately, there is a path beyond bulk ramen that includes delicious protein snacks for every taste. Before you put your ebike on eBay and make that next bone marrow sale, read our guide on cheap protein snacks to make and protein snacks to buy.

DIY Protein Snacks with Ingredients You Likely Have

You don’t have to be a famous chef to whip up a half-decent midday snack. Chances are, you have the makings of your next bite lurking in the fridge or in the back of your cupboard.

1. Cottage Cheese

Protein per serving: 24 grams of protein in 1 cup of cottage cheese

Eat it plain or mix with fruit, nuts, cucumbers, or other veggies. Blend it for a smoother texture and use it as a dip. The possibilities are only limited by your tastes.

2. Eggs

Protein per serving: 6.3 grams of protein in 1 large hard-boiled egg

Classic cheap protein snacks! Eggs might be easy to overlook, but they’re also easy to incorporate into your snack routine. Hard-boil eggs for your lunch box or add them to a salad. Bake them into egg bites with your favorite veggies. Top your eggs with salt, hot sauce, or your favorite condiment. We’re not here to judge.

3. DIY Protein Bites

Who doesn’t like a delicious, interesting, yummy (DIY) project? Simply roll dry ingredients in some wet ingredients. Use whatever is in your pantry for a variety of options. For example, mix oats, seeds, and chocolate chips with peanut butter and honey. For an extra boost, add a few teaspoons of protein powder.

4. Canned Fish

Protein per serving: 20.3 grams of protein in 1 small can of tuna

Tuna is easy to use on sandwiches and salads! Make tuna-stuffed peppers or a dip with a little mayo and avocado. Sardines are great, too. Crunch them on a cracker, add them to a pasta, or host a sardine-eating contest.

5. Chickpeas

Protein per serving: 7.5 grams of protein in about ¼ cup of dry chickpeas

Salty, savory roasted chickpeas make a simple snack or add-on. To make, top with oil and chili, curry, or other spice combo and roast in a 425° oven for 20-30 minutes. DIY hummus or falafel bites are other easy chickpea-based ideas.

6. Nut Butter

Protein per serving: 24 grams of protein in 3.5 tablespoons of peanut butter

What doesn’t go with peanut butter? Spread a dollop on a stick of celery, piece of toast, or tortilla. You just went from amateur snacker to all-protein MVP!

Fun Fact: You can easily make your own nut butter at home by grinding peanuts, almonds, cashews, and other nuts in your blender or food processor.

Cheap Protein Snacks to Buy

When you make your grocery list, be sure to add items from our list of protein snacks to buy. They won’t break the bank, but they will fuel your life.

7. Jerky & Meat Snacks

Protein per serving: 10 grams of protein per serving of Jack Link’s Original beef jerky

Shameless self-promotion or public service message? No matter how you frame it, meat snacks are a quality source of protein, and Jack Link’s has the best beef jerky, beef sticks, and other meat snacks.

Every tender and tasty Jack Link’s product clearly lists the protein content per serving, so you’ll always know how much gas you’re putting in your tank. Best of all, it’s easy to pick up Jack Link’s from a store near you.

Fun Fact: Jack Link’s has something for everyone in your home. Our beef sticks have 12 grams of protein per stick; choose between Original or Teriyaki. Or try our famous jerky in new-to-you flavors, like:

DUOS Mango and Jalapeño Beef Jerky (9 grams of protein per serving)
Original Turkey Jerky (12 grams of protein per serving)
Zero Sugar Beef Jerky (13 grams of protein per serving)
Original Beef Steaks (22 grams of protein per steak)

8. Cheese Sticks and Slices

Protein per serving: 2.5 grams of protein in 1 cheese stick

Everyone loves cheese. Pizza, tacos, macaroni? Sasquatch® can’t make them, but if he could, he’d use a ton of cheese.

Plus, it’s a quality source of protein. That’s why there’s Jack Link’s beef and cheese combos and, for spicy lovers, jalapeño beef and cheese combos. Each has 8 grams of protein per serving.

Fun Fact: Sealed cheeses can last weeks in your fridge. Keep cheese sticks and ready-made cheese snack packs for those grab-n-go moments.

9. Protein Shakes

With protein powder and a blender, you can make virtually any flavor of shake — but purchasing ingredients individually can really break the bank. Instead, buying pre-made protein shakes in bulk is a more affordable and portable snack for any occasion.

Find the Best Protein Snacks with Jack Link’s

You don’t have to understand inflation, stock market trends, or interest rates to appreciate quality but cheap protein snacks. In fact, we make it so easy and affordable to shop Jack Link’s protein snacks that you can put those savings toward your next big adventure!

Jack Link’s does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.