15 Easy High-Protein Snacks (No Protein Powder Needed)

Skip the protein powders and complicated blends; these high-protein snacks are made with real ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. From savory bites to sweet options, there’s something here for every craving. These easy, high-protein, no protein powder snacks are perfect for batch prepping, packing in lunchboxes, or grabbing on the go between meals. No scoops, no shakes, just real food that delivers.

Why These No-Powder High-Protein Snacks Just Make Sense

These no-protein powder, high-protein snacks work because they’re built on simple, versatile ingredients like chickpeas, lentils, eggs, cottage cheese, tuna, and tofu. Each one is designed to be easy to prep and even easier to eat. You’ll find baked, no-bake, and freezer-friendly options that cover a range of flavors from savory to sweet. They also travel well, making them ideal for lunchbox fillers, after-school snacks, or prep for the week ahead.

If you’re all about real-ingredient snack boards and shareable ideas, these high-protein dips are perfect for your next gathering.

High-Protein Peanut Butter Chickpea Cookie Dough (No Protein Powder)

This no-bake peanut butter chickpea cookie dough blends canned chickpeas, nut butter, and maple syrup into a rich, edible treat. Studded with chocolate chips and ready in minutes, it’s a protein-packed snack that tastes like dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (alternatively, cook dry chickpeas)
• ½ cup peanut butter
• 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ cup chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for texture)

Instructions

1. Add chickpeas, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt to a food processor and blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
2. Add a tablespoon or two of milk if the mixture is too thick. Stir in the chocolate chips, then transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and top with extra chips or a sprinkle of salt. Chill slightly or enjoy as-is.

High-Protein Cottage Cheese Brownies (No Protein Powder)

These cottage cheese brownies are rich, fudgy, and tender, with a soft crinkled top and a deep chocolate flavor. Made with blended cottage cheese and a handful of mini chocolate chips, they offer a lighter twist on classic brownies without sacrificing texture or taste.
Get the recipe: Cottage Cheese Brownies.

High-Protein Greek Yogurt Bark (No Protein Powder)

Cool, creamy, and lightly sweet, this Greek yogurt fruit bark is one of the easiest freezer snacks to pull together. Topped with fresh berries and a sprinkle of nuts, each piece breaks apart with a satisfying snap. Make a tray, freeze it, and keep it on hand for refreshing snack breaks that feel like a treat.
Get the recipe: Greek Yogurt Bark.

High-Protein Edamame Hummus

This bright green edamame hummus blends shelled edamame, tahini, garlic, and lemon into a creamy, protein-rich dip. Perfect with veggie sticks or crackers, it’s a fun twist on classic hummus with a bold, fresh flavor.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups shelled edamame (thawed if frozen)
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 clove garlic
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2-4 tablespoons water (as needed)
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Add edamame, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt to a food processor and blend until smooth. Add water, a tablespoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency.
2. Transfer to a bowl, drizzle with extra olive oil, and top with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes. Serve chilled or at room temperature with your favorite dippers.

High-Protein Salmon Tikka Bites

These oven-baked or air-fried salmon tikka bites are marinated in a spiced yogurt blend and cooked until perfectly charred. Serve them with green chutney and lemon for a bold, protein-rich snack that’s great hot or cold.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of salmon, skin removed and cut into chunks
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon each of turmeric, garam masala, cumin, and salt

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, oil, ginger-garlic paste, and all the spices. Add the salmon chunks and coat well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Thread onto skewers or place directly on a lined baking sheet.
3. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes or air fry at 390°F for 8-10 minutes, until cooked through and slightly charred. Garnish and serve with chutney and lemon wedges.

High-Protein Cottage Cheese Mousse (No Protein Powder)

A rich, velvety, and protein-packed dessert that’s surprisingly light! This Chocolate Cottage Cheese Mousse blends smooth and creamy with just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for a quick treat, indulgence, or even as a make-ahead dessert for guests.
Get the recipe: Chocolate Cottage Cheese Mousse.

High-Protein Egg Muffins with Spinach and Feta

These baked egg muffins are packed with spinach, feta, and fluffy eggs for an easy high-protein snack. Perfect for meal prep, they’re freezer-friendly and great warm or cold.

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375℉ and grease a muffin tin. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in chopped spinach and feta.
2. Pour the mixture evenly into the muffin cups, filling about ¾ full.
3. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the center is set. Let cool slightly before removing from the tin. Store in the refrigerator or freezer.

High-Protein Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

Crispy roasted chickpeas are a crunchy, high-protein snack that’s easy to batch prep. Just toss with oil and spices, roast until golden, and enjoy by the handful.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon each of smoked paprika and garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon each of cumin and salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400℉. Spread the chickpeas on a clean towel and dry thoroughly.
2. Toss in a bowl with olive oil and spices until evenly coated. Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Roast for 30-40 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until crisp and browned. Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

High-Protein Kidney Bean Patties

Transform humble kidney beans into delicious kidney bean patties with this easy recipe. Each bite is infused with aromatic spices, adding a burst of flavor and creating a wholesome vegan and gluten-free snack that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Get the recipe: Kidney Bean Patties.

High-Protein Tuna Avocado Boats

These tuna avocado boats are a quick, no-cook snack packed with protein and flavor. Creamy avocado halves are filled with herbed tuna salad for a satisfying bite that’s easy to prep and serve.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
• 1 (5 oz) can tuna, drained
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons diced cucumber or celery
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix tuna, mayo or yogurt, onion, cucumber, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Spoon the mixture into each avocado half. Garnish with herbs and serve immediately, or chill for a short while before serving.

High-Protein Frozen Lentil Bars (No Protein Powder)

These no-bake lentil bars are a convenient and easy snack option. Made with simple ingredients like peanut butter, banana, and dates, they’re naturally sweetened and packed with plant-based protein. Vegan, gluten-free, and free from added sugar, they’re quick to prep and freezer-friendly.
Get the recipe: No-Bake Frozen Lentil Bars.

High-Protein Chia Seed Pudding With Almond Butter (No Protein Powder)

This high-protein chia pudding is creamy, nutrient-dense, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup and vanilla. Packed with chia seeds and almond butter, it’s a satisfying make-ahead breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings.
Get the recipe: Chia Seed Pudding with Almond Butter.

High-Protein Savory Parmesan Cottage Cheese Crackers (No Protein Powder)

These crispy homemade crackers are made with cottage cheese, parmesan, and simple pantry ingredients. Baked until golden and perfect for dipping, they’re a high-protein snack with big flavor and crunch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup finely grated Parmesan
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for low-carb)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375℉.
2. Blend cottage cheese in a food processor until smooth. Mix with parmesan, flour, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and herbs to form a dough.
3. Roll the dough thin between parchment paper, cut into squares, and transfer to a baking sheet. Bake 15-18 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool before serving with your favorite dip.

High-Protein Almond Butter Banana Bites (No Protein Powder)

These Almond Butter Banana Bites come together in minutes and are an easy way to satisfy sweet cravings without added sugar. Each slice of banana is topped with creamy almond butter and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a crunchy contrast. Serve them as-is for a quick snack or freeze for a firmer bite-sized treat. Ideal for kids, lunchboxes, or mid-afternoon snack plates.
Get the recipe: Almond Butter Banana Bites.

High-Protein Crispy Tofu Nuggets

Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these tofu nuggets are a versatile snack that works with any dipping sauce you have on hand. Coated in spiced breadcrumbs and oven-baked or air-fried until golden, they’re perfect for lunchboxes, meal prep containers, or an easy finger food to snack on straight from the tray.
Get the recipe: Crispy Tofu Nuggets.