If you're looking for high-protein vegan snacks to keep you fueled and satisfied throughout the day, you're in luck! Contrary to popular belief, there are plenty of plant-based sources of protein that can be easily incorporated into your diet.
Why do we need protein?
Protein is an essential macronutrient that plays a critical role in many bodily functions. It is necessary for the growth and repair of tissues, including muscle, bone, and skin.
Protein also helps to maintain a healthy immune system and supports the production of important hormones and enzymes. Getting enough protein is especially important for athletes, as it helps to support muscle recovery and growth.
Additionally, protein can help to promote feelings of fullness and satisfaction, making it an important nutrient for weight management. While protein is found in many plant-based foods, including beans and nuts, it can be challenging for some individuals to get enough. Vegans also need to consume a variety of protein sources to ensure that they are getting all of the essential amino acids. Adding protein-packed snacks to your routine can help!
Here are some of our favorite delicious high-protein vegan snacks you can buy, along with recipes you can make at home:
Japanese Furikake Edamame
Furikake is a savory Japanese seasoning that can be used to brighten the flavor of cooked rice and vegetables. In this recipe, we use it to boost the yum factor of protein-packed edamame.
Seeded Quinoa Crackers [Gluten-Free]
You can use just about any seeds and spices you’d like in this recipe for Seeded Quinoa Crackers, making it ideal for using up bits and pieces from your pantry. The bulk bin will be your best friend!
Raw Cacao Energy Balls
These Raw Cacao Energy Balls are brimming with nutrient-packed nuts and are naturally sweetened with dates. Not a pinch of refined sugar in these treats!
Whole-grain Toast with Avocado or Nut Butter
Toast is the perfect snack. The combination of avocado and whole grain toast provides a balanced source of carbohydrates and protein, making it a satisfying and energizing snack option. Sprinkle with hemp seeds for a little extra protein.
Banana Wheat Germ Muffins
If you make these over the weekend, there are plenty left over for breakfasts and snacks during the week. I also like to add walnuts or chocolate chips to the final mix-in.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Brownie Bites (Gluten-Free)
These little brownie bites are the perfect way to quench your cravings for chocolate and peanut butter without derailing your healthy diet.
Cacao Almond Spinach Smoothie
Packed with almond butter, spinach, and oat bran, this cacao almond smoothie is the perfect little protein-packed snack for your day! Add hemp seeds for a little extra protein.
Hummus
This Spicy Curry Hummus is the creamiest, dreamiest hummus you’ll ever make, but any hummus paired with some fresh vegetables make a great high-protein snack.
Curried Chickpea Avocado Salad
This curry chickpea avocado salad isn't just for lunch! It also makes a great meal prep snack with curry, almonds, golden raisins and avocado. So quick and easy to prepare you'll want to brown bag it everyday!
Roasted Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein, and roasting them makes for a delicious and crunchy snack. Simply rinse and drain a can of chickpeas, toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and spices of your choice, and bake them in the oven until crispy. You can also check out the linked recipe here, from Love & Lemons.
Raw Cacao Energy Balls
These Raw Cacao Energy Balls are brimming with nutrient-packed nuts and are naturally sweetened with dates. Not a pinch of refined sugar in these treats! will come out of your instant pot. While this recipe uses the traditional garbanzo bean, the rich curry flavors keep it interesting.
Edamame
Edamame, or boiled soybeans, are a quick and easy snack that's packed with protein. Simply boil them in salted water for a few minutes, and enjoy them hot or cold with a sprinkle of sea salt. And check out the linked 5-Minute Edamae recipe from A Couple of Cooks.
Peanut Butter and Apple Slices
Peanut butter is a great source of plant-based protein, and it pairs perfectly with sweet and crunchy apple slices. Look for a peanut butter that's made with just peanuts and salt, and avoid brands that contain added sugars and oils.
Sweet Potato Toast: 4 Delicious Ways
Whether you’re gluten-free or just trying to limit your grain intake, saying “bye” to bread doesn’t mean you have to give up on toast. When thinly sliced into slabs, sweet potato toast can makes a terrific, protein-packed snack.
Trail Mix
A homemade or store-bought trail mix made with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit is a great high-protein snack that you can take with you on the go. Look for nuts like almonds and cashews, which are high in protein and healthy fats. We like this one from WildRoots.
Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos
This definitely isn't an everyday, pack in your lunch kinda snack, but a good high protein option for a party snack!
High Protein Vegan Yogurt
Kite Hill makes these fantastic, high protein yogurts with 10 grams of protein and only 5 grams of sugar. There are a few other you'll find at your grocery store, but this is our favorite!
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Roasted pumpkin seeds are a nutritious snack that offers a range of health benefits. They are a rich source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and potassium. We like these from Good Sense Organic.
Vegan Protein Bars
There are plenty of vegan protein bars on the market that are made with plant-based protein sources like pea protein, hemp protein, and brown rice protein. Look for brands that use whole food ingredients and avoid added sugars and artificial flavors. We like these low sugar ones from Good Snacks.
Lupini beans
On a recent trip to Whole Foods, this was my impulse buy and I was not disappointed! These little Italian snacking beans are delicious and convenient.
Chia seed pudding
This chocolate chia seed pudding from Minimalist Baker is divine and so easy to make! You can put it together the night before and just let it do its thing.
Cherry Almond Red Lentil Granola Bars
These bars from the Recipe Runner are made from whole foods, including lentils, oat flour, oats, almonds, dried cherries and more!
Skinny Dipped Almonds
I'm partial to the super dark sea salt variety, but all the Skinny Dipped Almonds are delicious. Perfect for a little afternoon treat.
Vegan Protein Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you're looking for a delicious and easy way to pack in some extra protein, these vegan protein cookies from Eat With Clarity are the perfect solution. Make a double batch.
Incorporating these high-protein vegan snacks into your diet can help you meet your protein needs and keep you fueled throughout the day. Experiment with different flavors and combinations to find the snacks that you love the most.
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