If, ten years ago, you told us that beef jerky, cottage cheese and packaged ramen would be trending in wellness, we may not have believed you! But thanks to TikTok trends and innovative brands like IMMI ramen, these old school staples are back in style and healthier than before.
Normally, our advice is to reduce the processed foods in your diet, but there are a good handful of exceptions. When it comes to high-protein snacks, these packaged options will save you in a pinch while away from home, or when you need to put together a quick lunch…
8 High-Protein Packaged Snacks We Love
immi Ramen | The beloved staple of bachelors and college students everywhere, dry ramen is notorious for being high in sodium, processed ingredients, and very few nutrients. Thanks to IMMI, packaged ramen is getting a healthy makeover and we’re obsessed. IMMI ramen is made from pumpkin seed protein and other clean, functional ingredients for a whopping 21 grams of protein per package. A must-try meal that is so much cleaner than the average packaged ramen and quickly gaining cult status!
Toodaloo Superfood Trail Mix | Trail mix has long been an outdoor adventure staple, but we were floored to discover Toodaloo’s reinvention of the classic on our way to hike Tahquitz Canyon in Palm Springs. Their novel snack mixes still have that ideal combo of fats, protein and carbs, but with additional superfoods and adaptogen like maca, turmeric, and camu camu. We highly recommend stocking up on a variety pack, but our absolute fave is Smoke Show, a BBQ-flavor mix with 7g of protein with every handful.
Dr. KellyAnn Bone Broth | There’s a reason so many health pros and celebs are touting their daily bone broth routines. Dr. KellyAnn’s dry bone broth sachets contain up to 20 grams of protein and is one of the most nutrient-dense snacks around. Quicker to make than a cup of tea, a packet of bone broth in flavors like Thai Lemongrass and Miso Mushroomserves are our latest healthful obsession. 
Sweet Nothings Chocolate + Peanut Butter Bites | We’ve tried every recipe out there for a healthy version of the comfy classic, but for PB cups on the go, Sweet Nothings is our new go-to. These snack-sized bites were made by a mom who needed better snack options for her kids. They’re made with simple, organic ingredients like cacao, oats, dates, and flaxseed and each packet contains 5g of protein so they’re good on the glycemic load, too. Add to cart, and see if they pass your pickiest eater’s flavor test at home.
Good Culture Cottage Cheese | Cottage cheese is having a very unexpected moment, thanks to wellness influencers on Instagram and TikTok. If you’re not dairy-free, pick a high-quality organic brand of this old school superfood and embrace the trend! There’s a reason it was on every breakfast menu in the ’80s: a half cup serving provides 14g of super-satisfying protein. If you’re not a fan of the texture, look for recipes where its blended as a base for protein bowls, pancakes, ice cream, or in place of ricotta on toast!.
Maple Hill Organic Kefir | You may already be a fan of kefir for the gut-friendly probiotics, but did you know it’s also great source of protein too? We love Maple Hill Creamery’s version with 100% grass fed and USDA-certified organic dairy. You’ll find 9g of protein in each 8oz serving—a great way to stay satiated between meals. Add kefir to your morning smoothies instead of nut milk for a creamier, protein-rich texture some love. Blends well with berries, bananas, mango and more for an extra kick of nutrients that will keep you energized throughout the day.
The Fly By Jing x Fish Wife Smoked Salmon | We’re big fans of Fish Wife for their modern take on tinned fish, but it’s their spicy collab with Fly by Jing that has made us devotees for life. Responsibly-raised smoked salmon is paired with the first 100% natural Sichuan chili sauce for a taste that’s out of this world. We could eat this all day long: amped-up eggs in the morning, on crackers in the afternoon, with brown rice and garlicky kale in the evening. Each can has a whopping 19g of protein so you can bet we’re meeting our protein goals on the regular.
wholier Nutritional Yeast | If you’re dairy-free, you’re probably familiar with nutritional yeast — the nutrient-dense dupe for a sprinkle of cheese that gives us the umami flavor we’re looking for. Nutritional yeast is our favorite way to amp up popcorn and other simple snacks fast — it also contains a good dose of B vitamins and about 4 grams of protein per serving (not bad for a condiment!). Wholier’s nutritional yeast comes in a spicy flavor we absolutely crave, plus pre- and probiotics, and vitamin D. Sprinkle a bit on your next bowl, on popcorn or over a caesar-like salad.
Epic Bars | Set your preconceived notions of beef jerky from the convenience store aside. Brands like Epic are leading the way in responsibly-sourced, paleo-friendly snacks that are a truly nutritious version of the classic snack– no nitrates or additives in sight. You can choose from unsual options like venison, bison, chicken or salmon. For the omnivores out there, we love the pared-down ingredients of Beef Apple Bacon. Each bar has a great snack size serving of protein to help you spread out your essential amino acids throughout the day.
Chomps Grass Fed Beef Jerky | Another fresh take on the grab-and-go sticks of road trips past, Chomps has doubled down on beef jerky to perfect flavors and ingredients. Paleo, keto and Whole 30-approved, these protein-packed snacks are made from 100% grass-fed beef and nitrate-free. Choose your adventure with flavorful options like Cranberry Habanero, Italian Style, Taco or Jalapeno.
Wild Planet Wild Sockeye Salmon Pouches | We’re here for the tinned fish trend, but Wild Planet’s pouches are a good sustainable seafood source too. We love the simplicity and deliciousness of Wild Planet’s snack-sized salmon. It’s a smoke and nitrate-free version of the superfood snack, flavored with sea salt and nothing else, and a single serving provides 17g of protein. Make these cucumber salmon wraps.
Read next: The Pros Whey In: Your Ultimate Guide To Protein Powders
