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48 High Protein Snack Recipes [Sweet Snacks]

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These High-Protein Snack Recipes make it easier to hit your protein goals without relying on boring snacks or expensive protein bars. With at least 12 grams of protein per serving, they're dairy-free, gluten-free, and perfect for busy moms who want to curb cravings and work up to 100 grams of protein per day.

Pin image with text: multiple images of high protein snacks like protein smoothies, donuts, protein fluff and ice cream with text about high protein snacks

How Much Protein Do We Need?

Protein is an essential macronutrient. Meaning, our bodies NEED it to function. Unfortunately, we can only store so much.

This means that we constantly need to replenish our stores in order to function optimally. Learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet. As a coach, I recommend that clients in my Strong Mom Starter Kit, get at least 100 grams of protein per day.

And though most people think that protein is only for people who lift weights or work out intensely, that’s far from true. Learn about how to increase your protein intake so that you can start boosting your metabolism, energy, and immune system.

Why Protein Snacks Make Hitting Your Goals Easier

Most people don't struggle to eat enough protein at dinner, they struggle between meals. That's where high-protein snacks come in. Swapping chips or cookies for a protein-rich snack can help:

  • Keep you fuller for longer
  • Support muscle recovery after workouts
  • Reduce afternoon energy crashes
  • Make it easier to hit your daily protein goal

Choosing A Protein Powder

Many of these healthy high-protein snack recipes use either collagen powder (learn what collagen powder is), beef protein isolate, or a traditional protein powder to boost the protein content while keeping the recipes easy to make. Since all of my recipes are dairy-free, I don't rely on ingredients like cottage cheese, though they're great options if they fit your diet.

Collagen is a flavorless protein that's easy to stir into baked goods and no-bake treats. While it's not a complete protein, it's a simple way to add extra protein to recipes while also supporting healthy skin, joints, and connective tissue. If you'd like to learn more, check out my guide on collagen vs. protein powder. Know that I use Perfect Supplements Collagen exclusively. You can try it with code mamabear10.

For recipes where you want a bigger protein boost, beef protein isolate or a quality plant-based protein powder both work well. Beef protein is a complete protein, has a very neutral flavor, and tastes amazing.

For protein powder recipes, I've made the switch to Equip Prime Protein because of their flavors and third-party testing. Every brand mixes a little differently, so you may need small adjustments depending on what you're using.

High Protein Snack Recipes

Below you'll find the best high protein snack recipes broken down into categories to make it easier to find exactly what you're craving. Every recipe is dairy-free, gluten-free, and contains at least 12 grams of protein per serving, making them perfect for boosting your daily protein intake, especially if you're following a 3-day dumbbell workout plan.

No Bake Protein Snacks

The easiest thing to whip up! These no-bake protein snacks are easy to meal prep and perfect for busy days. All are stored in the fridge or freezer for when you need a boost.

Coffee Protein Balls [Gluten-Free]
Coffee Protein Balls Recipe
Coffee protein balls covered in cocoa powder with a spoon of coffee grinds beside them.
High Protein Pumpkin Pudding
Pumpkin Protein Pudding Recipe
Pumpkin protein pudding in a jar topped with cinnamon and a spoon in the jar.
 Peanut Butter Protein Chia Pudding (Dairy and Gluten-Free)
Creamy, rich, and loaded with peanut butter flavor, this chia pudding sneaks in 19 grams of protein for a breakfast or snack that actually keeps you full.
High Protein Peanut Butter Chia Pudding
Peanut butter chia pudding with chocolate chips in a mason jar on a cutting board with more chocolate chips around it and a spoon coming out of the mason jar.
Peanut Butter Protein Fudge
The perfect high-protein dessert recipe! This peanut butter protein fudge has 17 grams of protein but is naturally sweetened with honey to keep it semi-healthy, low-calorie and delicious.
Peanut Butter Protein Fudge
Peanut butter protein fudge squares lined up with more heart shaped fudge on a blue linen behind them.
Dairy-Free Protein Cookie Dough
A delicious blend of protein and dessert! This dairy-free protein cookie dough comes together in just five minutes and is the perfect addition to family movie night.
Gluten-Free Protein Cookie Dough
Spoonful of chocolate chip protein cookie dough being pulled out of a white ramekin that's on a wooden cutting board.
Protein Peanut Butter Cups (dairy-free)
Skip the Reese's cups and opt for these protein peanut butter cups instead! Thick peanut butter topped with melted chocolate and totally dairy-free to make the perfect healthy indulgence.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Cups
Four chocolate peanut butter cups stacked together with the last one with a bite out of it on top
Super Easy Protein Ice Cream
Creamy, indulgent and with 12 grams of protein! This vanilla protein powder ice cream will be the hit of the season.
Vanilla Protein Ice Cream
hand holding vanilla protien ice cream with sprinkles in a gluten-free ice cream cone with cones, sprinkles and the ice cream tin behind it
Cookie Dough Protein Bar Recipe (Dairy and Gluten-Free)
Soft, chewy and made in just 10 minutes! These cookie dough protein bars are a quick way to gain some energy.
Dairy-Free Cookie Dough Protein Bars
image of three cookie dough protein bars stacked with parchment paper between them and a hand placing the top one.
Double Chocolate Protein Fluff (No xanthan gum)
This chocolate protein fluff is the sweet tooth fix you actually feel good about. Ready in 1 minute, packed with protein, and perfect for late-night snacking.
Vegan Chocolate Protein Fluff
Spoon dripping chocolate onto a glass bowl of chocolate protein fluff topped with coconut whipped cream.
Homemade High-Protein Granola (Gluten-Free)
This high-protein granola recipe is made without protein powder. It's a crunchy, nutty mixture of all the right things.
High Protein Granola
Homemade granola in a small mason jar with milk in it and a spoon in the top. More granola scattered around the jar and in a beige bowl behind it.
High-Protein Banana Chia Pudding
A creamy, comforting blend of flavors made into a healthy snack for busy days. This banana chia pudding is the perfect make ahead recipe that combines both sweet flavor and high protein!
Banana Chia Protein Pudding
Banana chia pudding in a mason jar with a spoon in it and sliced bananas, and cinnamon on top and the jar on a wooden board.
Creamy Keto Chia Pudding
A delicious blend of coconut milk and vanilla to make the smoothest keto chia pudding you’ve ever had. Sweetened minimally with a hint of stevia this chia seed pudding recipe will become a staple to your days.
High Protein Keto Chia Pudding
Keto chia pudding in a mason jar with raspberries on top and a spoon in the jar on a white plate with berries and a blue linen behind it.
Salted Caramel Protein Smoothie
An indulgent blend of vanilla protein, coconut milk, and homemade caramel. This delicious smoothie is free from artificial flavors and high in all things good for you.
Caramel Protein Shake Recipe
Mason jar with caramel protein shake topped with coconut whipped cream, caramel sauce and chocolate chips two red straws in the smoothie and chocolate chips on a cutting board behind it
Peanut Butter Banana Protein Pudding (Dairy-Free)
A creamy, high protein banana pudding. This protein pudding recipe is a healthy snack that whips up in just minutes.
Banana Protein Pudding Recipe
Banana protein pudding in a jar with peanut butter on top and a spoon in the jar.
4 Ingredient Chocolate protein Pudding (dairy-free)
Deliciously simple to make this chocolate protein pudding recipe os completely dairy-free but comes with a thick, rich texture that's perfect to curb a craving.
Dairy-Free Protein Pudding
Chocolate protein pudding in a jar with chocolate sauce n top and a spoon in the jar.
Chocolate Protein Pudding Recipe With Collagen Powder
Sticky, indulgent, and made with only five ingredients! This simple chocolate protein pudding recipe a healthy way to curb a craving before bed.
Collagen Protein Pudding
White ramekin on blue checkered linen with chocolate protein pudding and coconut cream in it and a spoon scooping some out with chocolate chips and collagen behind it
Overnight Oats With Protein Powder (Dairy-Free)
Indulge your sweet tooth with these overnight oats with protein powder! Easy to make and with a whopping 24 grams of protein per serving, the only struggle you’ll face is which fun flavor to choose!
Protein Powder Overnight Oats Recipe
Three jars of overnight protein oats topped with whipped cream with a lid, cutting board and ingredients around them.
Cookies & Cream Protein Smoothie
This healthy cookies and cream protein shake is made with minimal ingredients and is the perfect way to indulge a craving.
Cookies and Cream Protein Shake
Glass with cookies and cream shake topped with coconut whipped cream and crumbled cookies with a striped straw in it. There are straws, chocolate chip, cookies and chocolate chips around the glass.
Chocolate Topped Collagen Powder Overnight Oats [No Dairy]
Skip the vanilla protein powder and whip up this protein overnight oats recipe topped with thick, rich chocolate! All the indulgence of a creamy cup of oatmeal with all the fuel of protein.
Overnight Oats Without Protein Powder
Clear glass with overnight protein oats in it topped with chocolate and sea salt on a wooden coaster on a blue linen.
Creamy Espresso Overnight Oats
Indulge in an extra cup of coffee while gaining some fuel with these mousse-like, high-protein overnight oats! This recipe has all the deliciousness of dessert but all the fuel you need to kick off your day.
Overnight Espresso Oats
Mason jar with espresso overnight oats topped with almond butter and a spoon in it on a wooden coaster with another jar of oats and a bowl of coffee behind it.
Blueberry Chia Pudding (High Protein)
Packed with nutrients, antioxidants, and protein this creamy, blueberry chia pudding is easy to make and perfect for busy days on the go.
High Protein Blueberry Chia Pudding
Blueberry chia pudding in a small mason jar on a cutting board with a spoon in the jar.
Double Chocolate Protein Bars Without Nuts
Rich, indulgent, and with a mousse-like filling these nut-free protein bars are the perfect way to indulge a craving without sacrificing your hard work. And they're naturally gluten-free too!
Chocolate Protein Bar Recipe No Peanut Butter
Two chocolate coated protein bars stacked on a white plate top bar with a bite out of it.
Salted Caramel Protein Fluff (Vegan)
Topped with homemade caramel sauce, this protein fluff recipe makes an indulgent but healthy bedtime snack!
Caramel Protein Fluff
A hand holding a mini jar with caramel protein fluff topped with caramel drizzle
High Protein Berry Fluff
Only five ingredients in this easy protein fluff recipe. Made with frozen berries this high-protein snack recipe is refreshing and more like a frozen treat!
High Protein Berry Fluff
Blueberry protein fluff in a glass topped with coconut milk and a spoon in the glass.
Dairy-Free Protein Powder Ice Cream Recipe
This protein powder ice cream is made without an ice cream machine but with a protein kick! Creamy and indulgent it's sweetened with frozen bananas and chocolate chips to give you the best, most-fueling summer treat!
Peanut Butter Protein powder Ice Cream
Close up of an ice cream scoop scooping peanut butter chocolate chip ice cream.
Healthy Funky Monkey Smoothie
Creamy, high-protein chunky monkey smoothie that tastes like dessert. A healthy chocolate–banana blend topped with caramel sauce for a decadent, workout-friendly treat.
Chunky Monkey Protein Shake
Chunky monkey protein shake with caramel drizzled on top and chopped almonds on the shake and around it.
Cookie Dough Protein Overnight Oats
Swirled with nut butter and high in protein these cookie dough overnight oats make for the tastiest snack or meal prep breakfast!
High Protein Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
Three mason jars filled with high protein cookie dough overnight oats topped with chocolate chips on a wooden cutting board and a spoon pulling out of one jar.
Anti-Inflammatory Dairy-Free Turmeric Smoothie Recipe
This turmeric protein shake is filled with healthy, anti-inflammatory ingredients! It makes a delicious snack or healthy post-workout protein smoothie
Dairy-Free Turmeric Smoothie
turmeric peach smoothie in a mason jar with a purple straw. Turmeric root and powder and ginger root around it
No Bake Protein Cookies
With a chocolate caramel flavor and 16 grams of protein, these no-bake protein cookies are the best way to fuel up when a craving hits!
No Bake Protein Cookies Recipe
Three no bake protein cookies stacked with parchment paper between them.
Cookie Dough Smoothie Bowl (High Protein)
Thick and rich with balls of cookie dough mixed in, this cookie dough protein smoothie bowl is a delicious, dairy-free way to fuel up.
Cookie Dough Protein Smoothie Bowl
A bowl of cookie dough smoothie bowl topped with chocolate chips and pecan nuts.
Greek Yogurt Protein Pudding
Ultra-creamy and packed with flavor, this yogurt protein pudding can be varied to suit your cravings.
Greek Yogurt Protein Pudding Recipe
Greek yogurt protein pudding in a bowl.
4 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
In a chocolate peanut butter flavor, these 4 ingredient protein bars are the perfect way to increase your protein an indulge a craving.
Four Ingredient Protein Bars
Sliced frozen peanut butter chocolate bars in a row.
Frozen Yogurt Protein Bars Recipe [5 ingredients]
Frozen Yogurt Protein Bars
A stack of frozen yogurt bars.

Baked Protein Snacks

Perfect for when you're craving something warm and comforting. These baked snacks are perfect for meal prep and make delicious grab-and-go breakfasts or afternoon snacks.

Half Baked Protein Mug Brownie (Vegan)
Gooey and delicious this protein mug brownie has all the classic indulgence of chocolate brownies with a hint of protein for fuel.
Healthy Vegan Mug Brownie
Chocolate brownie with chocolate chips in a white ramekin with whipped cream on top and a spoon in it on a blue linen.
Pumpkin Protein Donuts 9Gluten-Free)
Indulge in a bite of your favorite fall comfort. These gluten-free pumpkin protein donuts are soft, easy to make, and filled with pumpkin spice flavor.
Pumpkin Protein Donuts
Pumpkin spice donuts with sugar glaze on top on a cooling rack.
Baked Yogurt [High Protein]
High Protein Baked Yogurt
Two ramekins of baked yogurt with blueberries in a bowl with a spoon
Chocolate Protein Brownies (Gluten-Free)
Easy to make, these gluten-free protein brownies are a chewy brownie drizzled with chocolate sauce that's a hit with everyone.
Dairy-Free Protein Brownies
Dairy-free chocolate brownies drizzled with chocolate sauce on brown parchment paper with chocolate chips around them and a glass of milk with a blue linen to the side
Gluten-Free Chocolate Protein Muffins
These chocolate protein muffins are a snack and dessert rolled into one. Though they don't use cocoa powder, they still come out an indulgent, rich, chocolate flavor.
Dairy-Free Chocolate Protein Muffins
Pin image with text about chocolate protein muffins with two fingers placing a muffin on top of another muffin in an orange liner and more muffins behind it
Peanut Butter Protein Muffins
Crispy edges and a soft interior, these peanut butter protein muffins are made without bananas but pack a punch of fuel and indulgence.
Peanut Butter Protein Muffins
Peanut butter protein muffins in a dark grey muffin tray on a cooling rack with linen behind them
Chocolate Protein Zucchini Bread
The best protein dessert to curb a craving and fuel up! This protein zucchini bread is naturally gluten-free, swirled with chocolate, and loaded with healthy ingredients.
High Protein Zucchini Bread
Dairy-free chocolate zucchini bread in a baking loaf with parchment paper and a blue linen and scoop of collagen powder around it.
Banana Protein Brownies (Dairy and Gluten-Free)
A high-protein brownie guaranteed to indulge a craving! These chocolate protein banana brownies are whipped up with chocolate protein powder and bananas to give you a fudgy, delicious, post-workout snack.
Dairy-Free Banana Protein Brownies
Three chocolate protein brownies stacked with protein powder behind them.
High-Protein Blueberry Protein Muffins (Gluten-Free)
Light, delicate but loaded with fuel! These delicious blueberry protein muffins are made without protein powder but have enough fuel in them to keep you going.
Blueberry Collagen Muffins
Three blueberry protein muffins with the top muffin being placed on top, all muffins on a pink muffin liner with more muffins on a cutting board and yellow linen behind them
Gluten-Free Chocolate Protein Mug Cake
A delicious blend of chocolate flavor this protein powder mug cake makes the perfect indulgence! Whipped up in just two minutes, you’ll be enjoying a treat in no time.
Gluten-Free Protein Mug Cake
Chocolate protein pwoder mug cake topped with peanut butter and coconut whippe cream in a white mug on a blue linen.
Homemade Protein Bagels
Soft, no yeast, gluten-free, high protein bagels make the perfect breakfast. With 14 grams of protein per serving, this bagel recipe is a great kick-start to your breakfast routine!
Protein Bagels Recipe
Three protein bagels stacked on a wooden cutting board with a blue linen begin it
3 Ingredient Protein Mug Cake
Easy to make, this 3 ingredient protein mug cake is sweet, moist, and a healthy, high-protein snack to curb a craving.
3 Ingredient Protein powder Mug Cake
Mug cake with chocolate chips in a red bowl with a spoon in it on a cutting board.
Single Serve Protein Cookie
A flourless, single serving protein cookie to curb cravings. Soft and comforting with a peanut butter chocolate chip flavor, this protein cookie is a great one to whip up on nights you need a treat!
Single Serve Protein Cookie
White plate with large single serving protein cookie broken in half with chocolate chips in it.
Single Serve Protein Banana Bread
A delicious high protein snack in just one serving. This protein banana bread is moist, indulgent, and perfect for curbing cravings.
Single Serve Protein Banana Bread
A bowl of baked banana bread with chocolate chips and sliced bananas on top.
Protein Pumpkin Bread [Gluten-Free]
Protein Pumpkin Bread
Protein pumpkin bread sliced and topped with almonds on a cutting board.

High-Protein Snack FAQs

What are good snacks that are high in protein?

Snacks like hard-boiled eggs, tuna, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, collagen, jerky, and protein powder are all high in protein. These ingredients can be used easily to make a variety of high-protein snacks suitable for any dietary preference.

What are the easiest protein foods?

The easiest protein foods are ones that come from whole sources: think eggs, meat, collagen, and dairy (if you consume it). These foods are naturally high in protein and are easy to use to create a variety of protein-based snacks and meals.

How much protein do I need per day?

At the very core, you need 0.8grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight. However, this recommendation is normally too low and based upon what you need to continue to do basic activities (digest food, basic movements, etc.). Most people should strive for 1.0 grams of protein per pound of body weight. For a 135lbs female, this means 135grams of protein per day.

How much protein should a snack have?

Ideally, a protein snack should have anywhere from 10-25 grams of protein in it. This not only keeps you full but helps you hit that 100 grams of protein per day goal easily.

More Protein Tips For You

Image with 6 high protein snack images and text below them and at the top.

More High Protein Dairy Free Snack Recipes

Comments

  1. Adriene says

    Thanks for putting all of these recipes together in one place. I simply do not eat enough protein, and these are helpful. I have already made the Peanut Butter Cups that are delicious.

    Reply

    • fitasamamabear says

      So happy to hear that it helps! Haha the peanut butter cups are a blog reader favorite.

      Reply

  2. Jenn says

    The Chocolate protein over night oats with banana has been a life saver for my morning dash out the door, it's so easy to make before bed! Can't wait to try more on this list.

    Reply

    • fitasamamabear says

      Anything I can make the night before is a win too.

      Reply

  3. Jere Cassidy says

    Thanks for all of these recipes. I need to up my protein, and honestly, I have a sweet tooth so I can have both. This is a great list of recipes to keep on hand.

    Reply

    • fitasamamabear says

      Haha we're the same, I have a huge sweet tooth too!

      Reply

  4. Allie says

    I have been feeling hungry mid morning at work so I wanted to find something that was higher protein to keep me going. Love all these ideas. Already tried the vanilla protein balls and they were great.

    Reply

    • fitasamamabear says

      Wahoo! Seriously protein solves so many problems lol

      Reply

  5. Ali says

    what a great resource this is!!! I've already tried the overnight oats and loved it!!! Cannot wait to try more - thank you!

    Reply

    • fitasamamabear says

      Overnight oats are totally a staple in our house!

      Reply

  6. Gina says

    This is one of the best resources! Love that these are all gf and df, it's sometimes hard to find high protein recipes in those two niches. Tried the chocolate muffins so far and loved them, can't wait to dive into the rest of the list!

    Reply

    • fitasamamabear says

      So happy that they gave you some new ideas!

      Reply

  7. Sonia says

    Thanks for putting together this list with many ideas for healthy snacks and treats. I already tried the overnight oats. It is so filling and satisfying. This weekend I will make the vanilla protein ice cream for my 10-year-old daughter. It will be a treat and a healthy snack at the same time.

    Reply

    • fitasamamabear says

      Overnight oats are such an easy and fun one but the ice cream is definitely a nice dessert option.. my kiddos love it too!

      Reply

  8. Healing Tomato says

    The Cookie Dough shake is officially my new favorite protein shake! It was delicious and so easy to make. Thanks for so many wonderful shakes to choose from.

    Reply

    • fitasamamabear says

      Haha right?! Like if I can eat cookie dough and call it healthy I love life lol

      Reply

  9. Brooke says

    All of these look wonderful! The Chunky Monkey Protein smoothie has to be my favorite! Hands down, the best I have ever had! It felt like I was indulging!

    Reply

    • fitasamamabear says

      Haha the chunky monkey is amazing!

      Reply

  10. Gen says

    This list is so helpful, thank you! Sometimes I stand in the kitchen knowing I need something with protein and don't know what to make... getting pretty sick of eggs, haha. I'm going to try so many of these!

    Reply

    • fitasamamabear says

      Haha I love eggs.. but I also enjoy sweets and regular stuff so it's definitely nice to have some staples to boost protein!

      Reply

  11. Amanda Dixon says

    Thanks for putting together such a great list! I already tried the protein fluff and blueberry muffins, and they were delicious. Can't wait to work my way through the rest of the list.

    Reply

    • fitasamamabear says

      You are awesome. So happy it's giving you some new ideas!

      Reply

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