Those of us out here trying to meet our protein goals each day are well acquainted with the humble egg. They’re quick to to cook and easy to eat. And each one packs about 6 grams of protein. But there are a lot of other high-protein snacks out there—both in the meat and veggie categories— that offer significantly more protein while being just as easy to prepare.
We aren’t just talking steaks or lean chicken breasts, but a variety of plant and animal proteins that you can snack on or add to meals. Best of all, by broadening your protein intake away from eggs and meat alone, you’ll pack in a whole roster of other benefits for your gut, brain, and beyond.
From Icelandic dried fish to clever whole-food pairings, these non-eggy options will help you meet your fitness goals.
Meat and fish options
Gullfiskur Harfiskur (Icelandic Dried Fish)
“With 80g protein per 100g, this is lean, briny, and pure,” says David Higgins, the author of The Hollywood Body Plan, and co-founder of lifestyle performance club Bodyspace.
This traditional Icelandic snack is quite literally just dried white fish—no frills, no carbs, and more protein than almost any food on the planet. “I first discovered it while working in Iceland and it’s now a non-negotiable travel snack,” says Higgins.
Eat it with a smear of hummus or a grain-based cracker for a smart balance of texture.
Biltong
Think of biltong as jerky’s more sophisticated cousin. It’s air-dried, richly seasoned beef that’s protein-dense and packed with umami. “My go-to? The Biltong Factory. Their classic cut is clean, chewy, and easy to portion out,” says Higgins, who points to biltong’s whopping 50g of protein per 100g. “Add a handful of roasted chickpeas or lentil crackers for a complete amino chain,” he says.
Vegetarian options
Seitan
“If you’re not gluten-intolerant, seitan is a real powerhouse with up to 25g of protein per 100g,” says physical trainer and nutritionist Penny Weston. Often used as a meat alternative by vegans, seitan is well known for its texture and it’s ability to absorb flavors, making it a decent addition to curries, stews, stir-frys and other dishes.
Edamame
“These young soybeans pack a serious protein punch,” says Sas Parsad, nutritionist and founder of The Gut Co. We’re talking around 11g per 100g. Equally as important, these high-protein snacks bring beneficial fiber to feed your gut bacteria and help you feel fuller.