7 Low-Calorie, Healthy Snacks High in Protein and Fiber

Snacks are not, inherently, a bad thing. In fact, snacks can be a very good thing. But you have to know the rules of smart snacking.

US Kim Yawitz, RD, a gym owner in St. Louis, cautions, the first thing to consider when deciding on a snack is whether you’re actually hungry.

“Boredom, stress, and proximity to snack foods can trick your brain into thinking you need a snack in the absence of true hunger,” Yawitz says. “Physical hunger sets in gradually a few hours after your last meal and can be satisfied by any food, while snack cravings come on quickly and are usually specific to one food—say, cookies.”

Assuming you’re truly hungry, Yawitz says that your best option is a snack that includes protein and fiber with little to no added sugar. “This snack combo will fill your belly until your next meal while also minimizing blood sugar fluctuations, which can leave you feeling snacky,” she says.

Yes, calories are important to consider, but the snack’s nutrients matter, too.

“Snack calories are important if you’re watching your weight, but snack quality also counts. Ultra-processed and sugary snacks can lead to food cravings later in the day, making it more difficult to hit your daily calorie goals,” says Yawitz.

Ahead, Yawitz shares seven favorite high-protein, high-fiber snacks that get her stamp of approval.

Apple and Almond Butter

“A medium apple with 2 tablespoons of almond butter has a whopping 8 grams of belly-filling fiber, plus 7 grams of plant protein,” she says.

Nutrition for 1 apple and 2 Tbsp almond butter: 272 calories, 7g protein, 28g carbs (0g added sugar, 8g fiber), 18g fat

Cottage Cheese and Tomatoes

Yawitz notes that cottage cheese contains casein, which is “a slow-digesting dairy protein that promotes fullness.” She says she loves to mix the nutrient-dense dairy product with a bit of low-sodium taco seasoning for flavor and top it with some cherry tomatoes to up the fiber quotient. (If you’re in the mood for something sweet, scoop out a cantaloupe and put cottage cheese in there, perhaps with some Grape Nuts cereal as a satiating topping.)

1 cup 2% cottage cheese and 15 cherry tomatoes: 229 calories, 26g protein, 21 grams carbohydrate (0 g added sugar, 3 g fiber), 6g fat

High-Protein Yogurt, Berries, and Walnuts

“Yogurt Protein Ratio tastes like pie filling and has 25 grams of protein per serving,” says Yawitz, who suggests topping it with one tablespoon of crushed walnuts and one cup of blueberries.

1 container of vanilla yogurt, 1 Tbsp walnuts, and 1 cup blueberries: 302 calories, 27g protein, 31g carbs, (0g added sugar, 4g fiber), 9g fat

Hard-Boiled Eggs on Toast

“Eggs are a great source of vitamins and minerals like choline, which helps lower LDL—or ‘bad’—cholesterol,” says Yawitz. “I like them hard-boiled on toast after a mid-morning workout.”

1 slice toast and 2 hard-boiled eggs: 260 calories, 17g protein, 22g carbs (5g added sugar, 5g fiber), 12g fat

Whey Protein and Banana

“Whey protein powder is a convenient on-the-go snack that’s much healthier than most gas station options,” says Yawitz. “Keep a scoop in a shaker bottle in your car, and grab a banana or your fruit of choice on your way out the door to add balance to your snack.” (If you’re plant-based, try one of these muscle-building vegan protein powders.)

1 scoop of whey protein mixed in water and 1 medium banana: 229 calories, 25g protein, 31g carbs (0g added sugar, 3g fiber) 1g fat

Turkey Half-Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread

“Turkey breast is a lean protein that keeps you full without adding a bunch of calories from fat. Throw some on a slice of bread for a quick and easy snack-wich,” says Yawitz. For some extra fiber, feel free to add avocado, lettuce, and/or tomato.

1 slice of bread with 3 oz white-meat turkey: 213 calories, 23g protein, 23g carbs (5g added sugar, 5g fiber), 3g fat

Shrimp Cocktail with Crudité

“Shrimp cocktail is a refreshing, high-protein snack,” says Yawitz. “Add one cup of veggies for some fiber (and crunch!) but take it easy on the cocktail sauce, which can be high in sugar.”

3 oz shrimp with 2 Tbsp cocktail sauce and 1 cup carrots: 182 calories, 17g protein, 23g carbs (4g added sugar, 5g fiber), 1g fat