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    Best High-Protein Snacks to Eat Anytime, Anywhere

    Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle. However, muscle isn’t just built after your workout is done. Consuming protein after your workout makes enzymes that allow key chemical reactions to take place within your body. These enzymes are crucial to regulating your body’s hormones, maintaining the fluid balance in your blood and tissues, and forming antibodies to protect your body from bacteria and viruses. Protein has many roles in your body, so it’s used constantly throughout the day. That’s why it’s important, not just for building muscle, but overall health to consume protein at every meal and in between—including high-protein snacks.

    Protein requirements vary per individual and specific goals, but overall you should aim to consume between 1.2-2.0 grams per kg body weight per day. Yes, that’s more than the generic RDA of 0.8 grams per kg body weight, which we find too modest; it’s the minimum you need from getting sick.
    High-protein snacks are key to getting your body the protein and amino acids in between meal periods—or if you’re going a few hours in between meals. A high-protein snack should provide at least 10 grams of protein per serving and be easy to eat at home or on the go. In addition, watch out for the added sugar content (keep it under 10 grams of added sugar) and make sure the ingredients are ones you’re familiar with. Take a look at these high-protein snacks (store-bought and homemade) to help you get protein all day long.
    Best High-Protein Snacks to Eat Anytime, Anywhere
    Joseph Gonzalez/Unsplash1. Hard Boiled Eggs
    Eggs are one of the best cheap protein sources, with each average egg providing 6 to 7 grams of protein. They’re versatile; cook up a frittata, shakshuka, or omelette for breakfast. For on-the-go snacks, hard boil half a dozen at the start of the week and store in the fridge.
    Protein per serving (2 eggs): 12 g protein

    Flavor-filled meat sticks made from grass-fed and free-range beef, venison, and turkey. Chomps2. Chomps Meat Sticks
    Chomps meat sticks are crafted with high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients—including grass-fed beef and venison, as well as free-range, antibiotic-free turkey. With nine unique flavors like Italian-Style Beef and Pepperoni Seasoned Turkey, you’ll never get flavor fatigue. Plus they’re gluten-free, compatible with paleo, keto, and Whole30, and allergy-friendly.
    Protein per serving (1 Pepperoni Seasoned Turkey Stick): 10 g protein
    [From $14.99; chomps.com]
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    Kodiak Cakes Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Protein Balls Courtesy Image3. Kodiak Cakes Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Protein Balls
    In the morning, mid-day, late night, in the car, or on the trail, these protein balls are an easy, delicious way to get protein. They’re made with 100 percent whole grain oats and non-GMO ingredients for wholesome, nutritious snacking. Bonus: They’re easy to prepare (just add water and roll!).
    Protein per serving (2 balls): 20 g protein
    [$5.50; kodiakcakes.com]
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    Simply Snackin Bars Courtesy Image4. Simply Snackin Bars
    Simply Snackin make on-the-go protein snacks that are nourishing and simple. The bars only include real ingredients like grass-fed beef or chicken, free of antibiotics or added hormones. They’re void of gluten and artificial flavors or colors.
    Protein per serving (1 Chicken With Hemp Seeds bar): 11 g protein
    [From $36.80; simplysnackin.com]
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    Wonderful Pistachios Roasted & Salted No Shells Courtesy Image5. Pistachios
    Pistachios are the ultimate plant-based protein source as they contain all essential amino acids in adequate amounts for optimal health. The best part is they’re convenient on the go and don’t require any preparation. Additionally, they provide fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats to help your body refuel and recover before and after a workout
    Protein per serving (1.5 oz kernels): 10 g protein
    [From $5.99; amazon.com]
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    Scout Wild Albacore Tuna SCOUT6. Scout Wild Albacore Tuna
    Tuna is an excellent source of protein and these single-serve cans make it easy to store and travel with (just remember your can opener!). They feature hand-cut tuna fillets that are cooked and packaged to preserve omega-3 oils with nothing else added. The best part? In addition to protein, each 3-oz serving provides roughly 705 mg of healthy EPA and DHA Omega-3 fatty acids.
    Protein per serving (1 can): 21 g protein
    [$31.99/4 pk or $28.79/monthly subscription; enjoyscout.com]
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    Kize Bars Kize Concepts7. Kize Bars
    Kize Bars might be the cleanest protein bars you can buy. They taste more like a no-bake cookie or peanut butter fudge, and some flavors have as little as four ingredients.  Great as a high-protein snack, on-the-go fuel, or a healthy dessert.
    Protein per serving (1 bar) 10 g protein
    [From $29.99; kizeconcepts.com]

    Food Collection / Shutterstock
    8. Real California Cottage Cheese
    Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and contains relatively few calories.  It also provides an ideal combination of whey and casein. which provide quick- and slow-digesting protein. It’s packed with many other nutrients for health like B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and selenium. It’s also versatile enough to incorporate into different meals and snacks.
    Protein per serving (1 cup low-fat): 28 g protein
    [realcaliforniamilk.com]
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    Vital Farms Pasture-Raised Egg Bites, Uncured Bacon and Cheddar Cheese Vital Farms9. Vital Farms Pasture-Raised Egg Bites, Uncured Bacon & Cheddar Cheese
    Eggs are a great protein source (as we already mentioned) but sometimes you want to make them a little more exciting. Vital Farms Egg Bites are made with ethically sourced ingredients like pasture-raised eggs and cheese, and humanely raised meats. On top of that, they’re delicious and come in convenient packs to microwave and take with you anywhere in just 45 seconds.
    Protein per serving (2 bites): 18 g protein
    [vitalfarms.com]
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    Fage Total Greek Yogurt 0% Courtesy Image10. Fage Total Greek Yogurt
    Greek yogurt is a little different than its traditional counterparts. Greek yogurt is lower in sugar, higher in protein, and creamier than regular yogurt. It’s filled with not just protein but calcium, probiotics, and vitamin B. It often comes in single-serving portions, making it a great high-protein snack in between meals. You can also add to your favorite smoothie.
    Protein per serving (Fage Total 0% 6-oz container): 18 grams protein
    [$1.29; usa.fage]

    Purely Elizabeth Blueberry Walnut Collagen Protein Oats Courtesy Image11. Purely Elizabeth Blueberry Walnut Collagen Protein Oats
    Oatmeal is a breakfast favorite for its convenience and fiber content. Purely Elizabeth makes it even better by adding premium grass-fed bovine collagen and an added packet of Nuttzo nut butter to pack a high-protein punch. The blueberries, walnuts, ancient grains, and superfood seeds lend satisfying texture and flavor to boot.
    Protein per serving (2-oz cup): 11 g protein
    [$2.99 or $2.54 for subscription; purelyelizabeth.com]
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    Kite Hill Protein Yogurt Kite Hill12. Kite Hill Protein Yogurt
    Kit Hill yogurt is a great-tasting blend of almonds and soy to pack in the protein and faba bean for added creaminess in a new plant-based yogurt. Kite Hill Protein Yogurt is non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan and contains no artificial flavors or preservatives. Best of all, it doesn’t sacrifice on taste or the smooth, creamy texture that many seek, but cannot find in dairy-free items.
    Protein per serving (Blueberry, 5.3-oz cup): 10 g protein
    [$2.39; kite-hill.com]
    Get it

    Nature Zen/Unsplash13. DIY Protein Shake
    There’s nothing easier than bringing your own protein powder (whey or vegan) and mixing in your shaker bottle. But if you have the time, make a complete and delicious post-workout smoothie to kickstart recovery or provide an extra boost of protein between meals. Here’s a recipe with a tropical spin:
    Ingredients
    16 oz milk of choice (or orange juice)
    1-2 scoop vanilla or unflavored protein powder (whey or vegan)
    3/4 cup frozen pineapple chunks
    ½ cup frozen mango
    ½ frozen banana
    1/2 ripe avocado peeled
    1 tsp chia seeds
    1 scoop Athletic Greens powder
    Instructions
    Combine all ingredients
    Blend until smooth.
    Jordan Mazur, MS, RD is the director of nutrition for the San Francisco 49ers.

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    The Best Protein Powders That Taste Good Too

    Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. We update when possible, but deals expire and prices can change. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
    Questions? Reach us at shop@mensjournal.com.
    If you are a regular at the gym, then you know that bulking up isn’t just about picking up the heaviest weights you can handle. It’s about fueling up with protein powders. That way you get the energy and endurance you need to go as hard as you can, as well as all the nutrients you need to make those muscles improve more than you thought possible. The only issue is that a lot of protein powders don’t taste good. That’s why you need to find the best-tasting protein powders around.
    Our Top 3 Picks
    There are a lot of protein powders out there, but not all of them taste good. This can be a bit of an issue, because you might have a hard time getting those drinks down. And at a certain point, you might just give up on them entirely. But you can get great-tasting protein shakes that won’t hinder your progress. If anything, they’ll make the whole process go a whole lot smoother.
    Looking for the right protein powders that come with great flavors is not easy, if only because there are so many protein powders to look at. And they all come in different flavors. There are the old standbys of Chocolate and Vanilla. But you also get some great alt options like Fruity Pebbles flavoring. Not to mention having to look for the right one if you are a vegan or not. It’s not easy. But it can be done.
    It can be done because we have gone and done. Below you can find 5 of the best-tasting protein powders around. All of which will do the job of fueling and bulking you up at the gym while making the process of drinking these shakes down as easy as possible. So all you need to do is check them out and see what each is good for and then pick the one that catches your eye. Whichever you pick is sure to be a fast favorite.
    The Best Tasting Protein Powders More

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    The 8 Best Vegan Protein Powders and Best Vegetarian Protein Powders

    Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. We update when possible, but deals expire and prices can change. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
    Questions? Reach us at shop@mensjournal.com.
    If you want to get the best results possible when you hit the gym, you can’t just expect results without supplements. You need to fuel your body up with the right nutrients and ingredients to get the best results possible. This means for many that a good protein powder needs to be used before, during, and after a workout. But for vegans, that isn’t usually the case with most powders. That’s why vegans need to find and use the best vegan protein powders.
    “There is no reason that someone who eats a vegan or vegetarian diet can’t build just as much muscle as an omnivore,” says Matt Ruscigno, MPH, R.D. “They can get all of the same amino acids in the right amounts.”
    Why can’t vegans use most of the protein powders that exist out there? That is because most of them are made with dairy or other such non-vegan-friendly protein sources. And that isn’t just a problem for them in a grander sense but in a micro sense. Going from vegan to nonvegan is not a shift you make easily. And if you vegans want to put on the most muscle possible, then you need to use protein powders made from vegan-friendly sources.
    There are plenty of options out there for you vegans. Maybe not as much as the non-vegan options, but they are there. Options for protein sources being such options as Soy and hemp and brown rice amongst others. These have all been formulated with the intent of getting you fueled up with a ton of energy to burn off at the gym. And when you burn them off, your muscles will grow and recover much quicker. Great results all around.
    We have gone ahead and found some of the best vegan protein powders you guys could hope for. They are all found beneath and have been picked for their differences in protein sources. You can choose the one that works best for you. And in no time, you will be ready for a vigorous workout with the results you’ve always wanted. Get your body properly fueled and bulk up right now.
    The Best Vegan Protein Powders More

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    The Best Casein Protein Powder for Men 2021

    Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. We update when possible, but deals expire and prices can change. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
    Questions? Reach us at shop@mensjournal.com.
    Bulking up at the gym is no easy feat. Not just because you need to work your way up to weights that will really put you to the test. But because you need to fuel up with protein powders to get your body to improve in the way that you want. A lot of people tend to use Whey Protein Powders to bulk up, and it is a good way to do so. But there’s also something to be said for using the best casein protein powder in your workouts.
    Casein vs Whey
    What is the difference between Whey and Casein? Well, the difference between the two is mainly in how quickly the body absorbs them. Whey is absorbed much quicker and thus helping bulk up the body easier. But Casein is beneficial because of the fact that it’s slower acting. This means that your body will have that fuel in it longer in the day. You can use it before bed to have it get the job done while you sleep. And it’s a good source of calcium to keep those bones nice and strong
    Now, there are a lot of options out there if you are looking to pick up some Casein Protein Powder. A lot of options. So much so that it’ll make your head spin. And all of them have their different benefits when stacked next to the other. You can get one that tastes better than another or one that is better for muscle growth than another. All in all, you need to know what you are looking for when it comes to picking up the powder that works best for you.
    Saving you guys a whole lot of time, we have picked out 5 of the best options available on Amazon. Each one is a winner yet each one has a specific benefit that you want to take into account. So check out each of the options we picked out below and make sure you pick one of them up now so you can get your workout routine rolling with the proper fuel.
    The Best Casein Protein Powder More

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    The Best Casein Protein Powder for Men 2022

    Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. We update when possible, but deals expire and prices can change. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
    Questions? Reach us at shop@mensjournal.com.
    Bulking up at the gym is no easy feat. Not just because you need to work your way up to weights that will really put you to the test. But because you need to fuel up with protein powders to get your body to improve in the way that you want. A lot of people tend to use Whey Protein Powders to bulk up, and it is a good way to do so. But there’s also something to be said for using the best casein protein powder in your workouts.
    Casein vs Whey
    What is the difference between Whey and Casein? Well, the difference between the two is mainly in how quickly the body absorbs them. Whey is absorbed much quicker and thus helping bulk up the body easier. But Casein is beneficial because of the fact that it’s slower acting. This means that your body will have that fuel in it longer in the day. You can use it before bed to have it get the job done while you sleep. And it’s a good source of calcium to keep those bones nice and strong
    Now, there are a lot of options out there if you are looking to pick up some Casein Protein Powder. A lot of options. So much so that it’ll make your head spin. And all of them have their different benefits when stacked next to the other. You can get one that tastes better than another or one that is better for muscle growth than another. All in all, you need to know what you are looking for when it comes to picking up the powder that works best for you.
    Saving you guys a whole lot of time, we have picked out 5 of the best options available on Amazon. Each one is a winner yet each one has a specific benefit that you want to take into account. So check out each of the options we picked out below and make sure you pick one of them up now so you can get your workout routine rolling with the proper fuel.
    The Best Casein Protein Powder More

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    The Best Healthy Protein Bars for Men 2021

    Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. We update when possible, but deals expire and prices can change. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
    Questions? Reach us at shop@mensjournal.com.
    Who doesn’t love a good protein bar? Whether you need a quick pick-me-up or just something to tide you over until mealtime, protein bars are a fantastic option that provide nutrients and energy with great taste—and usually very little (or even zero) sugar. But with so many on the market, it’s hard to know which one to pick. So we’ve rounded up some of the best and most popular protein bars for you.

    Our Top 3 Picks

    No matter if you’re on a low-carb, high protein diet or just trying to lose weight, a protein bar is a great choice. They help keep you full between meals, and have vastly more nutritional value than a candy bar. They’re better for breakfast than cereal and pastries. They work awesome as a between-meal snack. And a lot of people substitute them for meals when altogether.
    They’re also great for athletic recovery. After a hard session in the weight room or CrossFit arena, a protein bar can give your muscles and tissues a kickstart to recovery with a jolt of amino acids, to get you back in the game faster while keeping vital nutrients flowing.
    Protein bars come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and flavors. The most popular—LUNA bars, PureProtein, and ONE come to mind—have been around for years. But the new breed of protein bars like GoMacro, PowerCrunch, and thinkThin are taking the protein bar into previously uncharted territories, providing vegan, gluten-free, and kosher options. Even stalwart brands like Gatorade and SlimFast have gotten in on the protein bar action.
    So quit snacking between meals, kickstart your recovery, and start enjoying healthy snacks today. There’s a flavor to suit every taste. And most come in a variety of flavors and package sizes, so experimenting until you find the one that’s right for you is a breeze. So try some of these bestselling protein bars, and take our health and fitness into your own hands. More