Although snacking is not necessarily a bad thing, many people consider it an unhealthy habit. But did you know that snacking is a very important part of any diet, especially high-protein, low-calorie options? Aside from the three main meals of the day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), high-protein snacks are great for staving off small hunger pangs the rest of the time or fueling fitness goals, but they’re better if they’re under 100 calories. So my article today is about high-protein snacks under 100 calories.
But sometimes it can be a bit challenging to find snacks that are high in protein but low in calories. Such snacks not only satisfy us or keep our stomach full, but also help us maintain or grow our physical muscles. In this article, I have come up with 21 delicious and high-protein 100-calorie snacks that will cover all your dietary needs and remain calorie-balanced.
Related:
High Protein Vegan Snacks
Low-Calorie Snacks
Diabetes-Friendly Snacks
Understanding High-Protein, Low-Calorie Snacks
We eat a lot of things on a regular basis, and almost all of them contain vitamins, proteins, minerals, and fiber. But when we eat, we don’t pay much attention to how many nutrients are in the food. Maintaining that thing is actually called a diet. So “balance” is the key if you want to follow a healthy diet. All the high-protein, low-calorie snacks I mentioned in this article will control your appetite while also maintaining vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients.
But before that, we should also know ourselves with a little knowledge of how we can balance and maintain all these things.
- For example, always opt more towards whole, unprocessed foods. Because processed foods contain sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients.
- High-protein snacks can never be high in sugar. That’s why you should always use low-sugar products, so check the label when buying from the market.
- Not all proteins are equal, so always get protein from high-quality sources like dairy, lean meats, fish, legumes, quinoa, and soy, I will always prefer them.
- When it comes to protein, fat immediately comes up, and in this case, we should identify healthy fats. Avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish are excellent sources of healthy fats.
- All the healthy snacks mentioned here can also contribute to your weight gain or cause weight gain if you take or eat them in excess. So portion size is very important in this case.
- Finally, snacks should be balanced with fiber in mind, so you can balance your fiber intake by using fruits, vegetables, or whole grains.
Related:
High Protein Meal Prep Recipes
Macro-Friendly Mixed Berries Smoothie Bowl Recipe
FAQ
Q. Can these snacks be part of a balanced diet?
A: These snacks are designed to complement a balanced diet. They’re perfect for those moments between meals when you need a quick, healthy bite.
Q. Do these snacks require any special kitchen equipment?
A: No special equipment is needed! These recipes are designed to be made with basic kitchen tools you probably already have. Simple and accessible cooking is our goal.
Q. Will these foods help me control my weight?
A: These snacks are perfect for weight management as they are low in calories but filling Adding them to your daily routine can help you avoid high-calorie options and stay on track with your health goals.
Q. Are vegan or vegetarian options included?
A: Yes, I have included a variety of snacks here that cater to different dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian options. There is something for everyone.
Related:
Healthy Lunch Ideas
High Protein Vegan Meals
Greek Yogurt with Berries
Made using Non-Fat or Low-Fat Greek Yogurt for a low-calorie count, this Greek Yogurt with Berries recipe is a great snack that will give you high protein and low calories (100 calories). Fresh mixed berries with Greek yogurt create a wonderful taste and flavor combination that will blow your mind.
Add a pinch of cinnamon powder to add a little sweetness or a few drops of vanilla extract a good option. You can also add crushed nuts or granola if you want but always remember that the calorie count does not exceed 100. You can eat this recipe when you wake up in the morning, after lunch, or as an evening snack.
Cottage Cheese with Pineapple Chunks
Now I will tell you about the recipe, it requires only 2 ingredients and is so easy to make that if you get hungry anytime, you can easily make it. These Cottage Cheese and Pineapple chunks are a beautiful combination of creaminess and sweetness that anyone will fall in love with once they taste it. So if you have low-fat cottage cheese and pineapple in your kitchen fridge, try making this recipe today.
You can sprinkle a little cinnamon powder on top while serving. It can also be served garnished with some chia seeds and fresh mint leaves. However, be aware of the amount of pineapple or cottage cheese so that the amount of calories does not exceed 100, because cottage cheese contains a lot of protein. If you want, you can add chopped nuts and other chopped fruits in between. This may increase the calorie count but you will also get the necessary healthy fats and fiber.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Boiled eggs are loved by everyone and we all know that these boiled eggs are rich in protein and calories. A large hard-boiled egg contains 6 grams of protein and 70 calories. Hard-boiled eggs are very easy to make. Heat the water and eggs together in a large pot. When you see the water start to boil, cover the pot and take it off the stove. Then keep it like that for 10-12 minutes. Then put the eggs in a bowl of cold water. It will help you to remove the eggshell.
Then cut the egg in half and sprinkle a pinch of paprika, a pinch of black pepper powder, and a pinch of salt. Now you can eat as you please. Eggs contain vitamin B12, riboflavin, and selenium, which are beneficial to your body.
Boiled Edamame
Just like hard-boiled eggs, this is an easy recipe that you can grab in between snacks. This is an ideal high-protein but low-calorie quick recipe. You just need to buy fresh edamame from the market to make this recipe. Actually, it is not difficult to make it. First, boil water in a pot and add salt to it. Then let the shelled edamame boil in the boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Then remove the shelled edamame from the water through a strainer and allow it to cool slightly.
It won't taste good with too much seasoning so serve it with a very light seasoning like a little sea salt. Or you can eat it by rubbing it with a little pepper powder and lemon juice. Also, if you want to try something a little more, after boiling, toss with olive oil and minced garlic on low heat.
Low Carb Pesto & Turkey Cucumber Roll Ups
Although this recipe is over 100 calories but you can control it if you want. If you can make this roll-up with just deli turkey and cucumber without using extra ingredients, it will help you meet your 100-calorie goal.
First, take 2 slices of deli turkey and lay it flat. Then place a cucumber slice on one end of the turkey and start rolling it. You can add mustard or hummus before rolling for extra flavor if you like. You can also add some bell pepper slices and spinach to this roll-up to increase the fiber content.
Almonds
If you want to eat snacks with protein and calorie control, only almonds are a very good option. But eating too many almonds will put you over your 100-calorie goal. In that case, 12-14 almonds are a perfect nutritious snack. We know almonds are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. So in my opinion, it's a perfect high-protein, low-calorie snack, with monounsaturated fats that keep your heart healthy.
Sweet Corn Chaat
This corn chaat is a chutney with boiled corn, tossed with some veggies, and spices and this recipe tastes amazing. These vegan and gluten-free snacks only take 10 minutes to make but the taste will blow your mind. Tender-cooked corn kernels, green chilies, red onions, tomatoes, green chutney, lime juice, tamarind chutney, and some spices are used to make this sweet corn chaat. 84 calories are present in this chaat made by mixing 1 cup of boiled corn with everything else. That means this recipe is perfect for your diet goal.
Protein Smoothie (Under 100 calories!)
For low-calorie snacks, you can try smoothies made with protein powder. You can easily make this smoothie with a 1/2 scoop of low-calorie protein powder, which contains about 50 calories. Also, the rest of the ingredients used in the smoothie, like water and ice, are 0 calories, so you can add more of your own if you want. For example, some spinach leaves or berries are great options that will add flavor but won't affect calories as much.
You can also add a little cinnamon powder or a few drops of vanilla extract for flavor.
Tuna Salad on Cucumber Slices
These Tuna Salads on Cucumber Slices i.e. these bite-size snacks are perfect not only at home but also for any party. I have made these refreshing snacks myself many times in many different ways so I know this is a very versatile recipe indeed. With the help of plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, finely chopped celery, finely chopped red onion, and tuna, this wonderful recipe can be prepared whose taste will impress you.
We all know that tuna is an excellent source of lean protein and contains omega-3 fatty acids, which also help keep our hearts healthy. I recommend this snack especially after a workout because the cucumber has enough water count which helps to hydrate our body perfectly.
Hummus and Carrot Sticks
If you have pre-made and stored Hummus at home, just cut carrots into sticks to make this snack ready to eat. Just as hummus can provide a good amount of protein and healthy fats, you will also get fiber and vitamins from carrots. Hummus and carrot sticks are another great high-protein, low-calorie snack.
You can add a sprinkle of paprika or cumin to the hummus if you like. Also, sliced cucumber, bell pepper, or celery are great with this hummus. You can add more things to the hummus or add more veggies to the carrots, but always keep in mind that the 100 calories is the whole thing.
Pumpkin Seeds
You can also consider Pumpkin Seeds as snacks because we have brought the foods that are available as snacks under 100 calories according to the demand. But they should be healthy and nutritious too, hence my suggestion. Pumpkin seeds are also called pepitas. It contains magnesium, zinc, healthy fats, fiber, and essential minerals.
1 tablespoon of pumpkin seeds has about 100 calories and about 5 grams of protein, so you can count it as a great high-protein, low-calorie snack. Although it can be eaten alone, I think mixing it with a teaspoon of dried cranberries gives you a nice sweet taste. You can also serve these pumpkin seeds on any salad, which will increase the nutritional value of the salad.
Chia Pudding
This chia pudding can also be made in many ways but here we will make it with only two basic ingredients. 1 tablespoon of chia seeds and 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk. However, making this recipe is a bit time-consuming as the chia seeds need to be soaked in milk for at least 4 hours so that they absorb the liquid well and turn into a pudding-like consistency.
If you want you can add some fresh blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries to it for natural sweetness. Also, sprinkle some crushed almonds and walnuts on top.
2 Cups Watermelon
Although watermelon is a summer fruit, did you know that 2 cups of watermelon can provide you with around 91 calories? Or if you measure and cut 332 grams of watermelon, you can get exactly 100 calories. So if you feel hungry before lunch, you can eat 2 cups of cubed watermelon. Just as your diet goal will be completed, you will also get other nutrients from it.
1 Orange
One orange can give you 72 calories. So imagine if you carry an orange with you to the office, it can be perfect for your 100-calorie diet. You can eat when you want, and if you need exactly 100 calories, take 212 grams of oranges. You will get exactly 100 calories in this. It also gives you essential carbohydrates, protein, and very little fat from an orange. That means it cannot break any of your diet.
Idli and Chutney
Idli is a South Indian recipe that you can also call a type of rice cake. It is very popular as a breakfast in Southern India and Sri Lanka, but if you can prepare it in advance, you can eat it not only at breakfast but also at your snack time. It is served with a nice coconut chutney which enhances its taste even more.
Although it is a bit time-consuming to prepare, believe me, it can be a perfect snack for your 100-calorie diet goal. One idli contains about 78 calories and 2 tsp of coconut chutney contains about 20 calories. That means you can easily add this recipe to your list of 100-calorie snacks. You can also serve sambar dal with its idli.
Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is a portable and tasty snack that is packed with protein and will fit into your diet. A 1-ounce serving of lean beef jerky contains 9-12 grams of protein and in my opinion, is an ideal snack if you're feeling a bit hungry between big meals of the day. I like to serve it with cherry tomatoes. If you want, you can add a little low-sodium teriyaki sauce during the marination.
Egg White Muffins
This versatile recipe is always stocked in my house. You can customize this muffin recipe to your taste preferences. Muffins made with Egg White are as good hot as they are cold. You can easily prepare this recipe in 30 minutes with 4 egg whites along with a little chopped spinach, bell pepper, onion, and some salt and pepper powder.
This gluten-free and paleo-friendly recipe is as tasty as it is packed with protein. You can serve it with salsa or with some avocado slices. I've recommended making these muffins using only these few ingredients to keep the recipe to 100 calories, but you can spice it up by adding ingredients like mushrooms, tomatoes, zucchini, and sriracha sauce. Also, low-fat cheese is a very good choice. But I don't think adding all of these will make your muffin go over 100 calories. Anyway, try it yourself and let me know in the comments.
Pea Protein Chips
I think these pea protein chips are so much better than regular potato chips. Because it is free of any unhealthy fats and excessive calories that your regular potato chips contain. Although these chips are available ready-made these days and one serving provides around 100 calories, but still if you buy these ready-made chips, read the nutritional information written on the packaging.
But I always recommend home-cooked food. These chips can be eaten with dipping salsa or guacamole. Because they won't add any extra calories to your snacks.
Cucumber Bites with Smoked Salmon
Salmon is loved by many people, so almost all the dishes made from it are liked by almost everyone, even me. This salmon snack is also a very versatile recipe that you can customize to your heart's content. However, even if you make a large quantity of this recipe, remember to eat no more than 1 ounce of salmon and a medium cucumber. Otherwise, the amount of calorie intake will exceed 100. You can sprinkle fresh dill and lemon juice while serving.
You also get high levels of omega-3 fatty acids from smoked salmon, which are very effective in maintaining your heart health. But give this snack a try today, and try to always serve it fresh as this snack retains both the flavor and the crunch.
Boiled Shrimp
This boiled shrimp is one of the very easy and very tasty snack recipes made in a hurry. As you will get a lot of protein from it, you will also get fewer calories, thus keeping both your diet and health in balance. Boil the prawns in a pot with oil leaves, and sea salt. It will not take more than 2-3 minutes, when you see the shrimp turning pink in color immediately drain them from the boiling water. Then immediately transfer the shrimp to a bowl of ice water. Then dry it on a paper towel and immediately store it in the refrigerator. In this condition, you can store these shrimps for about 24 hours.
You can serve these shrimp right away with a little hot sauce, lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar sprinkled on them. This is a simple but delicious recipe that will help you maintain your 100-calorie goal.
Onion Potato Poha | Kanda Batata Poha
This amazing Poha recipe from Maharashtra, India can become an ideal snack option for you. It's just as delicious to eat as it is easy to make, just 25 minutes to whip up this vegan and gluten-free recipe that will help you stick to your 100-calorie diet goal. Poha / flattened rice, mustard seeds, curry leaves, potatoes, peanuts, onion, and green Chillies are required to make this recipe. Although many people in Maharashtra like to eat this breakfast recipe, you can try it to satisfy your sudden hunger pangs.
In India, this recipe is called Kanda Batata Poha. Trust me, even if you are not an expert chef, you can easily make this 100-calorie snack and it will never taste bad. Then let me know how you liked the taste in the comments.
Related:
Low-Calorie Dinner Recipes
High Protein Low-Calorie Shrimp & Broccoli Stir-Fry
Gluten-Free & Low-Carb Recipes
Then you’ve got 21 great snack recipes under 100 calories, meaning you don’t have to sacrifice taste to stay on top of your diet. Adding these low-calorie snacks into your daily routine will keep you healthy and nourished, just as you can get rid of your hunger pangs. Just keep in mind that all of these things are balanced smartly, and this 100-calorie snack diet is very easy to maintain if you balance it right. So bye for today. See you next time on some other important matter.
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