10 Best High Protein Vegan Snacks, According to a Dietitian

Whether you’ve been a vegan for your entire life or are just starting to test the waters of following an exclusive plant-based diet, one thing is certain–you need strategies for ensuring you get enough protein on your vegan diet.

Contrary to popular belief, getting enough protein on a vegan diet is not that difficult.

While it takes careful planning and forethought, you can meet your protein requirements.

Snacking is one way of boosting your protein intake.

Read on to learn about some of the best high-protein vegan snack options, the benefits of including these foods in your diet, plus other tips for meeting your protein needs on a vegan diet. 

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Top 10 High Protein Vegan Snacks

Here are 10 high-protein vegan snacks that will have you coming back for more.

1. Roasted Chickpeas

Roasting chickpeas is a great way to give them a satisfying crunch, and they’re incredibly easy to make.

You’ll need canned chickpeas, olive oil, salt, and spices of your choice.

Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then dry them using a kitchen towel.

This step is extremely important because if damp, the chickpeas won’t crisp in the oven.

Once totally dry, drizzle the chickpeas with olive oil and place on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Bake in the oven at 425 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes or until crispy.

Toss with your favorite seasonings like garlic powder and paprika while still warm. 

2. Chia Pudding

Chia pudding is a great make-ahead snack that tastes decadent if you add the right ingredients.

You should generally add one tablespoon of chia seeds for every one-quarter of a cup of plant-based beverage. 

For a basic chia pudding that serves two, take one-quarter of a cup of chia seeds, one cup of plant-based beverage, and one tablespoon of sweetener, such as maple syrup.

Add one to two tablespoons of cocoa powder if you're a chocolate lover.

Mix together in a bowl or a jar.

Let the mixture sit for five minutes to thicken.

Stir the mixture again.

Cover and pop it into the fridge for at least two hours or overnight to thicken fully.

Enjoy topped with fruit and nuts.

3. Protein-Packed Smoothies

Smoothies are one of the best quick and easy ways to boost protein and stave off the mid-morning slump.

Pick at least one ingredient from each column to create your perfect smoothie:

4. Hummus

Hummus is a delicious dip made with chickpeas that can be found at almost any grocery store.

If you want a quick snack, pair it with some chopped vegetables or crackers, and you’re ready!
Hummus can also be made easily at home.

Combine a can of drained chickpeas, one-quarter cup each of lemon juice and tahini (sesame paste), one or two tablespoons of olive oil, and one tablespoon of minced garlic in a food processor.

Blend until smooth, and serve with raw veggies or whole-wheat crackers. 

5. Silken Tofu Mousse

Silken tofu mousse is a protein-packed snack that can boost energy during the afternoon slump.

To make it, you need just three ingredients: silken tofu (at room temperature), vegan chocolate (dark chocolate works well) and maple syrup for added sweetness.

Using 30-second intervals, melt the chocolate in the microwave.

Stir every time until completely melted.

Set aside, and add the tofu and maple syrup to a blender and pulse until smooth.

Add the melted chocolate, blending to combine.

Scoop into individual containers and refrigerate for an hour before serving.

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6. Air-Popped Popcorn Topped With Nutritional Yeast

Air-popped popcorn is one of the easiest high-protein vegan snacks.

While you might think popcorn doesn’t have much protein, it actually has three grams of protein per three-cup serving size.

Plus, nutritional yeast packs a serious protein punch, with two tablespoons providing five grams of protein.

To make a popcorn topping using nutritional yeast, combine nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and a small amount of salt to taste in a small spice jar.

Shake to combine.

Sprinkle generously over your air-popped popcorn.

7. Roasted Edamame

Edamame is a form of soybean that has become a popular high-protein vegan snack.

100 grams of edamame contains almost 12 grams of plant-based protein, making them the perfect protein-packed snack.

While you can buy edamame still in the shells, the shells are not edible.

For ease of use, consider buying frozen edamame removed from its shell.

To roast, combine thawed edamame with olive oil and spices of your choice (paprika, chilli powder, and garlic powder all work well). 

Roast, uncovered, in a 375-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown.

Serve hot or cold.

8. Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Peanut butter protein balls are a great on-the-go snack that can be made in advance and frozen or refrigerated to help them stay fresh.

There are endless recipes for protein balls, but the basic ingredients include half a cup of runny peanut butter, half a cup of rolled oats, two tablespoons of chia seeds, two tablespoons of sweetener (like maple syrup), and one-third of a cup of plant-based protein powder. 

If you have a food processor or high-powered blender, it’s as simple as adding all the ingredients and processing them together.

If the mixture is too runny, add more oats.

Roll the mixture into balls and place in an airtight container.

They can be stored in the fridge for up to one week or in the freezer for up to one month.

9. Seeded Crackers with Bean Dip

Seed crackers are a great choice for dipping in hummus or bean dips.

They contain more protein than regular crackers because of their high content of seeds, like sesame seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. 

Plus, when combined with a protein-packed bean dip, they make the perfect high-protein vegan snack.

The next time you’re choosing crackers, opt for a seeded cracker for an added boost of protein.

10. Plant-Based Yogurt

Not all plant-based yogurt is created equal, so it’s important to read the label.

Try to choose plant-based yogurt that has at least five grams of protein (or more) per serving.

Top with fruit for added sweetness and nuts and seeds for an added protein boost, plus some healthy fats.

Benefits of High-Protein Vegan Snacks

There are many benefits of high-protein vegan snacks, including:

• Muscle maintenance and growth.
• Blood sugar control.
• Increased nutrient intake.

It’s important to note, however, that the benefits with snacking may not be seen when considering highly processed foods.

‍Studies show that snack foods that are high in calories, sugar, and salt and low in nutrients have a negative impact on people’s health.

While you don’t need to avoid these types of snack foods completely, ensuring most of your high-protein vegan snacks come from whole foods can be a healthy choice. 

Other Tips for Increasing Protein Intake on a Vegan Diet

There’s a common misconception that it’s impossible to meet your daily protein needs on a vegan diet.

However, with careful planning, you can meet your protein requirements. Here are a few tips:

• Incorporate legumes like beans, lentils, and chickpeas. Add them to soups, salads, stews, and main dishes.
• Try tofu and tempeh, which are versatile plant-based proteins. Since they absorb flavors readily, they can be used in various dishes.
• Use quinoa as the base of your meal. Quinoa is a complete protein and contains all essential amino acids.
• Enjoy edamame as a snack or add it to salads and stir-fries.
• Choose whole grains like brown rice, farro, and bulgur. They contain more protein than refined grains.
• Top with nuts and seeds such as almonds, peanuts, chia, flax, sunflower, and pumpkin. They’re a great crunchy addition to yogurt, oatmeal, and salads.
• Sprinkle nutritional yeast, which has a cheesy flavor, on popcorn, pasta, or in sauces. Just two tablespoons of nutritional yeast provide five grams of protein.
• Pack your smoothies with protein by adding silken tofu, nut butter, cooked and cooled white beans, or a plant-based protein powder. 

Takeaway

While it does take some planning, there are many easy and delicious ways to get enough protein on a vegan diet.

By planning some high-protein vegan snacks throughout your day, you can ensure your body receives a steady supply of protein and other vital nutrients.

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How a Dietitian Can Help

Looking to revamp your diet and interested in going fully plant-based? A registered dietitian can help ensure the transition to a vegan diet is as smooth as possible. Consider booking with a vegan dietitian today.