Five high-protein snacks that are good for vegetarians, according to a dietician

A report from Theguardian features registered plant-based dietician Desiree Nielsen, who recommends high-protein snack alternatives to protein bars for people who don’t eat meat. The piece notes the author’s own reliance on bars but says Nielsen dislikes them and offered creative strategies to meet protein goals.

Nielsen suggests travel-friendly options such as Biena’s dried chickpeas, which contain about 12g of protein per handful, and pouches of edamame topped with salt or tamari. She also recommends simple, familiar snacks like toast with peanut butter.

For picky eaters or those near a microwave, Nielsen advises blending cottage cheese into smoothies or overnight oats to boost protein, and for dairy-free options she uses blended tofu in a Snickers-flavoured smoothie. She also highlights ready-made protein shakes such as Koia and Rebbl, which the piece says are free of artificial sweeteners and contain between 20g and 30g of protein.