A plant-based diet for athletes is on the rise, and for good reason: eating whole plant-based foods can enhance performance, endurance, strength, and stamina! But if you're new to the plant-based scene, you may be wondering what plant-based snacks to reach for in place of your high protein, albeit not vegan, snacks of yore.
The good news is, getting enough protein is not difficult at all on a plant-based diet (even if you're an athlete!). And with these high protein snacks, not only will you get enough, you'll satisfy your cravings, curb your appetite, and fill your body with the energy and nutrients you need to crush your workout.
10 High Protein Plant-Based Snacks to Power Your Workout
1. Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Image and Recipe from The Minimalist Baker
Peanut butter is packed with plant-based protein and makes a great addition to these delicious energy balls. They are perfect for anyone new to a plant-based diet for athletes because they're easy to make and super delicious. Enjoy as a post-workout snack to replenish your muscles or for an afternoon pick-me-up. Bonus: your kids will love them, too!
2. Roasted Chickpeas
Image and Recipe from The Big Man's World
Haven't tried roasted chickpeas yet? Get to it! They not only make a great vegan snack, they can also be used as toppings on your favorite salad (hello protein boost!). You can play with the seasonings, and create unique combinations, or keep things simple with salt and pepper. Here's an easy oil-free roasted chickpea recipe to get you started.
3. Veggies with Hummus
Image and Recipe from MamaSezz
Is there a more classic healthy snack than veggies and dip? Hummus is an excellent high protein choice for athletes. Grab a no oil brand from your favorite natural grocery or whip up this easy whole food plant-based avocado hummus recipe at home.
4. Trail Mix
Image and Recipe from The Healthy Maven
Believe it or not, trail mix can be very healthy and provide loads of plant-baed protein and fiber. You can make it your own by choosing your favorite raw nuts and seeds, dried fruits (no sugar added!) and vegetables. When purchasing trail mix at the store, you'll want to avoid a lot of added sugar and preservatives.
Need some inspiration for building your own trail mix? Find some awesome and delicious ideas here.
5. Chia Pudding
Image and Recipe from Cookie and Kate
Chia seeds are a great protein source, providing 17 grams of protein per 100 grams, which is why they're often a big piece of any plant-based diet for ahtletes. Chia pudding is easy and perfect for meal prep too! You can prepare it from the previous night and enjoy it as a delicious snack, with your toppings of choice. This particular chia seed pudding recipe tastes like a creamsicle!
6. Chocolate-Chip Zucchini and Quinoa Muffins
Image and Recipe from Simply Quinoa
Another kid-friendly snack that just happens to be high in protein, these mouther-watering vegan muffins will be your new go-to, whether you're headed to the gym or simply on-the-go. They look and taste like a chocolate chip cookie in muffin form... but hiding within is protein-packed quinoa and nutrient-dense zucchini. Wins across the board!
7. Berry Protein Smoothie
Image and Recipe from Nutriciously
Put down the protein powder (here's why) and power up with this strawberry and bean smoothie instead. Don't let the thought of beans in a smoothie put you off; while the bean flavor is cleverly masked, the nutritional benefits and protein are all there to fuel your day.
8. Soy Yogurt with Toppings
Quick, simple, and effective, soy yogurt with some MamaSezz refined sugar–free granola or just fresh fruit is an easy high-protein snack you can always keep stocked in your fridge. Soy is also high in calcium too, another mineral that folks worry about on plant-based diet (good news: like getting enough protein on a vegan diet, you don't actually need to fret over calcium either).
9. Chickpea Cookie Dough
Image and Recipe from From My Bowl
Turns out you can have your cookie, and eat it too. This edible chickpea cookie dough will hit every sweet craving you have post work-out, without risking food-borne illness as it's egg-free and made with chickpeas. Who knew snacking could be so healthy and delicious at the same time?
10. White Bean-Avocado Toast
Image and Recipe from Running on Real Food
This snack is simple and effective. The only thing you have to do is mash some avocado, and cooked white beans on a slice of bread, season to your preference and enjoy! The addition of the beans increases the protein of the traditional avocado toast and turns it into a nutritional powerhouse. Get an white bean-avocado toast recipe here.
Updated 2/2/22