The 6 Best High-Protein Snacks to Buy at Aldi, Recommended by a Dietitian

If you’re anything like me, you hit the 3 p.m. slump and suddenly you’re ready to eat the nearest houseplant. I used to reach for whatever was closest—usually something sugary and regrettable—until I realized that a protein-packed snack could turn my afternoon around. There’s a lot of hype about protein, but it’s not just nutritionist-speak. When I switched to high-protein snacks, it meant the difference between raiding the fridge at 5 p.m. and calmly making dinner like an actual adult. If this resonates with you, keep reading! 

Incorporating protein-packed snacks into your daily routine can be the catalyst for bettering your energy levels and overall well-being. But here’s some even better news: You don’t have to spend a lot of money or hours scouring specialty stores to find these nutritional gems. As a food writer, Aldi is one of my favorite places to stock up on budget-friendly, convenient and nutrient-rich snacks. Below are six Aldi finds you’ll want to toss into your cart the next time you hit up the store.

1. Friendly Farms Low Fat Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese and I had a complicated relationship for years. But more recently, I’ve become a convert. At just 80 calories per ½-cup serving, Friendly Farms cottage cheese delivers an impressive 13 grams of protein—making it one of the most protein-dense snacks you can grab. Casein, the main protein in cottage cheese, digests slowly—meaning it keeps you full longer, says Lacy Puttuck, M.S., RD. That’s one of the reasons she recommends it as a snack. “Its slow-digesting quality means you’ll stay fuller longer,” she explains. It’s also an easy way to get a good amount of calcium. Each serving contains 114 milligrams of the bone-supporting nutrient—that’s 11% of the recommended daily value (DV). Cottage cheese also earns points for being endlessly adaptable in a range of sweet and savory applications. Some afternoons, if I’m in the mood for something sweet, I’ll top it with fresh seasonal berries or chia jam. Other days, I’ll mix it with everything bagel seasoning for something more savory. Or I’ll even turn it into a 2-ingredient ice cream (yes, really!) or use it in myriad other ways on toast. 

2. Millville Peanut Almond Dark Chocolate Protein Chewy Bar

These bars are what happens when someone finally gets the assignment right. They taste like a treat but pack 10 g of protein and 6 g of fiber—”a great amount,” according to Puttuck, who notes that the fiber “works to increase satiety and feed a healthy gut microbiome.” The classic combination of nuts and dark chocolate nails the sweet-salty balance while keeping the sugar low at only 6 g. Because they’re individually wrapped, I can easily keep them in my purse, backpack or gym bag as a quick energy source in a pinch.

3. Friendly Farms Super Zero Nonfat Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt lovers, this one’s for you. With an incredible 15 g of protein, zero fat and zero added sugar, this yogurt is a nutritional all-star packed into a convenient cup. The berry flavor is sweet without any added sugar, and the thick, creamy texture rivals much more expensive brands. What makes Greek yogurt especially valuable goes beyond just its high-protein content. “One of the biggest benefits of yogurt is the active probiotics that are in it,” says Puttuck, who advises eating a bit of yogurt daily to “improve and maintain optimal gut health.” If you’re not yet convinced, Puttuck positions yogurt as mood food, stating, “The microbes typically found in yogurt can also improve mood by increasing the production of serotonin.” Current research backs this and also sees it as a possible antidote to depression. To make it even better, top it with fruit or granola, or turn the vanilla version into a frozen, Snickers-like treat.

4. Southern Grove Dry Roasted Peanuts with Sea Salt

Sometimes, I need something salty and crunchy, and these peanuts deliver exactly that. One ounce provides 8 g of protein along with a bit of fiber and some heart-healthy fats, which Puttuck advises “can promote brain and nervous system health.” I like the simple sea salt seasoning for flavor (and because it plays into the same snacky vibe as chips). And if you’re highly active or outdoors a lot in the summer, Puttuck says, they’re a great choice for getting those much-needed electrolytes during hot weather.

5. Country Archer Beef Sticks

These individually-packaged beef sticks have saved me countless times when traveling or needing something ultra-portable. With 8 g of protein per stick, they are perfect for keeping hunger at bay. Plus, Country Archer is known for using higher-quality ingredients like grass-fed beef, which has higher levels of omega-3s than conventionally grain-fed beef. “Beef contains a good vitamin and mineral profile,” says Puttuck, adding that “some of these include vitamin B12 for DNA and energy production and iron to maintain optimal oxygen levels.” County Archer’s beef sticks contain just 1 mg of iron each, but at about 6% of your daily iron needs, that’s pretty impressive for such a convenient snack.

6. Park Street Deli Genoa Salami, Provolone and Breadsticks

These pre-portioned trays are like having a mini charcuterie board ready to go. With 18 g of protein per package, they combine the satisfaction of multiple flavors and textures in one convenient serving. The meat, cheese and breadsticks feel indulgent while still supporting your goals. Puttuck loves these because they’re “very satisfying” thanks to the “fats and protein that can carry through the day.” It’s the kind of snack that never feels restrictive, which is exactly what I need.

Health Benefits of Protein

Beyond keeping hunger at bay, high-protein snacks offer some much bigger benefits. Protein plays a crucial role in maintaining muscle mass, supporting immune function and regulating blood sugar. By choosing protein-rich snacks, you’re setting up your body to function well and feel great.

Research consistently shows that protein has the highest thermic effect of any macronutrient—meaning your body burns more calories digesting it compared to carbs or fats. This makes high-protein snacking particularly valuable if you have weight management goals. Perhaps most importantly, protein helps stabilize your energy levels throughout the day. So instead of experiencing the energy rollercoaster that often comes with high-sugar snacks, protein provides steady, sustained fuel that supports physical and mental performance.

Our Expert Take

Convenient, high-protein snacks are a helpful tool in a balanced diet. When shopping for high-protein snacks at Aldi or any grocery store, Puttuck emphasizes the importance of reading labels carefully, looking for products with minimal ingredients and trying to avoid ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and artificial colors and flavors, which she says can “have adverse health effects on the body.” Choose minimally processed snacks whenever you can—hard-boiled eggs and jerky are two of her favorites. Outside of this, look for at least 7 g of protein (Puttuck says 10 to 15 g is even better).

Smart, protein-rich choices like these aren’t just great for curbing hunger—they can also help stabilize energy, support muscle health and improve overall well-being. Whether you’re powering through an afternoon work sprint, recovering from a workout, or just trying to avoid hangry spirals, these are the snacks you’ll reach for again and again.