Unlock the Secret Weapons: 9 High-Protein Game-Changers That’ll Skyrocket Your Gains Like Never Before!
Ever wandered into a trade show and felt like you’d stumbled into the ultimate foodie jungle gym? That’s exactly what the Specialty Food Association’s Fancy Food Show feels like—a whirlwind of flavors, innovation, and the ever-elusive quest for the perfect protein punch. Picture this: 13,000 hungry attendees buzzing through New York City’s Javits Center, all eager to discover the next game-changer in high-protein delights. But here’s the kicker—while “high-protein” slapped across packages might sound like a victory, sometimes it’s just sugar and mystery ingredients in disguise. After diving fork-first into hundreds of products over three intense days, I found the real gems—breakfasts that lift you up without weighing you down, smoked fish that aren’t your grandma’s tuna, and snacks marrying protein and fiber like old pals. So, what makes a protein-packed snack truly worth your time? Let’s break down my top nine picks that nailed the trifecta: serious protein, solid nutrition, and flavor that doesn’t quit. LEARN MORE
3 min readWHEN IT COMES to trade shows, none are more delicious than the Specialty Food Association’s Fancy Food Show. At last year’s summer show, there were 13,000 attendees inside New York City show’s massive Javits Center.
I sampled a couple of hundred products at the three-day show, and saw one big buzzword: protein. Some packaged products baring “high-protein” were also high in added sugar and strange ingredients. But amidst the sea of protein-loaded cookies, chips, and candy I did find some excellent options.
There were high-protein breakfasts that actually tasted great and didn’t weight me down. I discovered canned and smoked fish that went way beyond your typical can of tuna. And I tasted several brands that combined the power of protein and fiber in delicious ways.
The hardest part? Choosing just nine new products that check off all of the musts: high protein, good overall nutritional profile, and great taste.
These wild-caught, skinless, and boneless fillets—at 21 grams of protein per serving—with their tangy, spicy-sweet sauce, can be enjoyed straight from the can or tossed with fried rice or noodles for a quick and easy Pad Thai. Or top over greens for a protein-filled salad.
Genova, the king of canned tuna when it comes to flavor and quality, has now introduced two ready-to-eat bowls—Bean Salad and Lentil & Grain—that pair the brand’s premium wild-caught tuna with hearty legumes, nourishing grains and veggies, and vivid Mediterranean flavors. With up to 25 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, and a whole lot of tasty, these bowls are sure to become pantry staples.
These frozen oat-based waffles are not only a delicious way to launch an active day, but can also serve as an on-the-go snack. Conveniently eaten at room temp or hot out of the toaster, up to 8 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber will power you up and have you feeling full longer. Joyffles are loaded with good stuff like oats, fruit, chia and flax seeds, and come in four flavors—apple cranberry, apple cinnamon, banana walnut, and banana chocolate chip.
This low-sugar, 20-gram whey-protein bar, with 9 grams of fiber, literally sets a high bar. The crisp-creamy texture, superior taste, and sustained fullness it provides can amply ready you for a workout or satisfy post exercise. After sampling just about every protein bar out there, Peak Protein is the only one that tastes like a decadent candy bar but acts like a healthy meal bar.
This bean-based protein comes in flavors like char siu BBQ, smoked, teriyaki, and their new chorizo and salami. More flavorful than animal jerky (really), these sticks offer higher protein than beef (9 grams compared to 6 grams).
Popped—not baked or fried—with 100 percent avocado oil, these crisp chips contain 14 grams of plant-based protein. Up to 4 grams of fiber keeps hunger at bay. Available in five nutritious flavors—sweet chili, BBQ, nacho, herb-infused original, and birthday cake—these chips deliver.
Yes, protein cheesecake. Each serving 11 grams of plant-based fueling protein, 7 grams of filling fiber, and zero added sugar. (It’s sweetened with dates.) This treat also doubles as an on-the-go breakfast, pre- or post-workout snack, or an afternoon pick-me-up.
The skinless trout is dry-cured with sea salt and organic muscovado sugar, then cold-smoked over beechwood for a delicate, refined taste. Four lean omega-3-rich slices (2 ounces) are packed with 14 grams of protein and just 87 calories.Eat straight up or create a sandwich with cream cheese, greens, and sourdough.
Protein-packed, low-carb, egg-white wraps filled with eggs, premium meats, and cheeses. Ready-to-eat varieties for breakfast (original + chicken sausage, everything bagel + bacon) and post-workout (roasted garlic & herb filled with uncured pepperoni and cream cheese, Everything bagel filled with roasted turkey and cream cheese contain up to 16 grams of protein that won’t slow you down.
Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos is a food writer and author of two cookbooks Kukla’s Kouzina and Spreads & Dip.
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