Best High Protein Snacks for Office Workers on a Budget
I am finding it really difficult to hit my protein goals while working a busy office job in Toronto. By the time 3 PM rolls around I am usually starving and I end up buying a muffin or a bag of chips from the vending machine. I need some ideas for high protein snacks that are easy to pack and do not cost a fortune.
I have been buying Quest bars but they are getting so expensive at the local grocery store. I am looking for something that I can prepare in bulk on the weekend. I have tried hard boiled eggs but my coworkers complain about the smell in the break room so those are out of the question for now.
What are you all eating at your desks? I am considering things like Greek yogurt or maybe beef jerky but I am worried about the sodium levels in the store bought stuff. I have a small fridge available at work so that helps a bit with storage options.
If anyone has a simple recipe for protein balls or something similar that does not require a lot of expensive ingredients I would love to hear it. I am trying to save money for a trip to Vancouver later this year so every dollar counts.
I feel your pain, Tim! I'm in London and everything near the office is £8 for a tiny salad. I've started keeping a bag of almonds and some beef jerky in my desk drawer. It's not fancy, but it stops me from hitting the vending machine.
Cottage cheese is the goat for budget protein. I buy the big tubs at Costco and just bring a small container to work. Mix in some cracked pepper or hot sauce if you're feeling wild. Cheap and easy.
@TXguy99 man I wish I could do cottage cheese but the texture kills me. Is there a specific brand that isn't so lumpy?
Hard-boiled eggs! I boil a dozen on Sunday night and bring two into the office every day. Cheap as chips and purely protein. Just... maybe don't eat them at your desk if you value your coworkers' friendship lol.
NorthernLass is right about the smell! I got told off last week for tuna cans. Now I stick to Greek yogurt. If you buy the large tubs instead of the individual cups, it saves a ton of money over the month.
Thanks for the ideas everyone. @VancouverDave, do you add anything to the plain yogurt? I find it a bit sour on its own.
Tim, try adding a scoop of protein powder to the yogurt. It thickens it up like a pudding and adds even more protein. Salted caramel flavour is a game changer.
Wait, protein powder in yogurt? Does that actually mix well or is it all chalky?
@MidwestMike You gotta stir it slowly. If you use a good whey/casein blend it turns into a thick mousse. Also, for the cottage cheese issue, try blending it! It makes it smooth like sour cream.
Does anyone do protein bars? I find the decent ones like Quest or Grenade are so expensive in the UK. Like £2.50 a bar!
Exactly! In Toronto they are like $4 each. That's why I'm looking for budget options. $20 a week just on snacks is too much.
Roasted chickpeas. You can make a massive batch in the oven for pennies. High protein, high fibre, and they satisfy that crunchy craving if you're a fan of crisps/chips.
Anyone tried biltong? It's usually better than jerky because there's less added sugar. A bit pricey but Lidl sometimes has deals.
I just bought a 2lb bag of edamame from the frozen aisle. I microwave a bowl in the morning and bring them in. Super cheap.
Edamame is legit. Another one is string cheese. I know it's for kids' lunches but two of those is 12g of protein and practically zero prep.
String cheese is a shout! I usually pair it with a few slices of turkey breast from the deli counter. Cheap protein hit around 4pm when the energy slump hits.
The deli meat idea is good, but does it stay fresh in an office desk? We have a shared fridge but people have a habit of "borrowing" stuff.
Ugh, the office fridge thieves are the worst. Get a small insulated lunch bag with an ice pack and keep it at your desk. Problem solved.
Has anyone tried making their own protein balls? Oats, peanut butter, and powder? I tried once but they just turned into a sticky mess.