Blog · Busy-week eating
High-Protein Snacks Under $1 Per Serving
Updated 2026-10-21
Cheap protein snacks at a glance
| Snack | Protein (about) | Cost per serving (about) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 hard-boiled eggs | 12 g | $0.50 to $1.00 (egg prices vary) |
| 1/2 cup cottage cheese | 12 to 14 g | $0.50 to $0.75 |
| 3/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt (32 oz tub) | 15 to 17 g | $0.75 to $1.00 |
| 1/2 cup shelled edamame (frozen) | 9 g | $0.50 to $0.75 |
| Half a 5-oz can of tuna | 12 to 14 g | $0.50 to $0.75 |
| 2 tbsp peanut butter + apple slices | 7 g | $0.40 to $0.70 |
| 1/2 cup roasted chickpeas (homemade) | 6 to 7 g | $0.30 to $0.40 |
| 1 string cheese | 6 to 7 g | $0.35 to $0.55 |
Prices are rough store-brand estimates and change by store, region and season. Check the unit price on the shelf tag.
Make it cheaper
Buy the big tub of yogurt or cottage cheese instead of single cups, boil a dozen eggs at once, and roast a can of chickpeas with olive oil and spices at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes.
Pair protein with fiber
Protein plus fiber is what keeps you going between jobs: eggs with a piece of fruit, yogurt with oats, or two date and almond energy bites with a glass of milk.
Remember the cold ones
Eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese and tuna are perishable. Keep them in a fridge or an insulated bag with an ice pack.
Recipes from this article
No-Bake Date, Oat & Almond Energy Bites190 cal · 15 min
Italian Tuna & White Bean Salad480 cal · 10 min
Greek Yogurt with Honey, Figs & Walnuts275 cal · 5 minFrequently asked questions
What is the cheapest high-protein snack?
Homemade roasted chickpeas, hard-boiled eggs and cottage cheese are usually among the lowest-cost protein snacks per serving.
How much protein should a snack have?
Around 7 to 15 grams of protein is a good target for a filling snack between meals.
General information, not medical or nutrition advice. Calories are estimates.