Shake Up Your Protein Plan With These 10 Sweet and Satisfying Snacks, Drinks, and Powders
It's a simple equation: post-workout protein equals muscle growth. But that doesn't mean you have to scarf down a chicken breast on your way out of the gym (although if you feel like it, hey, more power to you). There are so many protein bars, powders, and drinks out there now that it can actually start to feel overwhelming — so many delicious sources of protein, so little time! We've rounded up our 10 favorite options just to make it a little easier on you. Eat (or drink) them with a healthy source of carbs, like a piece of fruit, to fill out the post-workout snack and fast-track your way to strong, lean muscles.
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Aloha Plant-Based Protein Drink
Smooth, sweet Aloha Protein Drinks ($15 for a four-pack) come with 18 grams of protein, just 5 grams of sugar, and are made of all-natural ingredients. The coconut milk base gives it a creamy texture that I loved; the vanilla flavor is my favorite. (Even better: it's available at Target!)
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Truwomen Plant Fueled Protein Bars
Delicious Truwomen Plant Fueled Protein Bars ($28 for a 12-pack) come in a variety of supersweet flavors, from doughnut to cookie dough to red velvet (!), but have just 7-10 grams of sugar apiece.
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No Cow Protein Bar
Just one tasty, convenient No Cow Protein Bar ($30 for a 12-pack) gives you 20 grams of protein and a measly single gram of sugar — and it's totally plant-based, so a great choice for vegans.
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Vega Protein & Energy in Classic Chocolate
Beyond the full 20 grams of protein per serving, Vega Protein & Energy in Classic Chocolate ($38) also offers solid doses of potassium, calcium, and iron, along with MCT oil, a healthy, filling fat that's great for weight loss. And if you need help staying awake after your morning workout, the plant-based powder also comes with 100 milligrams of caffeine.
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Pure Protein Chocolate Deluxe Bar
Satisfy your sweet tooth with the Pure Protein Chocolate Deluxe Bar ($8 for a six-pack), which tastes and feels exactly like dark chocolate — just much more filling, healthy, and with only 3 grams of sugar.
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Nutiva Organic Plant Protein Superfood Smoothie
A single scoop of vegan Nutiva Organic Plant Protein Superfood Smoothie ($37) has only 2 grams of sugar and 22 grams of protein — not a bad trade-off. It's a great choice if you're looking to build muscle and lose weight; just plop a scoop in your smoothie or mix it into plain water and enjoy.
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One Peanut Butter Cup Protein Bar
Craving peanut butter cups? Same, pretty much all the time. Satisfy that sweet tooth with a One Peanut Butter Cup Protein Bar ($25 for a 12-pack), which has a single gram of sugar and 20 grams of protein — a perfect mid-morning pick-me-up.
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Munk Pack Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Protein Cookie
Protein cookies?! We're not gonna say no to that. Although Munk Pack Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies ($24 for a 12-pack) are higher in sugar and calories than some of your other options (14 grams of sugar and 360 calories for one cookie), they still have 18 grams of protein — and satisfy your craving for sweet, chewy cookies without going overboard.
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PlantFusion Complete Protein Creamy Vanilla Bean
We're in awe — PlantFusion Complete Protein Creamy Vanilla Bean ($34) has just 2 grams of carbs and no sugar at all, plus 21 grams of plant-based protein per serving. Count us in.
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Svelte Organic Protein Shake
Svelte Organic Protein Shakes are so cute — and so healthy. One vegan, gluten-free premade shake makes for a quick, tasty shot of protein (11 grams) and the sweet saying on the front can't help but make you smile. Throw one in your gym bag for a convenient post-workout drink.