17 Foods That Pack More Protein Than Your Protein Shake

Protein shakes are a quick and easy way to boost your protein intake. Depending on the ingredients, premade and homemade shakes usually contain 15-20 grams of protein.

However, plenty of whole foods offer just as much protein—if not more!

Protein: 23.5 grams per cup

Cottage cheese can be used as a high-protein snack or added to foods like eggs, pancakes, and dips to boost their protein content.

In addition to protein, cottage cheese is rich in vitamins and minerals, like B12, calcium, and selenium.

Protein: 20.1 grams per 3-ounce serving

Canned tuna is shelf-stable and can be purchased in bulk, so you always have a high-protein option on hand for snacking and preparing easy meals.

Canned tuna is an excellent option for people looking to increase their protein intake while keeping their carbohydrate intake low, such as those on low-carb diets like the keto diet. 

Protein: 26 grams per 3-ounce serving

Chicken breast is one of the best sources of protein you can eat. It’s also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, zinc, and selenium.

Chicken breast can be made into high-protein snacks like chicken salad or used as a protein source for simple, high-protein lunch and dinner recipes. 

Protein: 20.4 grams per 3-ounce serving

Shrimp is high in nutrients like vitamin B12, selenium, and astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that protects against cellular damage.

It’s a great low-carbohydrate, high-protein addition to salads and stir-fries. 

Protein: 25.3 grams per 3-ounce serving

Ground turkey is a good source of B vitamins, like B6, which is needed for more than 100 enzymatic reactions in the body. It also contains zinc, which plays an essential role in your immunity.

Protein: 19.6 grams per 3-ounce serving

Salmon is rich in vitamins and minerals like B12, selenium, and potassium, as well as the omega-3 fats docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These help regulate inflammation and support your immunity.

Canned salmon is shelf-stable and more affordable than fresh salmon, making it a good choice for those on a budget. 

Protein: 25 grams per cup

Greek yogurt provides more than twice the amount of protein found in regular yogurt, making it a better choice when trying to increase your protein intake.

It’s also packed with essential nutrients like calcium, which gives the bones and teeth structure and regulates nerve and muscle function, hormone secretion, and blood vessel dilation.

Protein: 18.5 grams per cup

Edamame is an excellent option for those on plant-based diets who want an easy source of protein to add to meals and snacks.

It’s also high in fiber, which supports and protects gut health, and folate, a B vitamin required for DNA synthesis, cellular division, and the maturation of red blood cells.

Protein: 15 grams per 3-ounce serving

Seitan is a plant-based protein source made from gluten, a group of proteins found in wheat.

Its chewy, meat-like texture makes it a popular vegan-friendly meat substitute for stir-fries, sandwiches, and other dishes.

Protein: 19.7 grams per cup

With just under 20 grams of protein per cup, navy beans are one of the best sources of plant-based proteins you can eat.

Navy beans contain several vitamins and minerals but are especially high in folate, iron, selenium, and magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral needed for blood sugar and blood pressure regulation.

Protein: 19.9 grams per 100-gram serving 

Tempeh is a vegan-friendly protein source made from fermented soybeans. It’s also a good source of B vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, and manganese.

Tempeh has a firm, meaty texture and can be used as a plant-based protein in vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Protein: 17 grams per bar

Protein bars are portable, easy to eat, and can be enjoyed in place of protein shakes. 

The protein content of protein bars varies. It’s important to read nutrition labels to ensure you choose a bar with at least 10 grams of protein per serving. For example, a Rise Vegan Sunflower Cinnamon Bar contains 17 grams of protein, making it a good option for increasing protein intake. 

Protein: 17.9 grams per cup

Lentils provide fiber, B vitamins, and minerals like magnesium, zinc, iron, and potassium. Fiber is important for gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health.

Protein: 22.6 per 3.75-ounce can 

Sardines are tiny fish that are exceptionally nutritious. They contain several essential vitamins and minerals, like vitamin E, iron, B12, and calcium.

Sardines can be enjoyed on their own as a protein-rich snack or added to salads, soups, pasta, or pizza for a boost of protein. 

Protein: 20.8 grams per 3-ounce serving 

Organ meats, like chicken liver, are high in protein. Chicken liver also provides critical vitamins and minerals, like B12, vitamin A, iron, and folate.

Try adding chicken liver to salads and stir-fries, substituting it for more common protein sources like turkey, chicken, and steak. 

Protein: 23.5 grams per 3-ounce serving 

Red meat, like beef, is one of the most protein-packed foods. Beef is also rich in vitamins and minerals, like iron.

You can incorporate it into many recipes, including burgers, pasta sauces, and sandwiches.

Protein: 19.4 grams per 3-ounce serving

Cod is a mild-tasting fish that’s high in protein. It also provides B vitamins and minerals like selenium and phosphorus, making it an all-around healthy choice.

While protein shakes are convenient, many whole foods, like cottage cheese, shrimp, tuna, and lentils, are just as protein-packed and can be more satisfying. Try adding them to your meals to get your daily dose of protein!