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4 High-Protein Snacks You Can Buy From Trader Joes—All Under 5 Dollars
Samira Vishwas | August 31, 2026 3:24 PM CST

With at least 7 grams of protein per serving, these might just become staples of your shopping list.

Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

Credit: Getty Images. EatingWell design.

Key Points

  • Trader Joe’s offers budget-friendly high-protein snacks, all priced under $5 per item.
  • Options like protein bars, granola, and cheese bites deliver at least 7 grams of protein per serving.
  • These snacks are convenient, nutritious, and perfect for staying energized between meals.

Long celebrated for their low prices and unique products, Trader Joe’s has amassed plenty of loyal shoppers over the years—but the grocer isn’t just a hub for seasonal items and freezer-friendly meals. The snack selection at Trader Joe’s is extensive, but some of our favorite finds are the ones that pack plenty of protein into a convenient, budget-friendly bite.

We’ve put together a list of some of the best high-protein snacks you can pick up in just one trip to Trader Joe’s. With at least 7 grams of protein per serving, you can count on these nutritious picks to keep you satiated and energized between meals and even help support a healthy weight loss goal. Plus, these tasty picks all come in at under $5 per item, proving that protein doesn’t have to be pricey.

1. Chewy Chocolate & Peanut Butter Protein Bars

Credit: Trader Joe's. EatingWell design.
Credit: Trader Joe’s. EatingWell design.

The protein bar is about as classic as high-protein snacks get, but this option from Trader Joe’s sets itself apart. At just $3.69 for a box of 5, their Chewy Chocolate & Peanut Butter Protein Bars bring plenty of protein (10 grams per serving!) for less than a dollar per bar. Plus, the soft and chewy texture from the oats and peanut butter resembles a cereal bar instead of a dense protein bar—no chalkiness to be found.

2. Peanut Butter Protein Granola

Credit: Trader Joe's. EatingWell design.
Credit: Trader Joe’s. EatingWell design.

Not just a sweet topping for yogurt or smoothie, this $3.99 Peanut Butter Protein Granola is a nutritious snack all on its own. With an impressive 11 grams of protein per ⅔ cup serving, a handful of these rich and nutty oat clusters is a delicious way to get some extra protein throughout the day.

3. Oven-Baked Cheese Bites

Credit: Trader Joe’s. EatingWell design.

Protein powder isn’t the only way to get a big boost of the nutrient. These Oven-Baked Cheese Bites are just $3.69 and have 13 grams of protein per serving from cheese alone. With just two ingredients—semi-aged cheese and Grana Padano cheese—these crispy, savory morsels are the perfect pick for when you’re in the mood for a crunch.

4. Protein Pancakes

Credit: Trader Joe’s. EatingWell design.

Who said pancakes can only be eaten for breakfast? These $3.79 Protein Pancakes are fully cooked and ready-to-eat, so you can take them on the go and enjoy them as a quick and easy snack. Pillowy, slightly sweet and with a whopping 20 grams of protein per 4-pancake package, these are a sweet, healthy snack that will keep you full all day long.

Our Expert Take

Buying high-protein snacks shouldn’t have to come with a high cost, which is why we compiled this list of budget-friendly snacks you can pick up for under $5 at Trader Joe’s. With at least 7 grams of protein per serving, these bites will help you meet your nutritional goals in a delicious way. So next time you find yourself browsing the aisles of your local Trader Joe’s, make sure to keep an eye out for these products—they might just become a staple on your shopping list.


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