Being an athlete requires a lot of dedication, especially in season.
When choosing a protein snack, athletes have to consider several factors, including their own dietary needs, convenience and how long games last. Snacks need to be easy to take with you wherever you go while providing you with the necessary protein your body needs.
No matter your nutritional goals, taste preferences or sport, a wide range of protein snacks may help you power up during game day.
Jack Link’s Jerky
Whether you’re a bodybuilder or javelin thrower, your body requires protein to build and repair those muscles you’re constantly developing. While meat is a quality source of protein, you can’t necessarily have a steak cooked and ready at a tournament.
Jack Link’s Jerky is cured and deliciously smoked. These tender meat morsels are a convenient way to help you reach your protein intake goals on and off the field.
Shelf stable until opened, the portable bags are easy to carry around and store in gym bags, lockers, or even your pockets.
Plus, jerky is a snack you can munch on quickly, when you’re short on time and need to curb your hunger in a pinch. This is especially useful for athletes with busy training schedules.
With jerky, you have a wide variety of tasty flavors and meat options. Not into beef? No problem! Try turkey or pork jerky. Or, if you like an extra boost of flavor, try jerky with a sweet or spicy twist. Help fueling your performance has never been tastier.
Nut Butter Sandwiches
Sandwiches are ideal when you’re feeling extra hungry after an intense workout or game. But refrigeration isn’t always an option for a classic meat and cheese sandwich. Fortunately, you can have your protein and eat it too with a nut butter sandwich.
Since nut butters are made with nuts, they’re a quality source of protein. Whether you make them with protein-dense bread, gluten-free bread or plain white bread, you can safely store nut butter sandwiches at room temperature.
The type of nut butter you choose will depend on your protein goals and personal flavor preferences. And if you have a nut allergy or sensitivity, sunflower seed butter is a delicious alternative.
Protein Shakes
Drinkable, portable and air-sealed, you can tote protein shakes around securely in your gym bag when you need to consume protein in a flash. However, not all protein drinks are created equal.
Always check the nutrition label of a pre-made protein drink. Keep an eye out for any allergens or ingredient sensitivities you may have. Also, take a look at the amount of sugar per serving. Depending on the sugar content, a protein shake may or may not align with your nutritional goals.
The best way to ensure your protein shake synchronizes with your nutritional needs is to simply make your own at home. That way, you can control each ingredient that goes into your protein snack.
Energy Bars
Energy bars are designed to deliver energy to your body at lightning speed. Like protein bars, they’re slim, compact and effortless to store in your gym bag, pockets or locker.
Some energy bars have more protein than others, so compare the ingredient labels of different energy bars to find a protein-rich option.
Or, you can simply whip up a batch at home with protein-rich ingredients you enjoy. Whether you’re steering clear of sugar or need a gluten-free option, this is a great way to make a protein snack to help fuel your workouts.
Jack Link’s Meat Sticks
Love jerky, but wish you could have a protein snack in stick form? Jack Link’s Meat Sticks are here for you. From beef to chicken to pork, there’s a plethora of delicious snack options!
Hummus
Hummus is made from chickpeas, which are full of protein. Smooth and creamy, hummus is also filling, so a little goes a long way.
You’re welcome to scoop it right out of the container, or you can pair hummus with other protein-rich snacks for dipping. Give protein crackers and nuts (or, dare we say, jerky and meat sticks) a try!
Trail Mix
Trail mix is a snack that’ll never let athletes down. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also lightweight and doesn’t need to be refrigerated. This makes it a walk in the park to take with you to game days, gym days or simply as a pre or post-workout snack.
If you’re picking up a bag of premade trail mix, select mixes that go heavy on protein-rich ingredients like nuts.
The same goes if you make it yourself (which you can do in a snap.) Choose ingredients that you find both appetizing and helpful for your nutritional goals.
Choose Jack Links for Delicious Protein Snacks
When choosing the right snacks for game day, prioritize snacks that support your dietary requirements and deliver a powerful punch of protein punch.
At Jack Link’s, we know the importance of athletes having protein-rich snacks on hand. From jerky to sticks to bars, our mouthwatering meat snacks are perfect to keep on hand during busy days! Get ready for game day by stocking up on your favorite snacks today!
