Hey gym bro, did you hit your protein goals for the day? I know we’ve all been there – chugging yet another protein shake or chewing through your routinely meal-prepped dry chicken for the fourth day in a row. It gets boring really fast, and horribly so. But hitting your protein goals shouldn’t feel like punishment.
For those of you who can’t relate and are wondering “But why should I have so much protein?”, read up our article on “Why Protein” and the pros and cons of everything protein. Done? Now you’re probably facing the same dilemma: where to get all this protein from.
Here’s some good news: India is a snack haven – and it’s full of budget-friendly, high-protein options that are anything but boring. Whether you’re craving something crunchy or have a sweet tooth that won’t quit, there’s something for everyone. Think desi, delicious, and packed with protein (and within a budget!!). Dunno about you, but I am already drooling, so let’s dive in!
(VIA Pinterest)
1. Masala Roasted Chickpeas (Bhuna Chana)
This is the OG Indian protein snack, loved by our grandparents and now gym-goers alike. Roasted chickpeas (aka bhuna chana) are crispy, earthy, and ridiculously high in protein – about 17-18 g of protein per 100 g. You can munch a handful mid-workday and stay full, thanks to all the fiber. Plus, you can get them in chatpata flavors like thai chilli or peri peri. A 100 g pack costs only around ₹80, but even loose chana from the local market (₹20 or so) does the trick. Here’s a fun, high protein recipe you can try: Protein Chana Bowl. Talk about sasta and super nutritious.
(VIA iStock )
2. Protein Chips (Quinoa & Dal Chips)
Welcome to 2025 where chips are protein-rich! Brands like RiteBite Max Protein and TagZ have reimagined chips by blending lentils and grains instead of just potatoes. The result: crunchy, masala-loaded chips delivering ~8-10 g of protein per pack. A single serving pack (50-60 g) costs roughly ₹40-50. They’re perfect for all occasions, whether it is for Netflix binges or sneaking a quick bite between work calls.
(VIA Max Protein )
3. Protein Bars (Beyond Chocolate and Peanuts)
Forget the rock-hard protein bars of the past – today’s protein bars can actually satisfy your sweet tooth. Brands like The Whole Truth, Max Protein and Yoga Bar come in fun flavors like churro and peanut-cocoa, or my personal favourite – the Max Protein Ultimate Choco Berry. These bars often deliver around 10-20g (with some even having 30 grams!) of protein each, thanks to ingredients like whey, soy, nuts, and seeds. They’re basically your practical on-the-go protein fix – no mixing or shaker bottles needed, just unwrap and bite. They usually cost ₹50–150 each. Keep one in your bag for post-gym hunger or traffic jams – your taste buds won’t even guess it’s healthy.
(VIA Max Protein)
4. Desi Protein “Sweets” (Laddoos & Chikkis)
Who said protein snacks can’t satisfy your sweet tooth? If you’ve got a mithai craving, one word: chikki! The humble peanut chikki (peanut brittle), packed with peanuts and jaggery, delivers a massivesolid protein hit (peanuts offer ~25 g of protein per 100 g), and they come as cheap as ₹10 a piece. It’s a desi energy bar in disguise. Similarly, protein laddoos are a thing now – think traditional laddoos but made with nuts, seeds, dates, and maybe a dash of protein powder. So the next time you want to reward yourself after leg day, pop a til (sesame) chikki or a nutty laddoo instead of reaching for that cupcake. Here’s a yummy and high protein recipe to try for when you are bored at home: Protein Laddoo. Why pick between eating tasty and eating healthy when you can do both?
Bottom Line: Hitting your protein goals doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or draining your wallet. With these made-in-India snack options, you can snack smart, save money, and actually enjoy what you’re eating. Keep getting those gains 💪.
