8 Best New Protein Snacks Of 2026 So Far

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2026 seems to be the year that protein took over. The macronutrient has always been important, but if you're clued in to today's food trends and wellness influencers, then you've probably seen everyone talking about getting more protein in their diets. The amount of protein you need per day depends on your individual habits, body type, and other factors, and there is such a thing as too much protein. But if you're looking for a quick midday snack boost, then you might want to try one of these new, protein-packed treats that launched this year. These are good alternatives for foods that aren't as high in protein as you thought, such as certain protein bars or some tinned fish.

Some of these snacks come from big names like Doritos and Babybel, while others are new brands introduced this year. There's also a wide variety of choices, from cheese to jerky, so you should find at least one that suits your palate. Plus, all of these snacks have received positive customer reviews, so you can trust that they'll taste pretty good.

Earlier this year, Frito-Lay added a few new varieties to its many Doritos flavors. It hopped on the protein trend by introducing Doritos Protein — a new version of the classic chip, but with 10 grams of protein per serving. The chips officially launched in March in two flavors: Nacho Cheese and Sweet & Tangy BBQ. The brand has also mentioned plans to release a version with 17 grams of protein per serving. Customer reviews are generally positive; the chips have 4.6 stars out of 5 at Target, and one Target reviewer called them "the best protein snack on the market."

Popcorners are a popular crunchy alternative to potato chips, and now, fans can also get a protein boost from the snack. In May, Popcorners rolled out its new Popcorners Protein, a higher-protein version of the snack with 9 grams per serving. The rollout included three flavors: Hickory BBQ, Zesty Cheddar, and Cinnamon Delight. The protein variety has the same crunch and appearance as Popcorners but is made with rice flour, pea protein isolate, and rice protein isolate. As for reviews, at least one fan on Reddit said they felt that Popcorners Protein has a much more impressive flavor than other protein snacks they've tried.

Wilde is known for its protein-packed snacks, and in 2026, it expanded from chips to crackers. In May, Wilde released protein crackers made from chicken and cheese, and depending on the variety, the snacks have as many as 12 grams of protein per serving. The chicken-and-cheese base sets them apart from most other protein chips or crackers on the market, and they've garnered plenty of positive reviews, with 4.7 out of 5 stars at BJ's. They do cost more than a typical bag of chips (around $9 for a 7.4-ounce bag), but customer feedback suggests they're worth the price.

When it comes to single-serve cheese snacks, Babybel's hard to beat. The popular brand launched a new protein-packed version of its classic mini cheese wheels in March. Each Babybel Pro cheese has 5 grams of protein, plus a billion probiotics, meaning you get a two-in-one benefit from this little snack. The mini cheese wheels are made with just four ingredients: reduced-fat milk, cultures (including Lactobacillus rhamnosus), salt, and microbial enzymes. Customers seem to love it, giving it 4.8 stars out of 5 at Sam's Club and Target.

Archer is a jerky brand known for its beef sticks, but in June, the company announced its first-ever chicken jerky variety: Oven-Roasted Chicken Mini Sticks. Each stick has 5 grams of protein, and they're an easy-to-grab snack when you're on the move. They're made almost entirely of chicken, with a handful of other ingredients like salt, brown sugar, and other spices. Archer Jerky first rolled them out at Target, and though they have only 11 reviews, they've received a perfect five-star rating.

GoGo Squeez is known for its on-the-go squeezable snacks, and in May, it stepped into the protein ring with new products like Dairy Protein and Fruit Smoothie Protein — still squeezable, but with more of the macronutrient. The amount of protein varies by snack, but the Dairy Protein version has 10 grams per serving, while the PB&J Stack'd Bites — another new protein-forward launch — have 5 grams. The Dairy Protein, which packs the most, has 4.2 out of 5 stars at Target. "The texture is nice and it's so easy and convenient to eat," reads one customer review.

If you're not familiar with Good Warrior, it's because the jerky brand just launched this year; it's owned by PepsiCo and is the food giant's new protein-forward snack brand. Good Warrior sells beef sticks, and it launched its first two varieties — Original and Jalapeño Pepper — in March. Each beef stick contains 10 grams of protein, and they're made with grass-fed and finished beef. The sticks are available at a variety of retailers, including Walmart, where they have 4.5 out of 5 stars from customers.

If you want a sweet treat that's kid-friendly and has plenty of protein, Novus Foods has you covered. It launched Winky Protein Pudding in May, with each 3.5-ounce pudding cup offering 10 grams of protein. Winky Protein Pudding comes in Vanilla, Chocolate, and Salted Caramel flavors and uses milk protein as its main protein-boosting ingredient. Customers seem pretty convinced: The puddings have earned 4.5 out of five stars at Target, with multiple reviewers claiming it tastes exactly like the standard dessert.