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From Smoky to Spicy: The Jerky & Tinned Fish Picks That Won Big
Power through your day with the top high-protein snacks from Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Best Snack Awards, including jerky, tinned fish, and unique egg wraps.
Protein is having a major moment, and for good reason. Whether you’re powering through a workout, tackling a busy afternoon, or just trying to stay satisfied between meals, high-protein snacks have become a go-to staple.
For Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Snack Awards, our judges and taste testers sampled everything from savory jerky to boldly seasoned canned tuna, searching for options that would truly deliver on both flavor and nutrition. The winners impressed our testers and registered dietitians alike, standing out for their quality ingredients, strong nutritional profiles, and genuinely enjoyable taste. If you’re looking to boost your protein intake without sacrificing flavor, these picks are well worth adding to your rotation.
Made from 100% grass-fed and -finished beef, Chomps’s Chili Lime Beef Stick delivers a savory mix of smoky spice and bright citrus flavor. The protein-packed snack strikes a satisfying balance of heat and tanginess, making it an elevated take on a classic.
TEST RESULTS: Chef Alejandra Ramos loved the balanced chili-lime flavor and said the meat sticks were especially convenient for busy days. She added that they’ve earned a permanent spot in her bag for emergency snack situations.
These crepe-like wraps from Egglife are made with egg whites with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla. High in protein and low in carbs, they’re a versatile base that pairs especially well with fruit, cream cheese, or other sweet fillings.
TEST RESULTS: Testers appreciated the wraps’ convenience, nutrition profile, and versatility, especially as a gluten-free option. Many enjoyed experimenting with different fillings and toppings. “It was really good stuffed with cream cheese or cottage cheese and fruit. Low-carb, high-protein, and very satisfying,” one tester said.
Chicken of the Sea has teamed up with Frank’s RedHot to create this fiery, protein-packed tuna pouch made with wild-caught tuna and cayenne pepper sauce. With 14 g of lean protein and no draining required, it’s an easy grab-and-go snack or flavorful lunch shortcut.
TEST RESULTS: Testers praised the pouch for its portability, convenience, and balanced heat, noting that the spicy, tangy flavor complemented the tuna instead of overpowering it. “It’s a great way to get protein and spicy flavor at the same time without all the work,” one tester said.
King Oscar Kipper Snacks in Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Wild Caught Mackerel in Sweet Thai Chili Sauce
King Oscar brings a premium touch to tinned seafood with its latest snackable offerings, ideal for everything from quick lunches to elevated “seacuterie” boards. The Wild Caught Mackerel in Sweet Thai Chili Sauce gives tender fillets a tangy-sweet kick, while the Kipper Snacks in Extra Virgin Olive Oil feature delicately smoked herring hand-packed for rich flavor and a silky texture.
TEST RESULTS: GH’s food and nutrition pros praised the tins for their premium quality, balanced flavor, and impressive nutrient profile. “The fillets were impressively large and meaty, with a gentle smokiness that enhanced rather than overwhelmed the fish,” said culinary pro Susan Choung, who called them “a quick, protein-rich pantry staple that feels surprisingly refined.”
Made with antibiotic- and hormone-free chicken, each New Primal’s Rotisserie Seasoned Chicken Sticks pack 10 g of protein and savory rotisserie-inspired flavor into one convenient snack. The high-quality sticks are tender, satisfying, and full of smoky seasoning.
TEST RESULTS: Food influencer Kevin Curry praised the snack’s flavor and texture. “It wasn’t dry and had just the right balance,” he said, adding that the seasoning delivered plenty of flavor without being overly spicy. Taste testers agreed, appreciating that the sticks weren’t greasy like many others on the shelf.
This uniquely crafted jerky from Singing Pastures blends grass-fed protein with real bone broth and collagen for a nutrient-dense snack with rich, savory flavor and a satisfying snap.
TEST RESULTS: Testers said the sticks tasted more like artisan-cured meat than typical jerky, and they liked the bold seasoning, the easy bite, and the protein boost. Many said they stood out from typical meat snacks. “These were the best meat sticks I think I’ve had—I actually saved one for my girlfriend to try because I wanted her to see how good they were,” one tester said.
Perfectly portioned and snackable, True Story’s single-serve packs feature rounds of all-natural, humanely raised, antibiotic-free turkey—an easy protein boost for between meetings or in packed lunches.
TEST RESULTS: With 7 g of protein and just 30 calories, it is a simple way to get extra protein throughout the day, noted registered dietitian Valerie Agyeman, who also highlighted that it pairs well with whole-grain crackers and veggies for a light, filling snack. Taste testers loved how snackable the packs were too.
Maui Nui’s unique venison sticks are made from 100% wild-harvested axis deer from Maui, sourced through an ecological harvesting program designed to help restore Hawaii’s native ecosystems. The high-protein snack keeps things simple with a minimal ingredient list and no fillers or preservatives.
TEST RESULTS: “Impressively lean yet full of flavor,” said GH Senior Food Editor Susan Choung. “The peppery seasoning is gentle, letting the clean taste of the wild-harvested venison shine through. With 10 g of protein for just 55 calories, it’s a smart, satisfying snack.”
Wild Planet’s premium wild-caught tuna is blended with real jalapeños for a pure, spicy kick without any artificial flavors or fillers. It’s a simple, protein-packed option with a bright heat that elevates classic canned tuna.
TEST RESULTS: Registered dietitian Valerie Agyeman said it’s versatile enough to enjoy on its own or mixed into veggies, crackers, mini sandwiches, or pasta. She noted the jalapeño adds just the right kick, and at 80 calories with 15 g of protein, it’s a satisfying, filling snack.
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Our 2026 Best Snack Awards Are Here!
