The perfect macro-friendly snack ideas are waiting right here for you! You will love all of these macro snack ideas and easy recipes. The best thing about having a convenient list of macro friendly snacks is to help you grocery shop, plan snack options, and meet goals toward better nutrition.
Why Look for Macro Snack Ideas
Of course there are many reasons why you are looking for macro snack ideas such as the following:
- your doctor advised you to eat more healthy snacks
- you are getting ready for various competitions
- you are preparing to meal prep for weight loss
… just to name a few.
Regardless of the reason for learning about how to make a macro friendly snack, it is a good idea to learn about the flavor variety of macro-nutrients.
What is a macro friendly snack?
The term macro is short for the word macro-nutrient. Macro-nutrients are made up of carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
A macro friendly snack is a balanced snack that will include a balanced amount of protein, carbs, and fat.
One great way to start is to use this Macro Friendly Food List to create protein-packed meal or snack.
25 Macro Snack Ideas List
Let’s break down the macros and list some great ideas in each category. There are three main categories of macro-nutrients – carbohydrates, protein, and fats. For the carbs, it is best to focus in on fiber and vitamin rich carbohydrate sources.
Carbs
It’s time to skip the potato chips and grab some nutrient dense carbs such as fruit, whole grain, and starchy vegetables.
Here’s a list of snack ingredients for carbs:
rice cakes
fresh fruit
sweet potato
whole grain
quinoa
oats
As mentioned be sure to combine these macro friendly snacks together to create something delicious and also balanced.
Healthy Fats
Instead of grabbing a commercial trail mix, make your own. Sometimes commercial trail mix has added sugars that you might not be looking to find. With a few simple ingredients, you can create your own trail mix.
Here are some great ideas for some of your favorite snacks that contain healthy fats:
Healthy fats, also, known as unsaturated fats, not only add a great mouth feel to your snack but also a nice macro balance.
Protein Macro Snacks
So you want to create a great source of protein. Maybe it’s your favorite version of egg salad packed with protein rich eggs. However, let’s talk about some easy high protein snacks that are simple and easy to combine with other foods.
Here is a list of high-protein snacks :
peanut butter
cottage cheese
greek yogurt
protein powder
hard-boiled eggs
egg whites
cheese stick
pumpkin seeds
protein bars
string cheese
parmesan cheese
deli meat
deli turkey
roasted chickpeas
One of the best ways to prepare for macro snacking is to make a Protein Snack Box Ideas with items such as hard boiled eggs, string cheese, and more.
Pair your favorite vegetables with the macro snack ideas for added nutrient content. Here are some good examples:
bell peppers
baby carrots
celery sticks
broccoli florets
These refreshing veggies will be a great addition to your snack while also keeping your macros balanced.
19 Macro Friendly Snack Recipes Ideas
When you think of macro friendly snack recipes, it’s great to have some easy recipes right in your back pocket for meal prep.
From the easiest muffins to protein shakes, the perfect snack macro-friendly recipes are the ideal go-to.
These macro friendly snack ideas are easy recipes to make for your snack prep. The perfect snack is not always something that takes lots of time. Moreover, it can be a simple snack idea that is a great option for busy people on the go!
Protein Mug Cake
This easy 3 ingredient recipe features protein powder, egg, and baking powder. Best of all, it is a microwave recipe!
Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Cups
Looking for a dairy free macro friendly snack? This is a great way to have a sweet treat without a long ingredient list.
Blueberry Protein Kodiak Cakes Muffins
Kodiak cakes brand has several products that can increase the protein in your recipes without any hassle. Blueberry muffins are one of my favorite snacks, but with the increased protein in it, that is a win-win.
Chocolate Cheesecake Protein Pudding
Wow, this recipes has 36 grams of protein in one serving! This recipes is ideal for meal prep and snack prep, and it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls
These are an absolute hit at my house. Adults and kids like these sweet bites.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Oat Bites (No Bake)
4 ingredient recipe that is a quick sweet bite of peanut butter and chocolate.
Quick Spiced Almonds
What a great idea! Seasoned almonds for the macro snack ideas win! I am obsessed with this macro snack idea because you can use them on a charcuterie board, protein snack boxes, cheese platter, and salads.
Easy Date Protein Balls
Using a food processor, these easy date protein balls are chopped and rolled together. In addition, the balls are rolled in a little coconut to decrease the stickiness and add a delicious flavor.
Healthy Cookie Dough Balls
When you have a vegan friendly, gluten free, dairy free macro snack.. wow that’s a clear winner. This recipe contains ingredients such as oat flour and vanilla protein powder to make a delicious yet filling snack.
Lemon Protein Balls
Just like the cookie dough balls above, this recipe has vanilla protein powder. However, what makes it a unique snack is that it also has fresh lemon juice and lemon zest for a zesty twist.
Protein Popsicles
This recipes is a keeper for sure! Protein popsicles are the perfect snack for keeping cool but also have protein and blueberries. Each popsicle has 9 g protein.
Peanut Butter Energy Bars
Do you ever crave a granola bar but wish you could have one with more fiber, less sugar, and more protein? Well you are in luck because these energy bars are perfect. Not only that but they are a no-bake recipe.
Popcorn Trail Mix
Snacking on the go make it hard to find a macro-friendly snack. However, this popcorn trail mix may be just what you were looking to find. What I love most about it is the addition of whole almonds, whole cashews, plus the dried fruit such as cranberries and raisins.
Spicy Roasted Chickpeas
Am I the only one in the room that didn’t know a chickpea existed until adulthood? Well, I am so glad that I found chickpeas AND so glad to find this recipe for spicy roasted chickpeas. These are perfect for delicious snacking but also 7 g protein per serving.
Air Fryer Egg Bite
These egg bites are ideal for adding vegetables and leftover meat as well. The recipe adds cherry tomatoes, green pepper, and basil in the egg mixture.
Banana Protein Muffins
Wow, these muffins have 12 grams protein per muffin! Of course, these muffins have bananas however it also has peanut butter, chocolate chips, and protein powder.
Chocolate Cheesecake Protein Ice Cream
This blended treat is made with ingredients such as ricotta cheese, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and graham crackers.
Yogurt Peanut Butter Dip
This dip pairs well with apple slices, sliced bananas, celery sticks, and more. The combination of the Greek yogurt and peanut butter makes the ideal macro friendly snack dip.
Air Fried Tofu Nuggets
These tofu nuggets are nice and crispy with the Panko bread crumbs. The air fryer is the perfect way to cook these crunchy nuggets.
With so many great macro snack ideas to choose from, what is the best one to choose? Choose 2 recipes and make them during meal prep. Make enough to have snacks for the week.
Macro Snack Ideas for Work
Preparing for work with great macro snacks and good lunch meal is important when you are trying to live the macro lifestyle. Be sure to pack some really great options that are listed above in addition to some great vegetable options and fruit pairings.
Here are 3 good options to start:
If you haven’t invested in a good insulated lunch box, it’s time to get one. Packing these treats in a cool lunch box is ideal.
Balanced Snack Ideas with Good Macros
The best balanced snack ideas with good macros are the well balanced snack ideas. By combining the macros, which are carbs, protein, and fats, the snack will be more filling.
Using the list of carbs, protein, and fat above, combine some options for a macro balanced snack. In addition, use the recipe examples for more options for meal and snack prep.
Macro Snack Ideas Chart : Mix and Match Your Snack
Using the chart below, mix and match your macro friendly snacks. Using options from each of the groups – carbs, fats, and protein – will help create a balanced macro snack.
Use at least 2 of the 3 columns in the chart to create the snack. However, bonus if you use all 3 columns.
Here is a list of 18 mix and match macro snack ideas. What I love about this list is that it is good for brainstorming and making a grocery list.
Often times when people hear macro, they think it is something complicated. It is easier to think about it as “do I have a variety of food groups in my snack or meal?” What throws the macro count off is an imbalance. Therefore, the more balanced with a variety of foods, the more varied the macros will be. Not only that, but there will also be a variety of micro-nutrients as well.
The micro-nutrients are the vitamins and minerals in the foods. Both are macros and micros are important when it comes to eating a balanced meal plan.
Macro Friendly Grocery List
The macro friendly grocery list below is a nice tool for ideas. Of course, we couldn’t list every macro snack on this list, so there are also lines to fill in or swap your favorites.
Create a list that works for your individual needs. Access help with your macro snack list by working with your local dietitian or nutritionist to be sure that you are getting what you need based on your personal health profile and lifestyle.
