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7 Easy Protein-Packed Snacks To Grab During Your Next CVS Run

Protein-maxxing, right this way.

by Stacia Affelt

November 10, 2026

Michaelpuche/Shutterstock

They say you should never shop while hungry. That might hold up at the grocery store, but on a CVS run? Your cravings might actually pay off. Thanks to a wave of protein-maxxing innovations, some of the hardest-working snacks in the aisle can now help you hit your daily intake. Others have been quietly putting in the work all along (we see you, beef jerky).

While yes, protein's been having a moment, let's be real: it's always been that girl. Post-workout muscle repair? Check. Mental focus? Check. Steady energy and a metabolism boost? Also check. Since dietary guidelines say you should aim for a daily intake of 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight (or about 10% to 35% of your total daily calories), it’s a good plan to have a lineup of high-protein snacks at the ready for those mid-afternoon cravings. Luckily, you don’t have to travel to far to stock up.

Your local CVS has packed their aisles with tasty and convenient snack options that offer flavor and function in one package. Below, a roundup of a few noteworthy options worth checking out next time you’re in need of some extra fuel.

Core Power Chocolate Protein Shake by Fairlife

Fresh off a workout? Swing by a store and grab 26g of protein to help repair muscle during that oh-so crucial recovery window. Fairlife flows its milk through special soft filters, which means more protein and calcium and less sugar in every sip.

Barebells Cookies & Cream Protein Bar

By the end of a busy day, you’ve earned a treat — and what better to reach for than a satisfying bar in a classic flavor? Milk chocolate and a creamy cookie-dough core are a forever-favorite combo, and the cookies and crisps add just the right amount of crunch. If it weren’t for the 20g of protein and no added sugar, you might think you added a candy bar to your cart by mistake.

Think! Creamy Peanut Butter High Protein Bar

Crunchy peanut butter fans, look away. This bar, packed with 20g of protein, is for anyone who enjoys the simple things in life. In this case, that’s creamy peanut butter and chocolate while waiting in the checkout line. It’s the kind of snack that doesn’t need an occasion to be worth it.

Jack Links Original Beef Jerky

This OG snack is 96% fat-free and still holds its own with 14g of protein per serving. Made with 100% premium beef that’s slow-cooked and hardwood-smoked, you’ll stay full and energized longer. It’s perfect for road trips — even if that’s just your rush-hour commute to the office.

Quest Nacho Cheese Protein Chips

Meet your lunch’s new favorite side dish. Every Quest tortilla-style chip is baked, never fried, and each serving is loaded with 18g of protein. Fair warning: Stopping at one is not an option. They’re easily sharable, but no one would blame you one bit for hiding the bag from your hangry co-workers or snack-happy kiddos. Some things aren’t too good to gatekeep.

Catalina Crunch Snack Mix Cheddar

As far as protein mixes go, this one has 10g and checks the other boxes, too: Low sugar, low carb, and keto friendly. Your favorites all show up in mild cheddar seasoning, including pretzels, cashews, cheese crisps, and cheddar puffs. Bonus: The bags are resealable, so you can literally take them anywhere!

Super Coffee Vanilla Lean Iced Latte

Protein and caffeine? A combo you didn’t know you needed until now. Let’s do the math: 10g protein + 70 calories + 200mg caffeine per bottle (that’s about two cups of coffee) = one powerful bottle. The secret ingredient is MCT oil, which is easy to digest and converts quickly into energy without major blood sugar spikes. How’s that for a pick-me-up?