Bariatric Snacks

Consuming adequate protein can be challenging after bariatric surgery due to restricted stomach capacity. This has led to the development of numerous protein-rich snack products specifically marketed to post-bariatric surgery patients.

These protein snacks come in many forms including shakes, bars, yogurts, jerky, eggs, and more. They provide concentrated sources of high-quality protein in small servings that are easier to tolerate. Having protein snacks between meals can help patients meet their higher protein needs in order to recover faster, maintain muscle mass, feel fuller longer, and experience optimal weight loss following bariatric surgery.

Bariatric Snack Ideas

Benefits of Protein Snacks after Bariatric Surgery

Help meet higher protein needs after surgery (70-90g daily)

• Protein requirements increase after bariatric surgery while capacity to eat large meals decreases
• Snacking on protein-rich foods helps evenly distribute protein throughout the day
• Portable protein snacks make it more likely patients meet their 70-90+ gram protein goals

Convenient for snacking between meals

• Protein snacks are portable, portion-controlled, and require no prep
• This makes it easy to eat small amounts frequently to prevent feeling deprived
• Protein snacks can be kept at home, work, in the car, or while traveling

Help maintain muscle mass

• Muscle loss is a risk after bariatric surgery if protein intake is inadequate
• Protein feeds muscle and helps maintain strength while losing weight
• Snacking on protein can help counteract muscle breakdown between meals

Keep you feeling fuller longer

• Protein increases satiety more than fats or carbs
• Preventing hunger between meals can reduce chances of overeating
• Stabilized blood sugar and delayed stomach emptying adds to increased fullness

Tips for Choosing Bariatric-Friendly Snacks

Look for at least 10g protein per serving

• This ensures you are getting a substantial amount of protein in each snack
• Compare brands and read nutrition labels to identify the highest protein options

Avoid added sugars

• Look for less than 5g of added sugars per serving
• Limit sugar alcohols like maltitol, sorbitol, and mannitol that may cause GI issues
• Choose unsweetened varieties of snacks like yogurt and protein powders

Focus on high protein, low fat, low carb options

• Limit fats to healthy unsaturated fats like in nuts, seeds, avocado
• Restrict carbs to complex, high fiber choices like legumes, vegetables
• Moderate amounts of fat and carbs help keep calories in check

Try different flavors and textures to avoid taste fatigue

• Alternate between sweet, salty, spicy, and savory flavors
• Switch between chewy bars, crispy chips, creamy yogurt, crunchy nuts
• Variety prevents getting bored and tempted by unhealthy snacks

The 7 Best Bariatric Snacks That You Can Buy Online

We've compiled a list of the top 7 most popular and best rated bariatric snacks sold online based on sales numbers and customer reviews, in no particular order:

1: Proti Square Protein Wafers:

Proti Square Protein Wafers are incredibly light and crunchy snacks. Each serving has 15 grams of protein and only 200-210 calories. You can pick from five different flavors: chocolate, mocha, lemon, raspberry, and vanilla. The wafers are made from a mix of milk, whey, and pea protein. They don't contain aspartame, and each box has five servings. 

2: Potato Double Bite Chips:

Potato Double Bites are a good option for bariatric patients looking for a crunchy snack. Each serving has 10 grams of protein and only 130 calories, making them a sensible choice. They're low in sugar, with just 1 gram per serving, and have no saturated or trans fats. The chips come in single-serve pouches, so you know exactly how much you're eating. You can even crush them to add a crunchy texture to your recipes. The chips are available in two flavors: cheddar cheese and honey mustard. Each box contains seven servings.

3: Chocolate Caramel Mug Cake:

Chocolate Caramel Mug Cakes are a tasty yet healthy dessert option for bariatric patients. Each cake has 15 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber, but only 130 calories and 4 grams of sugar. This makes them a good choice for diabetics too. The cakes come in single-serving packets and are easy to make in the microwave. You can have them as a dessert or even for breakfast. They come in cocoa and caramel flavors, and each box has seven servings.

4: Wicked Cutz Beef Sticks:

Wicked Cutz Beef Sticks offer a protein-rich snack option suitable for bariatric patients. Each stick, weighing 1.5 oz, contains 12 to 15 grams of protein. They're free from artificial stuff, MSG, and preservatives like nitrates or nitrites. Plus, they're gluten-free and made without hormones. These beef sticks are moist and tasty, making them a convenient snack for any setting—home, work, or outdoor activities.

5: Chocolate Mini Crisps:

Chocolate Mini Crisps are a low-calorie snack that's also a great bariatric-friendly snack to help you meet your protein goals. Each serving has 12 grams of protein and only 130 calories. These crisps are especially useful for those on medical weight loss plans. They come in individual packets, making it easy to control portions. Each box contains seven servings, so you have a week's worth of snacks in one purchase.

6: AmBari's Pretzel Twists:

AmBari's Protein Pretzel Twists are a great high-protein snack choice for bariatric patients who want something salty. Each serving has 12 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and only 120 calories. They're also low in sugar, with just 1 gram per serving. These pretzels are a great savory snack for people on weight-loss or low-calorie diets. They come in individual bags, so it's easy to keep track of portions. You can eat them on their own or pair them with hummus or low-fat cheese for extra flavor and nutrition . Each box has seven servings.

7: Proti Chips:

Proti-Thin Chips are another high protein snack option that's suitable for a bariatric food diet. Each single-serving bag contains 14-15 grams of protein and only 120-130 calories. They're also high in fiber, with 5 grams per serving, and have no saturated or trans fats. These chips are flavored with real cheese and come in three different tastes: BBQ, Spicy Nacho, and Salt & Vinegar. They're a good choice for both bariatric and diabetic patients looking for a convenient and tasty snack. 

Bonus Snack Item: 7 Item Bariatric Snack Variety Pack

We're adding the Snack Variety Pack as a bonus item to this list since it offers a mix of top-selling bariatric weight-loss snacks, perfect for a 7 day bariatric meal prep. It includes seven different items, allowing you to sample a range of styles and flavors. The pack is a convenient way to enjoy protein-packed snacks without committing to just one type. It may include Double Bites in Cheddar and Honey Mustard flavors, Tasty Bites Party Mix and Pizza, Pretzels, Chocolate Minis, and a Peanut Butter Pretzel Bar. Note that the contents may vary based on availability, so you might discover new favorites each time you order.

Author: Carrie H. Carrie is a passionate health and nutrition writer who transforms complex medical research into accessible, evidence-based content to empower readers to make informed choices about their wellbeing. With a background in science and a dedication to helping others live healthier lives, she provides thoughtful analysis of the latest studies and practical, actionable advice readers can apply to their own lives.

Reviewed By: Dr. Kevin Huffman Dr. Huffman is an accomplished board-certified bariatric physician with extensive clinical experience and expertise in treating obesity. He has trained countless healthcare providers and founded American Bariatric Consultants to develop highly sought-after protocols, training materials and continuing education used widely by medical societies, hospitals and physicians. Dr. Huffman's impact reaches far beyond direct patient care, as he actively prepares the next generation of physicians to achieve board certification in bariatrics, thereby exponentially expanding access to this vital medical treatment.