The 6 Best Protein Cookie Brands, According to a Dietitian

Yes, you can crush your cookie cravings ​and​ log more protein at the same time — and that's no longer a pipe dream thanks to high-protein cookies.

Like protein bars, protein cookies offer a quick, convenient, satiating snack that can help you hit your daily protein target. And because they're perfectly portable, you can toss one in your bag and nosh on the go.

Still, just because a cookie contains protein doesn't make it nutritious, so it's important to shop smart and informed, says Sarika Shah, RD, a registered dietitian based in San Ramon, California.

Here's a list of the best protein cookies to shop for.

We spoke to a registered dietitian for her top picks and chose products based on our own expert testing, as well as the following criteria:

• Taste
• Protein content
• Minimal or no added sugar
• Ingredients and quality

• ​220 calories​
• ​16 grams of protein​

This yummy protein cookie gets the stamp of approval from Shah as it lists peanuts (a nutritious, whole food) as the first ingredient. The protein blend contains whey (and not soy protein isolate) for a total of 16 grams of protein per serving. And it's loaded with fiber (11 grams), resulting in just 10 grams of net carbs.

• ​160 calories (1/2 cookie)​
• ​8 grams of protein​

Shah gives these chewy, cinnamon-coated cookies — a great option for vegans or gluten-free diets — a thumbs up. Although one cookie is two servings, it contains more protein than added sugar, a healthy dose of fiber and no sugar alcohols (which might cause digestive distress in some).

• ​260 calories​
• ​11 grams of protein​

This high-fiber, soy-free, non-GMO vegan cookie is another one of Shah's picks. Made with organic cashews (the first ingredient), these cookies pack a protein punch thanks to pea protein. And the chocolate chips are made with organic cacao and sweetened with monk fruit.

• ​220 calories​
• ​18 grams of protein​

Loaded with 18 grams of filling protein, this soft, chewy cookie is chock full of creamy peanut butter and mouthwatering morsels of peanut chunks. Plus, it has 6 grams of fiber to promote gut health and a satiated stomach.

• ​160 calories (1/2 cookie)​
• ​8 grams of protein​

Old-fashioned oatmeal raisin cookies get an upgrade with this good-for-you variety that's powered with plant protein from peas and brown rice. Swirling with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, each bite of these gluten-free, soy-free, non-dairy cookies delivers a plump raisin.

• ​190 calories​
• ​10 grams of protein​

These light and airy lemon blondies boast a boatload of plant-based protein from peas, hemp hearts and cassava flour. A perfect combo of lemon zest and white chocolate will tickle your tastebuds.

To avoid the junk when shopping for healthy protein cookies, check the following:

• ​Protein content:​ Ideally, a protein blend should be the first ingredient, Shah says. Look for high-quality protein such as whey (only if you don't have a dairy allergy or intolerance) and avoid lower-quality ingredients like soy protein isolate, she adds. Aim for at least 10 grams of protein per serving.
• ​Added sugars​: "Make sure that grams of sugar is not greater than grams of protein," Shah says. Try to choose cookies with less than 5 grams of added sugar and keep an eye out for sneaky sugar sources on the ingredients list, such as high-fructose corn syrup and brown rice syrup. Instead, opt for products that use natural sweeteners (like monk fruit or stevia), which are often lower in total sugars and carbs.
• ​Sugar alcohols:​ Be cautious with sugar alcohols if you have a sensitive stomach or a gastrointestinal condition like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Sugar alcohols such as mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, lactitol and others can cause abdominal pain, intestinal gas, diarrhea and/or constipation in some people, Shah says.
• ​Balanced ratio of protein to carbohydrates​: "I look for an almost 1:1," Shah says. For example, a cookie with 15 grams of protein to 19 grams of carbs will keep your blood sugar levels stable.
• ​Added fiber​: "Fiber in protein cookies is an added benefit of lower net carbs and also provides a fullness factor," Shah says.
• ​Saturated fat​: Scan the ingredients list for items with saturated fat (such as palm oil) and aim for 20 percent or less of the daily value (DV), Shah says.