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I Tried TikTok-Viral Healthy Snacks: Here Are the Best High-Protein, Low-Sugar Finds

Food

Sun, May 11

If you spend any time on GymTok (or the algorithm of that wellness sector of TikTok with clean eating, pilates, weightlifting, home-cooked meals, etc, you get the gist), you’ve probably been served snack hauls on your feed.

If you ever found yourself scrolling through #GymTok and wondering if those viral “healthy” snacks are any good, I was right there with you. Curiosity got the better of me, so I tried a ton of them so that you don’t have to.

From protein bars that taste like dessert to fizzy drinks that feel like soda without the sugar crash, I present to you my no-BS review of the best finds. No gatekeeping here— these are the viral healthy snacks that are actually worth the hype:

Protein Bars That Don’t Taste Like Protein Bars

Let’s be honest, most protein bars taste like punishment. They’re dry, weirdly sweet, and somehow always have that unmistakable protein powder aftertaste. But after trying dozens (seriously), I found a few that defy all odds and actually taste good.

David High Protein Bars

Forget what you know about protein bars. This one redefines the game. With zero added sugar and a macro profile that gym rats dream about, the birthday cake flavor is subtly sweet and not too artificial. It’s soft, chewy, and doesn’t leave that weird chalky aftertaste.

My verdict: The most impressive protein bar I’ve ever tried.

Quest Nutrition Ultimate Variety Pack Protein Bars

Quest is a GymTok staple, and for good reason. These bars taste more like dessert than a protein supplement. Think chocolate chip cookie dough, s’mores, cookies & cream, except with 20g of protein and only 1g of sugar.

My fave: The cookie-themed ones. Great for sweet cravings without the sugar crash.

Light Chips, Puffs, and Crunchy Things

Sometimes you just want to snack with a crunch. But most chips and puffs are either greasy, flavorless, or secretly packed with sugar. These are the ones that hit the salty-sweet spot without ruining your blood sugar.

Boomchickapop Kettle Corn (6-Pack)

This popcorn hits that sweet-salty spot perfectly. The kettle corn flavor leans slightly caramel-y without being overwhelming or sticky. The light glaze means you can snack without your fingers getting gross.

Great for: Movie nights or snacks for when hanging out with friends.

Hippeas Chickpea Puffs – Vegan White Cheddar

Don’t be fooled by the plant-based label— these puffs are legit. The vegan white cheddar flavor is mild but satisfyingly cheesy, and the airy texture is super snackable. Plus, the chickpeas pack in a little extra protein and fiber.

Best for: A Cheeto craving minus the guilt.

Drizzilicious Mini Rice Cakes – S’mores Flavor

This might be the snack that shocked me most. These bite-sized rice cakes are lightly coated in a s’mores-flavored drizzle that’s rich and perfectly chocolatey. They also contain chia and flax seeds for nutrition.

Warning: You’ll eat the whole bag. Easily.

Drizzilicious Variety Pack

If you’re new to Drizzilicious, get the variety pack. Trust me, you’re going to want to try every single flavor.

PopCorners – Kettle Corn Flavor

These air-popped triangular snacks are like a cross between chips and popcorn. The texture is firm, the crunch is clean, and the kettle corn flavor has the perfect balance of salty and sweet.

Hot take: The chip shape makes them taste better than regular popcorn. I said what I said.

The Only Bean – Crunchy Roasted Edamame

Okay, this one’s a bit of a curveball, but hear me out. These roasted edamame beans are super high in protein, low in carbs, and have a satisfying salty crunch. They’re like wasabi peas, but with better macros.

Great for: Desk snacking or a post-workout crunch.

Sweet Snacks That Won’t Spike Your Sugar

These snacks are naturally sweet, fruit-forward, and low in added sugar. Perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

SOLELY Mango & Guava Whole Fruit Gummies

If you’ve ever tried SOLELY’s dried mangoes, you know they don’t mess around. These fruit gummies are made with actual fruit puree and nothing artificial. The mango and guava combo is tropical, chewy, and so satisfying.

Obsessed level: 10/10. The perfect throw-in-your-bag snack.

That’s it. Mini Fruit Bars (Variety 35-Pack)

They may look questionable at first glance, but trust, they taste AMAZING. Each bar contains just two ingredients (usually apple + something else), and the mango one especially slaps. Great for an after-school, pre-gym, or road trip snack.

Why I love it: Clean, simple ingredients. Real fruit. Perfection.

Shameless Snacks – Low Sugar Gummies

Low sugar and gluten-free without being sad. These gummies have that perfect chew and nostalgic candy feel, minus the sugar bomb.

Best for: Late-night sugar cravings when you want to keep it light.

Nature’s Garden Probiotic Yoggies Multi-Pack

These yogurt-wrapped fruit gummies taste like a mix between a fruit snack and a bite of white chocolate.

Perfect with: Afternoon tea, post-lunch snacking, or your 3 PM pick-me-up.

Hot Take, Meat Sticks Are Actually Delicious

Hear me out— meat sticks aren’t just for dads at gas stations anymore. These are high-protein, low-carb, and surprisingly gourmet. Think of them as savory protein bars.

New Primal Chicken & Maple Snack Mates

Chicken-based and lightly sweetened with maple, these are a great leaner alternative to beef sticks. They're juicy, flavorful, and super easy to toss into a bag for a busy day.

Macro note: High protein, low fat. Super clean label.

Chomps Salt & Pepper Venison Jerky

Smoky, peppery, and delicious. Venison has a slightly richer taste than beef, and Chomps keeps their ingredients super minimal and clean.

Ideal for: Savory snack lovers who want something a bit elevated.

CHOMPS MINI Beef Sticks (Grass-Fed)

These minis are the OG go-to for meaty snacks. Not too salty, no weird aftertaste, and no added sugars.

My favorite part: The portion size is perfect when you need a protein boost but not a full meal.

Fizzy Drinks That Feel Like Soda, But Healthier

You don’t have to give up carbonation to drink clean. These fizzy favorites are gut-friendly, low in sugar, and feel like a treat.

OLIPOP Prebiotic Soda

If you miss the feel of soda but hate what it does to your gut and skin, meet OLIPOP. With gut-friendly prebiotics and only 2–5g of sugar per can, it tastes like a fruity soda dream.

My fave flavors: Strawberry Vanilla or Orange Squeeze.

Poppi Sparkling Prebiotic Soda

Infused with apple cider vinegar and real fruit juice, Poppi is tart, refreshing, and perfect for warm weather.

My fave flavors: Raspberry Rose or Strawberry Lemon.

Recess Zero-Proof Craft Mocktails

Chic and lightly fizzy, these mocktails feel like a fancy drink without the alcohol.

Pair with: Beach days, summer picnics, or solo self-care nights.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been bombarded with GymTok recs but don’t know where to start, these are the ones I’d actually buy again. Whether you're snacking before the gym or need something to curb a late-night craving, these TikTok-famous healthy snacks are not just trendy; they’re actually good.

Kate J
500k+ pageviews

Kate is the Creative Director of The Teen Magazine. She enjoys all things pop culture and media.

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