Some people believe that snacks contribute to weight gain and thus avoid snacking, however, healthy snacks can even provide many health benefits. Moreover, snacks can be included in a weight loss plan. Don't know what snacks to include in your daily routine or want some new ideas? In this round-up, we cover 8 beautiful, tasty and protein-rich snack recipes to keep you healthy and energized.

Enjoying several snacks during a day helps to avoid extreme hunger and thus also huge meals, overeating, and post-meal sleepiness. Healthy snacking regulates mood, gives energy and brainpower as you get necessary nutrients and extra vitamins, enjoy something very tasty and take some time to yourself, which contributes with long term feeling of wellbeing.

But why protein? Simply, it gives you long-lasting energy and keeps you satisfied for longer. Additionally, protein-rich snacks are very important after the gym, when you recover, as they nourish your body with high-quality nutrients.

Since we still are on the chocolatey wave from our blog post about superfood of the century - raw cacao, these recipes will help to experience cacao’s high amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals and satisfy all your chocolate desires.

So here's a list of our favourite protein-rich chocolatey snack recipes.

1. Raw Vegan Superfood Brownies

These raw vegan brownies, or allow me to call them super-brownies, by Liv (@simplybalancedliv) are made of superfoods only. They are very filling and healthy as the main ingredients are dates, almonds, cashews, raw cacao, protein powder, and goji berries.

2. Cookie Dough Bites

These lovely cookie dough bites made by Lauren (@laurensfitfood) are infused by almond butter, shredded coconut and coconut flour, dark chocolate, and vanilla protein powder.

3. Crunchy Almond Maca Butter Protein Chocolate Cups

These beautiful, filling and healthy almond maca chocolate cups made by Sally (@foodiefittwinmummy) are powered by almonds, maca, chia seeds, cacao nibs, and dark chocolate.

4. Protein-Chocolate Bliss Balls 

These protein bliss balls will surprise you with their melting-in-your-mouth but at the same time crunchy texture. They are super healthy and packed with protein, antioxidants and healthy fats. They will give you an extra energy boost as they are made from our cacao protein bars and are covered with protein-infused chocolate and toasted almonds. They're the perfect easy to make snacks that will give the energy to continue the day.

5. Double Chocolate Protein Muffins

Double chocolate protein muffins? Yes, please!  These super moist and cakey muffins made by Gabriel (@onecleverchef) will take care of your chocolate cravings in a healthy manner. Besides, what could be easier than filling cupcake cups?

6. Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Pancakes

It might be surprising, but pancakes can be a great snack if they are made of the right ingredients. These beautiful and healthy chocolate oatmeal pancakes by Sarah (@thekindbreakfast) have all the properties of a healthy snack. Just think about the appropriate snacking portion size and you will have another way how to combine protein-rich and healthful ingredients!

7. Healthy Chocolate Smoothie

Smooth and chocolatey – this healthy chocolate smoothie by Katie (@katie.gardner01) is powered with cacao, antioxidant-rich berries, protein powder and zucchini that is driving everyone crazy at the moment.

8. Protein Chocolates Filled With Strawberry Cashew Mousse

Remember to love yourself! These yummy mousse chocolates by Mairi (@gingervegan) are the perfect snacks to treat your eyes, tummy and soul. Lovely and soft, healthy and protein-rich.

So this concludes the list of our picks of 8 protein-rich chocolatey snack recipes. Which of these snacks do you want to try?

If you have any other great snack recipes to share, let us know in the comments below!