9 Easy High-Protein Lunch Ideas for Work

Protein is the fuel you need to get through busy afternoons and it keeps you feeling full for hours after you eat. That’s why you want to be sure your lunch includes plenty of high-quality protein. The Nutrisystem menu offers you lots of tempting, high-protein lunch ideas for work that make it convenient for you to eat well and keep your energy level up.

Here are nine enticing lunch options that you are sure to love. But you don’t have to just take our word for it! We’re also sharing comments from real Nutrisystem customers about these easy, high-protein lunches, plus tips and ideas for tasty grocery add-ins that complement each menu item. Just be sure to refer to the Nutrisystem Grocery Guide if you add any extras!

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar >

Why you’ll love it: Peanuts are rich in protein and healthy fats, so they’re a good choice for a midday boost. With this Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar, you get real peanuts and a layer of creamy peanut butter. They’re combined with sweet crispies for added crunch and flavor, then wrapped in real milk chocolate. Lunch doesn’t get easier or sweeter.

How much protein: 11 grams

What they’re saying: “Tastes like a certain name brand candy bar, but more satisfying,” says Bethany. “It’s convenient for work.”

What to try it with: Apples and pears are perfect partners for peanut butter, and they’re high in fiber to fill you up.

2. Meatball Parmesan Melt >

Why you’ll love it: When you’ve worked up a big appetite all morning, you need a hearty meal with lots of protein. That’s the right time to whip up this hearty Meatball Parmesan Melt. Inside you get plump meatballs, along with low-fat mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, all in a zesty tomato sauce. They’re wrapped in a crusty whole grain roll to make it easy to hold. And it’s all ready to eat, warm and gooey, in minutes.

How much protein: 14 grams

What they’re saying: “Was really in the mood for a meatball sub,” Nancy says. This melt “wasn’t as large but left me full and happy.”

What to try it with: Heat up low-sodium marinara sauce for dipping your melt.

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3. Bacon And Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Stick >

Why you’ll love it: We’ve brought together three great tastes into one delicious and handy lunch. Bites of real smoky bacon are blended with creamy cheddar cheese, then stuffed into chicken breast that’s juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Our Bacon And Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Stick is high in both protein AND in satisfaction.

How much protein: 18 grams

What they’re saying: “It’s hard to beat getting that much protein in an easy meal,” Ellie says. “I air-fried it, wrapped it in foil and ate in on my long drive.”

What to try it with: Pair it with a simple tossed salad or coleslaw to eat on the side.

4. Chocolaty Fudge Graham Bar >

Why you’ll love it: What would you say if we told you that s’mores can be a lunch when you’re trying to lose weight? Yes, this Chocolaty Fudge Graham Bar has everything you love, including gooey marshmallow and crunchy graham cracker coated in rich chocolate. It fuels you up with plenty of protein to keep your day going strong. And it’s ready to eat whenever you are—no campfire needed.

How much protein: 14 grams

What they’re saying: “I love these,” Jodi says. “They taste like the ‘bad’ fudge dipped graham crackers I used to binge on.”

What to try it with: Fat-free milk adds more protein to your lunch and complements the flavors of chocolate and graham cracker.

5. Classic Tuna Salad >

Why you’ll love it: Tuna salad has always been a favorite of people trying to lose weight because it’s loaded with protein. We’ve made it even easier for you by preparing Classic Tuna Salad the way you would, with chunks of light tuna, mayonnaise, onions, pickles and spices, plus water chestnuts for added flavor and crunch. We put it in a handy pouch so you can bring it wherever your day takes you.

How much protein: 13 grams

What they’re saying: “Perfect when on the go,” Suzy says. It’s “already nicely seasoned for you.”

What to try it with: Fork it on top of a bed of salad greens or spread it on whole grain crackers.

6. Chewy Trail Mix Bar >

Why you’ll love it: Trail mix is a quick way to fuel up, whether you’re on a strenuous hike or working your way through a hectic day. We’ve made it even easier to enjoy with this filling Chewy Trail Mix Bar. The protein comes from lightly salted salty cashews, almonds and peanuts. Raisins make it sweet and lightly chewy, while crispies contrast that with a little crunch. They’re all blended together on top of a layer of creamy milk chocolate. Drop this in your work bag or purse so it’s ready for you when hunger strikes.

How much protein: 12 grams

What they’re saying: “This is a delicious trail bar,” Terry says. “I definitely think it could pass for a trail mix bar suited for anyone.”

What to try it with: A banana is sweet and filling, and it also comes in its own handy packaging (just like this Trail Mix Bar!).

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7. Four Cheese Melt >

Why you’ll love it: Cheese is high in protein and in pleasure. We used Parmesan, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to make this simple yet delicious Four Cheese Melt lunch. When heated, they melt into a oh-so gooey filling for a whole grain crust. It’s ready in minutes and portable, so you can enjoy it wherever you have your lunch break.

How much protein: 14 grams

What they’re saying: “Very flavorful option for the cheese lover,” Patricia reports. “Simple to heat in the microwave.”

What to try it with: A side of baby carrots or sliced bell peppers gives you one of your daily servings of non-starchy vegetables (and they taste even better when you swipe them through any extra drips of cheese on your plate).

8. Classic Hamburger >

Why you’ll love it: Our Classic Hamburger is a best seller for a reason. This lunchtime favorite features a flavorful, hearty beef patty nestled in a soft whole wheat bun. Get in your protein while enjoying your cookout favorite made weight loss-friendly!

How much protein: 14 grams

What they’re saying: “Yummy!” says Linda. “I don’t even need to put any condiments on it! One of my favorites.”

What to try it with: Top it with a slice of low-fat cheese or your favorite burger condiments, such as ketchup, mustard or a pickle. Don’t forget the lettuce, tomato and onion, too!

9. Jalapeno And White Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Stick >

Why you’ll love it: Tender and hearty chicken is filled with a zesty combination of jalapeno peppers and white cheddar cheese. Our Jalapeno And White Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Stick is basically your favorite jalapeno popper appetizer turned into an easy, high-protein lunch!

How much protein: 17 grams

What they’re saying: “This is such a great meal,” says Kiki. “Love this one in the air fryer.”

What to try it with: Add some more heat! Top it with extra spicy jalapeno slices or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Explore our lunch menu and stock up on high protein meals here! >