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Trying to gain weight? These High-Calorie Snacks are super handy to carry around and will keep you full throughout the day.
Are you trying to gain weight or bulk up? Then you know you need to consume high-calorie snacks.
Typical snacks like chips and cookies are high in calories. But they’re not healthy.
That’s why I’m sharing 31 High-Calorie Snacks for Healthy Weight Gain. They’re not only high in calories but good for you too.
Let’s get snacking!
Table of Contents
- 1. Whole Milk
- 2. Soy Milk
- 3. Peanut Butter
- 4. Almond Butter
- 5. Hummus
- 6. Tahini
- 7. Avocados
- 8. Hard-Boiled Eggs
- 9. Cereal Bars
- 10. Dark Chocolate
- 11. Full Fat Greek Yogurt
- 12. Coconut Yogurt
- 13. Cheddar Cheese
- 14. Olives
- 15. Smoothies
- 16. Medjool Dates
- 17. Whole Wheat Bread
- 18. Beef Jerky
- 19. Whole Wheat Pretzels
- 20. Raisins
- 21. Granola Bars
- 22. Dried Figs
- 23. Dried Apricots
- 24. Prunes
- 25. Fruit Juice
- 26. Brazil Nuts
- 27. Walnuts
- 28. Sunflower Seeds
- 29. Cashews
- 30. Almonds
- 31. Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. Whole Milk
Skim milk is excellent for building muscle. However, choose whole milk instead to get more bang for your calorie buck.
One cup of whole milk has 146 calories. Compare this to skim milk, which has just 83 calories.
Besides drinking whole milk, you can use it to make smoothies.
2. Soy Milk
Soy Milk is one of the higher-calorie non-dairy alternatives.
One cup of unsweetened soy milk has 80 calories.
Soy milk also contains more protein.
Besides drinking soy milk on its own, you can use it to make smoothies. You can also use it to make puddings like my Banana Chia Pudding.
3. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter can make for a quick and easy snack.
Two tablespoons of peanut butter contain 190 calories. And it provides 7 grams of protein.
Peanut butter even contains magnesium and manganese, which build your bones.
Peanut butter is delicious on its own. But you can also pair it with bananas, apple slices, or celery.
Peanut butter is also great on whole-wheat crackers.
4. Almond Butter
Almond Butter contains even more calories than peanut butter. Two tablespoons of almond butter contain 202 calories.
However, it contains about 40% less protein.
It contains more vitamins and minerals. In fact, it has twice as much iron.
It also contains seven times more calcium – and about three times more Vitamin E.
5. Hummus
A typical 3.5-ounce serving of Hummus provides 166 calories.
And it is rich in fiber which promotes digestive health. It is also a good source of manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Besides using hummus as a dip, you can also spread it on whole wheat pita bread.
6. Tahini
Tahini is a crucial ingredient in hummus. Just like hummus, Tahini contains a ton of calories.
Two tablespoons of Tahini provide 180 calories. It also contains 6 grams of protein.
Now Tahini tends to have a strong, earthy flavor. And it can be a bit bitter.
So you’ll want to add some lemon juice and garlic to amp the flavor.
7. Avocados
Creamy avocado and crispy warm toast are a winning combination.
One large avocado contains a whopping 322 calories. That’s because it contains a ton of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
You can use them to make guacamole or as a tortilla spread. You can also use them in smoothies or dairy-free chocolate mousse.
8. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-Boiled Eggs are a body builder’s best friend. That’s because they’re packed with high-quality protein and healthy fats.
One large hard-boiled egg contains 6 grams of protein. And it provides 77 calories.
Eggs also provide choline, which many people don’t get enough of.
Hard-Boiled Eggs are also great for eating on the run.
9. Cereal Bars
Looking for another great on-the-go snack? Cereal Bars are an excellent option.
Most cereal bars on the market contain about 150 to 200 calories. So they’re a concentrated source of calories.
Stick to cereal bars that contain healthy ingredients like seeds, dried fruits, and nuts. Or you can make your own.
10. Dark Chocolate
A 3.5-ounce bar of dark chocolate contains 600 calories.
Dark chocolate is also antioxidant-rich. In fact, it provides even more antioxidants than acai berries and blueberries.
When choosing dark chocolate, make sure it contains at least 70% cocoa content. That’s because a higher cocoa content means more antioxidants.
11. Full Fat Greek Yogurt
Looking for something creamy? Have some Full Fat Greek Yogurt.
A 5.3 ounce serving of Full Fat Greek Yogurt contains 140 calories. And it provides 14 grams of protein.
Greek Yogurt is also rich in probiotics that may boost your immune system.
To make it a snack, add some berries and honey.
12. Coconut Yogurt
Want a non-dairy alternative to Full Fat Greek Yogurt? Have some Coconut Yogurt.
One cup of coconut yogurt contains 157 calories. What’s more, fortified coconut yogurt contains the same amount of calcium as dairy yogurt.
It’s also rich in probiotics.
Add some berries and seeds to make it a snack.
13. Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is one of the most calorie-dense cheeses.
Just one ounce of cheddar cheese provides 120 calories. It’s also a good source of protein and calcium.
Cheddar cheese is excellent on its own. But to make it even more high-calorie, add some whole wheat crackers or dried fruit.
14. Olives
Do you love olives on your pizza? Then you’ll love eating them straight from the jar.
A 3.5 ounce serving of olives contains 115 calories. It’s also packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
It’s also rich in several antioxidants. You can pair your olives with cheese and dried fruit for even more calories.
15. Smoothies
Do you like drinking your calories? Then Smoothies are the way to go.
A typical 8-ounce smoothie contains about 150 calories. And they’re packed with fruits and vegetables.
And smoothies are so easy to make. Here are some High-Calorie Smoothie Ideas for inspiration.
16. Medjool Dates
Medjool Dates make a great sweetener. And they’re great as a snack too.
Just 2 Medjool Dates provide 133 calories.
Dates also contain fiber which supports healthy digestion.
Feel free to fill your Medjool dates with nut butter to add more calories. They will taste like mini-Mars bars!
17. Whole Wheat Bread
Do you love your carbs? Snack on some whole wheat bread.
2 slices of whole wheat bread contain 161 calories. It also provides 8 grams of protein.
And unlike white bread, whole wheat bread contains fiber too.
Plus, you can top it with so many things: cheese, peanut butter, and even avocado.
18. Beef Jerky
Are you a meat-lover? Snack on some Beef Jerky.
One large piece contains 82 calories. It also provides 7 grams of protein.
Plus, you don’t need to refrigerate it. So it makes for a great grab-and-go snack.
On the downside, beef jerky does tend to be high in sodium.
19. Whole Wheat Pretzels
Need something crunchy? Ditch the potato chips – and snack on some whole wheat pretzels instead.
I bet you can’t have just one! And that’s a good thing – a 2-ounce serving contains 206 calories.
It also provides 6 grams of protein. And it’s a good source of potassium and iron.
20. Raisins
Raisins may be tiny, but they sure pack a lot of calories. A 3.5-ounce serving contains 301 calories.
Raisins are also good sources of fiber and iron. They also contain zinc, selenium, and Vitamin C, which are good for your skin.
21. Granola Bars
Need another sweet snack? Munch on some granola bars.
One plain granola bar contains 118 calories. And it provides more than 2 grams of protein.
Enjoy with a glass of whole milk or soy milk for even more calories. Or you can add some peanut butter.
22. Dried Figs
Want to be fancy? Snack on some dried figs.
A 3.5-ounce serving contains 277 calories. And it provides 10 grams of fiber.
That’s 40% of your daily fiber requirements. So it promotes digestive health.
Add some nuts or cheddar cheese for even more calories – and nutrition.
23. Dried Apricots
Dried apricots have a nice balance of tanginess and sweetness.
And a 3.5-ounce serving contains 241 calories. It also provides 7 grams of fiber.
You can serve them with blue cheese or Greek yogurt to add even more calories. Or, to keep it vegan, you can add pistachios or cashew nuts.
24. Prunes
Prunes are rich in fiber which can help manage constipation.
A 3.5-ounce serving contains 240 calories. And it provides iron which keeps you energized.
Prunes are great all by themselves. Or you use them to make homemade Trail Mix or add them to baked goods.
25. Fruit Juice
Fruit juice is a concentrated form of calories. For instance, one cup of orange juice provides 110 calories.
And it provides close to 70% of your daily Vitamin C requirements.
When choosing fruit juice, make sure you choose 100% fruit juice – without added sugar.
26. Brazil Nuts
Brazil Nuts are another concentrated form of calories. A 3.5-ounce serving provides 659 calories.
And it contains 14 grams of protein. It’s also rich in fiber, heart-healthy fats, and bone-building minerals.
Serve with Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt for even more calories.
27. Walnuts
Looking for another plant-based snack? Walnuts are a great option.
A 3.5-ounce serving of walnuts provides 654 calories. And it offers 15 grams of plant-based protein.
Walnuts are also one of the few sources of plant-based omega-3s.
For even more bulk, serve your walnuts with bananas.
28. Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are one of the cheaper high-calorie snacks on the market.
Also, a 3.5-ounce serving of sunflower seeds contains 657 calories.
Sunflower seeds are yummy just the way they are. But you can also add sunflower seeds to homemade Trail Mix, granola bars, or yogurt.
29. Cashews
Cashews are so creamy and decadent.
A one-ounce serving contains 157 calories. It also contains fiber, plant-based protein, and heart-healthy fats.
Eat cashews on their own or use them to make cashew butter. You can also use them to make my 5-Ingredient Cashew Energy Balls.
30. Almonds
Can’t get enough of all the nuts? Have some Almonds.
Just like cashews, they’re great for eating on the run. And a small one-ounce serving contains 161 calories.
They’re also one of the best sources of Vitamin E, which promotes healthy skin.
31. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Craving some Cookies? Have one of my chocolate chip cookies.
One cookie provides 204 calories. Plus, sweet, and delicious.
Yet they’re healthy too. That’s because you’re using wholesome ingredients.