High Protein Low Calorie Foods UK: Best Options, Snacks & Complete Guide 2026
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Written by Rachel Orriss | Last updated: 13 June 2026
High Protein Low Calorie Foods UK – Best Options, Snacks & Complete Guide 2026
High protein, low calorie foods are the foundation of effective, sustainable weight loss. This guide covers the best whole foods, convenient snacks and meal replacement options available in the UK — with honest nutrition data and practical meal ideas.
We offer member discount prices with the lowest cost per serving available in the UK, delivered across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Best High Protein Low Calorie Foods UK 2026
| Food | Protein | Calories | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herbalife Protein Bars Best Snack | 10g | 140 cal | Here — best UK price |
| Formula 1 Meal Bars | 13g | 207 cal | Here — best UK price |
| Formula 1 Shakes Best Value | 18g | 220 cal | Here — £1.13/serving |
| Protein Drink Mix | 15g | 80 cal | Here — best UK price |
| Chicken breast (100g) | 31g | 165 cal | Supermarkets |
| Greek yogurt 0% fat (100g) | 10g | 59 cal | Supermarkets |
| Tuna (100g) | 25g | 116 cal | Supermarkets |
| Eggs (1 large) | 6g | 72 cal | Supermarkets |
Why High Protein Low Calorie Foods Work for Weight Loss
Protein is the most satiating macronutrient. High protein foods keep you fuller for longer, reducing overall calorie intake throughout the day.
When losing weight, your body can burn muscle for energy. High protein intake prevents this, ensuring you lose fat — not muscle.
Your body burns more calories digesting protein than carbs or fats — the thermic effect of food. Protein has a TEF of ~25–30% vs ~6–8% for carbs.
By choosing high protein, low calorie options, you get the satiety benefits of protein whilst staying in the calorie deficit needed for fat loss.
Best High Protein Low Calorie Snacks UK
Snacking can derail weight loss — but the right snacks keep you satisfied between meals without blowing your calorie budget.
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1Herbalife Protein Bar – Chocolate Peanut
10g protein, 140 calories. Perfect on-the-go snack. Rich chocolate peanut flavour. -
2Herbalife Protein Bar – Citrus Lemon
10g protein, 140 calories. Refreshing citrus flavour. Great for post-workout or mid-afternoon. -
3Formula 1 Express Meal Bar – Dark Chocolate
13g protein, 207 calories. Can replace a small meal or serve as a substantial snack. -
4Protein Chips – Barbecue
Crunchy, savoury snack with protein. A much better alternative to regular crisps. -
5Greek Yogurt 0% fat (100g)
10g protein, 59 calories. Add berries for flavour without many extra calories. -
6Hard-Boiled Eggs
6g protein, 72 calories each. Cheap, portable and filling. Prep a batch on Sunday.
High Protein Low Calorie Meal Ideas
Building meals around high protein, low calorie foods is the key to successful weight loss. Here are practical ideas for each meal of the day.
Breakfast
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Formula 1 Shake
18g protein, 220 cal - Scrambled eggs (3) + spinach
18g protein, ~220 cal - Greek yogurt (200g) + berries
20g protein, ~150 cal
Lunch
-
Formula 1 Cookie Crunch Shake
18g protein, 220 cal - Grilled chicken salad (150g)
45g protein, ~300 cal - Tuna (150g) + mixed veg
37g protein, ~250 cal
Dinner
- Grilled salmon (200g) + broccoli
40g protein, ~350 cal - Chicken breast (200g) + cauliflower rice
60g protein, ~400 cal - Lean beef stir-fry + vegetables
50g protein, ~450 cal
High Protein Low Calorie Foods – Full UK List
Lean Meats & Fish
- Chicken breast — 31g / 165 cal per 100g
- Turkey breast — 29g / 135 cal per 100g
- Tuna — 25g / 116 cal per 100g
- Prawns — 24g / 99 cal per 100g
- Cod — 18g / 82 cal per 100g
- Salmon — 20g / 208 cal per 100g
Dairy & Eggs
- Greek yogurt 0% — 10g / 59 cal per 100g
- Skyr yogurt — 11g / 63 cal per 100g
- Cottage cheese — 11g / 98 cal per 100g
- Eggs — 6g / 72 cal each
Plant-Based
- Edamame — 11g / 122 cal per 100g
- Lentils (cooked) — 9g / 116 cal per 100g
- Chickpeas (cooked) — 9g / 164 cal per 100g
- Tofu — 8g / 76 cal per 100g
- Vegan Protein Shake — 15g / 80 cal
Convenient Options
- Formula 1 Shake — 18g / 220 cal
- Protein Bars — 10g / 140 cal
- Protein Drink Mix — 15g / 80 cal
- Protein Chips — 7g / 120 cal
How Much Protein Do You Need?
For weight loss, aim for 1.6–2.2g of protein per kg of body weight daily. For a 70kg person, that’s 112–154g of protein per day.
Example Day – 70kg Person (Target: ~130g protein)
Why Buy Here?
We offer member discount prices — the lowest cost per serving available in the UK. No hidden fees, no subscription traps. Fast delivery across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best high protein low calorie foods?
The best high protein low calorie foods include chicken breast (31g protein, 165 cal per 100g), Greek yogurt 0% fat (10g protein, 59 cal per 100g), eggs (6g protein, 72 cal each), tuna (25g protein, 116 cal per 100g), and Herbalife Formula 1 shakes (18g protein, 220 cal per serving).
What are the best high protein low calorie snacks in the UK?
The best high protein low calorie snacks in the UK include Herbalife Protein Bars (10g protein, 140 cal), Greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, cottage cheese, and protein shakes. These keep you full between meals without adding many calories.
How much protein do I need to lose weight?
For weight loss, aim for 1.6–2.2g of protein per kg of body weight daily. For a 70kg person, that’s 112–154g of protein per day. High protein intake preserves muscle whilst losing fat.
Are protein bars good for weight loss?
Yes — protein bars like Herbalife Protein Bars are excellent for weight loss when used as snacks. They provide 10g protein and only 140 calories, keeping you full and preventing overeating at meals.
What are the best protein shakes for weight loss in the UK?
The best protein shakes for weight loss in the UK are Herbalife Formula 1 shakes (18g protein, 220 cal) because they’re nutritionally complete meal replacements — not just protein supplements. They provide 24+ vitamins and minerals whilst creating a calorie deficit.
Can I eat high protein low calorie foods every day?
Yes — eating high protein, low calorie foods every day is safe and recommended for weight loss. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance, satiety and metabolism. Combine whole foods with convenient options like Herbalife shakes and bars for the best results.
Are high protein low calorie foods expensive?
Not necessarily. Eggs, Greek yogurt and chicken are affordable at any UK supermarket. Herbalife Formula 1 shakes cost from £1.13/serving — competitive with meal prep when you factor in time and convenience.
