Gym Snack: High-Protein Crunchy Snacks with 30g Per Bag (No Seed Oils)

When Brooks Thomas from Louisville Brands told us about the company's new venture in the high-protein snack space, we knew we had to dig deeper. The team at Louisville Brands sought out a trained chef and fitness experts to create something the active nutrition market desperately needed: a savory, crunchy snack that actually delivers on protein without sacrificing taste or loading up on junk ingredients.

A savory protein snack that doesn't compromise. Gym Snack brings 15g plant protein per oz in crunchy form with zero seed oils, olive oil base, and real ingredients. Cheddar Cheeze and Jalapeño Cheddar flavors that taste like actual food.

Backed by industry veteran Nate Frazier and his team (you might remember Nate from Episode #098 of our podcast back when he was leading innovation at GNC), Gym Snack isn't trying to be another protein bar or sweet treat. This is a complete reimagining of what a high-protein snack can be when you start from scratch with real ingredients, chef-level flavor development, and zero compromises on the macro profile.

With 30g of plant-based protein per 2oz bag, zero seed oils, and a satisfying crunch that makes chips jealous, Gym Snack is positioning itself as the go-to option for anyone tired of choosing between taste and macros.

Gym Snack: Solving the Savory Protein Problem

Let's address the elephant in the room: the protein snack market is dominated by sweet options. Protein bars taste like candy bars (or chalk). Protein cookies are still cookies, and protein brownies are... brownies. Even most protein chips lean heavily on BBQ or ranch flavors that still skew sweet.

Meanwhile, when you want something savory that fits your macros, what are your options? Regular chips with 2g of protein and 15g of fat? Beef jerky that costs $8 for 1oz? Cheese crisps that taste like cardboard?

Gym Snack saw this gap and decided to fill it with a product that leverages the power of textured pea protein in a way that's never been done before. The result? A crunchy, cheesy snack that delivers 15g of protein per 1oz serving while keeping fats reasonable, carbs low, and the ingredient list clean.

Ready to upgrade your snack game? Use PricePlow to find great deals on Gym Snack and sign up for alerts when new flavors drop, then let's get into the details:

The Macro Leverage That Changes Everything

Here's what makes Gym Snack genuinely different: each 1oz serving delivers 15g of protein against just 7g of total fat and 8g of total carbs (5g net carbs when you subtract the 3g of fiber). That's over a 50% protein-to-everything-else ratio, something that's almost unheard of in the snack category.

Even if you count the fiber as "active" carbs (which your body doesn't fully process), you're still getting more protein than fats and carbs combined. For anyone tracking macros, meal planning, or trying to hit protein targets without blowing out calories, this is the kind of efficiency that actually matters.

At 160 calories per serving (320 per bag), Gym Snack fits anywhere in your day: post-workout, between meals, late-night munchies, or even as a salad topper for added crunch and protein. The volume-to-calorie ratio is exceptional, meaning you can actually eat and feel satisfied without derailing your nutrition plan.

The Seed Oil Story... or Lack Thereof

Here's where Gym Snack takes another stand: zero seed oils. While the industry defaults to canola (rapeseed), sunflower, and soybean oils for cost reasons, the team behind Gym Snack chose olive oil as the fat source. This isn't just a marketing play; it's a deliberate decision that aligns with growing consumer awareness about inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids and oxidized vegetable oils.

For those of us who've been tracking the seed oil conversation since the late 2010s (and earlier), this is a legitimate differentiator. Olive oil provides stable, monounsaturated fats without the oxidative stress concerns that plague industrially processed seed oils. It costs more, but it's the right choice for a product targeting health-conscious consumers who read labels.

GLP-1 Support Through Protein Leverage

While Gym Snack isn't a pharmaceutical intervention, the high protein content naturally supports satiety hormones like GLP-1 and peptide YY (PYY). Protein is the most satiating macronutrient, and when you deliver 15g in a convenient, portable format, you're giving your body the tools it needs to regulate appetite effectively.

This makes Gym Snack relevant for anyone managing calorie intake, whether you're in a deficit, maintaining, or just trying to avoid the blood sugar rollercoaster of typical snack foods. The combination of protein and fiber creates genuine fullness without relying on artificial fillers or gimmicks.

Meet the Flavors

Gym Snack launched with two flavors that showcase true chef-inspired innovation and understanding of what makes savory snacks work:

• Cheddar Cheeze Crisps

  The flagship flavor delivers bold, savory cheese notes with umami depth from nutritional yeast and coconut aminos. This isn't trying to mimic cheese; it's creating a cheese experience using plant-based ingredients that actually taste like something you'd want to eat repeatedly.

  The seasoning penetrates deep into the textured pea protein, which has been designed with ridges and surface area specifically to hold flavor. Each bite delivers that satisfying cheesy punch without any dairy, making it accessible to vegans while appealing to anyone who just wants a damn good snack.

• Jalapeño Cheddar Cheeze Crisps

  Taking the cheddar base and adding real jalapeño (not just jalapeño flavoring), this version brings heat without overwhelming the savory foundation. The spice builds gradually, complementing the cheese notes rather than masking them.

  For those who default to spicy snacks, this delivers authentic pepper flavor with a kick that enhances rather than dominates. The balance here shows Brooks' chef instincts at work.

Gym Snack Ingredients

Let's break down what's actually in each 1oz (28g) serving:

• Textured Pea Protein - 15g protein

  The foundation of Gym Snack is textured pea protein, created through an extrusion process similar to pasta making. Raw pea protein isolate is forced through high-pressure, high-temperature extruders that reshape the protein into flat, ridged flakes with substantial surface area.

  This extrusion serves multiple purposes: it creates structural integrity for crunch, provides texture that makes these snacks satisfying to eat, and creates pockets and ridges that hold seasoning effectively. Unlike protein powders that sit in solution or protein bars that rely on binding agents, textured pea protein maintains its shape and provides genuine snackability.

  The process also improves digestibility by denaturing proteins in a controlled way, making amino acids more bioavailable while reducing some of the beany notes that plague lower-quality pea protein products.

  Why Pea Protein?

  Pea protein delivers all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source despite being plant-based (though methionine and cysteine are present in lower amounts).^[1] It's naturally free from major allergens (dairy, soy, gluten), highly digestible with true digestibility reaching 97.3%,^[2] and provides meaningful amounts of iron and potassium alongside protein content.

  Research shows pea protein digests at an intermediate rate between whey and casein, exhibiting similar short-term physiological benefits to whey protein.^[3] From a satiety perspective, pea protein reduces post-meal blood glucose spikes when consumed with high-carb meals and decreases energy intake at subsequent meals compared to no-protein controls.^[4] While individual study results on GLP-1 and PYY vary (nutrition research is complex), practical outcomes are clear: pea protein helps you feel fuller, longer.

  At 16g per serving, Gym Snack delivers a meaningful protein dose that contributes substantially to daily targets without requiring another shake or bar.

  Pea Fiber - 3g per serving

  The pea fiber included in the textured protein base provides both functional and nutritional benefits. Functionally, it contributes to the structural integrity of the extruded flakes and improves the overall mouthfeel.

  

  Nutritionally, this prebiotic fiber supports gut health by serving as fuel for beneficial bacteria, promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids that support everything from gut barrier function to metabolic signaling. Research shows pea fiber supplementation modestly alters gut microbial composition, leading to beneficial changes in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and promoting the production of SCFAs and other key metabolic signaling molecules.^[1]

  At 3g per serving (6g per bag), you're getting meaningful fiber that helps slow carbohydrate absorption and extends satiety. The combination of soluble and insoluble fiber fractions works synergistically to support digestive health and blood glucose regulation.

The Flavor System

The remaining ingredients create the taste profile that makes Gym Snack actually enjoyable to eat:

• Distilled White Vinegar

  Provides acidity and brightness that cuts through the rich, savory notes and prevents the flavor from feeling one-dimensional.

• Olive Oil

  As discussed, olive oil serves as the primary fat source, providing stable monounsaturated fats without seed oil concerns. This adds richness and helps fat-soluble flavor compounds coat the textured protein effectively.

• Nutritional Yeast

  Nutritional yeast delivers the umami backbone that makes the cheese flavor work without dairy. Rich in B vitamins and naturally savory, it's a staple in plant-based cooking for good reason.

• Lemon Juice

  Fresh acidity that complements the vinegar and adds complexity to the overall flavor profile.

• Vegan Sugar - 3g per serving

  

  A minimal amount of vegan sugar balances the savory elements and helps the seasoning adhere during production. At 3g per serving, this won't spike blood sugar or interfere with most dietary approaches.

• Coconut Aminos (Coconut Nectar, Coconut Sap, Sea Salt)

  Coconut aminos provide deep umami notes similar to soy sauce but without the soy or gluten. Made from coconut sap, they add complexity and savory depth that enhances the overall cheese profile.

• Yeast Extract

  Additional umami amplification through yeast extract, which contains naturally occurring glutamates that trigger savory taste receptors.

• Garlic, Onion, Paprika

  Classic savory aromatics that provide familiar flavor notes and depth. These are real ingredients, not just flavoring extracts.

• Jalapeño (Jalapeño Cheddar flavor only)

  Real jalapeño peppers, mortared and seasoned, provide authentic heat in the spicy variety.

• Fermented Rice Extract

  Fermented rice extract serves as a natural preservative while adding subtle fermented notes that enhance umami.

• Starch

  A minimal amount of starch helps bind the seasoning to the textured protein during the marination process.

• Sea Salt - 230mg sodium per serving

  Sea salt rounds out the seasoning and provides essential sodium. At 230mg per serving (460mg per bag), this contributes to electrolyte balance without excessive intake.

• Turmeric (Extract in Cheddar, whole in Jalapeño Cheddar)

  Turmeric provides natural golden color and contributes subtle earthy notes along with its polyphenol content.

The Manufacturing Process That Makes It Work

Understanding how Gym Snack is made reveals why the texture and flavor work so well:

1. Extrusion: Pea protein isolate and fiber are forced through high-pressure, high-temperature extruders, emerging as flat, ridged flakes with substantial surface area for seasoning adherence.
2. Dehydration: The extruded flakes arrive dehydrated, maintaining structural integrity until marination.
3. Marination: Brooks' proprietary marinade (the flavor system detailed above) rehydrates the flakes while penetrating throughout the product. This isn't surface seasoning; it's thorough flavor integration.
4. Secondary Dehydration: After marination, the flakes undergo controlled low-temperature dehydration that removes moisture while preserving the flavor compounds and creating the final crispy texture.

This multi-step process explains why Gym Snack doesn't taste like typical protein snacks. The marination step allows real ingredients to penetrate the textured protein completely, creating consistent flavor throughout rather than relying on surface-applied powders that fall off when you open the bag.

Who Should Try Gym Snack?

Gym Snack is ideal for:

• Anyone tracking macros who needs savory protein options
• Athletes and gym-goers tired of sweet protein snacks
• People following plant-based diets who want convenient protein
• Snackers who want chips-level satisfaction with better nutrition
• Meal preppers looking for protein-dense salad toppers
• Anyone avoiding seed oils and prioritizing clean ingredients
• Late-night snackers who need something that won't derail tomorrow

Flavors Currently Available via PricePlow

The two introductory flavors are mentioned above, but the list below will remain up-to-date if new ones are added:

The Verdict: Protein Snacking, Reimagined

After testing both flavors extensively, we can confirm: Gym Snack delivers on its bold premise. These aren't "good for protein snacks". They're legitimately good crunchy snacks that happen to have exceptional macros.

Nate Frazier & Ken Huntly of GNC join the PricePlow Podcast for Episode #098 to discuss the Kaged partnership and GNC's strategy in 2023

The texture hits that satisfying crunch that makes chips addictive. The flavors are developed with actual culinary skill rather than thrown together by food scientists optimizing cost. The macro profile makes them genuinely useful for people with protein targets. And the ingredient list reads like something you'd make in your own kitchen if you had an industrial extruder.

Louisville Brands has created something that fills a real gap in the active nutrition market. There are plenty of sweet protein options. There are plenty of savory snacks with terrible macros. But savory, crunchy snacks with 15g of protein per serving, zero seed oils, and chef-level flavor? That category had exactly zero options until now.

For anyone tired of forcing down another protein bar or another shake, Gym Snack offers a genuinely different approach: real food that tastes like real food, with macros that actually support your goals instead of working against them.

We're looking forward to having Brooks Thomas and Nate Frazier back on the PricePlow Podcast soon to discuss the business strategy behind Gym Snack and where Brooks plans to take the brand next. In the meantime, if you've been searching for a savory protein option that doesn't compromise, this is it.