Giada De Laurentiis Shares Her Favorite Protein-Packed Snack

The celebrity chef says a simple chunk of Parmigiano Reggiano is her go-to protein bar.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:15pm

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A translucent, ghostly X-ray image showing the intricate internal structure of a wedge of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, with its dense, crystalline patterns highlighting the cheese's natural protein content.An X-ray view of the dense, crystalline structure of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese reveals the natural protein-rich composition that makes it a healthy, whole-food snack alternative.Cleveland Today

Giada De Laurentiis recently shared on Instagram that her favorite protein-filled snack is a piece of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. The celebrity chef said she's been eating the Italian cheese since she was a kid, praising it for its clean ingredients, high protein content, and versatility as both a snack and a meal topper.

Why it matters

As protein-rich snacks and supplements have become increasingly popular, De Laurentiis' endorsement of a simple, whole-food option like Parmigiano Reggiano provides a healthy, minimally processed alternative to highly processed protein bars and powders.

The details

In her Instagram video, De Laurentiis held up a block of Parmigiano Reggiano and touted its benefits, noting that the cheese is made with milk from cows that graze on spring grass and is aged for a minimum of 12 months, with her personal preference being the 24-month aged version. She said the cheese provides a 'clean' and 'salty' protein boost without any 'junky ingredients' found in many protein bars.

  • On Monday, De Laurentiis shared the video on her Instagram account.

The players

Giada De Laurentiis

An Italian-American chef, television personality, author, and the host of several Food Network television programs.

Jade

De Laurentiis' daughter, with whom she discussed protein snacks.

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What they’re saying

“I've been hearing about the protein bar craze for so long now, it's all over my social media, everywhere, and I was talking to Jade (her daughter) about it the other day, and this is my protein bar.”

— Giada De Laurentiis, Chef and TV personality

“It's my favorite kind of snack. It is clean and [has] no junky ingredients. You don't know what you're getting in those protein bars.”

— Giada De Laurentiis, Chef and TV personality

“The best protein bar you can get. One ingredient, super delicious and my go-to protein bar as well.”

— Instagram commenter

“So true! A hack to share with my midlife clients as well! Great way to add protein to so many meals too.”

— Instagram commenter

The takeaway

De Laurentiis' endorsement of Parmigiano Reggiano as a healthy, protein-rich snack option provides a refreshing alternative to highly processed protein supplements and bars, highlighting the benefits of choosing whole, minimally processed foods as part of a balanced diet.