A food product is defined by a moist, fruit-paste matrix, having a water activity level in a range of 0.55 to 0.70, within which protein particulates are intermixed. The protein particulates include protein bits having a bulk density of about 0.4 g/cc and provided with a natural syrup coating. With the added protein bits, the protein level of the food product is at least 10 grams per serving or 10 grams/50-55 grams of the food product. The food product can be provided in the form of a snack product, such as a bite-sized snack product or a snack bar. The invention also sets forth a method of making the food product wherein provisions are taken to assure that the protein bits are properly coated, separated, sized and added to the fruit-paste matrix under time and other condition constraints to assure the integrity of the protein bits.
