The 10 best vegan protein sources

Looking for more information on high-protein foods? Why not check out our high-protein recipes collection and then discover the best vegetarian protein sources to try. Plus, we picked the top vegan foods to add to your basket.

How much protein should I eat?

The Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) for an average adult is set at 0.75g of protein per kg of bodyweight per day. So an adult weighing 60kg needs 60 x 0.75g per day, which is 45g. A person weighing 74kg would need 74 x 0.75g per day, which is 55g.

Can you eat too much protein?

There is some evidence to suggest that eating too much protein may be bad for you, but this typically relates to diets high in animal proteins such as dairy and red or processed meats. A prolonged intake of high amounts of protein was once thought to contribute to bone loss and kidney damage. However, studies now suggest that in otherwise healthy individuals there is little evidence of this effect. A high-protein diet does appear to be a problem for those with an existing condition or kidney dysfunction, but in otherwise healthy people, including the elderly, higher protein intakes may actually be beneficial by helping to prevent muscle loss.

Little research has been conducted into any risks associated with high-protein vegan diets, although it is always important to ensure that there is variety and that attention is paid to vitamin and mineral requirements, especially in pregnancy.

Can you get enough protein as a vegan athlete?

Being vegan can have its challenges for athletes and those who exercise, as it is important to ensure there is adequate energy and protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as some key nutrients such as vitamin B12, zinc and iron, as well as calorie intake.

A recent study by the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that vegan diets can be more difficult to maintain and that there may be some issues around digestion and absorption of key nutrients, but with careful management and some supplementation, a vegan diet 'can achieve the needs of most athletes satisfactorily'.

High-protein vegan foods

Plant foods can be a great source of protein and of real benefit in helping to reduce animal proteins in the diet whether you are an omnivore, vegetarian or a vegan.

Please note – all gram weights below relate to the edible, cooked food.

1. Quinoa

Quinoa is a seed and you can find white, red, black or mixed varieties – 100g of quinoa (cooked weight) will provide almost 4g protein, but it's also known as a complete protein which means it contains all 22 amino acids, making it a great alternative to carbohydrates such as rice and couscous.

Discover the health benefits of quinoa.

2. Pulses

A pulse is actually an edible seed that grows in a pod, and this therefore includes all beans, peas and lentils. These make a great, low-fat and affordable source of plant protein and provide plenty of variety.

Different pulses include:

• Lentils including puy, green, and red: around 8-9g of protein per 100g
• Chickpeas, including hummus: 7g of protein per 100g
• Garden peas – around 7g per 100g
• Beans, including black-eyed, pinto, butter, cannellini, soya, edamame and kidney: between 7-10g protein per 100g
• Baked beans do count as a good source of protein but keep an eye on the salt content: 5g per 100g.

3. Tofu

Tofu, or bean curd, is derived from soya and just 100g of tofu provides 8g protein. Tofu is very versatile as it can be cooked in many ways, including baking and stir-frying, as well as blending it into soups to make them creamier and higher in protein.

Learn more about the health benefits of tofu.

4. Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are again very versatile and can be used with meals or as a snack to ensure adequate protein, and energy, is maintained throughout the day. Some of the best nut and seed proteins include:

• Hemp seeds – 5g per heaped tablespoon
• Ground linseed – 3g per heaped tablespoon
• Almonds – 3g of protein for every six almonds
• Walnuts – around 3g of protein for every three whole walnuts
• Pumpkin seeds – 4g per tablespoon
• Pistachios – just over 1g of protein over 10 pistachios
• Cashew nuts – 3g per 10 cashew nuts
• Brazil nuts – 4g per six Brazil nuts

Look out for peanut butter and nut butters, too, as another convenient protein source, but read the label to make sure they are 100% nuts and have no added oils, salt or sugars. One heaped tablespoon of smooth peanut butter provides just over 3g of protein.

Read more about the health benefits of almonds, walnuts and pumpkin seeds.

5. Chia seeds

Just one tablespoon of chia seeds will provide almost 2g of protein, and they can be used in breakfasts, sprinkled over salads and soups, or as a healthy, protein-rich dessert. They also work as an excellent replacement to egg in vegan cooking as they are hydrophilic and will therefore expand when soaked in water for about 20 minutes.

Discover more about the health benefits of chia seeds.

6. Buckwheat

Buckwheat is actually a seed that is high in both protein and fibre, with 100g providing about 5g of protein, and it's also gluten-free. Buckwheat is becoming increasingly popular and can be found as flakes, groats, pasta and flours, making it an excellent addition to a vegan diet.

7. Oats

While oats are a complex carbohydrate, providing slow energy release, they are also an excellent source of protein packing 10g per 100g.

Learn more about the health benefits of oats.

8. Brown and wild rice

While primarily a carbohydrate, brown and wild rice do contain adequate levels of protein, around 4g per 100g, and they’re also a great source of fibre.

9. Other grains

Some slightly lesser known grains can also be used to bump up your protein:

• Spelt – over 5g of protein per 100g
• Teff – over 4g of protein per 100g
• Amaranth – over 4g of protein per 100g
• Sorghum – over 8g of protein per 100g

Find out more about alternative grains.

10. Vegetables

Vegetables also offer a surprising amount of protein including:

• Asparagus – almost 2g of protein per six spears
• Avocado – over 1g per ½ an avocado
• Broccoli – almost 3g per 80g broccoli
• Brussels sprouts – around 2g per 80g Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower – 1.5g per 80g serving
• Jerusalem artichokes – over 1g of protein per 80g
• Kale – almost 2g per 80g serving
• Spinach – 2g per 80g serving
• Sweetcorn – over 2g for every three heaped tablespoons

Discover more about the health benefits of asparagus, avocado, broccoli and spinach.

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Kerry Torrens is a qualified Nutritionist (MBANT) with a post graduate diploma in Personalised Nutrition & Nutritional Therapy. She is a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and a member of the Guild of Food Writers. Over the last 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including Good Food.

Nicola Shubrook is a nutritional therapist and works with both private clients and the corporate sector. She is an accredited member of the British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT) and the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). Find out more at urbanwellness.co.uk.

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