17 Tasty Vegan Foods That Are Protein-Rich

June 20, 2019
8 mins read
Photo by Artem Bulbfish from Pexels

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What we call protein is a chemical compound that is classified as a macronutrient which is essential for the building of muscle mass. It is not an exaggeration to say that it is simply an essential requirement that the human body needs to fuel itself. It is most commonly found in animal products, though it is also present in some other sources.

Which other sources? To the relief of vegans worldwide, they are sources that don’t involve even the slightest damage towards any animal life and that can provide the right amount of the nutrient nonetheless. The same content with none of the cruelty? Sign us up.

#1 Edamame Beans

Edamame Beans [su_box title=”Who suggested this product?” style=”noise” radius=”0″]The Edamame Beans was recommended by Joe Flanagan from GetSongbpm. You can find out more about Joe Flanagan here or read their product recommendation below.[/su_box]

Edamame Beans which contain 11g of protein per 100g of beans. They also contain a hefty dose of antioxidants along with 9g of fibre per 100g and come in at just 120 calories. However, the greatest reason is that they are one of the few plant-based protein sources that boast a complete amino acid profile.

#2 Chickpeas

Chickpeas [su_box title=”Who suggested this product?” style=”noise” radius=”0″]The Chickpeas was recommended by Delilah Hart from Our Travel Mix. You can find out more about Delilah Hart here or read their product recommendation below.[/su_box]

Chickpeas contain 19 grams of protein per 100 grams making them extremely high in protein. They are also a very versatile ingredient. Chickpeas can be blended to create hummus or added to almost anything as a substitute to meat, including curries, wraps and burger patties.

#3 Hemp seeds

Hemp seeds [su_box title=”Who suggested this product?” style=”noise” radius=”0″]The Hemp seeds was recommended by Nikola Djordjevic from MedAlertHelp. You can find out more about Nikola Djordjevic here or read their product recommendation below.[/su_box]

Hemp seeds are one of the best choices for protein as a vegan, as they are a complete protein source, and thus considered a “superfood”. They pack a whopping 25% of protein content per total calories, including essential omega-3 and omega-6 oils as well.

To put that into perspective, two tablespoons of hemp seed are equivalent to two eggs or half a can of tuna. In fact, the protein ratio is comparable to that of beef or lamb.

#4 Pea Protein Powder

Pea Protein Powder [su_box title=”Who suggested this product?” style=”noise” radius=”0″]The Pea Protein Powder was recommended by Jay from MuscleHacking . You can find out more about Jay here or read their product recommendation below.[/su_box]

The typically recommended “good” sources of vegan protein (tofu, lentils, quinoa, etc.) pale in comparison to good sources of protein for meat eaters. For instance skinless chicken breast is 80% protein by calories, while tofu or lentils are less than 15% protein by calories. The math just doesn’t work out. As such many vegans would benefit from supplementing with a good vegan protein powder to hit their daily protein intake.

There are a few to choose from, but I think the best source of protein for vegans is pea protein. It has a good mix of BCAAs, leucine, and protein when compared to other vegan protein powders. Recent studies have also shown it to be quite satiating. It’s relatively cheap too – so it’s even a practical choice for meat-eaters on a budget.

#5 Wild Rice

Wild Rice [su_box title=”Who suggested this product?” style=”noise” radius=”0″]The Wild Rice was recommended by Caleb Backe from Maple Holistics. You can find out more about Caleb Backe here or read their product recommendation below.[/su_box]

Wild rice is high in protein compared to many other grains. Additionally, it’s a complete protein which means that it contains all the essential amino acids that your body needs. Wild rice is also packed with antioxidants which eliminate free radicals in the body and optimize your health. So if you’re looking for the vegan way to add proteins to your diet while improving your overall health, wild rice might be the way forward.

#6 Sweet Nova

Sweet Nova [su_button url=”https://sweetnova.com/collections/sweet-nova-delivery-boxes/products/1-week-superfood-set-9-box?variant=16075099635806″ target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#f4dcc5″ color=”#000000″ size=”7″ center=”yes”]Buy Here[/su_button] [su_box title=”Who suggested this product?” style=”noise” radius=”0″]The Sweet Nova was recommended by Caroline Tseng from Sweet Nova. You can find out more about Caroline Tseng here or read their product recommendation below.[/su_box]

Sweet Nova’s Nice Creams were created to fuel the lives of busy, hard-working professionals. In order to maximize nutrition, they retain the integrity of their ingredients, which is why they put whole, clean, superfood ingredients into each tub of Sweet Nova. Each ingredient is something you can pronounce — no chemicals, fillers, or gums allowed. Eating a plant-based diet is not only good for everyone but also the planet.

Sweet Nova’s freezes are 100% plant-based, vegan, and dairy-free. Aka, zero animal products and tons of actual leafy, nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. Sweet Nova’s Superfood nice creams contain 4-6 grams of protein depending on the flavor that has been purchased. Sweet Nova is the perfect midnight snack or energy boost and with it being whole ingredients you are welcomed to eat the whole tub guilt free.

[su_button url=”https://sweetnova.com/collections/sweet-nova-delivery-boxes/products/1-week-superfood-set-9-box?variant=16075099635806″ target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#f4dcc5″ color=”#000000″ size=”7″ center=”yes”]Buy Here[/su_button]

#7 Sprouted Breads

Sprouted Breads [su_box title=”Who suggested this product?” style=”noise” radius=”0″]The Sprouted Breads was recommended by Allie Gregg from MyEasyVeganDiet. You can find out more about Allie Gregg here or read their product recommendation below.[/su_box]

Think of sprouted breads like breads on steroids. They’re like bread that’s made with whole grains that have been allowed to “sprout”. This is all fancy wording to say it is packed with all types of nutrients and subsequently proteins. The most popular is called Ezekiel bread, and it is DELICIOUS! Just a word of warning however, make sure you put it in the freezer because it will mold fast as it has no additives. Per 1 slice – 80 calories, 4g protein, 0.5g total fat, 15g carbohydrates, 3g dietary fiber, 0g sugars, 75 mg sodium.

#8 Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional Yeast [su_box title=”Who suggested this product?” style=”noise” radius=”0″]The Nutritional Yeast was recommended by Allie Gregg from MyEasyVeganDiet. You can find out more about Allie Gregg here or read their product recommendation below.[/su_box]

It tastes just like powdered cheese and has an amazing amount of nutrients and protein. It is a great topping for popcorn or salads as well as makes an amazing vegan queso dip. Per 2 tablespoons – 45 calories, 8g protein, 0.5g total fat, 5g carbohydrates, 4g dietary fiber, 0g sugars, 5 mg sodium, 250 mcg folate, 24mg magnesium.

#9 Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Shake

Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Shake [su_button url=”https://www.betterbodyfoods.com/product/pbfit-plus-vegan-organic/” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#f4dcc5″ color=”#000000″ size=”7″ center=”yes”]Buy Here[/su_button] [su_box title=”Who suggested this product?” style=”noise” radius=”0″]The Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Shake was recommended by Jessica Parise from ChicExecs. You can find out more about Jessica Parise here or read their product recommendation below.[/su_box]

Vegan Organic PBfit Chocolate Plus is all-out protein goodness that’s perfect after you’ve been riding, running, or working out. You can thank real, roasted peanuts and wholesome plant protein for delivering 20 grams of protein in one go.

Plus, you get full flavor that other protein shakes and powders can’t match. That’s because those pressed peanuts give you real peanut taste. Organic cacoa gives it decidedly chocolate deliciousness. And natural organic coconut palm sugar sweetens things up just a touch. All that in one delicious serving.

[su_button url=”https://www.betterbodyfoods.com/product/pbfit-plus-vegan-organic/” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#f4dcc5″ color=”#000000″ size=”7″ center=”yes”]Buy Here[/su_button]

#10 Tofu

Tofu [su_box title=”Who suggested this product?” style=”noise” radius=”0″]The Tofu was recommended by Joe Reiss from Poke Loa. You can find out more about Joe Reiss here or read their product recommendation below.[/su_box]

The first (and most obvious) on the list is definitely tofu. Not only is tofu vegan, but it’s also packed with proteins. A 122 gram serving of tofu contains around 15 grams of protein.

#11 Brown rice

Brown rice [su_box title=”Who suggested this product?” style=”noise” radius=”0″]The Brown rice was recommended by Joe Reiss from Poke Loa. You can find out more about Joe Reiss here or read their product recommendation below.[/su_box]

Brown rice is a great source of protein and fiber. 1 cup of long grain brown rice equates to 5 grams of protein and 3.5 grams of dietary fiber, so definitely consider including it in your diet.

#12 Seeds

Seeds [su_box title=”Who suggested this product?” style=”noise” radius=”0″]The Seeds was recommended by Joe Reiss from Poke Loa. You can find out more about Joe Reiss here or read their product recommendation below.[/su_box]

When it comes to seeds, the protein content varies quite a bit. However, 1 cup of pumpkin seeds packs in 40 grams of protein, 1 tbsp of flaxseed packs in 2 grams, and 1tbsp of sesame seeds offers 1.5 grams.

#13 Nuts

Nuts [su_box title=”Who suggested this product?” style=”noise” radius=”0″]The Nuts was recommended by Joe Reiss from Poke Loa. You can find out more about Joe Reiss here or read their product recommendation below.[/su_box]

Much like seeds, you’ll have to keep track of which nuts you’re including in your diet. 1 cup of pecans amounts to 9 grams of protein, 1 cup of pistachio nuts includes 25 grams, and 1 cup of walnuts equates to 12 grams.

#14 Chia Seeds

Chia Seeds [su_box title=”Who suggested this product?” style=”noise” radius=”0″]The Chia Seeds was recommended by Stefanie Lesser from Hope & Love Radio . You can find out more about Stefanie Lesser here or read their product recommendation below.[/su_box]

According to Healthline.com Chia seeds are tiny black seeds that come from the plant, Salvia Hispanica and has become more recognized in the health and wellness phenomenon. They can go in cereals, smoothies, pretty much anything. They also taste delicious.

Additionally, they contain about 14% protein and have a good amount of amino acids, which is helps weight loss, helps reduce obsessive thoughts and helps the reduction of the desire to eat. (Healthline.com , 2019) Overall, chia seeds have good nutritional value and I highly recommend them for the vegan population.. They are truly a great choice.

#15 Oats Overnight – Newly Launched Plant Based Flavors

Oats Overnight - Newly Launched Plant Based Flavors [su_button url=”https://amzn.to/2MwXoLz” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#f4dcc5″ color=”#000000″ size=”7″ center=”yes”]Buy Here[/su_button] [su_box title=”Who suggested this product?” style=”noise” radius=”0″]The Oats Overnight – Newly Launched Plant Based Flavors was recommended by Brian Tate from Oats Overnight. You can find out more about Brian Tate here or read their product recommendation below.[/su_box]

Simply add 8 ounces of your preferred milk alternative (unsweetened almond milk is recommended) to the packet of oats, shake in the Blender Bottle, and refrigerate overnight for a ready-to-enjoy, drinkable breakfast in the morning.

Plant Based flavors include: Maple Pancakes, Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Cacao Crunch, and Blueberry Cobbler. Each flavor has a custom pea protein powder, with 20 – 22 grams of protein per serving, featuring superfoods such as flax seeds, maca and cacao. Vegan and gluten free

[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/2MwXoLz” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#f4dcc5″ color=”#000000″ size=”7″ center=”yes”]Buy Here[/su_button]

#16 Falafels

Falafels [su_box title=”Who suggested this product?” style=”noise” radius=”0″]The Falafels was recommended by Julia Askin from Fueled. You can find out more about Julia Askin here or read their product recommendation below.[/su_box]

My top recommendations for vegan foods for protein are falafels because chickpeas are chalk-full of protein and a universally tasty dish. I also love black bean burritos! Chickpeas contain roughly 14.5 g of protein per cup and one cup of cooked black beans contains approximately 15.2 grams of protein.

#17 Spinach

Spinach [su_box title=”Who suggested this product?” style=”noise” radius=”0″]The Spinach was recommended by Emily Endara from Sifted. You can find out more about Emily Endara here or read their product recommendation below.[/su_box]

Spinach is surprisingly high in protein, especially when compared to mushrooms and other meat substitutes. Spinach has 2.9 grams of protein per 100 g. Of course, you do have to eat a good amount of spinach to get the benefits of its protein. But when you look at the percentage of protein per calorie it has 30% which is comparable to meat which has 40%.


[su_box title=”Who contributed to this article?” style=”noise” box_color=”#d26a3a” title_color=”#000000″ radius=”0″]

Joe Flanagan from GetSongbpm

Delilah Hart from Our Travel Mix

Nikola Djordjevic from MedAlertHelp

Jay from MuscleHacking

Caleb Backe from Maple Holistics

Caroline Tseng from Sweet Nova

Allie Gregg from MyEasyVeganDiet

Jessica Parise from ChicExecs

Joe Reiss from Poke Loa

Stefanie Lesser from Hope & Love Radio

Brian Tate from Oats Overnight

Julia Askin from Fueled

Emily Endara from Sifted

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