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32 Best Vegan Plant Based Protein Sources: The Highest Ranking Options by Food Source in 2022
Fear not my fellow vegans and aspiring plant based people. Protein is traditionally associated with meat, but getting enough plant based protein on a vegan diet is easy.
High protein plant based foods are abundant and a protein deficiency in your new lifestyle is rare with so many vegan protein sources.
In this article we’ll cover:
- How much protein for vegan people is necessary
- What vegan food groups to eat to get enough protein on a vegan diet
- The top 5 highest protein for each food type (with handy recipes).
- Plus tracking your protein intake, whether or not you should use vegan protein powder and if complete protein and amino acids matter.
How much protein do you need as a vegan?
Most people have a skewed perception of how much protein their body requires. Health experts suggest that the average adult should consume between 0.36 to 0.86 grams of protein per pound of body weight. Active adults and athletes may need to consume more protein based on their activity levels (we'll show you later in the article how to track your protein so you can be sure).
A study from the World Resources Institute showed that the “Global average protein consumption was approximately 68 grams per person per day—or more than one-third higher than the average daily adult requirement.”
Sources of protein for vegans to eat regularly
The following ingredients can be seen as the building blocks to eat most days to ensure you're meeting your protein requirements easily.
We recommend emphasizing sources of protein that are non-processed legumes, whole grains, nuts (great for magnesium also) and seeds in your diet with minimal processed soy products in your diet (i.e only if you are craving something especially containing it).
- Legumes & beans
- Whole grains
- Seeds & nuts
- Soy products
QUICK TIP: If you're low on time and want to come up with a quick meal idea to meet your protein requirements for the day, we recommend trying out "a grain, a bean and a green" meals. Alternatively check out a protein shake like this:
The highest ranking vegan foods for protein
Along with the building blocks mentioned above, this is a list of 20 of the top high protein vegan food sources to help guide your choices on what foods to eat to meet your protein requirements.
5 of the highest ranking soy foods for vegan protein
1. Tofu (15g protein per 100g)
This outstanding soy product is a complete protein all by itself. Although it may seem bland, we like to think of it as a blank canvas in which you can apply any flavor to it.
Try it marinated and grilled--just be sure to press out all the liquid by squishing it between two paper towels.
Simple Tofu Recipes:
2. Tempeh (20g protein per 100g)
Tempeh, Tofu's favourite cousin, boasts even more protein than tofu at an average of 20 grams per 100 grams. Due to the compacted firmness of a block of Tempeh, this is easier to grill and use as a meat-like substitute in sandwiches, salads and mains.
It also has 12% of the RDI of iron!
Tempeh can actually be sliced and cooked in the toaster. Set the toaster to high and very quickly prepare a protein packed lunch in under a minute.
Simple Tempeh Recipes:
3. Edamame (11g protein per 100g)
Edamame are a tasty treat that pack a protein punch! Often served as a starter at Japanese restaurants, Edamame are found at most supermarket in the frozen section and are easily defrosted and brought to work for an easy snack.
Edamame can be a little bland, but cooked in a low-sodium soy sauce, make the perfect starter to any meal. 11 grams of protein will help you hit you protein goals in no time.
Simple Edamame Recipes:
4. Soy Beans (17g protein per 100g)
Why eat tofu and tempeh when you can go straight to the source? With 17 grams of protein per 100 grams, soy beans are cheap protein monsters that can be turned into a variety of tasty recipes, including hummus and curry.
High protein, high in vitamin C and low in saturated fat, this is absolute winner when it comes to the bean family. Stock up!
Simple Soy Bean Recipes:
5. Soy Milk (3g protein per 100g)
Although Soy Milk packs only a small amount of protein compared to Tofu and Tempeh, it can be easily added to any recipes that require plant-milk to add that extra few grams of protein. Smoothie bowls and morning oats both love soy milk.
Don't listen to any online source that states that too much soy is bad for your health. It has proven to be very beneficial to both men and women, and has been to drastically reduce breast cancer rates in women.
Simple Soy Milk Recipes:
5 of the highest ranking vegetables for vegan protein
1. Potatoes (2g protein per 100g)
A compliment to every meal, Irish or not, potatoes pack 2 grams of protein per 100 grams and therefore make a great addition to any meal plan.
You may want to switch out your potatoes for sweet potatoes, which despite packing slightly less protein (1.6 grams), they are high in fibre and pack a lot of antioxidants.
Simple Potato Recipes:
2. Spinach (3g protein per 100g)
Popeye wasn't just a heavy smoking hero, but he was clever too, as his constant consumption of spinach may well have contributed to his abnormally large biceps.
3 grams per 100 grams of protein is more than it sounds for a very healthy dark leafy green that should be added to every meal you make. Don't hesitate to chuck it in every smoothie you, sweet or sour.
It also is a great source of vitamin c!
Simple Spinach Recipes:
3. Bok Choy (1.4g protein per 100g)
Delicious and nutritious, Bok Choy doesn't make it onto many American dinner plates, but as a dark leafy green with 1.4 grams of protein, it should!
Avoid the traditional Chinese recipes that are heavily soaked in oil and opt for steaming it with a small dose of low-sodium soy sauce of a healthy Siracha.
Simple Bok Choy Recipes:
4. Asparagus (2.5g protein per 100g)
Packed with antioxidants, this super nutrient packed vegetable is also known to boost brain power through folate, deliver your daily fibre and provide you with a bonus 2.5 grams of protein to help top off you daily requirements.
Roast it, grill it, fry it, steam it, just get some of this on your plate to give your mains some nutritional companionship.
Simple Asparagus Recipes:
5. Broccoli(2.8g protein per 100g)
This dark green cancer fighter should be your best cruciferous friend. Well known plant based doctor, Dr Michael Greger, recommends Broccoli as an absolute must in any diet, vegan or not, which is a bonus due its high protein count of 2.8 grams per 100 grams.
Avoid smothering it in salt and oil in the frying pan and opt for a more health cooking technique like steaming, baking or simply throwing in a salad raw.
Simple Broccoli Recipes:
5 highest ranking fruits for vegan protein
1. Avocados (2g protein per 100g)
Hitting the gym and not seeing any results? It might be because you're not getting enough protein and healthy fat in your diet. Avocado is fortunately full of both and deserves to be featured in more of your meals.
Known for being super adaptable, avocado can made into an amazing chocolate moose desert that is both healthy and protein packed. See the recipes section below :)
Simple Avocados Recipes:
2. Dried Apricots (4.5g protein per 100g)
Throw away the unhealthy oily snacks in your desk draw and replace them with a bag full of nuts and apricots. Delicious, ever-lasting and pretty to look at, dried apricots pack 4.5 grams of protein per 100 grams, which may not sound like much, but will quickly add up if you're an avid snacker.
Simple Apricot Recipes:
3. Kiwi Fruits (1.1g protein per 100g)
This oversize berry is packed with nutritional goodness. It's been known to help improve your skin, sleep, heart health and blood pressure, while decreasing your chances of obesity and... serving you over a gram of protein per 100 grams.
For something as delicious as a kiwi fruit, it's almost a crime that it's so healthy.
Simple Kiwi Fruit Recipes:
4. Blackberries (1.4g protein per 100g)
A daily serve of berries is absolute must, so why not pick this winner every now and then. Blackberries help get you to your protein goal while packing in all essential nutrients like vitamin C, K and A, a decent amount of fibre and all important antioxidants.
Pick them up fresh from a local market and consumer a cup a day. Buy them frozen to bring down the price and slightly up your intake.
Simple Blackberry Recipes:
5. Bananas (1.1g protein per 100g)
While known for their potassium powers, energy kickers and straight up goodness, bananas also include over a gram of protein per 100 grams.
Throw them in a smoothie has a health, relatively high carb filler. Keep them frozen for you smoothie bowls and raw for your banana bread.
Simple Banana Recipes:
5 of the highest ranking beans & legumes for vegan protein
1. Pinto Beans (9g protein per 100g)
Pinto beans pack a solid 9 grams of protein per 100 grams, which is up there with Tofu. High in fibre, this bean is one of the most popular beans in the US and is commonly included in a lot of Mexican meals.
It's healthy, it's high protein, it's tasty, it's cheap. Invest.
Simple Pinto Bean Recipes:
2. Lentils (9g protein per 100g)
Lentils are a vegans best friend. Extremely cheap and high in protein and fibre, lentils are easily prepared and a super easy way to pack out any salad or fill any wrap.
Drain a can of lentils, throw in a frying pan with some burrito spice mix and black beans, and enjoy an extremely easy protein snack or filler for any meal.
Simple Lentil Recipes:
3. Chickpeas (9g protein per 100g)
Chickpeas should take up at least half your basket during any supermarket shop, as they are one of the easiest ways to increase your protein through the day in many different ways and form.
The common can has 400 grams, meaning 36 grams of protein for less than $0.50! It only gets better when you learn how easy it is to make an amazing hummus which can go with you to work or any adventure.
Simple Chickpea Recipes:
4. Black Beans (9g protein per 100g)
These bone strengthening legumes pack a huge amount of protein in every can while costing next to nothing and complimenting almost anything!
Throw them in a frying pan with a can of lentils and some burrito mix for a quick protein snack or an awesome plant-based burrito filling.
Simple Black Bean Recipes:
5. Green Peas (5g protein per 100g)
The star of the majority of plant based proteins on the market in 2019 is the almighty fibre and antioxidant rich green pea, not to mention a decent amount of protein for a small vessel.
They're cheap, they last forever in the freezer, and they're ready to help you reach your daily protein goal.
Simple Green Pea Recipes:
5 of the highest ranking nuts and seeds for vegan protein
1. Pumpkin Seeds (25g protein per 100g)
Pumpkins have been holding out on us, as it turns out their seeds are packed nutrients and goodness. These wondrous little seeds are high in magnesium, zinc, healthy fats, and yes, a huge amount of protein at 25 grams per 100 grams.
Several companies have started using these seeds as the chief ingredient in their vegan protein powders and it's easy to understand why.
Simple Pumpkin Seed Recipes:
2. Hemp Seeds (25g protein per 100g)
Hemp products are blowing up world wide and that includes these nutritious protein-filled dorsals of goodness. With a whopping 25 grams of protein per 100 grams, these seeds need to make a bigger appearance in your life.
Throw them in your smoothie bowls, cookies, cereal, oats or anything for that matter that needs a big protein punch.
Simple Hemp Seed Recipes:
3. Chia Seeds (16g protein per 100g)
Known for delivering a super amount of nutrition for so few calories, this super seed with give you much more than 16 grams of protein per 100 grams. Top up on fibre, magnesium and the all important Omega-3.
While we still recommending supplementing omega-3 , chia seeds will help you top off your daily needs with a good dose of protein.
Simple Chia Seed Recipes:
4. Flaxseeds (18g protein per 100g)
This super food is still not the biggest socialite and isn't known by most Americans, which is a shame as it's an absolute hidden gem. 18 grams of protein puts it in the top 5 high protein seeds, but flaxseeds deliver a lot more.
Buy them ground and throw them in just about anything.
Simple Flaxseed Recipes:
5. Almonds (21g protein per 100g)
Almonds are an athletes best friend, but usually not your banks. With a massive 21 grams of protein per 100 grams and a solid source of healthy fat, almonds should go with you wherever you go if you goal is to increase your protein intake.
It's recommended you keep it to a handful a day, but we won't tell anyone if you double that.
Simple Almond Recipes:
5 of the highest ranking whole grains for vegan protein
1. Oats (17g protein per 100g)
These deliciously affordable whole grains are a secret source of protein that make the perfect breakfast all year round. Cold overnight oats in summer and hot boiled oats on the cold winter morning, make this both versatile and a great way to hit your daily protein goals.
If you want to up the protein, throw in a scoop of vanilla protein to make it both extra powerful and tasty.
Simple Oats Recipes:
2. Quinoa (4.5g protein per 100g)
Another super food to more recently join the hall of fame, quinoa has been putting rice to shame with 4.5 grams of protein and a good source of antioxidants. A nice dose of fibre and magnesium top this one off and put it in our top 5.
Simple Quinoa Recipes:
3. Whole Wheat Pasta (6g protein per 100g)
You'll never look at pasta the same way after switching to whole wheat. Not only is it a much healthier option than standard kind, it's also packing in 6 grams of protein which combined with a vegan protein packed sauce (think TVP bolognese), will help you hit you daily protein goal with ease.
Simple Whole Wheat Pasta Recipes:
4. Coucous (3.8g protein per 100g)
So nice they named it twice, couscous is awesome filler for the big salad eaters or for those of you who enjoy a good curry. With a surprising amount of protein for a healthy wheat grain, a packet of couscous always deserves a spot in your cupboard.
Simple Couscous Recipes:
5. Buckwheat (3.4g protein per 100g)
Another wheat with a hidden protein punch, Buckwheat sneaks into the top 5 with 3.4 grams of protein per 100 grams and a solid foundation of nutritional goodness, including a good amount of fibre, magnesium, calcium and potassium.
Simple Buckwheat Recipes:
2 more honourable mentions
Both nutritional yeast and spirulina are high protein vegan foods.
Simply add some spirulina to your morning smoothie and add sprinkle some nutritional yeast on your lunch or dinner for a little extra protein boost!
Should you track your protein intake and how?
What about protein powders?
We recommend trying to get the majority of your protein from a whole foods plant based diet.
However if you have specific protein requirements around your exercise goals or you're just having a hard time getting to your protein requirements with your daily food choices, a vegan protein powder can be a great option.
We would recommend a pea or pumpkin seed based protein with at least 20 grams of protein per serving.
Do complete proteins matter?
Amino acids for proteins that allow our cells to grow and complete protein sources are those that contain all 9 essential amino acids for this to happen.
The old school way of thinking was that you needed to consume a diet with complete proteins for every meal and no amino acids. However modern science has shown that this just isn't true.
You just need to ensure you get some of each of the essential amino acids over the course of the day. Here are a few handy tips to ensure you do this:
- Quinoa and chia seeds are both complete proteins.
- Rice and beans is a simple meal that makes a complete protein.
- Eat a variety of different plant based whole foods.
Again if you're worried about this simply use Cronometer as featured in the above video to track your essential amino acids intake.
Final thoughts
Protein deficiencies among vegans are few and far between with the proper knowledge of what food to eat.
If you have a concern or want to make sure you're hitting higher levels of vegan proteins for other reasons, simply track your food intake and adjust accordingly with more high sources of protein or a protein powder.
Remember also to ensure you're getting your other nutrients that are actually hard to get on a vegan diet like vitamin d3 and vitamin b12.
Thanks for this great information. Exactly what I was looking for and so easy to follow! Appreciate the associates recipes as well!
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