Five Best Vegan Protein Sources

Over 1.5 million Americans are vegan. With reasons that range from ethical consumption practices to improved health, their ranks are expected to grow.

However, alternative diets require alternative vegan protein sources. Typical guidance involving a balanced diet may not hold true, which requires some creativity and thoughtfulness.

Luckily, that’s what being vegan is all about. What if you’re on the fence? If you’re trying to decide whether to go vegan or not, information is everything, which is why research matters.

When you consider veganism, one of the big questions you’ll be faced with is protein. How can you get it into your diet without traditional standbys like meat?

We’ve assembled a guide to the five best vegan protein sources for you to start including in your diet today!

1. Nut Protein

Achieving a balanced diet in today’s world isn’t easy, even if you’re a vegan. It can be tempting to go for easy options, like quick snacks, junk foods, and sugar. 

That’s why dietitians recommend that vegans, in particular, get a little protein at every meal. There’s no reason to consume it all at once. With options like nut protein, this option is easier than ever before. 

Almonds and pistachios have six to seven grams of protein per quarter-cup serving. Nuts are easy to include alongside lunch or on top of your breakfast cereal as an easy garnish. Of course, if you have a nut allergy, there are other easy choices.

2. Legume Protein 

One of the best vegan protein sources is peanut butter. Some people are allergic to tree nuts but not peanuts since peanuts are part of the legume family.

Peanuts offer 9 grams of protein per quarter-cup serving. If you eat plain peanuts, this adds a quick protein punch to your day. 

Be wary if you get protein through peanut butter. Traditional peanut butter brands, such as Jif and Skippy, include lots of sugar and trans fats in that serving of peanut butter. Click for more to find the best peanut butter source available!

3. Lentils

One of the most popular sources of vegan protein is lentils. They’re cheap and versatile, which is a win in any vegan’s book. You can tuck lentils in soup, tacos, chili, and so much more.

A serving of lentils offers 12 grams of protein. No matter what type you prefer, lentils are often cheap if you buy them in bulk.

4. Grains

Don’t be so quick to dismiss grains as empty carbs! Instead, healthy grains are a crucial part of your diet and can serve as a great source of protein. Your morning oatmeal, for instance, equals five grams of protein.

The trick is to focus on healthy grains. When searching for the best vegan protein sources, don’t be afraid to get creative, which may include trying things you’ve never heard of!

Grains like teff, amaranth, quinoa, barley, and millet are a great way to start. If you’ve never tried them before, you might love them!

5. Protein Powder

If you’re a dedicated bodybuilder, you may find yourself missing whey powder. After all, it was a quick, convenient way to boost your gains in the gym.

Luckily, there are great vegan protein powders available. It’s a great way to get a quick hit of protein when you need it, even if experts recommend naturally incorporating most of your protein intake into your regular food.

Best Vegan Protein Sources

Finding the best vegan protein sources takes time. But with some creativity and experimentation, you’ll be able to find the protein sources that work for you!

If you enjoyed this article, check out the rest of our posts here!

Speak Your Mind

*