The best vegetarian protein sources

Why do we need protein?

Forget the protein shakes, powders and supplements, let's get back to basics. Protein is made up of smaller units called amino acids and is essential for repairing damaged cells and building new ones. It's essential in the building of tissues, muscles and bones, so it's important to make sure your body has what it needs.

How much protein do we need a day?

In the UK, adults are advised to eat 0.75g of protein for each kilogram they weigh, based on the Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI). This will vary over your lifetime and depend on your individual circumstance. For example, a more active person, such as an athlete in training, will require more protein than someone living a sedentary lifestyle. On average, guidelines suggest men should aim to eat around 55g of protein a day and women should aim for around 45g of protein daily. Read on to discover how you can meet your daily needs.

The best high-protein vegetarian foods

If you're cutting out certain food groups such as meat and fish, you might think your protein choices are somewhat limited, but there are lots of options for packing in the nutrients.

1. Grains and pulses

Lentils, pulses and beans are an excellent store cupboard staple source of protein – 100g of boiled lentils contains around 9g of protein and are a hearty way to bulk up soups, stews and casseroles. Chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans and even baked beans are an easy way to power up your protein intake. There are also a range of grains such as oats, barley, rice and quinoa that can add protein to a simple recipe. Quinoa in particular is a valuable veggie ingredient as it is one of the few plant sources classed as a complete protein. This means it contains all nine of the essential amino acids. Learn more about the health benefits of quinoa. And it's well worth having that bowl of porridge in the morning – 50g of oats made with milk contains around 15g of protein.

Try our warm roasted squash and puy lentil salad, or our quinoa salad with grilled halloumi.

2. Dairy products

Dairy products are packed full of calcium and protein, which are both essential as part of a healthy diet – 100g of cow's milk contains around 3g of protein, while 100g of cheddar cheese contains around 25g of protein. Choose reduced-fat options if you are concerned about saturated fat and calories. Vegan options include nut milks, such as hazelnut or almond milk, but be aware that shop-bought versions contain very low levels of protein. Soya milk is more comparable with dairy in terms of protein content. Learn how to make your own dairy-free milk in our easy-to-follow guide. A spoonful of Greek yogurt is also a great way to add in protein, with around 6g for every 100g of yogurt. Try topping your muesli, smoothie bowls or cereal with a hearty dollop of fresh, natural Greek yogurt.

Try our milk-based super berry smoothie to kick off your day.

3. Eggs

Eggs are an easily available, cheap source of nutrients. A single hard-boiled egg contains around 7g of protein and makes a nutritious, filling breakfast or lunchtime meal. They're also easily digestible and low in calories. Try our protein-rich scrambled egg and feta hash.

Read up on the benefits of eggs in our ultimate egg guide.

4. Soya and tofu

Soy protein is a very versatile ingredient and can be turned into many different delicious forms. Tofu, for example, is made from the curds of soy milk and can be great when bulking out veggie stir-fries or salads. It comes in different forms: silken, firm or extra firm and is another low-calorie, high-protein ingredient you can make use of relatively easily – 100g of firm tofu contains around 8g of protein. Soya beans themselves can be eaten alone or turned into soy milk, miso or tempeh. Per 100g, soya beans contain around 15g of protein. Although plant and animal proteins are digested in different ways by our bodies, soya is a great veggie substitute for meat and is decidedly adaptable. Try our smoky tofu tortillas for an extra hit of protein in your wraps.

Discover more info in our health benefits of tofu guide.

5. Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are a handy, snackable form of protein and essential fats. There are certain types that are particularly protein rich: almonds, cashews, chia seeds and flaxseeds are all popular protein options. A 30g portion of almonds contains around 6g of protein and will see you through the afternoon slump.

Get more information on the health benefits of nuts in our essential guide.

Want to bulk up the protein on your plate? Check out our high-protein recipe collections for more inspiration:

High-protein snacks
High-protein breakfasts
High-protein lunches
High-protein dinners
More high-protein recipes

This article was last reviewed on 23 March 2022 by Tracey Raye.

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