17 Best Vegan Protein Sources For Weight Loss

“where do you get your protein?”

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, I bet you’re tired of this question.

Or, have you heard that plants are incomplete proteins?

In this article, you’ll learn the best vegan protein sources. And how plants can provide more than enough complete protein. 

Keep reading to find out how vegan protein can be superior to animal protein for weight loss and building lean muscle.

First, do you want to know how much protein you need daily?

All plants are complete proteins and contain all nine essential amino acids. There are many reasons not to go vegan, but don't let the fear of protein deficiency be one of them. Click to Tweet

 

Table of Contents

• How Much Protein Do I Need Per Day?
• Do Vegans Get Enough Protein?
• Are plant proteins incomplete?
• 17 Best Vegan Protein Sources

 

How Much Protein Do I Need Per Day?

The average adult needs about 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight. But after controlling for body weight, the amount you need generally depends on your activity level. Also, those recovering from injury (2) and the elderly (3) may benefit from extra protein.

The Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) for average adults is 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight or 0.8 grams per kilogram per day (4).

The DRI for endurance athletes is 0.5 – 0.65 grams per pound of body weight or 1.2-1.4 grams per kg per day (5).

The DRI for strength athletes is 0.65 – 0.8 grams per pound of body weight or 1.4-1.8 grams per kg per day (5).

Are Plant Proteins Incomplete?

It’s only a myth that plant proteins are incomplete. Proteins, or amino acids, come from plants and micro-organisms, and “Plant foods have a complete amino acid composition” (1). So all plants are complete proteins and contain all nine essential amino acids.

Proteins consist of 20 amino acids. Nine are essential amino acids, meaning your body can’t make them and must get them from your diet. Animals, like humans, can’t make essential amino acids.

In this article, I refer to some plants as complete proteins, meaning they have a significant amount of each amino acid.

In the next section, you’ll learn how your body can get enough complete protein from plants that lac significant amounts of each amino acid.

Do You Need To Combine Plant Proteins?

You don’t have to combine different plant proteins at every meal as long as you eat various foods daily (6). Your body maintains a reserve of amino acids to complement dietary protein needs. The only way to become deficient in an amino acid is not to eat enough of it regularly.

 

The 10 Best Vegan Protein Sources

This list of the top 10 non-meat protein sources ranked by protein content per 100 grams (3.5 ounces). I’ve included some other nutrients, health benefits, and recipes.

Each of the ten plants includes similar examples. The last several foods on the list have less protein but have many other important nutrients for weight loss and muscle building.

 

1. Vital Wheat Gluten (Seitan)

Seitan, also known as wheat meat, is made from wheat gluten, the main protein in wheat. It’s popular among vegans and vegetarians for its high protein content.

Vital wheat gluten (seitan) contains about 75 grams of protein per 100 grams (3.5 ounces) (10).

Seitan is also a good source of the following (per 100 g):

• Selenium:      57% DV
• Iron:              29% DV
• Phosphorus: 26% DV

(DV is the recommended daily value)

You can buy seitan in the refrigerated section in health food stores. Alternatively, you can make it at home with these vegan seitan recipes. It is ideal for marinating or stir-frying and has a chewy, meat-like texture, similar to beef or chicken.

Caution: those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid seitan.

 

2. Spirulina

Spirulina, blue-green algae, is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet.

Spirulina contains 57.5 grams of complete protein per 100 grams (3.5 ounces) (11). Spirulina is also rich in the following:

• Copper 305% DV
• Riboflavin 216% DV
• Thiamin 159% DV
• Iron 158% DV
• Manganese 95% DV
• Niacin 64% DV
• Magnesium 49% DV
• Potassium 39% DV
• Dietary Fiber 3.6 grams, 14% DV
• Essential trace minerals

Studies show that spirulina contains phycocyanin, a natural pigment with powerful antioxidant (12), anti-cancer (13), and anti-inflammatory (14) properties.

Other studies show that spirulina reduces blood pressure (15), improves blood sugar (16), lowers cholesterol (17), and supports the immune system (18).

 

3. Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast is a deactivated strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae sold as flakes or yellow powder. Its cheesy flavor makes it ideal for a vegan cheese substitute. It is also a popular butter replacement for popcorn.

Nutritional yeast is a complete protein source and contains 50 grams of protein per 100 grams (3.5 ounces) (19). A serving size of 16 grams (about half an ounce) contains 8 grams of protein.

Nutritional yeast is also a good source of the following (per 16 grams):

• Thiamin 640% DV
• Riboflavin 570% DV
• Vitamin B6 480% DV
• Niacin 280% DV
• Folate 60% DV
• Dietary Fiber 4 grams, 16% DV

Visit Veganela for vegan nutritional recipes and meal ideas.

 

4. Hempseed and Hempseed Milk

Hempseed contains (20) 33 grams of protein per 100 grams (3.5 ounces). Further, hempseed is a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids.

Although hemp seed comes from the Cannabis sativa plant, it contains only trace amounts of THC, the principal psychoactive in marijuana.

Hempseed is an excellent source of the following:

• Manganese 500% DV
• Vitamin E 275% DV
• Magnesium 268% DV
• Phosphorous 145%DV
• Zinc 120% DV
• Iron 77% DV
• Dietary fiber 7 grams (28% DV)

Hempseed is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids with a ratio between 2:1 and 3:1, the optimal ratio for humans (21).

Some studies show that hemp seeds can help reduce inflammation (22).

You can use hempseed in smoothies, oatmeal, homemade protein bars, or hempseed milk. Try this recipe for homemade hempseed milk.

 

5. Nuts, Seeds, and Nut Butter

Seeds and nuts are high in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They’re also high in calories, but a significant amount is trapped in the fiber and escapes absorption.

Below are some of the highest protein-content seeds and nuts per 100 grams (3.5 ounces).

• Pumpkin seed kernels have 24.5 grams of protein (23)
• Walnuts 24.1 grams (24)
• Almond 21.2 grams (25)
• Sunflower seed kernels 20.8 grams (26)
• Pistachio 20.6 grams (27)
• Flaxseed 18.3 grams (28)
• Cashew 18.2 grams (29)
• Sesame seed 17.7 grams (30)

Seeds and nuts are rich in fiber, healthy fats, calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, phosphorous, and Vitamins E and B.

Eat raw seeds and nuts when possible, as blanching and roasting can damage their nutrients (31).

Check the ingredients for added oils, salts, and sugars when buying seed and nut butter. Also, avoid any personal food allergies.

Recently, misinformed people have spread rumors that eating seeds and nuts are unhealthy. Some of the longest-living populations eat seeds and nuts every day.

6. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are small gray oval seeds from the Salvia hispanica plant in the mint family, native to Central America (32).

Chia seeds contain 15.6 grams of protein per 100 grams (3.5 ounces)(33). Chia is also a rich source of the following:

• Dietary fiber 37.7 grams, 151% DV
• Manganese 108% DV
• Phosphorous 95% DV
• Calcium 63% DV
• Zinc 23% DV
• Copper 9% DV
• Potassium 5% DV

Furthermore, chia seeds have many antioxidants (34), beneficial phytochemicals (35), and omega-3 fatty acids.

Chia seeds absorb up to 12 times their weight in water and expand and form a gel-like substance. They also absorb the flavor of other foods, making them perfect for smoothies, baked goods, and desserts.

Check out this recipe for chocolate chia seed pudding.

 

7. Oats and Oatmeal

Oats have been a staple for champion horses and a popular breakfast for athletes.

Oats contain 13.1 grams of protein per 100 grams (3.5 ounces) (36). They’re also a significant source of the following:

• Manganese 181% DV
• Selenium 41% DV
• Phosphorous 41% DV
• Dietary fiber 10.1 grams, 40% DV
• Magnesium 34% DV
• Zinc 24% DV
• Copper 20% DV

I make a huge bowl of oatmeal (almost 200 grams) with berries and vegan protein powder. Oats are also perfect for making homemade granola, milk, veggie burgers, or ground into flour for baking.

 

8. Tofu, Tempeh and Edamame

Tofu, tempeh, and edamame all come from soybeans. Soybeans are a complete protein as they have significant amounts of all essential amino acids.

Edamame is an immature soybean that is greener and sweeter than mature soybeans. They’re sweeter. They contain more sucrose and are greener because they contain more ascorbic acid (37). This is important because beneficial amino acids also degrade as the soybeans ripen and expand.

Edamame is usually steamed or boiled, perfect for soups and salads or as a main dish. Check out this recipe for edamame stew.

Edamame contains 10.3 grams of protein per 100 grams (3.5 ounces). It is also a significant source of the following (38):

• Folate 76% DV
• Manganese 51% DV
• Vitamin K 39% DV
• Fiber 4.8 grams (19% DV)

 

Tofu is made by condensing soymilk and pressing the bean curd into patties. Tofu is relatively tasteless, and it absorbs the flavors of other ingredients.

Tofu contains 15.8 grams of protein per 100 grams (3.5 ounces) (39). It is also a significant source of the following:

• Calcium 68% DV
• Manganese 59% DV
• Selenium 25% DV
• Fiber 9% DV

 

Tempeh is made by cooking whole fermented soybeans and pressing them into patties. Tempeh has a more chewy texture and a nutty flavor than tofu.

Tempeh contains 18.5 grams of protein per 100 grams (3.5 ounces) (40). It’s also a good source of the following:

• Manganese 65% DV
• Copper 28% DV
• Phosphorous 27% DV
• Riboflavin 21% DV
• Magnesium 20% DV

Because tempeh is fermented, it’s also a good source of probiotics.

You can use tofu or tempeh in burgers, chilies, and soups. Check out this recipe to make smoky tempeh.

 

9. Lentils

Lentils are small legumes packed with protein and other nutrients.

Cooked lentils contain 9 grams of protein per 100 grams (3.5 ounces)(41). Lentils are also rich in the following nutrients:

• Folate 45% DV
• Dietary Fiber 7.9 grams (32% DV)
• Manganese 25% DV
• Iron 19% DV

They help prevent cancer, reduce blood pressure, lower blood sugar, and promote weight loss (42).

Lentils can be used in salads, soups, and stews. Check out this vegan lentil stew recipe for ideas.

 

10. Chickpeas, Beans, and Legumes

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are another protein-rich legume.

Chickpeas contain 8.9 grams of protein per 100 grams (3.5 ounces) (43). They’re also a great source of the following:

• Manganese 52% DV
• Dietary Fiber 7.6 grams (30% DV)
• Folate 43% DV
• Copper 18% DV
• Phosphorus 17% DV
• Iron 16% DV

Chickpeas can be used in salads, chili, soups, or made into hummus. Try making homemade hummus with this vegan hummus recipe.

 

Beans and Protein Per 100 Grams (3.5 Ounces)

• Pinto Beans: 9.3 grams (44)
• Chickpeas: 8.9 grams (43)
• Black beans: 8.9 grams (45)
• Kidney beans: 8.7 grams (46)

 

Health Benefits of beans

Beans are a cheap and lean healthy protein source. Studies show that eating beans and legumes can help with the following:

• Control blood sugar levels (47)
• Lower blood pressure (48)
• Reduce cholesterol (49)
• Weight loss (50)

Further Reading: How To Lower Blood Pressure | 21 Lifestyle Changes

 

11. Spelt, Teff, and Ancient Grains

Ancient grains are a category of grains that have been minimally changed through selected breeding. These grains include barley, einkorn, farro, sorghum, spelt, and teff.

Modern grains, such as corn and wheat, have been modified to increase production. This unnatural modification has caused intolerances and sensitivities in many people. Ancient grains offer a natural and healthy alternative.

 

Ancient Grains Protein Content (cooked)

• Sorghum 11.3 grams of protein per 100 grams, 21.7 grams per cup (51)
• Spelt 5.5 grams of protein per 100 grams, 10.7 grams per cup (52)
• Teff 3.9 grams of protein per 100 grams, 9.8 grams per cup (53)
• Barley 2.3 grams of protein per 100 grams, 3.5 grams per cup (54)

 

Ancient grains are an excellent source of B vitamins, fiber, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, selenium, and zinc.

You can use ancient grains in baked goods, polenta and risotto. Or, try these vegan ancient grain recipes.

 

12. Bread Made from Sprouted Grains (Ezekiel Bread)

Ezekiel 4:9 bread is made from organic sprouted whole grains and legumes. This bread is inspired by the Bible verse Ezekiel 4:9, “Take also unto thee wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentils and millet, and spelt and put them in one vessel….”

Sprouting, allowing grains to germinate before being ground into flour, enhances the quality of certain nutrients (55). These nutrients include fiber, folate (56), Vitamin C and E, and beta-carotene (57). Further, studies show that sprouting increases the amino acid content, especially lysine and tryptophan (58).

Sprouting also degrades the antinutrients designed to protect the seeds against predators (59). It also reduces the gluten content, which may make Ezekiel bread more tolerable for those with gluten sensitivity (60).

Ezekiel bread has all 9 essential amino acids and contains 11.8 grams of protein per 100 grams, or about 8 grams for two slices (61). It also contains 11.8 grams of dietary fiber (47% DV) per 100 grams.

 

13. Green Peas

Pea protein is becoming a popular vegan protein source.

Garden peas (green peas) have 5.4 grams (62) per 100 grams (3.5 ounces). Peas are also an excellent source of the following (per 100 grams):

• Vitamin K 32% DV
• Manganese 26% DV
• Vitamin C 24% DV
• Dietary Fiber 5.5 grams (22% DV)
• Thiamin 17% DV
• Folate and Vitamin A 16% DV
• Phosphorous 12% DV
• Vitamin B6 11% DV
• Magnesium 10% DV

 

14. Amaranth and Quinoa

Amaranth and quinoa are called “pseudocereals” because they are similar to cereal grains but don’t grow from grasses.

These “pseudocereals” can be used similarly to other grains like wheat and rice. Or they can be ground into a gluten-free flour alternative.

Amaranth contains 3.8 grams of protein per 100 grams (3.5 ounces)(63). Quinoa contains 4.4 grams per 100 grams (3.5 ounces)(64). Amaranth and quinoa are also good sources of the following:

• Manganese 43% DV
• Magnesium 16% DV
• Phosphorus 15% DV
• Iron 12% DV
• Dietary Fiber 2.1 grams, 8% DV

Read these vegan quinoa recipes for inspiration.

 

15. Wild Rice

Wild rice contains 4 grams of protein per 100 grams (3.5 ounces) (65), about 50% more than other rice varieties. Wild rice is also a decent source of the following:

• Manganese 14% DV
• Zinc 9% DV
• Magnesium 8% DV
• Phosphorous 8% DV
• Dietary fiber 1.8 grams, 7% DV
• Copper 6% DV
• Niacin 6% DV

Rice bran, stripped from white rice, contains a significant amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals (66).

Unfortunately, arsenic can accumulate in rice bran grown in polluted areas. Ingesting even trace amounts of arsenic over long periods is associated with certain cancers (67), cardiovascular diseases (68), and diabetes (69).

One study found that washing rice before cooking and discarding excess water removes (70) up to 57% of the arsenic content.

Try this vegan wild rice soup recipe, and wash the rice and discard the water before cooking. 

 

16. Protein-Rich Vegetables 

Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and protein. They are also low carb, low calorie, and low fat relative to other protein-rich foods.

Below are some of the highest protein-content vegetables per 100 grams (3.5 ounces).

• Sweet corn (technically a grain) has 3.3 grams of protein (71)
• Spinach 3 grams (72)
• Artichoke 2.9 grams (73)
• Potato 2.5 grams (74)
• Brussels sprouts 2.5 grams (75)
• Broccoli 2.4 grams (76)
• Asparagus 2.4 grams (77)
• Sweet potato 2 grams (78)

 

17. Protein-Rich Fruits?

Fresh fruits provide protein, but they generally contain less protein than other food groups. Below are some of the highest protein-content fruits per 100 grams (3.5 ounces).

• Guava 2.5 grams (79)
• Cherimoya 1.7 grams (80)
• Mulberries 1.4 grams (81)
• Blackberries 1.4 grams (82)
• Nectarines 1.1 grams (83)
• Bananas 1.1 grams (84)

 

Where Will You Get Your Vegan Protein?

You can get plenty of complete protein on a vegan diet.

Every plant has all nine essential amino acids. Also, combining proteins is not necessary as your body stores essential amino acids. As long as you eat various plants consistently, you will not lack protein.

Further, these vegan foods are rich in nutrients lacking in animal products such as fiber.

There are many reasons not to try a vegan diet, but don’t let the fear of protein deficiency be the reason.

The largest, strongest, and longest-living animals don’t eat meat and get all the protein they need from plants.

The largest, strongest, and longest living animals on the planet don't eat meat and get all the protein they need from plants. Click to Tweet

Are you vegan, vegetarian, or eat a plant-based diet? Or are you considering making a change? What are your favorite vegan protein sources?  

 

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