Top 10 Vegan Protein Sources
Vegans are constantly asked where they get their protein, when, in fact, protein is one of the easiest nutrients to find! These are just some examples of foods with a high protein value but no cholesterol or cruelty to animals. Not only are these foods easy to find and affordable, they’re also delicious!
1. Black beans
Black beans can be served alone or as a side. They also taste great in burritos, enchiladas, homemade patties, soups, or chili. They can even be added to baked goods!
Try these black-bean veggie burgers.
2. Tofu
You can marinate it, sauté it, grill it, mash it, bake it, and even blend it. Tofu will absorb any flavor that you put on it, which makes it suitable for many recipes. Add it to tacos, sandwiches, salads, or baked goods. It can also be used to make sauces, creams, or smoothies.
Try these Thai tofu lettuce wraps.
3. Nuts
There is a large variety of nuts, and they are all versatile and delicious. You can make vegan cheese sauces, nut milks, nut butters, and even faux meats from different types of nuts.
Try this cream cheese recipe using cashews.
4. Tempeh
Tempeh absorbs any flavor, just as tofu does. It can also be fried, baked, sautéed, or grilled. Tempeh can be used in pastas, sandwiches, tacos, chili, and many other dishes.
Try this tempeh Reuben sandwich.
5. Garbanzos
Garbanzo beans or chickpeas are a versatile legume. Add them to salads, soups, or wraps. You can mash them to form patties or blend them to create hummus.
Try this sandwich with mashed garbanzo beans.
6. Broccoli
Broccoli is a lean, green protein. You can add steamed broccoli to stir-fries, salads, or pastas. You can also add it to soups whole or blend it for a healthy green soup.
Try this tofu, rice, and broccoli dish.
7. Quinoa
You can use quinoa anywhere that you would use rice—as a side dish, mixed with veggies, inside a burrito, or on a salad. It can also be used to form faux burger patties.
8. Lentils
Lentils can be added to tacos, burritos, soups, stews, and salads and can also be used to form faux meats, such as lentil burger patties. They’re quick and easy to make, too.
9. Potato
Potatoes get a bad rap, but they can actually be good for you because of their high protein content. Dice them, and add them to your burritos, tofu scrambles, tacos, and stews. Or you can cut them lengthwise and bake them for a healthier version of French fries.
Try this creamy dill potato salad.
10. Mushrooms
There are various types of mushrooms, and they can be sliced or served whole. Use them in pastas, stir-fries, or tacos or on pizzas or serve them in a burger.
These are just 10 of the top protein sources, but there are many more! The number of recipes that you can make with these foods is endless, so get creative!
Protein can be found everywhere, especially in vegan sources like black beans, tofu, and nuts. For an even more efficient vegan boost, Nuzest’s Clean Lean Protein provides 19 to 21 grams of protein per 25-gram serving. You can even use it in meals like the Chickpea Veggie Protein Burger.
If this article is making you question your current lifestyle, then we have just the thing for you: our free vegan starter kit, with tips and information about going vegan. For animals, the environment, and your health, order one today.
