This has to be the most common question that I am asked as soon as someone finds out that I am vegan and honestly I am so bored of having to explain it. You’d think in this day and age that people would be able to do their own research into any questions that they have??
To summarise it here again though for everyone, and just to help remind each other just how varied a vegan diet can be, here is a list of the main sources of protein for vegans:
- Protein-rich fruits and vegetables: This can include broccoli, spinach, asparagus, artichokes, potatoes, sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts, all of which typically contain 4–5 g of protein per cooked cup.
- Mycoprotein: A type of fungus that is used in a large amount of meat alternative products, such as burger patties or sausages.
- Nuts, nut butter, and other seeds
- Oats and oatmeal: Half a cup (or 40g) of dry oats provides approximately 5g of protein and 4g of fiber. Although oats are not considered a complete protein, they do contain higher quality protein than other commonly consumed grains like rice and wheat.
- Seitan: Also known as wheat meat or wheat gluten, it contains about 25g of protein per 100g, making it one of the richest plant protein sources available.
- Tofu, tempeh, and edamame: All three originate from soybeans, which are considered a whole source of protein and thus are able to provide your body with all the essential amino acids it needs.
- Lentils: With 18g of protein per cooked cup (roughly around 198 g), lentils are a great source of protein and fiber, providing over half of your recommended daily fiber intake in a single cup. Lentils are also rich in folate, manganese, iron, antioxidants, and other health-promoting plant compounds.
Taylor Talks Vegan 