The Best Sources Of Plant-Based Protein, From Nutrition Experts

Protein is key to a healthy diet, and it's not just in meat, eggs, or your neighborhood health store's vanilla protein powder. There are plenty of solid plant-based protein sources that are also full of nutrients.

To get a better understanding of plant-based proteins, we asked registered dietitians to explain their benefits, give us tips for incorporating them into our diets, and bust some myths. As a bonus, we prepared a grocery list of plant-based proteins to get you started.

"Plant-based sources generally have more fiber and a higher micronutrient profile," says registered dietitian Daniel Preiato, RDN, CSCS. "They contain vitamins and minerals that meat doesn't have as much of." 

In fact, a study comparing over 3,000 foods1 found that plant-based foods were the most antioxidant-rich, far outpacing meat, eggs, and fish. Antioxidants2 are compounds that slow down or prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals. By consuming more antioxidants, you can keep your body strong and healthy while simultaneously fighting the effects of aging.

Plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains also provide key nutrients like fiber, which can help regulate your blood sugar levels3 and keep you full.

When you eat 1 cup (or 225 grams) of cooked spinach4, for example, you're getting in not only 6 grams of protein but also 60.6 milligrams of vitamin C, 134 milligrams of calcium, and 1,600 milligrams of fiber—all essential nutrients for your body's well-being that are lacking in meat products.

Eating more plant-based foods can help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet.

The world population is growing exponentially, and it's estimated that by 2030, there will be nearly nine billion mouths to feed, putting a strain on our planet's resources and infrastructure.

Though regenerative grazing practices can make them more sustainable, meat products usually require far more land, energy, and other resources to grow than plants do. According to The World Counts, only 2.5 billion people could be fed if everyone ate the same meat-based diet as the average American.

Despite the fact that protein is an essential nutrient, studies show those who consume large amounts of red and white meat are at greater risk of developing high cholesterol5 and high blood pressure6.

Balancing your protein consumption with plant-based options, such as fruits and vegetables, legumes, or a quality vegan protein powder, can help improve your metabolic health.

Plant-based proteins like beans, Brussels sprouts, and tofu are higher in fiber7 and usually lower in fat, keeping you fuller for longer and preventing you from overeating.

Plus, most plant-based proteins are naturally high-volume foods, which means you can eat a larger amount of them for fewer calories.

Depending on where you live and the types of foods you buy, a plant-based diet can be significantly cheaper than a meat-centered one.

While prepackaged vegan snacks can be pricey, whole plant proteins can help save you a lot of money.

"There are countless vegan whole-food options that are super affordable," says Preiato, giving foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and tofu, as examples. "Focus on buying plant-based foods that are minimally processed, as this will typically greatly reduce the cost," he adds.

Often, local farmers markets are the best place to buy fruits and vegetables since they only produce what is in season, so the prices can be much lower than in grocery stores that import items. 

Plant-based proteins are less bioavailable than animal proteins, which means they're not as easily absorbed by the body and may cause digestive discomfort.

"This is because many plant protein foods contain carbohydrates that must be broken down through fermentation in the intestines—producing gas instead of being efficiently absorbed by the GI tract," says pediatric nutritionist Gabrielle McPherson, RDN.

Though, there doesn't seem to be much to worry about, as the difference in absorption compared to animal products is only about 10 to 20%8. "If you eat these foods regularly, you should experience less gas over time," adds McPherson. 

On a per-serving basis, plant proteins provide less protein than animal products. In order to get about 30 grams of protein, you only need to consume about 100 grams of cooked chicken breast9, as opposed to 250 grams of tofu10 or 700 grams of quinoa11.

While you can vary the types of plant proteins you eat in a day, you will still need to eat larger servings of them to meet your daily protein needs.

There are nine essential amino acids, including isoleucine, leucine, and lysine, needed for your body to function—and they can only be obtained through your diet. Animal proteins contain the proper amounts of all nine and are considered complete proteins. Most plant proteins are incomplete since they don't contain all nine in the right amounts12.

However, if you eat a variety of plant proteins each day, you can still cover all your bases to get the essential amino acids you need.

When fast-food chains began offering meatless burgers and animal-free chicken strips, the food industry was transformed. Mycoprotein is a type of protein that comes from a fungus and is often used to make these meatless alternatives. While mycoproteins are a great source of protein, there is conflicting information regarding their safety. The naturally occurring fungus or mold that makes up mycoprotein is a potential allergen and has been found to cause adverse reactions, from vomiting to diarrhea13.

You can get all the protein you need from plants, while still covering the rest of your nutritional bases. Here are 10 examples of plant-based proteins that are not only highly nutritious but also tasty and versatile:

Legumes are a family of plants that include beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas. "Adding just ½ cup of beans to your meals can provide around eight additional grams of protein," says Preiato.

As part of a well-balanced diet, legumes are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, helping to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and cholesterol14.

TRY THEM IN: Chickpea & Samphire Salad, Curried Red Lentil Burgers With Mint Raita

Even though nuts are mostly fats, they provide a decent amount of protein too. Nuts also contain a wide variety of nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols, with walnuts containing the most polyphenols20. It's also easy to add them to almost anything. "Do you make instant oatmeal when you get to the office? Bring a tablespoon of hemp seeds or ground walnuts to sprinkle into it," says McPherson. 

TRY THEM IN: Pasta With Rosemary and Fried Walnuts, Kale, Carrot & Bean Salad With Cashews

One cup of cooked oatmeal contains about 5 grams of protein26 and 4 grams of fiber, both of which are essential for your daily needs. Even better? Whether you want yours savory or sweet, there's no end to the toppings you can use on your bowl of oats. Quinoa is another nutrient- and antioxidant-rich grain, plus it's gluten-free and contains the right amounts of all nine essential amino acids27.

TRY THEM IN: Raw Carrot Cake Overnight Oatmeal, Greens & Grains Salad

Some seeds are considered superfoods for a reason. Take chia seeds: "They're packed with nutrients like magnesium, calcium, fiber, omega-3s, and even antioxidants32 to help fight disease," says women's health dietitian Valerie Agyeman, RDN. "They're loaded with protein too—just 1 ounce contains 5 grams33."

High-protein seeds like chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds, and sunflower seeds can be added to virtually anything, including yogurt, smoothies, or salads, making it easy for you to incorporate them into your diet.

TRY THEM IN: Chia Pudding, Spiced Savory Granola

Soy products37, such as tempeh, tofu, and edamame, make an excellent meat substitute for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Tofu and tempeh provide protein as well as vitamins C, A, and calcium, while ⅔ cup of edamame38 delivers 9 grams of protein, making them a satiating snack (sprinkle with salt if you want more flavor!).

TRY THEM IN: Plant-Based "Meatballs," Plant-Powered Green Dip

If you're low on time or don't feel like eating a full meal, you can whip up a quick shake using a vegan protein powder. Some of the most common types include pea protein, soy protein, and hemp protein, and they typically contain about 20 grams of protein per serving.

TRY THEM IN: Gut-Healthy Breakfast Smoothie, Chocolate Chip & Banana Baked Oatmeal 

When you think of protein, you probably don't think of leafy greens or vegetables. But with 4 grams of protein 42and fiber per cup, Brussels sprouts are one protein-rich plant. They also provide 24% of your daily recommended value for vitamin A as well as over 100% of your daily value for vitamins C and K. Other high-protein vegetables include spinach, asparagus, and artichoke hearts.

TRY THEM IN: Mediterranean Roasted Salmon & Brussels Sprouts, ASAP Artichoke Salad

In case anyone needed any more motivation to eat potatoes, it turns out that they actually are quite nutritious when cooked properly. There are approximately 4 grams of protein47 in a 100-gram (medium-sized) potato. Baked potatoes are also a great source of potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure48 and maintain normal muscle and nerve function.

For a more nutritious and flavorful potato, avoid frying it in vegetable oil, and instead bake or broil it with some garlic to enhance its flavor.

TRY THEM IN: Vegan Creamy Sweet Potato Soup, Chunky Root Vegetable Soup

While the best part of nutritional yeast is definitely its cheese-like flavor, it doesn't end there; nutritional yeast is also a great source of B vitamins like thiamine and riboflavin, high in zinc and fiber, and it contains plenty of protein, with just 2 tablespoons containing 3 grams.52 As an added bonus, it can be used as a flavoring on a variety of foods, including pizza, popcorn, rice, or vegetables. 

TRY THEM IN: Tofu Breakfast Bites, Ribollita With White Beans & Kale

While you may have to be a bit more strategic when following a vegan diet, you can certainly get enough protein from just plants. Foods such as green vegetables, tofu, seeds, quinoa, and legumes have significant protein content, offer other nutrients essential to health, and can be prepared in a variety of ways.

Milk-derived whey protein is often associated with muscle building, but the myth that plant protein won't promote muscle growth has long been debunked53. If you want to grow muscle, both animal and plant proteins can help—but you'll need to pair them with resistance exercises that put your muscles under stress too.

Finally, eating plant-based does not necessarily mean spending a lot. Buying foods in bulk, such as grains and vegetables, plus complete proteins like quinoa, could cost you about $30 a week, which is about the price of one quality steak.

Getting enough protein from a plant-based diet is easier than you might think. Besides being delicious, plant proteins offer unique health benefits and tend to be less harmful to the environment.