Plants have protein, people! The foods below are not only packed with protein, but they are also full of fiber, naturally cholesterol-free, and spare animals from suffering. Not only are they accessible and affordable, but they’re also delicious.
1. Black beans
Hearty and versatile, black beans taste great in burritos, enchiladas, homemade burger patties, soups, and chili. You can even add them to baked goods. When you choose beans over animal flesh, you protect animals who form friendships and mourn the loss of loved ones from a miserable life and a terrifying death.
2. Tofu
Tofu will absorb any flavor. Marinate it, sauté it, grill it, mash it, bake it, blend it, scramble it, or use it as a base for sauces, creams, or smoothies. It’s delicious in tacos, sandwiches, salads, or baked goods—without the cruelty animals used for meat, eggs, or dairy endure.
3. Nuts
From almonds to cashews to walnuts, nuts are rich, satisfying, and extremely versatile. Use them to make vegan cheese sauces, nut milks, and nut butters. Unlike the dairy industry, which tears calves away from their mothers, nut-based cheese allows families to stay together.
4. Tempeh
Tempeh easily absorbs flavor, just as tofu does. You can fry, bake, sauté, or grill it—even turn it into cruelty-free “bacon” to use in pastas, sandwiches, tacos, chili, and more. Pigs are playful, intelligent individuals who love to explore—tempeh gives you smoky flavor without harming them.
5. Garbanzo Beans (aka Chickpeas)
Garbanzo beans (or chickpeas) are delicious in salads, soups, or wraps. Mash them to form patties or blend them to create hummus, and use the liquid in the can, called aquafaba, instead of eggs in baked goods. Using chickpeas instead of eggs helps stop the exploitation of more than 300 million hens each year, who spend their entire lives crammed into filthy wire cages so small they can’t spread a single wing.
6. Broccoli
Broccoli is a lean, green protein that’s a great addition to stir-fries, salads, or pastas. You can also toss it into soups or blend it for a healthy green soup.
7. Quinoa
Nutty and wholesome, quinoa works anywhere that you would use rice—as a side dish, mixed with veggies, inside a burrito, or on a salad. This complete protein fuels your body with kindness.
8. Lentils
Lentils are perfect in tacos, burritos, soups, stews, and salads, and you can also use them to make deliciously satisfying lentil burgers. They’re quick and easy to make, too.
9. Vegan Meat
Vegan meat products typically have lots of protein, from vegan chicken wings and vegan bacon to vegan burgers.
10. Soy Milk
Soy milk is a great vegan protein source since it’s made from soybeans which naturally contain protein.
Why Choosing Vegan Protein Matters
It’s easy to get the protein your body needs without harming animals who value their lives as much as we value ours. And these are just 10 of the top vegan sources; there are many more. You can make endless recipes with these foods, so get creative!
Looking for an extra 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.
