One of the most common questions about an animal-based diet have to do with sources of vegan protein. After all, the majority of people who follow a traditional American diet get most of their protein from animal sources. This can include meat, eggs, dairy, and others.

As a result, unless you are choosing to follow a plant-based diet, you’ve likely never needed to consider sources of vegan protein. It can seem like a mysterious and complex topic, but when you get to know a few excellent sources right from the start, you’ll find that it’s much easier to go meatless.

When do Sources of Vegan Protein Matter?

Naturally, if you’ve decided to follow an exclusively plant-based diet, then sources of vegan protein will be very helpful to you. That said, they can be great to know at other times, too. For instance, if you decide to have a meatless Monday every week, then you’ll be able to better balance your meals with this knowledge.

Equally, you may simply want to have a plant-based meal. Knowing some excellent sources of vegan protein can make sure you’ve balanced your macronutrients even without meat, eggs or fish. Whether you’re choosing these meals occasionally or completely, for the environment or your health, understanding your options is always a good idea.

What Are Some Top Sources of Vegan Protein?

• Tofu – Tofu is comparable to paneer, only it is made from soy milk instead of cow or buffalo milk. This healthy protein is nutritious, low in calories, high in iron and comes in a variety of textures. When cooked properly, it can also take on some great flavors from many dishes.
• Quinoa – Quinoa is a grain but is quite unique in that group. The reason is that it has a notably higher protein content than other grains, and it is a complete protein. This means that it includes both lysine and isoleucine amino acids. The fact that lycine is there helps it to stand out among sources of vegan protein. Furthermore, it is also low in calories, high in fiber and great for digestion.
• Seeds – These tiny but powerful sources of vegan protein come with a spectrum of health benefits that only start with fiber but also include healthy fats. They add texture and flavor to other dishes and are perfect for small snacks during the day.
• Beans – There is a huge number of options when it comes to beans, each with their own benefits. Overall, they’re terrific sources of vegan protein, while being packed with vitamin C, amino acids, fiber, iron and potassium. They can be tossed in salads, added to stews and chillies or mashed and formed into patties for delicious bean and veggie burgers.