The Five Best Sources of Plant Protein

Ever wondered what the best plant-based protein sources are? Or looking for simple ways to include more plant protein in your diet? The good news is, there are plenty of everyday foods that naturally contain protein and can be included as part of a balanced diet with ease.

Protein is an essential macronutrient that plays a key role in the structure of the body, including muscles, skin, hair and other tissues. Ensuring adequate protein intake is an important part of overall nutrition. Plant-based protein sources, like our protein powders, are a great way to get your daily protein with added vitamins, minerals, and fibre.

Best Plant Protein Sources

Some of the best sources of plant protein are household items you may have in the pantry. High-protein plant foods are great for anyone with dietary requirements, but they are also great for anyone wanting to get their daily protein intake in.

• Legumes - Lentils, chickpeas, peas and beans are widely used plant protein sources and are naturally rich in fibre.
• Soy - Tofu, tempeh, and TVP are complete proteins that can support a balanced diet.
• Nuts & Seeds - Chia seeds, flax seeds, and hemp seeds are all high in protein as well as being high in healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Whole Grains - Wild rice, quinoa, and amaranth are three of the most common and are high in fiber.
• Non-Dairy Milk - Soy milk and nut-based milks are an easy swap for dairy milk and still contain beneficial protein.

Why Plant Protein Is Important

Protein is an important part of a balanced diet and is required for many normal bodily functions, including the maintenance of muscle and other body tissues.

For people following vegetarian or vegan diets, plant-based protein sources can help contribute to overall daily protein intake.

Because the body does not store protein in the same way it stores other macronutrients, it is important to include protein regularly as part of a varied diet.

How to Incorporate More Plant Protein Into Your Diet

Incorporating plant protein into your diet is easier than you may think. Adding a scoop of plant protein powder, nuts, or seeds into breakfast foods like smoothies, smoothie bowls, porridge, toast, yogurt, chia puddings, and overnight oats is a great way to add extra protein and flavor to breakfast.

When it comes to lunches and dinners, bean salads, curries, soups, stews, and tofu are all easy ways to add more high-protein plant foods into your diet. Add in some quinoa and wild rice on top of your beans and tofu for extra protein.

When it comes to sweet treats, try making raw date balls with dates, nuts, seeds, and a plant-based protein powder like Clean Plant Protein or Thriving Family. If you’re at a loss for some high-protein snacks or meals, we have a huge library of nutritious plant protein recipes to cater for every dietary requirement.

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Plant Protein FAQs

We love reading all of your plant protein questions and queries, so we thought we’d answer a few for you here for those who like to skip right to the end for the short and sweet answers.

What are the best vegan sources of protein?

The best vegan sources of protein include legumes, nuts, seeds, soy products, and whole grains.

Are plant proteins as effective as animal proteins?

Not all plant proteins are complete proteins, however, when certain plant proteins are combined together, they form a complete protein and are therefore as effective as animal proteins.

Can plant-based protein powders help build muscle?

Yes, plant-based protein powders can be used as a convenient way to help increase daily protein intake alongside a balanced diet and regular physical activity.