Sources of Protein for Vegetarians and Vegans

Protein is an important part of our diet. It’s a building block for our muscles, skin, enzymes, hormones, and much more. While many associate protein with meat, there are numerous vegetarian and vegan sources that can help supply the daily requirement of this essential macronutrient. Here, we’ll explore some high-protein foods suitable for vegetarians and vegans. We’ll break them down in terms of grams of protein and kcals, starting with the highest protein content first:


High Protein Foods for Vegetarians:

  1. Quinoa14g of protein per 100g | Approx. 368 kcals
  2. Greek Yoghurt10g of protein per 100g | Approx. 59 kcals
  3. Lentils9g of protein per 100g | Approx. 116 kcals
  4. Cottage Cheese11g of protein per 100g | Approx. 98 kcals
  5. Eggs6g of protein per egg | Approx. 68 kcals
  6. Chia Seeds4.7g of protein per 15g (1 tablespoon) | Approx. 78 kcals
  7. Milk3.4g of protein per 100ml | Approx. 42 kcals
  8. Cheese (Hard)25g of protein per 100g | Varies depending on type, but roughly 400 kcals

High Protein Foods for Vegans:

  1. Seitan (Wheat Gluten)75g of protein per 100g | Approx. 370 kcals
  2. Tofu8g of protein per 100g | Approx. 70 kcals
  3. Tempeh19g of protein per 100g | Approx. 193 kcals
  4. Edamame Beans11g of protein per 100g | Approx. 122 kcals
  5. Black Beans21g of protein per 100g | Approx. 339 kcals
  6. Chickpeas19g of protein per 100g | Approx. 164 kcals
  7. Spirulina57g of protein per 100g | Approx. 290 kcals
  8. Hemp Seeds32g of protein per 100g | Approx. 566 kcals
  9. Almonds21g of protein per 100g | Approx. 576 kcals
  10. Peanut Butter25g of protein per 100g | Approx. 588 kcals

It’s important to remember that while protein content is essential, it’s also crucial to maintain a balanced diet by considering other nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fibres. Whether you’re vegetarian or vegan, a diverse range of protein-rich foods is available to help you maintain a nutritious and balanced diet.


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