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Best Vegetarian Protein Sources: Breakdown by Food Types

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Just because you don’t eat meat, doesn’t mean you can’t get protein! Chicken, fish, pork, and beef aren’t the only ways to get your protein count.

There are tons of vegetarian protein sources that you can turn to instead. Read our list of vegetarian protein options to find healthier, cruelty-free options that work for you.

And don't forget to scroll to the light green box towards the end of this post to download a free list of vegetarian protein sources printable for easy reference.

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collage of meatless protein sources for vegetarians and vegans.

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Jump to:
  • Seitan* is one of the most concentrated sources of protein on this entire list
  • Pumpkin seeds* are bite-size bits of protein that are easy to munch on
  • Protein powder* is perfect for creating protein-packed meal replacements

Or check out these fun gifts for lovers of veggies!

Sources of vegetarian protein

Meat eaters aren’t even close to having a monopoly on protein!

In fact, as you might know from our ultimate vegetarian guide we vegetarians are probably better off with our protein sources because ours don’t come with the cholesterol and fat that is present most meat products.

Let’s check out the many options we have instead of meat, with protein counts provided by Very Well Fit Nutrition Analyzer.

Legumes

You actually get a two-for-one nutritional deal with legumes because they are high in both protein AND dietary fiber. What you don't get are fat and cholesterol, which come included with many meats.

As if that isn't enough, legumes are both cheap and versatile, making them nutritional all-stars for team veggie!

We have a list of some of the most protein-packed legumes below, based on cooked legumes (when they're uncooked, their protein count differs because the number of beans in a cup changes).

Pro tip: Dried beans are the cheapest but require a lot more soaking and prep time so if you want something more convenient, going with low-sodium canned beans is a-ok!

overhead of jars of legumes like lentils and beans as excellent vegetarian protein source.

Grains

Grains are another excellent way to satisfy your protein needs. There are a wide variety to choose from, all of which are super versatile, super healthy, and super protein-packed!

Check out the protein counts for these options, per raw cup of grain:

Pro tip: As we've mentioned on other posts, a fun way to experiment on which grains you like best are to hit up the bulk bins are your local Whole Foods or Trader Joes.

You can grab just a single serving of each grain and see how you like it before buying a multi-serving bag.

vegetarian pantry grains - wild rice, brown rice, quinoa.

Dairy

Vegetarians can also turn to dairy products to get some of their protein intake.

Just be careful that you double check the ingredients, since some versions of these items (mainly the cheeses) contain either gelatin or are made with rennet.

Both of those are animal-derived, so you'll want to look for brands that are gelatin-free or specifically labeled as using vegetable rennet.

triangular block of cheese atop bread as vegetarian protein source.

Nuts & Seeds

These guys may be little, but they pack a super powerful protein punch. Pound for pound, nuts and seeds are one of the best ways to add protein to your diet.

The nice thing about them is that they're super easy to incorporate into your diet. You can munch on them as a snack, or sprinkle them onto various dishes to add that extra pop of protein.

example of vegetarian protein source with nuts and seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, hemp, and more.

Other sources

Besides the protein sources we mentioned above, there are a few other vegetarian ingredients that can give you the protein you are looking for.

Seitan, TVP, and tofu are all made from soybeans, which are one of the most protein-rich vegetarian ingredients out there.

Protein powder allows you to create meal replacements that still pack protein, while eggs are a super kid-friendly option that can be prepared in tons of different ways.

basket of eggs as example of vegetarian protein source.

Free printable list of plant-based protein sources

Grab our free list of items to stock a plant-based pantry for meatless diets in the light green box below.

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Conclusion

Although meats often hog the protein-spotlight, there are plenty of vegetarian ingredients that can easily fulfill your protein needs within a plant-based diet.

We found a whole slew of vegetarian protein options that make it easy for you to ditch the meat, without losing out on protein.

Check out our extensive list of vegetarian protein sources, which will give you plenty of food for thought...and protein of course!

More Vegetarian Resources and Kitchen Tips

See all tasty vegetarian recipes →

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Vicki Toscan says

    Very good

    Reply

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