Vegan Protein

BY: KD ANGLE-TRAEGNER

NUTRITIONAL REVIEW BY: ANYA TODD MS, LD, RD

« LAST UPDATE: 10 January 2022 »

PUBLISHED: 14 June 2014

Vegan protein. Protein is the first topic that pops up anytime someone finds out I’m vegan.

“Where do vegans get their protein?”

So many people have no idea. It’s not their fault either; we can thank the prolific corporate advertising campaigns on behalf of the meat and dairy industries for that.

The idea that the only way to get protein is by eating animals is an outdated one. In these modern times, it’s easier than ever to meet protein requirements on a vegan diet. You probably don’t need as much as you think.

That’s where this guide comes in.

First, I’ll cover the protein basics: What’s protein and why your body needs it. Then, I’ll tell you how to get quality protein from plants and how to calculate how much you need. Finally, I’ll answer the frequently asked questions about vegan protein and debunk some common vegan protein myths.

And it’s all served alongside solid, evidence-based nutrition information provided by an expert, a registered dietitian who specializes in vegan nutrition.

Let’s get started.

QUICK FACTS

» Category: Food & Drink Guides
» Minutes to Read: 20

Vegan Protein

BY: KD ANGLE-TRAEGNER

NUTRITIONAL REVIEW BY: ANYA TODD MS, LD, RD

PUBLISHED: 14 June 2014  »  LAST UPDATE: 24 January 2022

Vegan protein. Protein is the first topic that pops up anytime someone finds out I’m vegan.

“Where do vegans get their protein?”

So many people have no idea. It’s not their fault either; we can thank the prolific corporate advertising campaigns on behalf of the meat and dairy industries for that.

The idea that the only way to get protein is by eating animals is an outdated one. In these modern times, it’s easier than ever to meet protein requirements on a vegan diet. You probably don’t need as much as you think.

That’s where this guide comes in.

First, I’ll cover the protein basics: What’s protein and why your body needs it. Then, I’ll tell you how to get quality protein from plants and how to calculate how much you need. Finally, I’ll answer the frequently asked questions about vegan protein and debunk some common vegan protein myths.

And it’s all served alongside solid, evidence-based nutrition information provided by an expert, a registered dietitian who specializes in vegan nutrition.

Let’s get started.

QUICK FACTS

» Category: Food & Drink Guides
» Minutes to Read: 20

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You’ve asked, here are the answers.

With so much misinformation on the internet today, it’s easy to see how you could become confused about the best way to meet the recommended nutritional guidelines for protein on a vegan diet.

It may surprise you to find out that vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds are all sources of quality plant protein. Even fruit contains a minimal amount of protein.

A well-balanced diet should include a variety of all of these foods. It’s easy to meet the daily recommended allowances for protein when eating this way.

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight or 0.36 grams per one pound. These recommendations are such that they should keep about 97% of people within their daily protein needs. 

Eating a well-balanced vegan diet full of vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds will provide plenty of protein for the average person and provide ample options to increase protein if needed.

Luckily, the risks of protein deficiency are low when consuming adequate calories during the day. Regardless, there are a few things to remember during meal planning.

Diets that are too restrictive in calories can risk lower amounts of protein plus other nutrients, too. Eating a variety of plant protein powerhouses like legumes, tempeh, and tofu will help meet protein requirements.

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for protein does not increase for athletes, but many sports & nutrition organizations feel that athletes do have slightly higher needs. 

In general, the recommendations range from 1.3 – 1.8 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight, with the higher end being for strength training athletes.

In general, if you’re consuming enough calories to sustain your current weight, then it’s likely you’re meeting protein needs.

However, some people find protein supplements convenient to ensure they’re meeting protein needs. Sometimes, drinking a smoothie laced with protein powder is more manageable than eating the equivalent nutrient density in real food.

You’ll find there are many varieties of protein supplements like those made from soy, hemp, rice, or pea protein. They come in powders, drinks, bars, and even snack foods.

When we speak about amino acids, and those plant foods each have varying amounts of them, the idea of “complementary” proteins is still circulating. 

This myth is based around thinking plant foods are “incomplete” in their protein/amino acid content, and therefore to obtain a “complete” protein intake, we should always combine certain plant foods at mealtime. Not true. 

We don’t need to eat these foods at the same meal to reap the protein benefit. Consuming these nutrient-rich foods throughout the day is just as beneficial.

 

Protein Basics

Before we talk about vegan protein, we need to start with the basics first.

What is Protein?

From the Greek word proteios, meaning primary, proteins are a class of organic compounds present in and vital to every living cell. In basic terms, proteins come from amino acids.

The sequence of amino acids dictates how the protein will function in the body; as an enzyme, hormone, antibody, or part of the body tissue (i.e., muscles, hair, and collagen).

The role protein plays in our bodies is indispensable.

The Chemical Makeup and Role of Amino Acids

Amino acids comprise a carboxyl group of atoms (one carbon, two oxygen, and one hydrogen), an amine group (one nitrogen and two hydrogen atoms), and a side chain specific to each amino acid. The side chains consist of carbon, hydrogen, sulfur, nitrogen and/or oxygen.

The configuration of these side chains differentiates one amino acid from another. (1)

A chart showing the 20 Building Blocks of Protein.

The branched-chain amino acids responsible for muscle structure are isoleucine, leucine, and valine.

The amino acids tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan are aromatic amino acids necessary for producing neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin.

Serotonin is essential for restful sleep as well as elevating and stabilizing mood. Melatonin is vital in regulating circadian rhythms and is a powerful antioxidant. (2)

Nutrition Note About Lysine

Lysine plays an essential role in helping the gut absorption of calcium and maintaining the immune system. Too little lysine can lead to kidney stones and other health-related problems including fatigue, loss of appetite, slow growth, anemia, and reproductive disorders. 

Legumes are the most abundant plant-based source, so if you don’t eat them regularly, you may need to make an effort to ensure adequate intake.

To determine your daily lysine needs, multiply your weight in kilograms by 38, and this will give you the value in milligrams.

Lysine-Rich Foods

  • Tofu, firm: 1/2 cup = 582 mg

  • Tempeh: 1/2 cup = 754 mg

  • Soymilk: 1/2 cup = 439 mg

  • Lentils: 1/2 cup = 624 mg

  • Black Beans: 1/2 cup = 523 mg

  • Garbanzo Beans: 1/2 cup = 487 mg

  • Peanuts: 1/4 cup = 310 mg

  • Sunflower Seeds: 1/4 cup = 254 mg

  • Oatmeal, cooked: 1/2 cup = 158 mg

  • Quinoa, cooked: 1/2 cup = 221 mg

  • Rice, cooked: 1/2 cup = 80 mg

  • Broccoli, cooked: 1/2 cup = 117 mg

  • Kale, shredded & cooked: 1 cup = 148 mg

  • Potato, white: 1 medium = 263 mg

  • Banana: 1 medium = 59 mg

  • Walnuts: 1/4 cup = 254 mg

 

Debunking Protein Myths

Anya Todd MS, LD, RD debunks the top three protein myths.

The Top Three Protein Myths

“Protein is a nutrient, not a food. . .The average American consumes twice the protein needed.” – Dr. Marion Nestle, Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, New York University (3)

If you’re vegan, I don’t have to tell you how often you’ll hear protein myths because you know it’s a lot. If you’re not vegan yet, I regret to inform you that you’ll listen to them all the time.

The best response to misinformation is evidence-based facts. That’s why I’ve asked Anya Todd MS, LD, RD to debunk the top three myths about vegan protein.

#1: Plant protein is inferior to animal protein in its ability to meet our nutritional needs.

Here are the facts: In the terms “complete” protein (animal-based) and “incomplete” protein (plant-based): If we look at the essential amino acid profile of protein found in the human body, it is very close to animal protein, and therefore, dubbed “complete” due to this similarity.

That said, soybean’s essential amino acid profile is very close to humans and is also considered “complete.” Interesting, yes? And what about the rest of the plant foods? They all contain some essential amino acids in varying percentages, just not in the concentration to that of soy. Hence, it is crucial to consume a variety of foods, especially beans! Eat beans!

#2: A Vegan Diet cannot provide all the protein (or amino acids) that we need to be healthy.

Here are the facts: Vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds are all sources of quality plant protein, even fruit contains a minimal amount. Any well-balanced diet should include all of these foods, and when they do, most often protein needs are met.

#3: Plant foods are “incomplete” proteins and must be paired together to form “complete” protein.

Here are the facts: While insanely popular, protein complementing is nothing more than a dietary myth from the 1971 book, Diet for a Small Planet, by Frances Moore Lappé. The original theory — wrongly — said that plant foods don’t contain all the essential amino acids that humans need, and to be healthy, we must either eat animal protein or combine certain plant foods with others to get “complete” proteins. That’s rubbish.

“Lappé certainly meant no harm, and her mistake was somewhat understandable. She was not a nutritionist, physiologist, or medical doctor; she was a sociologist trying to end world hunger. She realized that converting vegetable protein into animal protein involved a lot of waste, and she calculated that if people ate just the plant protein, many more could be fed. In the tenth anniversary edition of her book (1981), she retracted her statement and basically said that in trying to end one myth—the inevitability of world hunger—she had created a second one, the myth of the need for “protein complementing.”

In this and later editions, she corrects her earlier mistake and clearly states that all plant foods typically consumed as sources of protein contain all the essential amino acids and that humans are virtually certain of getting enough protein from plant sources if they consume sufficient calories.” – Jeff Novick, MS, RD (4)

We don’t need to eat these foods at the same meal to reap the protein benefit. Consuming these nutrient-rich foods throughout the day is just as beneficial.

 

Calculating Protein Needs

Learn how to figure out exactly how much protein you need.

How To Calculate Your Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)

The Recommended Daily Allowance for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of ideal body weight or 0.36 grams per pound. These allowances keep about 97% of people within their protein needs.

Unfortunately, the research used to determine these recommendations did not involve studying the vegan population. Plant protein is less digestible than animal protein which means we need to compensate for this difference. Experts suggest using 1.0 grams of protein per kilogram of ideal body weight when calculating vegan protein needs.

So, a 140-pound person would aim for at least 51 grams of protein if following the standard RDA or 64 grams of protein for the slightly higher recommendation.

Protein Deficiency in Vegans

Luckily, the risks of protein deficiency are low when consuming adequate calories during the day. Regardless, there are a few things to remember during meal planning.

Diets that are too restrictive in calories can risk lower amounts of protein plus other nutrients, too. Eating a variety of plant protein powerhouses like legumes, tempeh, and tofu will help meet protein requirements.

“Well, there are a few thoughts on this issue, but first let me mention that the research points to the fact that vegans can meet their daily protein requirements and accordingly, they should not be at any more of a risk for deficiency than non-vegans.” – Ginny Messina, MPH, RD (5)

Protein Requirements for Athletes

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for protein does not increase for athletes, but many sports & nutrition organizations feel that athletes do have slightly higher needs. 

In general, the recommendations range from 1.3 – 1.8 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight, with the higher end being for strength training athletes.

Vegan Protein Supplements

In general, if you’re consuming enough calories to sustain your current weight, then it’s likely you’re meeting protein needs.

However, some people find protein supplements convenient to ensure they’re meeting protein needs. Sometimes, drinking a smoothie laced with protein powder is more manageable than eating the equivalent nutrient density in real food.

You’ll find there are many varieties of protein supplements like those made from soy, hemp, rice, or pea protein. They come in powders, drinks, bars, and even snack foods.

 

Protein-Rich Vegan Foods

These plants are full of protein.

Protein-Rich Vegan Staples

The following foods are great sources of vegan protein. For optimal nutrition, try to include a wide variety in your diet.

A basket sitting on a table with fresh, uncooked strips of tempeh.

Tempeh

Tempeh is a traditional soy product originally from Indonesia. It is made by a natural culturing and controlled fermentation process that binds soybeans into a cake form that has a rich and nutty flavor.  

Tempeh has 15 grams per 4 ounces serving. This Vegan Tempeh Guide has everything you need like a shopping guide, tips, and recipes to try at home.

A brown bowl with cubed raw tofu sitting inside and dried soybeans strewn around the table.

Tofu

Tofu, aka bean curd, is food made by curdling soymilk (milk made from soybeans) and then pressing the curds into blocks.  Tofu has a substantial 10 grams of protein per 4 ounces serving with no saturated fat.  

Learn about tofu – what it is, how to cook it, and recipes to help you incorporate this wonder food into your diet in this The Ultimate Guide to Tofu. Guaranteed to turn you into a tofu ninja.

A brown bowl of dried textured vegetable protein sitting on a blue napkin.

Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)

Textured vegetable, or textured soy, protein (TVP or TSP) can be found in the dry goods section of the grocer. It is sold as a dry crumble and is easily re-hydrated to produce a chewy and hearty protein addition to almost any meal. Like tofu, it has a tremendous versatility of flavor.

It has a staggering 12 grams of protein per serving, and a good amount of iron as well. Learn more in this comprehensive Textured Vegetable Protein Guide.

A close up of a bowl of seitan and a side of soy sauce sitting on a blue/green background.

Seitan

Seitan is wheat gluten and has a whopping 15 grams of protein per serving. The chewy texture, savory taste, and the ability to be formed into any shape make seitan an excellent choice for many dishes including barbecue.

Seitan can be found pre-made in the refrigerated section of the grocer, or it can be made using wheat gluten from the dry goods section. Of course, those maintaining a gluten-free diet will want to steer clear of seitan. Find out all the delicious ways to add seitan to your life in this Vegan Seitan Guide.

A collage of three pictures. The first one is a woman holding a burger. The second is a holiday roast with vegetables. The third is a plate of grilled sausage sandwiches.

Protein-Rich Vegan Meats

Faux, fake, mock, meat analogs, or plant proteins; no matter what you call them, vegan meat products are more common than ever, and they can be a great source of protein.

Not surprisingly, there has been a lot of talk about these products. Are they healthy? Are they better for the environment? How do vegan meats help animals? Why would vegans want to eat something that is like meat if they don’t eat meat? And, perhaps the most asked question of them all, do vegan meats taste good?

Get answers and more in this Vegan Meat Guide.

A collage of high-protein foods like kidney beans, broccoli, quinoa, and more.

Protein-Rich Whole Foods

Believe it or not, there’s quality protein in whole plant foods.

Beans and legumes are tiny nutritional powerhouses filled with protein, fiber, and nutrients. They should be a staple in any well-balanced vegan diet.

Nuts and seeds are not only high in protein, but they are also full of healthy oils like omega 3s, vitamin Bs, and other essential minerals like magnesium, potassium, copper, and iron.

Don’t forget that nut butter and spreads are also good protein sources. Be sure to look for ones made without sugars and extra oils.

Finally, whole grains may not be the first thing you think of when you think of high-protein foods, but some grains have a high amino acid content making them a protein-packed addition to your diet.

The following whole foods are full of vegan protein.

Note: The tabs open new sections. Within each, the table scrolls left to right.

 
Vegan Protein - Basics, Foods & Nutritional Information - Your Daily Vegan

Truth in Advertising

I am committed to providing accurate information to the vegan community. Meticulously researched, the vegan topic explored in this guide contains the information available at the time of publishing.

I don’t just say it; I source it too.

All guides are reviewed and updated regularly.

Please contact me if you find incorrect data.

Article Sources

  1. Wikipedia. Amino Acid. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amino_acid
  2. Frazier, Matt. No Meat Athlete. High Protein Vegetarian Foods. Retrieved from https://www.nomeatathlete.com/vegetarian-protein/
  3. Nestle, Marion. Food Politics. (2011, June 2). Deconstructing the USDA’s New Food Plate. Retrieved from https://www.foodpolitics.com/2011/06/deconstructing-the-usdas-new-food-plate/
  4. Novick, MS, RD, Jeff. Forks Over Knives. (2013, June 3). The Myth of Complementary Protein. Retrieved from https://www.forksoverknives.com/the-myth-of-complementary-protein/#gs.e1z0C4w
  5. Mangels R, Messina V, Messina M. (2011). The Dietitian’s Guide to Vegetarian Diets: Issues and Applications 3rd ed. Sudbury, Maine: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Nutritional data for the lysine-rich and protein-rich whole foods were obtained using the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Composition Database. Recommended daily allowances and other nutrition information provided by Anya Todd MS, LD, RD, who specializes in vegan nutrition.

Photo Credits

Table of Contents: Thinkstock
Tempeh: Thinkstock
Tofu: Thinkstock
Seitan: Getty Images
Textured Vegetable Protein: Shutterstock
Whole Food Protein Sources Meme: KD Angle-Traegner