9 Unknown Vegan Foods That Are Surprisingly High In Protein

Share this blog:

Honestly, I think many people eat the same food day-in-day-out. I’m definitely guilty of this myself! That doesn’t mean I don’t like something different every once in a while. Sometimes, having the same food just gets kind of bland.

To help you (and myself) with some vegan inspiration, I decided it was a good idea to dive into some foods that you may not use in your day-to-day now, but that are definitely worth trying!

1. Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast, a cheesy-flavored vegan gem, contains around 14 grams of protein per 100 grams, offering 11 grams in a 4-ounce serving. I’m pretty sure we all know this one, so it’s probably not that ‘weird’. However, I thought it was worth including because I tend to forget about this one because vegan cheese got so good over the years.

Use it to elevate your meals by sprinkling it over popcorn, salads, or pasta. For a hearty dish, create a dairy-free macaroni and cheese using nutritional yeast, or blend it into a creamy soup for added richness. Additionally, use it to make a savory vegan cheese sauce for nachos or pizza.

2. Spirulina

Spirulina, the nutrient-packed blue-green algae, boasts an impressive 57 grams of protein per 100 grams, providing 45 grams in a 4-ounce serving. Not only that, it’s also rich in iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6 and C. It’s called a superfood for a reason.

Personally, I think your best bet with spirulina is to mix it into some form of smoothie. Another suggestion could be mixing it with oatmeal(?). I just Googled that quickly and people definitely do that as well, so give that a shot.

For a savory option, blend it into guacamole or hummus, or experiment with spirulina energy bars as a quick and protein-rich snack.

3. Water Lentils

Definitely a weird one on the list! Water lentils are also called ‘duckweed’ and that’s precisely why you think it is. They’re traditionally eaten in some Asian countries and are only just making their way to other continents.

With up to 45 grams of protein per 100 grams (36 grams in a 4-ounce serving), they are a versatile addition to salads and curries or blend them into a green smoothie alongside fruits and vegetables for a refreshing breakfast.

Interesting fact: they’re one of the few plant-based sources of B12!

4. Hemp Tofu

We all know good old tofu, but apparently, there’s also something like hemp tofu!

Derived from hemp seeds, it offers 9-15 grams of protein per 100g, translating to about 12 grams in a 4-ounce serving. That’s slightly higher than the 8 grams per 100g you find in regular tofu.

Substitute traditional tofu with hemp tofu in a stir-fry loaded with colorful vegetables and your favorite sauce, or create a satisfying hemp tofu salad by tossing it with fresh greens, roasted vegetables, and a flavorful dressing. Basically, you can use this as a substitute for regular tofu.

5. Sacha Inchi Seeds

Apparently, these are also called forest peanuts and are normally found in regions of tropical rainforest climate of northern South America, such as Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil.

They are surprisingly high in protein, with around 27 grams of protein per 100 grams (21 grams in a 4-ounce serving). Sprinkle them over yogurt with fresh fruit for a protein-rich breakfast or incorporate Sacha Inchi seeds into a quinoa salad, adding a delightful crunch to this wholesome dish.

6. Chlorella

Chlorella, a vibrant green algae, is a true nutritional powerhouse with a whopping 60 grams of protein per 100 grams. In a 4-ounce serving, that’s 48 grams of protein.

Incorporate this superfood into your routine by blending it into green smoothies for a nutrient boost or mixing it into salad dressings for a touch of earthy goodness. Looking for a quick snack? Chlorella-infused cacao balls offer a tasty and protein-rich solution.

7. Lupini Beans

Lupini beans are yellowish beans that boast around 12 grams of protein per 100 grams. From what I was able to find, they are traditionally eaten as a pickled snack food, primarily in the Mediterranean, Latin America, and North Africa. 

Soak and snack on these little wonders, add them to Mediterranean-inspired salads for a delightful crunch, or blend them into a lupini bean hummus for a unique and protein-rich dip. These versatile beans are not only delicious but also provide a satisfying dose of plant-based protein.

8. Sunflower Seed Butter

We’re getting into some food variations to close the list. First: sunflower seed butter.

Sunflower seeds pack a high-protein punch (20 grams of protein per 100g). Personally, I think this would be best if you spread it on toast or use it as a dip for fresh vegetables. You can also blend it into smoothies for a nutty and protein-rich kick.

9. Quinoa Flour

Let’s finish with gluten-free high-protein food. Quinoa flour has around 16 grams of protein per 100g. Use it in muffin or pancake recipes for a nutritious breakfast, blend it into smoothie bowls for added protein, or create a high-protein coating for tofu or vegetables. Quinoa flour opens up a world of possibilities for those looking to boost protein in their favorite recipes.

Share This On Pinterest!

Stefan K.

Stefan has been vegan since 2019 and has been regularly working on his strength since the beginning of 2023. He’s on a mission to help other vegans get stronger and have all of them achieve the quality of life they deserve.