13 Surprising Foods that Are High in Protein
By :chef ssentongo
If you’re looking to boost your protein intake beyond the usual chicken, eggs, and Greek yogurt, here are 13 surprising foods that pack a protein punch:
1. Edamame (8.5g per ½ cup)
- Young soybeans, great in salads or as a snack.
2. Lentils (9g per ½ cup, cooked)
- A plant-based protein powerhouse, perfect for soups and stews.
3. Quinoa (8g per cup, cooked)
- A complete protein (contains all essential amino acids).
4. Hemp Seeds (10g per 3 tbsp)
- Nutty and rich in omega-3s, great for smoothies or yogurt.
5. Chickpeas (7g per ½ cup, cooked)
- Versatile in hummus, salads, or roasted as a crunchy snack.
6. Pumpkin Seeds (8g per ¼ cup)
- Also high in magnesium and zinc.
7. Nutritional Yeast (8g per ¼ cup)
- A cheesy-tasting vegan favorite, great on popcorn or pasta.
8. Cottage Cheese (14g per ½ cup)
- High in casein protein (slow-digesting, ideal before bed).
9. Spirulina (4g per tbsp)
- A blue-green algae superfood, perfect for smoothies.
10. Peanut Butter (8g per 2 tbsp)
- A tasty way to add protein to snacks (opt for natural versions).
11. Tempeh (15g per ½ cup)
- Fermented soy with a nutty flavor, great for stir-fries.
12. Oats (6g per ½ cup, dry)
- More than just fiber—oats provide a solid protein boost.
13. Seitan (21g per 3 oz)
- Made from wheat gluten, a popular meat substitute.
Bonus:
- Broccoli (3g per cup, cooked) – Surprisingly more protein than most veggies!
These foods are great for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking to diversify their protein sources. Which one surprised you the most? 😊
HEALTHY MEALS 