We're often asked by new vegans how they can insure their bodies are receiving a requisite amount of protein in their diets now that meats and the like are no longer part of their daily lives. Here are several exceptional sources of protein that are essential to every vegan diet.
Quinoa is one of the best sources of protein, with 8 grams in each cup. We all know how much of a staple soy is for every vegan and that's largely because there are 10 grams of protein per each half cup of firm tofu.
Rice and beans are also excellent sources of protein, accounting for 7 grams of protein per cup. There are so many varieties of beans, so it is so easy to find a favorite bean for everyone's taste. Everyone knows and loves pinto beans, lentils, and garbanzo beans, and they are delicious, however, there are also many varieties of heirloom beans such as Santa Maria Pinquito beans, black and white Vaquero beans, and multi-colored cranberry beans. All are healthy, delicious and of course, a great source of protein.
We vegans can also find protein in many other sources such as wheat breads, pita breads, hummus, nuts and seitan as are both chia and hemp seeds.