9 Surprising Vegan Foods That Are Packed With Protein (And How to Actually Use Them!)

Vegan Foods

Are you tired of eating the same few vegan foods every day? You’re not alone! A lot of us stick to tofu, lentils, and chickpeas on repeat. But there are so many unique plant-based foods out there that are full of protein — and also full of flavor.

In this post, I’ll introduce you to 9 vegan foods you probably haven’t tried yet (or forgot about), each surprisingly high in protein. I’ll also give you real tips on how to use them, how they taste, and what to watch out for. Let’s make your plant-based journey exciting — and delicious!

🌟 Nutritional Yeast

Protein: ~14g per 100g
Taste: Cheesy, nutty

Nutritional yeast (or “nooch”) is a vegan favorite — but a lot of us forget about it! It’s like a magic cheesy powder you can sprinkle on almost anything.

How to use:

  • Sprinkle on popcorn, pasta, or avocado toast
  • Blend into sauces to make dairy-free “cheese”
  • Stir into soups for extra flavor

Bonus: It’s rich in B vitamins too!


🌿 2. Spirulina

Protein: ~57g per 100g
Taste: Earthy, slightly seaweed-like

Spirulina is a blue-green algae, packed with protein, iron, magnesium, and more. It’s a real superfood — but let’s be honest: it tastes… intense.

How to use (without hating it):

  • Blend ½ tsp into fruity smoothies
  • Mix into energy balls with dates and cocoa
  • Stir a little into guacamole or hummus

⚠️ Note: Start with a small amount — the flavor is strong.


💧 3. Water Lentils (Duckweed)

Protein: ~45g per 100g
Taste: Mild, grassy

These are tiny green aquatic plants (yep, the ones floating on ponds!) but don’t be scared — they’re super nutritious and even have plant-based B12.

How to use:

  • Add to green smoothies with banana and spinach
  • Stir into curries or soups
  • Mix into a salad with citrus dressing

Fun fact: These are becoming more popular in plant-based protein powders.


💪 4. Hemp Tofu

Protein: 9–15g per 100g
Taste: Nutty, earthy

If you like tofu, you’ll love hemp tofu — it’s firmer, nuttier, and even higher in protein than regular tofu.

How to use:

  • Pan-fry with soy sauce and garlic
  • Add to stir-fries or bowls
  • Crumble into salads

Good for: people avoiding soy


🥜 5. Sacha Inchi Seeds

Protein: ~27g per 100g
Taste: Crunchy, nutty (like peanuts)

Also called “Inca peanuts,” these seeds grow in South America and are rich in protein, omega-3s, and fiber.

How to use:

  • Snack on them roasted
  • Sprinkle on smoothie bowls
  • Toss into quinoa salads for a crunch

⚠️ Allergy tip: If you’re allergic to nuts, be cautious.


🍀 6. Chlorella

Protein: ~60g per 100g
Taste: Very earthy and green

Chlorella is another algae, and it’s even higher in protein than spirulina. It’s full of chlorophyll and helps with detox too.

How to use:

  • Blend into smoothies with pineapple or mango
  • Add to homemade salad dressings
  • Make protein bites with dates, oats & chlorella powder

⚠️ Tip: Always buy broken cell wall chlorella for better absorption.


🍽️ 7. Lupini Beans

Protein: ~12g per 100g
Taste: Mild, slightly bitter

These beans are popular in Mediterranean countries and are usually eaten pickled.

How to use:

  • Snack on them plain
  • Mix into grain bowls or pasta salads
  • Blend into creamy lupini hummus

Bonus: Very high in fiber and super filling!


🌻 8. Sunflower Seed Butter

Protein: ~20g per 100g
Taste: Rich, nutty

If you’re allergic to peanut butter or want something different, sunflower seed butter is a protein-rich spread that’s perfect.

How to use:

  • Spread on toast with banana
  • Use in smoothies for creamy texture
  • Dip apple slices or carrots into it

⚠️ Watch for added sugar in store-bought versions — go for natural.


🌾 9. Quinoa Flour

Protein: ~16g per 100g
Taste: Mild, slightly nutty

Made by grinding quinoa seeds, this flour is gluten-free and full of plant protein.

How to use:

  • Replace some flour in pancakes or muffins
  • Use in homemade veggie burgers
  • Coat tofu or cauliflower before baking

Tip: Toast it lightly before using to enhance the flavor.


🔁 Wrap-Up: Your Vegan Protein Cheat Sheet

FoodProtein (per 100g)Best Use
Nutritional Yeast~14gSprinkled on meals
Spirulina~57gSmoothies & energy balls
Water Lentils~45gSmoothies, curries
Hemp Tofu9–15gStir-fries, salads
Sacha Inchi Seeds~27gSnacks, salad toppers
Chlorella~60gSmoothies, snacks
Lupini Beans~12gSalads, hummus
Sunflower Seed Butter~20gToast, smoothies
Quinoa Flour~16gBaking, coatings

💌 Final Thoughts

Vegan food doesn’t have to be boring or repetitive. With these high-protein ingredients, you can build delicious, colorful, and energizing meals that keep you full and feeling good.

If you liked this list, don’t forget to follow this blog for more easy vegan tips, recipes, and smart food swaps. Your plant-based life is about to get way more exciting 💚


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