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
| Food | Protein (per 100g) | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Nutritional Yeast | ~14g | Sprinkled on meals |
| Spirulina | ~57g | Smoothies & energy balls |
| Water Lentils | ~45g | Smoothies, curries |
| Hemp Tofu | 9–15g | Stir-fries, salads |
| Sacha Inchi Seeds | ~27g | Snacks, salad toppers |
| Chlorella | ~60g | Smoothies, snacks |
| Lupini Beans | ~12g | Salads, hummus |
| Sunflower Seed Butter | ~20g | Toast, smoothies |
| Quinoa Flour | ~16g | Baking, 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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