This little legume not only packs a protein punch, but is also an all-around nutritional heavy-hitter, says Smith."Lentils are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bio-nutrients.
"Amino acid profile should be considered when choosing plant proteins, so I love recommending pistachios, as they offer 6 grams of complete plant protein per serving," Jones says.
Though technically a seed, quinoa is typically grouped with grains and is one of the best sources of protein in that category (apologies, white rice!).
Whether roasted for a munchable snack or blended into a creamy hummus spread, chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans) are another legume that gets top scores from the experts. "Chickpeas are rich in protein, folate, fiber, iron, phosphorus, and healthy fatty acids," says Smith.
Never thrown a bag of hemp seeds into your grocery cart? Now might be the time to start, says Jones, as they're a great source of protein.
Typically used as a meat substitute in its firm state or as an egg or dairy substitute in its silken form, tofu is made by coagulating soy milk and pressing the resulting curds into a block.
Typically used as a meat substitute in its firm state or as an egg or dairy substitute in its silken form, tofu is made by coagulating soy milk and pressing the resulting curds into a block.
Yes, this list wouldn't be complete without everyone's favorite pantry staple (and jelly's BFF).
"Fava beans are some of the highest protein beans that also offer potassium and fiber," Jones says. Much like edamame, she likes these roasted, either paired with fruit as a snack or to add some crunch to a salad.
There's nothing pea-sized about the amount of nutrients in these green globes. One cup of peas not only provides eight grams of protein, but plenty of fiber and vitamin C too.
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