An essential nutrient required for many vital roles in the body.

Proteins are made up of amino acids – some of these can be made by the body while others (known as “essential” amino acids) must be supplied by the diet. On a meat-free diet you can obtain of all the essential amino acids you need by eating a variety of different types of plant foods including legumes, grains, nuts and seeds, and soy products.

It was once thought that certain combinations of plant foods had to be eaten at the same meal but it is now known that strict protein combining isn’t necessary as long as you eat a variety of protein-rich foods from day to day.

Daily Protein requirements

Tips for meeting your Protein needs

Use legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, and canned or dried beans regularly in your meals

Choose wholegrains such as quinoa, buckwheat, amaranth, oats and brown rice

Incorporate nuts and seeds in your diet most days, as snack or added to meals

Include soy products regularly including soy milk, tempeh and tofu

Don’t rely on protein powders, which won’t provide the other nutrients (such as iron and zinc) found in plant protein foods. It’s best to get most of your protein from whole plant foods.