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Velvet Digest

How much protein do I need as a vegetarian?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on June 06, 2026

The average recommended intake of protein is 42 grams a day. Non-vegetarians eat way more than that (almost 80 grams), but so does everyone else. Vegetarians and vegans actually average 70 percent more protein than they need every day (over 70 grams).

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Consequently, how much protein does a vegetarian need per day?

The recommendation for protein for adult male vegans is around 63 grams per day; for adult female vegans it is around 52 grams per day. It is very easy for a vegan diet to meet the recommendations for protein.

Secondly, do vegetarians have protein deficiency? Contrary to popular belief, "Vegans have not been shown to be deficient in protein intake or in any specific amino acids." The study points out that some vegans rely heavily on processed foods and may not eat a sufficient variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Subsequently, question is, how do vegetarians get enough protein?

  1. Eggs. Eat your eggs however you like them prepared.
  2. Nut butter. Consider eating toast with almond butter, which is packed with protein and heart-healthy fats.
  3. Steel-cut oatmeal. Try making these no-bake protein bars.
  4. Green vegetables.
  5. Nuts and seeds.
  6. Beans.
  7. Soy products.
  8. Lentils.

How can vegetarians get 150 grams of protein a day?

7 Vegetarian Foods That Fulfill Your Protein Intake

  1. 1) Soybean. Cooked soybean provides 28 grams of protein per cup, roughly the same amount as that can be found in 150 grams of chicken.
  2. 2) Lentils or Dals.
  3. 3) Cottage Cheese or Paneer.
  4. 4) Pumpkin Seeds.
  5. 5) Milk.
  6. 6) Greek Yogurt.
  7. 7) Whey Protein.
Related Question Answers

Which is richest source of vegetarian protein?

The following healthful, plant-based foods have a high-protein content per serving:
  1. Tofu, tempeh, and edamame. Soy products such as tofu, tempeh, and edamame are among the richest sources of protein in a vegan diet.
  2. Lentils.
  3. Chickpeas.
  4. Peanuts.
  5. Almonds.
  6. Spirulina.
  7. Quinoa.
  8. Mycoprotein.

What happens if you don't get enough protein?

Insufficient protein in your diet reduces lean body mass, muscle strength, and function. Not consuming enough protein can also cause muscle cramping, weakness, and soreness. This eventually causes muscle wasting or atrophy as a direct result of chronic, low dietary protein.

Do vegetarians get enough protein?

Two categories of people live off meat-free protein: vegetarians and vegans. Vegans rely solely on plant-based proteins like legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. The key to making sure you get enough protein when not eating meat is to ensure there's some present at every meal and snack.

Can lack of protein make you tired?

Weakness and Fatigue And over time, a lack of protein can make you lose muscle mass, which in turn cuts your strength, makes it harder to keep your balance, and slows your metabolism. It can also lead to anemia, when your cells don't get enough oxygen, which makes you tired.

How can I get protein without eating meat?

There is no doubt that meat provides protein, but so do beans, eggs, nuts, yogurt and even broccoli. The following non-meat foods contain plenty of protein: Nuts and seeds (4-10 grams per 1 ounce serving): walnuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, sunflower seeds, almond butter, hemp, chia and flax seeds.

How many eggs can a vegetarian eat a day?

One Egg, Two Eggs or Three? If you're pondering going veggan, or if you just love your eggs, be sure to keep your intake in check. Rumsey says two to three eggs per day are OK within an overall healthy diet.

Do Vegans eat rice?

The key is to eat a varied diet. Almost all foods except for alcohol, sugar, and fats provide some protein. Vegan sources include: lentils, chickpeas, tofu, peas, peanut butter, soy milk, almonds, spinach, rice, whole wheat bread, potatoes, broccoli, kale

Is peanut butter vegan?

As we've said previously, yes, peanut butter is vegan-friendly. Most kinds of peanut butter are a simple combination of peanuts, oil, and salt. Some peanut butter mixes will contain added sugar but most kinds of peanut butter are totally safe for a vegan diet.

How much protein do I need a day?

Most official nutrition organizations recommend a fairly modest protein intake. The DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.36 grams per pound. This amounts to: 56 grams per day for the average sedentary man.

Where do vegetarians get b12?

The only reliable vegan sources of B12 are foods fortified with B12 (including some plant milks, some soy products and some breakfast cereals) and B12 supplements. Vitamin B12, whether in supplements, fortified foods, or animal products, comes from micro-organisms.

What is the best protein supplement for vegetarians?

The 15 Best Vegan Protein Powders
  • Sakara Life Source Super Powder.
  • Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Organic Plant Based Vegan Protein Powder.
  • Aloha Organic Protein Powder.
  • Designer Protein Essential 10 100% Plant-Based Meal Replacement.
  • BodyLogix Vegan Protein.
  • Plnt Protein.
  • Health Warrior Superfood Vegan Protein Powder.

Can Vegans eat eggs?

Vegetarians do not eat fish, meat or poultry, but do eat eggs and dairy. Vegans also follow the no-meat rule, but also exclude animal products or by-products such as eggs, dairy and honey. In the past, eggs have had a bad reputation, as their yolks contain a lot of dietary cholesterol.

Are eggs vegetarian?

Based on the definition of vegetarian as a diet which excludes consumption of animal flesh, technically, yes, eggs are vegetarian, since they are not animal flesh (the meat, muscles or tissue of an animal). Note that while eggs are vegetarian, they are certainly, under no circumstances, considered vegan.

How can I get high protein on a vegetarian diet?

Here are 17 plant foods that contain a high amount of protein per serving.
  1. Seitan. Seitan is a popular protein source for many vegetarians and vegans.
  2. Tofu, Tempeh and Edamame.
  3. Lentils.
  4. Chickpeas and Most Varieties of Beans.
  5. Nutritional Yeast.
  6. Spelt and Teff.
  7. Hempseed.
  8. Green Peas.

What has more protein than meat?

Broccoli contains more protein per calorie than steak and, per calorie, spinach is about equal to chicken and fish. Of course, you'll need to eat a lot more broccoli and spinach to get the same amount of calories that you do from the meat.

Are Oreos vegan?

SPOILER ALERT: Oreo cookies are NOT vegan. This is according to the Oreo FAQ page itself. "Oreos have milk as cross-contact and therefore are not suitable for vegans," it reads. This means small amounts of milk may have come into contact with the cookies or the equipment used to make them.

How do you get enough protein?

Here are 14 easy ways to eat more protein.
  1. Eat Your Protein First.
  2. Snack on Cheese.
  3. Replace Cereal with Eggs.
  4. Top Your Food with Chopped Almonds.
  5. Choose Greek Yogurt.
  6. Add Protein-Rich Foods to Your Salad.
  7. Have a Protein Shake for Breakfast.
  8. Include a High-Protein Food with Every Meal.

Do vegetarians need b12?

Vitamin B12 is only found naturally in foods from animal sources, so sources for vegans are limited and a vitamin B12 supplement may be needed. If you eat dairy products and eggs, you probably get enough. Vegan sources of vitamin B12 include: yeast extract, such as Marmite, which is fortified with vitamin B12.

What vitamins do vegetarians need?

Vegetarians, especially vegans, need to pay attention to ensure that they get enough protein, iron, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and omega–3 fatty acids. Macronutrients: Carbohydrates provide energy and vitamins for your brain and muscles.