5 Meat-free foods that pack a protein punch

BACK TO YOUR DIET        GET OUR VEGETARIAN MEAL PLAN

Many people are making the shift to meat free eating, be it for one meatless day a week or a lifetime. Fortunately, meeting your daily protein requirements (minus the meat) isn’t hard at all. These meat free alternatives are so good, you won’t miss the steak!

  1. BEANS

    11 grams per cup red kidney beans*, cooked. 

    Beans are often used as a replacement for meat. This hearty Mexican bean soup will see you through the last of winter. 

    Spicy Mexican red kidney bean soup with chunky guacamole. 

  2. PEAS

    14 grams per cup frozen garden peas*

    Not only are peas a source of protein, dried versions are inexpensive and as good fresh as they are frozen. This impressive dish is easy to make and delicious!

     

  3. COTTAGE CHEESE

    26 grams per cup

    Cottage cheese  is a good source of protein but it can get boring on its own. Add a teaspoon of pesto or fresh herbs to cottage cheese to liven it up.

     Steamed mix marrows with cottage cheese and yoghurt dressing. 

  4. LENTILS

    18 grams per cup, cooked

    Lentils are the obvious meat replacement choice, you may not know that they are also packed full of fibre. Instead of opting for the usual lentil soup, try this quick & easy lentil terrine.

     

  5. Nut butters

    7-8 grams per serving of almond butter (about 2 tablespoons)

    Nut butter has come a long way since the classic PB and J sandwich. Almond and macadamia nut butters are becoming more widely available, and they are an additional source of protein.