Probably the most common question Vegans face is it's “Where Do You Get Your Protein From?”
Veteran vegans know the extended availability of plant-based protein – from lentils and chickpeas to edamame and broccoli, there are a variety of rich whole food sources.
When combined with Seitan, Tofu, and Tempeh this presents a huge range of options for anyone who has a certain kind of experience in the kitchen. But what happens when you don't?
Well, the good news is that in recent years, the availability of ready-made plant-based products has skyrocketed. Fuelled by many factors, mostly health awareness, and climate change, an increasing number of manufacturers have responded to the demand and introducing vegan products into their product range.
These days in every supermarket you can have access to a wide range of options, including white labeled-brand products.
The body needs protein to grow, to help the body to recover from injuries or to increase muscle mass, protein is an essential part of any diet, but, when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight, it provides additional benefits in the form of reduced appetite, boosting your metabolism and decreasing cravings.
Having too little protein in your body can produce anemia and a weakened immune system, not to mention the obvious reduction in muscle mass and the problems that come with it.
One of the main risks of living on a “ready-made” vegan diet, aside from the risk of not getting enough essential natural nutrients, is discovering that your convenient plant-based diet is high in calories. From vegan sausage rolls to burgers and nuggets the options are almost endless.
It is known that one gram of protein is equal to four calories. In comparison, carbohydrates are also four calories, whereas fat is nine calories; but, when it comes to consuming products that combine a wide range of ingredients, as in industrial manufactured ready-made products, high-protein does not necessarily mean it is low in calories.
Luckely we could identify the products that can offer the most protein for the lowest number of calories.
The Top 10 Low-Calorie Protein Sources
In the list, the top 10 products with the lowest number of calories per gram of protein were:
Biona Organic Seitan Pieces
Vivera Veggie Mince
Love Seitan – Simply (Plain) Seitan Log
Loma Vegan Tuna in Spring Water
Good Catch Plant-Based Tuna Naked In Water
The Unbelievable Alt. Chickenless Strips
Biona Organic – Seitan Pieces Marinated in Ginger & Soya Sauce
Vegan Supplement Store Protein Powder
This Isn't Bacon Plant-Based Rashers
Asda No Chick Meat Free Strips
While we always recommend trying to maintain a healthy diet full of whole foods, not everyone has skills in the kitchen. Just look at the ingredients on every package and read the nutrition information,
Remember the fresher is the food the healthier it is.
