What foods have protien

Last Updated: April 23rd, 2022

What foods have protien

Protein is a macronutrient that forms the building blocks of the human body. It is necessary for the growth and repair of all tissues, along with many other functions including forming hormones and enzymes. A deficiency in protein leads to muscle atrophy and impaired functioning of the body in general. (1)

How much protein do you need?

The recommended daily intake of protein is between 46-63 grams for most adults, with pregnant and lactating women needing up to 65 grams per day. (2) The daily value (DV) for protein is set at 50 grams per day (3), which is an average that works for most people. Athletes or other people looking to build muscle mass may want to consume more protein.

High protein foods include lean chicken, lean pork, fish, lean beef, tofu, beans, lentils, low-fat yogurt, milk, cheese, seeds, nuts, and eggs.

Below is a list of healthy protein foods sorted by common serving size, use the protein nutrient ranking to sort by 100 gram or 200 calorie serving sizes. For more information, see the lists of vegetarian protein, high protein fruits, and high protein vegetables.

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What foods have protien


Vegetarian protein foods include tofu, beans, lentils, yogurt, milk, cheese, green peas, nuts, seeds, whole grains, peanut butter, eggs, and white button mushrooms. See the list of vegetarian protein foods.

Vegan protein foods are similar to vegetarian sources but exclude yogurt, milk, cheese, and eggs. Vegans do not eat any foods from animals. Instead vegans can eat high protein vegetables like lima beans, spinach, and corn. See the list of vegan protein foods.

1. Tuna Sandwich

CaloriesProteinFatCarbs
276
(14% DV)
28.4g
(57% DV)
4.7g
(7% DV)
28.5g
(10% DV)

Ingredients: 3oz canned tuna, 1 leaf romaine lettuce, 1 slice of tomato, 2 slices whole wheat bread.
View or Edit this Meal

2. Banana Parfait

CaloriesProteinFatCarbs
420
(21% DV)
16.4g
(33% DV)
17g
(26% DV)
57g
(19% DV)

Ingredients: 6oz of non-fat yogurt, 1/4 cup of uncooked oats, 1oz handful of pumpkin seeds, 1 medium banana.
View or Edit this Meal

3. Chicken Salad

CaloriesProteinFatCarbs
429
(21% DV)
65.1g
(130% DV)
14g
(22% DV)
12.9g
(4% DV)

Ingredients: 6oz chicken breast, 2 cups romaine lettuce, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 oz grated Parmesan.
View or Edit this Meal

4. Tofu Stir Fry

CaloriesProteinFatCarbs
680
(34% DV)
51.1g
(102% DV)
37.1g
(57% DV)
47.5g
(16% DV)

Ingredients: 1 cup firm tofu, 1/2 cup onions, 1 cup broccoli, 1 tsp ginger, 1/2 cup brown rice, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp soy sauce.
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5. Lentil Curry with Peanuts

CaloriesProteinFatCarbs
672
(34% DV)
28.8g
(58% DV)
30.4g
(47% DV)
77.8g
(26% DV)

Ingredients: 1 cup of cooked lentils, 1/4 onion, 1 tblsp curry powder, 1/5 cup brown rice, 1 tblsp sesame oil, 1oz dry-roasted peanuts
View or Edit this Meal

Make your own meal plans by adding foods to the recipe nutrition calculator.

Data for the curated food lists comes from the USDA Food Data Central Repository.

You can check our data against the USDA by clicking the (Source) link at the bottom of each food listing.

Note: When checking data please be sure the serving sizes are the same. In the rare case you find any difference, please contact us and we will fix it right away.

Setting targets can provide a guide to healthy eating.

Some of the most popular targets include:


View more food groups with the nutrient ranking tool, or see ratios with the nutrient ratio tool.

MyFoodData provides free nutrition data tools and articles to help you organize and understand the foods you eat.

Create a free account to get nutrition facts on recipes and meals, track foods, and set custom targets.

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Reviewed by Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD on January 13, 2022

Protein can help you shed those unwanted pounds -- and keep your belly full. But it's important to eat the right amount and the right kind of protein to get its health benefits.

Seafood is an excellent source of protein because it's usually low in fat. Fish such as salmon is a little higher in fat, but it is the heart-healthy kind: it has omega-3 fatty acids.

Stick to poultry for excellent, lean protein. Dark meat is a little higher in fat. The skin is loaded with saturated fat, so remove skin before eating.

Not only are dairy foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt excellent sources of protein, but they also contain valuable calcium, and many are fortified with vitamin D. Choose skim or low-fat dairy to keep bones and teeth strong and help prevent osteoporosis.

Eggs are one of the least expensive forms of protein. The American Heart Association says normal healthy adults can safely enjoy an egg a day.

One-half cup of beans contains as much plant-based protein as an ounce of broiled steak. Plus, these nutritious nuggets are inexpensive and loaded with fiber to keep you feeling full for hours.

This versatile white meat is 31% leaner than it was 20 years ago.

Fifty grams of soy protein daily can help lower cholesterol by about 3%. Eating plant-based soy protein instead of sources of higher-fat protein -- and maintaining a healthy diet -- can be good for your heart.

Lean beef has about two grams more saturated fat than a skinless chicken breast. Lean beef is also an excellent source of zinc, iron, and vitamin B12.

If you don't have time to sit down for a meal, grab a meal replacement drink, cereal bar, or energy bar. Check the label to be sure the product contains at least six grams of protein and is low in sugar and saturated fat.

Research shows that including a source of protein like an egg or Greek yogurt at breakfast along with a high-fiber grain like whole wheat toast can help you feel full longer and eat less throughout the day.

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Protein foods, including plant-based protein foods, are an important part of healthy eating. Include foods such as beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, lean meats and poultry, fish, shellfish, eggs, lower fat milk and lower fat dairy products.

Protein foods are good for you

You can eat a variety of protein foods as part of a healthy eating pattern.

Protein foods have important nutrients such as:

  • protein
  • vitamins
  • minerals

Try to choose protein foods that come from plants every day. Plant-based protein foods can provide more fibre and less saturated fat than other types of protein foods. This can be beneficial for your heart health.

You don’t need to eat large amounts of protein foods to meet your nutritional needs. Try to eat protein foods such as:

  • eggs
  • lean meats and poultry
    • lean cuts of beef, pork and wild game
    • turkey
    • chicken
  • nuts and seeds
    • peanuts
    • almonds
    • cashews
    • nut butters
    • sunflower seeds
  • fish and shellfish
    • trout
    • perch
    • shrimp
    • salmon
    • pickerel
    • sardines
    • mackerel
  • lower fat dairy products
    • milk
    • yogurt
    • lower sodium cheeses
  • beans, peas and lentils
    • brown, green or red or other lentils
    • peas such as chickpeas and split peas
    • dried beans such as black beans and kidney beans
  • fortified soy beverages, tofu, soybeans and other soy products

Tips for vegetarians

Get the nutrients you need by:

  • following Canada's food guide plate
  • choosing a variety of protein foods, including eggs and lower fat dairy products

If you eat only plant-based foods, choose a variety of healthy foods from Canada's food guide. Include foods and beverages fortified with vitamin B12 because vitamin B12 is only found naturally in animal-based foods.

Choosing and preparing healthy protein foods

There are many different types of protein foods to choose. Make healthier choices.

Beans, peas and lentils

Choose:

  • dried beans, peas and lentils to soak and cook at home
  • low sodium canned beans, peas and lentils, or rinse and drain them to reduce the amount of sodium

Nuts and seeds

Choose:

  • dry roasted nuts and seeds without added:
    • sugars
    • fat (oils)
    • sodium (salt)
  • peanut butter or other nut butters that list peanuts or nuts as the only ingredient. Choose ones with little to no added:
    • sodium
    • sugars
    • saturated fat

Fish and shellfish

Choose:

  • canned fish with little to no added sodium
  • fresh or frozen fish and shellfish that has not been:
    • breaded
    • battered
    • deep-fried

Lean meats

Choose:

  • skinless poultry
  • lean cuts of meat such as round and loin
  • fresh or frozen meat and poultry without rich sauces
  • meat prepared with little or no added sodium or saturated fat

Milk and dairy products

Choose:

  • unsweetened lower fat milk
  • unsweetened lower fat yogurt
  • lower fat, lower sodium cheeses

Soy products and fortified soy beverages

Choose:

  • unsweetened fortified soy beverages
  • lower sodium soy products, such as tofu and edamame

Preparing protein foods

Try healthier ways to prepare your food by:

  • draining off extra fat after cooking
  • trimming the visible fat from meats
  • removing skin from poultry before cooking
  • limiting the amount of sauces, butter or gravy

Try cooking methods that use little or no added saturated fat. These include methods such as:

  • baking
  • grilling
  • roasting
  • poaching

Enhance the flavour by:

  • seasoning with herbs, lemon or salsas
  • using small amounts of oils with healthy fats such as olive and canola

Snack ideas

Protein foods make healthy and delicious snacks. Try these quick and tasty options:

  • nuts and seeds
  • hard-boiled eggs
  • oven roasted chickpeas
  • hummus with fresh veggies
  • peanut butter on celery sticks
  • lower fat yogurt with fresh fruit

How to eat more protein foods that come from plants

Try replacing some meat or poultry with plant-based protein foods. As your main course, try using:

  • beans in a burrito
  • tofu in a vegetable stir-fry
  • chickpeas and beans in tacos
  • lentils in a soup, stew or casserole

Many simulated meat products are highly processed and can add excess sodium or saturated fat to your diet. Use food labels to make a healthy choice.

What you eat on a regular basis matters for your health.

  • Choose foods that have little to no added sodium, sugars or saturated fat.
  • Compare the nutrition facts table on foods to choose products that are lower in sodium, sugars or saturated fat.