From health.com
AT A GLANCE
- Why this matters: Eggs are a convenient source of protein, but several plant-based foods provide even more protein per serving along with nutrients like fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
- What you can do: Add high-protein plant foods like edamame, lentils, tofu, navy beans, or pea protein to meals and snacks.
- The payoff: Eating a wider variety of protein-rich foods can make it easier to meet your protein needs while supporting muscle health and overall nutrition.
Eggs are a breakfast and snack staple for many people. Two large eggs provide about 155 calories and 12.6 grams of protein, making them a satisfying, nutrient-dense choice.
But if you’re looking to increase your protein intake or simply want to expand your options, you may be wondering what foods pack even more protein than two eggs, including plant-based choices. These five plant-based foods provide more protein than two eggs while also delivering a range of other important nutrients.
1. Edamame
Protein: 18.5 grams per cup
Edamame are immature soybeans that are packed with plant-based protein. Just one cup of edamame contains 18.5 grams of protein, which is nearly 47% more protein than two large hard-boiled eggs.
Edamame is also loaded with fibre, packing 8 grams per cup, which covers 28.5% of your daily fibre needs. Like protein, fibre helps you feel full after eating by slowing digestion and stimulating the release of satiety hormones.
Edamame is also a good source of folate, magnesium, and potassium, which could help reduce your risk of developing hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease.
2. Lentils
Protein: 17.9 grams per cup
Lentils are a high-protein staple in plant-based diets. Containing 17.9 grams of protein per cup, lentils are a better source of protein than two eggs.
Lentils are also high in fibre, containing 15.6 grams per cup, or 55.7% of the DV. Lentils are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, like folate, magnesium, zinc, iron, and potassium.
They’re especially high in folate, a B vitamin required for the formation of red blood cells, DNA and RNA synthesis, and cell division and growth. Folate plays an essential role in foetal growth and development, making folate-rich foods like lentils a smart choice for pregnant women. A cup of lentils covers 90% of your daily folate needs, making lentils one of the best sources you can eat.
3. Pea Protein
Protein: 24 grams per 33-gram scoop
If you’re following a plant-based diet and want a convenient source of protein, consider pea protein powder. Though protein content varies by product, many pea protein products contain about 24 grams per serving, nearly double the amount in two eggs.
Unlike eggs, pea protein can be quickly mixed into liquids or dishes like oatmeal for a convenient, high-protein snack. It can also be easily taken on the go as a protein shake. Pea protein is vegetarian- and vegan-friendly, making it much easier to meet higher protein demands on plant-based diets, such as vegan diets.
4. Tofu
Protein: 22 grams per half-cup
Providing an impressive 22 grams of protein per half-cup, tofu contains much more protein than two eggs.
Because it’s made from soybeans, tofu is a popular protein source for people following vegetarian and vegan diets. It’s also rich in nutrients that tend to be low in vegetarian and vegan diets, like calcium, selenium, zinc, and iron.
Not only is tofu high in protein, but it can also be used as an egg replacement in dishes like scrambles, breakfast tacos, and frittatas. Tofu can mimic the texture of eggs while providing a good source of plant-based protein, making it a versatile option for people looking to replace or reduce their intake of eggs.
5. Navy Beans
Protein: 19.7 grams per cup
Navy beans are among the highest-protein legumes you can eat. One cup contains an impressive 20 grams of protein.
Navy beans also contain a variety of vitamins and minerals and are especially high in folate, iron, magnesium, and selenium. Selenium is a mineral that plays critical roles in immune and thyroid function and acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body.
They’re also high in fibre, which, combined with their protein content, may help support weight loss and healthy blood sugar and blood lipid levels. In fact, study findings suggest that regularly eating navy beans may reduce waist circumference and blood sugar levels.
https://www.health.com/plant-based-foods-with-more-protein-than-two-eggs-12073090










