Beans are a natural, unprocessed, whole food with plenty of protein and are super easy to work with. When eating vegan, many people wonder what foods are rich in vegan protein. Vegans and vegetarians alike may be concerned about what foods are high in protein other than meat. The vegan diet takes it one step further and avoids all animal products. That means that protein-rich eggs, yogurt, milk, and cheese are not options for vegan protein. So where do vegans get their protein from?
Vegan Protein
The easy freezer meals in our database includes a variety of hearty and delicious vegan meals. (Sign up to get full access to our recipe database and more!)
The vegan diet allows for anything plant-based which includes a wide variety of vegan protein. Basics like tofu and beans are quite commonly enjoyed as vegan protein. Vegetables are actually good sources of protein for their caloric load, too: Think spinach, Brussels sprouts, varieties of potatoes, and edamame— Which are also a legume! All plants have some protein in them. When a make ahead meal is crafted with a variety of plant based food, it is easy to get enough protein. This article explains how a varied vegan diet can include protein simply. Read on to learn about some of FreezerFit’s favorite vegan proteins to cook and eat. And when you’re ready to get started, our free vegan freezer meals cooking class takes just about 30 minutes! What are some of our favorite protein-rich plant foods? Read on!
Tofu & Tempeh
Both made from soybeans, tofu and tempeh are great sources of protein. They’re easy to prepare and have little flavor, taking on the aromatics of other ingredients. That’s why tofu and tempeh are so preferable to marinate with flavorful sauces. Start with Tofu Tikka Masala and Thai Tempeh Noodles! Just prep and freeze, and stock your freezer for the coming months.
Beans & Legumes
Beans and legumes are closely related plants that are almost always quite high in protein. Chickpeas, lentils, black beans, green beans, and more are sources of vegan protein. Red Lentil Curry is one tasty way to enjoy protein-rich beans and legumes! Fill your gallon-sized freezer bags now, and thaw and cook them in the slow cooker or Instant Pot later.
Whole Grains
Some whole grains are a great source of vegan protein. Especially when combined with other sources of protein, whole grains help keep you full for hours: That’s why the classic duo of beans and rice is so reliable and timeless. Try FreezerFit’s easy freezer meal recipe, Mushroom Risotto for a grain dish that happens to be packed with meaty umami flavor, too.
Nuts & Seeds
Nuts and seeds are another closely related type of protein. Trail mix, granola, and crisp salads are bound to be high in protein because of nuts and seeds. For a recipe with chia seeds, we like the High Fiber Smoothie. Or, crunch on cashews in Sweet Chili Vegetables and Rice.
Healthy Meal Prep with Vegan Protein
It can sometimes be easier to plan a healthy meal prep when sticking to vegan foods. Frozen food doesn’t have to be heavy on animal-based products. Some people find that eating plant-based foods opens the door to a wider variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains when other foods are restricted. Consuming essential nutrients, alongside protein, in each meal is easy to do when planning ahead with healthy meal prep: And it’s often the diet most recommended and encouraged by dietary consultants. Wholesome, nutritious ingredients can easily be cut, measured, and then frozen for later. Then, a vegan meal is ready to go without a chance to worry about what’s for dinner.
Vegan Freezer Meals
Meal prepping with vegan freezer meals is a great way to start eating a plant-based diet! You can make ahead meals that you’re familiar with or that you know you’ll love. Prep these meals for later rather than stressing last-minute about what you’ll eat. Here are a few delicious vegan meal choices from FreezerFit:
- Green Curry Soup: Tender bites of potatoes, cauliflower, and broccoli are just a few of the vegetables packed into this soup. Green curry paste and coconut milk make up the savory, creamy base.
- Mushroom Bourguignon: A variety of textures and flavors combine in a tomato and mushroom based sauce. It’s perfect for pasta or even spooned on top of another vegan favorite, Mashed Potatoes with Fresh Herbs.
- Oven Roasted Cauliflower Fajitas: These smokey, spicy fajitas are substantial even on their own!
- Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats: This breakfast recipe can save time on busy mornings. And a big batch will serve several people— The toppings can be customized to each individual preference.
Vegan freezer meals also bring the opportunity to try many different kinds of vegan foods. Prep meals from different cuisines, freeze them, and taste test at any point throughout the week. Maybe you’ll even find a new favorite!
