Protein-Rich Snacks for Vegetarians and Vegans
Protein is one of the vital nutrients for growing and maintaining muscles and keeping the skin and hair strong and healthy. Most people on a vegetarian or vegan diet are concerned about adequate protein intake, but protein-rich vegetarian and vegan snacks are also healthy alternatives to meat.
Ingredients like nuts, legumes, grains, root vegetables, and fruits and vegetables have protein in different quantities. Additionally, you can make healthy vegetarian and vegan protein-rich snacks using tofu, quinoa, barley, nuts, beans, and such. This article lists out some delicious and healthy vegetarian and vegan snack ideas:
- Roasted chickpeas
Chickpeas are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and you can easily make roasted chickpeas at home by tossing cooked chickpeas in olive oil. You can also add a few spices or seasonings like cayenne pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, and nutmeg to add flavor. Then, bake them at 200°C for 20 to 30 minutes for a delectable snack. - Yogurt with fruit
One of the simple yet healthy vegetarian and vegan snack ideas, everyone loves to eat this. Yogurt has high protein, calcium, vitamin B12, and potassium content, and you can mix it with apples, berries, bananas, grapes, or any other fruit you like. You can also add a little cinnamon, honey, or maple syrup for added flavor, but avoid store-bought flavored yogurt as it is loaded with sugar. - Quinoa salad with pecans
Fluffy quinoa and crunchy pecans are great sources of protein, making for another protein-rich, healthy vegetarian and vegan snack idea. Cooking the grains and keeping them in the refrigerator is the best way to have ready-to-use ingredients that helps save time when preparing a protein-rich snack. You can use pre-cooked quinoa and add pecans, mint, parsley, green onions, olive oil, and lemon juice to it for a tasty salad. - Trail mix
Trail mix is a simple, nutritious, and healthy vegetarian and vegan snack idea made with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. It is a delicious and healthy snack that can also be carried along to eat on the go. You can mix nutritious ingredients like nuts, seeds, dried fruit, coconut, and whole grains like puffed rice or popcorn to make an appetizing trail mix. - Roasted edamame
Edamame is soybeans harvested before they are fully ripe. You can boil, steam, or roast edamame to make a delicious and nutritious snack. It is a high-protein snack with a good amount of magnesium, iron, and vitamin C. You can simply cook it or roast it at 200°C for 30 to 40 minutes and add garlic, pepper, or paprika for an appetizing snack.
Protein is an essential macronutrient that plays various vital roles in the body. Legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, and soy are high-protein plant-based foods, so they can be used to prepare healthy and delicious vegetarian and vegan snacks to satisfy hunger pangs while also meeting the nutritional requirements.