Plant-Based Protein Calculator
Plan your vegan or vegetarian diet with optimal protein intake
Why Protein Matters in Plant-Based Diets
Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and supporting overall health. While animal products are traditionally seen as the main protein sources, a well-planned plant-based diet can easily meet your protein needs.
This calculator helps you determine your daily protein requirements based on your personal characteristics and activity level, then suggests plant-based foods to reach your goals.
Calculate Your Protein Needs
Your Results
Daily Protein Recommendation:
This is approximately 0 g/kg of body weight
What This Means
These calculations provide estimates based on general guidelines. Individual needs may vary. Consult with a registered dietitian for personalized advice.
Daily Protein Distribution
Fill out the form and click calculate to see your personalized protein recommendations
Plant-Based Protein Sources
Search & Filter Protein Sources
(Select to add to your meal plan)| Food | Serving | Protein (g) | Calories | Complete |
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Complete Protein Combinations
Plant proteins may lack one or more essential amino acids in sufficient quantities. Combining different plant-based foods creates "complete" proteins with all nine essential amino acids. Here are some classic combinations:
Beans + Rice
Beans are low in methionine and high in lysine, while rice is low in lysine but high in methionine.
Hummus + Pita
Chickpeas provide lysine, while wheat in pita bread complements with methionine and cysteine.
Peanut Butter + Whole Grain Bread
Peanuts are low in methionine, while wheat bread is low in lysine. Together they complement each other.
Lentil Soup + Whole Grain Crackers
Lentils are high in lysine but low in sulfur-containing amino acids, while grains provide those missing elements.
Tofu + Nuts/Seeds
Tofu is already a complete protein, but adding nuts enhances the amino acid profile and adds healthy fats.
Quinoa + Vegetables
Quinoa is already a complete protein, but pairing with vegetables increases nutritional value and fiber.
Understanding Plant Proteins & Amino Acids
Essential Amino Acids
Proteins are made up of building blocks called amino acids. Out of the 20 amino acids, nine are considered "essential" because your body cannot produce them—they must come from your diet.
Histidine
Important for nerve cells and production of histamine.
High in: Soybeans, tofu, lentils
Isoleucine
Needed for muscle metabolism and immune function.
High in: Soybeans, seaweed, almonds
Leucine
Critical for protein synthesis and muscle repair.
High in: Soybeans, lentils, pumpkin seeds
Lysine
Needed for growth, tissue repair, and enzyme production.
High in: Beans, lentils, quinoa
Methionine
Important for metabolism and detoxification.
High in: Brazil nuts, oats, sunflower seeds
Phenylalanine
Used to make neurotransmitters and other amino acids.
High in: Soybeans, pumpkin seeds, peanuts
Threonine
Needed for skin and connective tissue health.
High in: Lentils, spirulina, peanuts
Tryptophan
Precursor to serotonin and melatonin.
High in: Chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, oats
Valine
Stimulates muscle growth and regeneration.
High in: Mushrooms, soybeans, spinach
Complete vs. Incomplete Proteins
Complete Proteins
These contain all nine essential amino acids in sufficient amounts. While animal products are typically complete proteins, several plant foods are also complete:
- Quinoa
- Buckwheat
- Hemp seeds
- Chia seeds
- Soy (tofu, tempeh, edamame)
- Spirulina
- Amaranth
Incomplete Proteins
These lack sufficient amounts of one or more essential amino acids. Most plant proteins fall into this category, but combining different plant foods can create complete protein profiles:
- Beans and legumes (high in lysine, low in methionine)
- Grains and nuts (high in methionine, low in lysine)
- Vegetables (varying amino acid profiles)
Contrary to older beliefs, you don't need to combine these at every meal—eating a variety throughout the day is sufficient.
Optimizing Plant-Based Protein Intake
Diversity is Key
Eat a wide variety of plant proteins to ensure you get all essential amino acids. Include legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetables.
Consider Protein Density
Some plant foods contain more protein per calorie than others. Seitan, tofu, tempeh, lentils, and nutritional yeast are particularly protein-dense.
Spread Protein Throughout the Day
Your body can only use a certain amount of protein at once for muscle synthesis. Distribute your protein intake across meals rather than consuming it all at once.
Protein Timing for Athletes
If you're physically active, consume protein within 2 hours after exercise to support muscle recovery and synthesis. Plant-based protein powder can be convenient for this purpose.