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Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
5 min
27/02/2026
There are many proteins available, but many of them may not come to mind readily. In addition to the usual sources of protein, sources such as edamame, hemp seeds, quinoa, kefir, broad beans, pumpkin seeds, and spinach will also add to your daily protein needs significantly. If you add these items to your meals, you can celebrate World Protein Day & help prepare for World Protein Day 2026 with nutritious options that will provide benefits to your muscle function, give you satiety, and promote overall wellness.
The macronutrient protein helps to repair muscles, maintain a strong immune system, and promote general good health; however, the majority of individuals only consume so-called obvious sources of protein, such as chicken, eggs, or whey. On the occasion of World Protein Day and the upcoming World Protein Day 2026, many nutrition professionals are bringing attention to uncommon but high-protein food sources that can assist you in increasing your daily protein intake easily. These alternative sources of protein will appeal to people who have omnivore and/ or plant-based dietary preferences, while still allowing you to enjoy a range of options to help you reach your protein requirements in a natural manner.
Edamame is an easy and delicious way to get protein, approximately 9 grams per half cup of edamame, and unlike many other plant sources of protein, soybeans have all the necessary amino acids (complete). You can add edamame to your stir fry or salad for a healthy way to celebrate World Protein Day 2026.
Hemp seeds are an excellent high-protein food choice that have about 10 grams of hemp seeds per three tbsp, as well as great fats and excellent minerals; these work well for adding protein to smoothies, breakfast cereals, or yoghurt.
Quinoa, not just a cool grain but rather a complete source of protein (about 8 grams per cup), contains lots of fibre and antioxidants, making it an outstanding option for anyone looking to celebrate World Protein Day by completing their protein goals.
Kefir (a fermented dairy drink that acts like drinkable yoghurt) is an excellent source of protein, containing nearly 10 grams of protein per cup of kefir and offering substantial protein benefits through probiotic bacteria that aid with gut health.
Fava beans, otherwise known as broad beans, are also an excellent source of protein, with an average of 12 grams of protein per 150 grams of beans, plus fibre, folate, and iron; a great staple for any plant protein-focused diet.
Pumpkin seeds contain about 9 grams of protein in one ounce and are rich in many different micronutrients, such as magnesium and zinc. The seeds allow you to add protein to your diet along with an appealing crunch without relying upon traditional sources of protein.
One cup of cooked spinach contains about 6 grams of protein, which is similar to the amount of protein found in one egg, but you will also get other nutrients from spinach, including iron, vitamins, and antioxidants, so leafy greens can also help provide protein to your diet.
Incorporating new foods into your current eating habits to help celebrate World Protein Day does not require you to completely change your diet. Edamame can be enjoyed in grain bowls, salads, or by themselves as a snack. Hemp and pumpkin seeds can be added to yoghurt, oatmeal, or blended into smoothies, so they can add protein without changing the taste of the foods. Quinoa can be used as a substitute for rice in lunch or dinner meals, which will also help to increase the total amount of protein you are consuming in each serving of food. Kefir can also be substituted for regular milk in smoothies or just consumed by itself. You can add broad beans to soups, stews, or mash them up and use them as a spread. Spinach can be added to curries, omelettes, or blended into a sauce. Adding small amounts of protein to your diet throughout the day is in agreement with the recommendations of the experts on the use of protein in order to provide optimal absorption of protein and support for your muscles.
