Protein is an essential nutrient for our body that helps us build muscles, repair tissue, and support our overall health. For many people, meat is their go-to source of protein.

However, if you are a plant-based eater, vegan, or vegetarian, you may be wondering how to get enough protein in your diet without meat.

The good news is, there are many herbal protein sources out there that can give you an equal, or even greater, amount of protein than meat. Below are 30 herbal protein sources you can include in your diet to get all the protein you need.

1. Lentils

Lentils are a type of legume that are packed with protein, fiber, and iron. One cup of cooked lentils contains about 18 grams of protein, which is the same amount as three ounces of steak.

2. Chickpeas

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are an excellent source of plant-based protein. One cup of cooked chickpeas contains about 15 grams of protein.

3. Quinoa

Quinoa is a gluten-free, grain-like seed that is packed with protein, fiber, and essential amino acids. One cup of cooked quinoa contains about 8 grams of protein.

4. Tofu

Tofu is a protein-rich food that is made from soy milk. One cup of tofu contains about 20 grams of protein, making it an excellent meat substitute.

5. Tempeh

Tempeh is a fermented soybean product that is packed with protein and other essential nutrients. One cup of tempeh contains about 30 grams of protein.

6. Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds are a complete protein source that are rich in essential fatty acids, fiber, and other nutrients. Two tablespoons of hemp seeds contain about 10 grams of protein.

7. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats. One ounce of pumpkin seeds contains about 5 grams of protein.

8. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are a versatile food that is rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. One ounce of chia seeds contains about 4 grams of protein.

9. Spirulina

Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is packed with protein, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients. One tablespoon of spirulina contains about 4 grams of protein.

10. Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast is a type of yeast that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Two tablespoons of nutritional yeast contain about 8 grams of protein.

11. Edamame

Edamame is a young soybean that is packed with protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. One cup of edamame contains about 17 grams of protein.

12. Beans

Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. One cup of cooked beans contains about 16 grams of protein on average.

13. Nuts

Nuts, such as almonds, cashews, and walnuts, are a great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. One ounce of nuts contains about 5-7 grams of protein on average.

14. Nut Butters

Nut butter, such as almond or peanut butter, is a rich source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Two tablespoons of nut butter contain about 7-8 grams of protein.

15. Seitan

Seitan, also known as wheat meat, is a meat substitute that is made from wheat gluten. One ounce of seitan contains about 25 grams of protein.

16. Brown Rice

Brown rice is a whole grain that is packed with protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. One cup of cooked brown rice contains about 5 grams of protein.

17. Wild Rice

Wild rice is a type of grain that is high in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. One cup of cooked wild rice contains about 7 grams of protein.

18. Oats

Oats are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. One cup of cooked oats contains about 6 grams of protein.

19. Artichokes

Artichokes are a delicious vegetable that is high in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. One cup of artichokes contains about 4 grams of protein.

20. Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a nutrient-rich vegetable that is high in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. One cup of Brussels sprouts contains about 4 grams of protein.

21. Peas

Peas are a delicious vegetable that is packed with protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. One cup of cooked peas contains about 8 grams of protein.

22. Spinach

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green that is high in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. One cup of cooked spinach contains about 5 grams of protein.

23. Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable that is high in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. One cup of cooked broccoli contains about 4 grams of protein.

24. Asparagus

Asparagus is a delicious vegetable that is high in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. One cup of cooked asparagus contains about 4 grams of protein.

25. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. One cup of cooked mushrooms contains about 3 grams of protein.

26. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a nutrient-rich vegetable that is high in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. One cup of cooked cauliflower contains about 3 grams of protein.

27. Kale

Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green that is high in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. One cup of cooked kale contains about 3 grams of protein.

28. Beets

Beets are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. One cup of cooked beets contains about 2 grams of protein.

29. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-rich root vegetable that is high in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. One cup of baked sweet potatoes contains about 4 grams of protein.

30. Cabbage

Cabbage is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is high in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. One cup of cooked cabbage contains about 2 grams of protein.