What are plant-based protein sources? - An overview

In this article you will find out which plant-based foods are particularly high in protein and what the best vegan protein sources are.

What are plant-based protein sources? - An overview
Icon kleines Buch 7 Min
Icon kleiner Kalender Zuletzt aktualisiert am 23.09.2026

The myth of the strong meat eater has persisted for hundreds of years. But by now, more and more athletes and health-conscious people are turning to plant-based protein sources .

Numerous sports legends like bodybuilders Arnold Schwarzenegger or football star Serge Gnarby, have already switched to a vegan diet have switched and meet their protein requirements through plant-based protein sources.

In the following 2-3 minutes , you will first get an overview of the  best plant-based protein sources and then learn which vegan proteins are particularly well suited for athletes and health-conscious people .

 

What are the best plant-based protein sources? 

The number of plant-based protein sources is practically  infinite! In general,  legumes, seeds, and nuts contain particularly large amounts of protein. “For example, 100 grams of pumpkin seeds contain more protein than the same amount of lean red meat or chicken."

(All figures are averages per 100g) 


Protein-rich legumes

  • Soybeans (36g)
  • Lupins (36.2g)
  • Peanuts (30g)
  • Red lentils (23.9g)
  • White beans (23.4g)
  • Green peas (23.1g)
  • Kidney beans (22.5g)
  • Chickpeas (20.5g) 


Protein-rich seeds

  • Pumpkin seeds (37g)
  • Sunflower seeds (27g)
  • Hemp seeds (25g)
  • Flaxseeds (25g)
  • Apricot kernels (24.5g)
  • Pine nuts (24g)
  • Blue poppy seeds (20g)
  • Chia seeds (17g)


Protein-rich nuts

  • Cashews (29.3g)
  • Almonds (25g)
  • Pistachios (21g)
  • Pine nuts (19.1g)
  • Brazil nuts (17g)
  • Walnuts (17g)
  • Hazelnuts (12g)
  • Macadamia nuts (9.3g)

These are the protein sources we use in our protein powder

Our multi-component protein powder consists of 4 perfectly coordinated components (pea, fava bean, pumpkin seed, and flaxseed protein). This allows us to offer high biological value, a creamy consistency, and a delicious taste. It is also important to pay attention to the quality of the ingredients when choosing vegan protein, because conventional farming methods can result in residues such as heavy metals or pesticides - which is why we prefer to use organic ingredients. 

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Our TOP 4 plant-based protein sources

Pea protein

Pea protein

Pea protein is obtained by drying and pulverizing green or yellow peas. Pea protein is rich in Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs). These branched-chain amino acids include valine, leucine, and isoleucine.

At a glance:

  • 80% protein content
  • High-quality isolate
  • Vegan, lactose-free, and gluten-free
  • Contains B vitamins, potassium, folic acid, and fiber
  • Rich in amino acids (especially arginine, lysine, and glutamine, as well as leucine, isoleucine, and valine (BCAA))
  • Naturally contains almost no sugar (0.4g per 100g)

Fava bean protein

Fava bean protein is obtained from fava beans (also known as broad beans). The beans are generally dried, and the protein is concentrated through grinding or isolation to produce a protein-rich powder.

Fava bean protein contains all nine essential amino acids and is therefore considered a high-quality plant-based protein source. It also provides branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) such as valine, leucine, and isoleucine, which are involved, among other things, in muscle metabolism and the maintenance of muscle mass.

At a glance:

  • Plant-based protein source from fava beans (broad beans)
  • Contains all essential amino acids
  • Provides BCAAs (valine, leucine, isoleucine)
  • Vegan and naturally free from lactose and cholesterol

Flaxseed protein

Flaxseed protein

Although they are not as trendy as chia seeds, the small seeds from Central America, they are nevertheless just as rich in nutrients. They even contain slightly more protein! The seeds are sourced locally from Europe and are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Flaxseeds are one of the richest plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Like chia seeds, ground flaxseeds swell when they come into contact with water.

At a glance:

  • 30-40% protein content
  • Vegan, lactose-free, and gluten-free
  • Locally grown
  • Contains essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
  • Source of calcium, magnesium, and iron
  • Rich in vitamins B1, B2, B6, and E, as well as folic acid
  • Contains lignans
  • Contains fiber

Pumpkin seed protein

Pumpkin seed protein

Pumpkin seeds are among the most protein-rich seeds and, on average, contain even more protein per 100 g than many animal-based foods. In a gentle process, the pumpkin seeds are first roasted and then ground into a fine flour.

At a glance:

  • 60% protein content
  • High-quality concentrate
  • Vegan, lactose-free, and gluten-free
  • Locally grown
  • Rich in phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iron, and copper
  • Contains omega-3, omega-9, and vitamin K
  • Contains all amino acids
  • Contains fiber

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