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Just because bacon and eggs are off the menu, doesn’t mean you can’t have a delicious and nutritious breakfast to keep you energised and full during the day.
Mornings can be quite a rough and busy period, and a quick, healthy breakfast is very important to keep you focused and alert for your usual daily activities.
When following a plant-based or vegan lifestyle, it’s important to get enough of that protein, especially in the mornings.
This is because protein not only boosts your metabolism, but also have a satiating effect so you feel less hungry, which can help you feel energised and focus better on the necessary tasks at hand.
Finding a nice, protein rich vegan breakfast that doesn’t stress you or cost you an eternity to prepare is important. So here are 15 easy and delicious, high protein vegan breakfasts to help you start your day right.
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High-protein Vegan Options
Plant-based protein sources are incredibly diverse, providing you with essential amino acids while minimizing saturated fat and cholesterol.
Opting for high-protein vegan breakfasts ensures you kickstart your day with sustained energy and ample nutrients.
1. Legumes
Legumes, including beans, lentils, and chickpeas, are at the forefront of high-protein vegan breakfasts. They pack a double punch with both protein and fiber, keeping you full and satisfied.
Lentils: Cooked lentils are a versatile addition to your morning routine. Try a lentil scramble, toss them in a tofu and vegetable stir-fry, or blend them into a savory breakfast soup.
Chickpeas: Whipping up a batch of chickpea flour-based pancakes or socca is a delicious way to embrace the protein benefits of chickpeas. You can also make a hearty chickpea and vegetable hash.
Beans: From black beans to kidney beans, adding a scoop to your breakfast burrito or mixing them into a savory oatmeal can significantly boost your protein intake.
2. Tofu and Tempeh
Soy-based products like tofu and tempeh are nutritional juggernauts in the world of vegan protein. Their versatility makes them ideal for crafting a variety of breakfast dishes.
Tofu: Silken, firm, or extra-firm tofu can be scrambled or sautéed with spices and vegetables to create a flavorful, protein-packed dish. You can also blend silken tofu into a creamy breakfast smoothie or create a tofu-based breakfast sandwich.
Tempeh: Tempeh’s nutty flavor and firm texture lend themselves well to breakfast recipes. Slice, marinate, and pan-fry for a delicious tempeh bacon or crumble it to add a protein punch to your vegan breakfast burrito.
3. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are not only high in healthy fats but also pack a decent protein punch. They’re versatile ingredients for enhancing the protein content of your breakfast.
Chia Seeds: Soak chia seeds in your favorite plant-based milk to create a delicious chia pudding. Top with fruits, nuts, or granola for added texture and flavor.
Hemp Seeds: Hemp seeds are a complete protein source, providing all essential amino acids. Sprinkle them over your cereal, oatmeal, or yogurt to elevate your protein intake.
Almonds: Almonds and almond butter are great additions to your morning smoothie or oatmeal. They also make for a crunchy topping when incorporated into vegan granola recipes.
4. Whole Grains
Whole grains like quinoa, amaranth, and bulgur offer a solid protein foundation for your vegan breakfast.
Quinoa: Cooked quinoa is an excellent base for a protein-rich breakfast bowl. Add berries, nuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet start to your day.
Oats: A classic, versatile choice. Oatmeal is a canvas for your creativity, accepting toppings like nut butter, seeds, and plant-based milk.
5. Plant-Based Yogurt
Many plant-based yogurts are protein-rich, thanks to ingredients like almond, soy, or coconut. Enjoy them on their own or as a canvas for your favorite toppings.
6. Seitan
Seitan, also known as wheat meat, is made from gluten and is a protein powerhouse. Sauté it with veggies or add it to breakfast sandwiches for a meaty texture and substantial protein content.
7. Vegan Protein Powder
For those hectic mornings or when you need a post-workout protein boost, vegan protein powder becomes a handy addition.
These powdered supplements are derived from plant-based sources like pea, rice, or hemp protein. By adding a scoop to your morning smoothie, oatmeal, or even a simple shake with your choice of plant-based milk, you can effortlessly increase your protein intake.
Just ensure that the protein powder you select is high-quality, free from unwanted additives, and aligns with your dietary preferences for a convenient and nutritious start to the day.
Balancing Your Breakfast
While high-protein vegan breakfasts are satisfying and nutritious, don’t forget to incorporate a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables into your morning meals.
Fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from these sources complement your protein intake, contributing to overall health and wellness.
With these high-protein vegan foods at your disposal, you can create a range of morning dishes that keep you feeling energized and satisfied throughout the day.
Experiment with flavors and ingredients to discover your favorite combinations, ensuring your vegan breakfasts are as exciting as they are nourishing.
Now, onto the yummy stuff. Here are 15 amazing high protein vegan breakfast ideas to enjoy.
15 High Protein Vegan Breakfast Recipes
1) Vegan Breakfast Burrito
Who needs scrambled eggs when you can have some scrambled tofu, with mushrooms, potatoes and other amazing ingredients, all well wrapped in tortillas? They are quick and easy to prepare and can be done in just a couple of minutes.
Even if you don’t want to use tofu, you can easily swap it out and still have a yummy meal ready to go. And each burrito packs about 22g of protein, which is great.
2) Plant Protein Power Breakfast Bowls
Enjoying scrambled tofu isn’t limited to just bread and tortillas alone. Throw in a couple of other nutrient rich ingredients and you have a healthy meal that will keep you charged up through the day.
This recipe combines avocados, which are a good source of healthy fats and fiber, black beans, which are high in protein as well as a couple of seeds and tomatoes for extra nutrition.
It’s sure to taste great, and takes only a total of 20 minutes to get done, so you can whip it up even in a hurry, or meal prep it ahead of time. Each serving delivers a nice 21g of protein.
3) Easy Vegan Breakfast Skillet
If you thought having veggies as your first meal of the day is boring, then think again. Especially when you add in a few spices, vegan sausage, avocado and salsa, you can be sure of a delicious and nutritious meal to keep you on top of your game.
This high protein vegan breakfast makes the perfect veggie combinations, while still ensuring you get enough fiber (7.1g) and protein (33g) per serving. And it takes just 15 minutes in total to whip up.
Related: 10 Easy Keto breakfasts to prepare in in 30 minutes or less
4) Chickpea Scramble
Another great alternative to regular scrambled eggs is chickpea scramble. Similar to its tofu counterpart, it is made from mashed chickpeas, but are soy-free. Add in some tomatoes and peppers for the big finish.
Making the chickpea scramble is quite easy, and it also helps to save more time if you prepare it the night before, so you can just grab, reheat and use the next morning. Serve with some toast and enjoy.
5) Healthy Homemade Granola
It’s no surprise that healthy granola makes ones of the best sources of protein for breakfast. Being composed of healthy nuts, seeds, fruits and oats which are not only a good protein and fiber source, but also a great source of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants.
Homemade granola tends to be richer in flavour and lower in sugar than their store-bought counterparts. Plus, its pretty easy to make and they also store well in the refrigerator. A serving of this delivers 9g of proteinous goodness.
6) Avocado Toast With White Beans & Roasted Tomatoes
Avocados are an incredible fruit. They are rich in healthy fats, fiber and vitamins, and offer a range of interesting health benefits as well. But one thing that makes them stand out is their versatility.
In this high protein vegan breakfast, mashed avocados is combined with white beans, topped with roasted tomatoes and enjoyed with whole grain bread. It takes only a few minutes of prep time and a couple more on the stove before its ready.
A simple, stress-free meal to keep you going all day long.
7) High Protein Vegan Breakfast Bars
Nothing beats a quick meal you can prepare ahead of time, and simply grab and go when your mornings seem in a rush. These vegan breakfast bars made from crushed nuts, seeds, raisins and cashew butter is all you need to keep you full, satisfied and happy.
And since they store well in the refrigerator, you can make them ahead of time and enjoy all week long. Each bite is delicious and full of nutrition, and packs a nice 10g of protein.
Related: 20 Keto Vegetarian/Vegan recipes that’ll make your mouth water
8) Quinoa Flake Porridge
Who doesn’t like enjoying a nice warm bowl of porridge on a cold or chilly morning? This quinoa flake porridge is your perfect go to meal, especially for those who don’t like gluten.
It’s also a good source of protein, at 16.4g per serving as well as fiber and healthy fats. Top with your favourite sliced fruits, and crushed nuts or seeds for an even better flavour. And since it takes just a few minutes to make, it’s definitely a no-brainer.
9) Fluffy Chickpea Flour Pancakes
Regular pancakes are great, but they aren’t exactly the healthiest thing to binge on. Plus, they contain gluten, which a large number of people would rather avoid.
Luckily, you don’t have to avoid them completely. These high protein vegan breakfast pancakes are made with chickpea flour, which are not only gluten-free, but are also more protein rich, giving you a fuller stomach.
You can prepare this in just a total of 20 minutes or even make them ahead to save more time.
10) Salted Caramel Breakfast Pudding
A delicious meal doesn’t necessarily need a million ingredients or a zillion hours to make. This salted caramel breakfast pudding combines just 2 basic ingredients for the pudding base, which are yoghurt and protein powder.
The choice of toppings is up to you. You can always throw in crushed nuts, seeds or coconut flakes, as well as your favourite sliced fruits. It takes just 5 minutes to prepare and contains a nice 26g of protein per bowl.
11) Spicy Breakfast Sausage Patties
Simple, spicy and quite yummy, these vegan sausage patties made with pinto beans make the perfect plant-based substitute to regular sausage patties, without sacrificing the good taste or texture.
Thanks to the coconut flour, the patties hold well and come out nice and fluffy like you’d expect. It is pretty easy, and takes less than 30 minutes in total (prep + cook time) to get ready. Each serving (2 patties) contain about 8g of proteinous goodness.
12) Lemon Strawberry Protein Muffins
You don’t necessarily need the eggs and butter to make a tasty and nutritious breakfast muffin. This high protein vegan breakfast recipe uses a chia seed and water mix in the place of regular eggs and dairy-free butter in the place of regular butter.
Overall the muffins hold well and taste great, plus the strawberries and lemon juice in them help to add extra flavour and nutrition. A serving of 2 muffins pack a nice 8g of protein.
13) Vegan Egg Bites
No eggs, no problem. These vegan egg bites use combine a tofu-yeast mix, with mushrooms, tomatoes, broccoli and bell peppers. The result is a tasty and protein-rich breakfast that will keep you energised and focused throughout the day.
Making the mixture may take a while, but you can always just prep it ahead of time and simply reheat in the morning, which is a big win.
14) Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Bowl
Starting the morning with a delicious smoothie is actually a nice way to go. But for most people, just a smoothie isn’t enough. Introducing smoothie bowls, which is your regular smoothie taken to the next level.
The bowls allow you eat in larger proportions and also allow you to add in a couple of more filling ingredients. And if you thought having chocolate for breakfast was a bad idea, then think again.
This delicious breakfast bowl combines chocolate, peanut butter and bananas and tops it all with chocolate granola and chia seeds. Quick, easy, nutrient-packed and absolutely delicious. Each bowl boasts of an amazing 13g of protein.
15) Peanut Butter Chia Overnight Oats
Overnight oats have to be one of the best ways to enjoy oatmeal without stress, rush or needing to cook it. You simply just grab it out the fridge in the morning, enjoy and be on your way.
This vegan overnight oats makes thing interesting by adding in some chia seeds, mashed banana and peanut butter powder and tops it all with crushed nuts, coconut flakes and cacao nibs. Quite a nice way to start the day.
To make it even maple, you can add in some maple syrup or your favourite healthy sweetener and enjoy.
Mornings can be quite a busy and rough time of the day. Getting good, healthy and nutritious breakfasts that keep you energized and focused is definitely a dream come true.
Thankfully, these 15 high protein vegan breakfasts will make your mornings easier and your stomachs fuller.
Which one was your favourite? Tell us down below. Also don’t forget to share the good news with your friends.
