Learning About High-Protein Foods

What foods are high in protein?

The foods you eat contain nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. Protein is a nutrient. Your body needs the right amount to stay healthy and work as it should. You can use the list below to help you make choices about which foods to eat.

Here are some examples of foods that are high in protein.

Dairy and dairy alternatives

• Cheese
• Milk
• Soy milk
• Yogurt (especially Greek)

Meat

• Beef
• Chicken
• Ham
• Lamb
• Lunch meat
• Pork
• Sausage
• Turkey

Other protein foods

• Beans (black, garbanzo, kidney, lima)
• Eggs
• Hummus
• Lentils
• Nuts
• Peanut butter and other nut butters
• Peas
• Soybeans
• Tofu
• Veggie or soy patty (Check the nutrition label for the amount of protein in each serving.)

Seafood

• Anchovies
• Cod
• Crab
• Halibut
• Salmon
• Sardines
• Shrimp
• Tilapia
• Trout
• Tuna

Protein supplements

• Bars (Check the nutrition label for the amount of protein in each serving.)
• Drinks
• Powders

Work with your doctor to find out how much of this nutrient you need. Depending on your health, you may need more or less of it in your diet.