You don’t need to splash out on pricey superfoods to get enough protein on a vegan diet. In fact, some of the cheap vegan protein sources can be the best ones. The best bit? They’re probably already sitting in your cupboard – or can be picked up for pennies at your local supermarket.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up 10 of the cheapest and easiest vegan protein sources available – steering clear of ultra-processed meat alternatives. These ingredients are all affordable, nutritious and simple to prepare.
We’ve also price-checked them across UK supermarkets, listing the protein content and cost per serving, so you can see exactly how much protein you get for your pennies.
Get your shopping list ready…
1. Lentils
Lentils are one of the most budget-friendly sources of plant-based protein. They’re cheap, filling and incredibly versatile – perfect for everything from soups and stews to curries, pasta sauces, and even salads. Plus, they’re rich in iron, fibre, and complex carbs, so they’ll keep you satisfied for longer. Red split lentils are particularly great because they cook quickly without needing to be soaked first, making them ideal for midweek meals.
Protein Content and Cost Per Serving
Protein: 9g per 100g serving (cooked) [1]
Cost: Less than 20p per 100g serving (dried red lentils)
Tip: The information above is based on red split lentils, but feel free to experiment with other types, such as brown and puy. Tinned green lentils are a cheap and easy option too.
2. Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a staple in budget-friendly vegan cooking. With a mild flavour and hearty texture, they work well in everything from curries and salads to hummus and falafel burgers! You can buy them tinned for ultimate convenience or dried for extra savings – just soak and simmer in bulk to use throughout the week. As well as being packed full of protein, chickpeas are high in fibre, folate and slow-release carbohydrates.
Protein Content and Cost Per Serving
Protein: 8g per 100g serving (cooked) [2]
Cost: Less than 15p per 100g serving (dried), and less than 25p per 100g (tinned, drained)
3. Frozen Soya Beans
Next on our list of cheap vegan protein sources are frozen soya beans – also known as edamame. These tasty little green beans often fly under the radar, but they’re one of the easiest ways to boost your protein intake on a vegan diet. Add them to stir-fries, grain bowls or salads, or enjoy them on their own as a protein-rich snack. They’re a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids, and they’re also rich in fibre, iron and folate. Best of all, they’re ready in minutes – just boil, steam or microwave from frozen.
Protein Content and Cost Per Serving
Protein: 14g per 100g serving [3]
Cost: 50p per 100g serving
4. Black Beans
Black beans are a firm favourite in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines – and for good reason. They’re cheap, filling and packed with plant-based protein and fibre. Tinned black beans are ideal when you’re short on time, while dried black beans offer the best value if you don’t mind soaking and cooking them in bulk. They’re delicious (and nutritious) added to soups, stews, curries, chillies and burrito bowls – and can even be used to make healthy brownies!
Protein Content and Cost Per Serving
Protein: 9g per 100g serving (cooked) [4]
Cost: Less than 15p per 100g (dried), and less than 25p per 100g (tinned, drained)
5. Kidney Beans
Kidney beans are a store cupboard staple, with a meaty texture and rich colour that make them perfect for dishes like chilli, curries, burritos and vegan burgers. Like other beans, they’re high in fibre, low in fat and a great source of iron and folate. You can buy them tinned for quick meals, or dried for a cheaper option if you’re cooking in bulk.
Protein Content and Cost Per Serving
Protein: 9g per 100g serving (cooked) [5]
Cost: Less than 15p per 100g (dried), and less than 25p per 100g (tinned, drained)
6. Oats
Oats are one of the cheapest and most underrated sources of plant protein. They’re often thought of as just a carb, but they contain more protein than most other grains, and they’re packed full of fibre, B vitamins, and slow-release energy. Use them in porridge, overnight oats, smoothies or vegan protein shakes to keep hunger at bay.
Protein Content and Cost Per Serving
Protein: 6g per 50g serving [6]
Cost: Less than 5p per 50g serving
7. Peanut Butter (100% Peanuts)
Peanut butter is a brilliant budget-friendly way to add vegan protein, healthy fats and flavour to your meals. Whether you spread it on toast, stir it into porridge, or add it to smoothies, sauces and dressings, it’s one of the easiest (and tastiest) ways to boost your protein intake. Just make sure you choose a version with no added sugar or palm oil – ideally one that’s 100% peanuts like Protein Works Only Peanuts.
Protein Content and Cost Per Serving
Protein: 8g per 30g serving
Cost: Less than 28p per 30g serving
Based on Protein Works Only Peanuts at £8.99 per 990g
8. Tofu
Tofu is another brilliant all-rounder when it comes to affordable vegan protein. Made from soya beans, it’s a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids. If you’ve been put off by tofu in the past, don’t write it off just yet – the key is in the prep. Pressing out excess moisture and adding bold flavours (think garlic, soy sauce, spices or sesame oil) can completely transform it. It’s surprisingly versatile too – firm tofu can be fried, grilled, baked or crumbled and added to things like curries, stir fries and wraps, while softer varieties work well in scrambles – and even desserts.
Protein Content and Cost Per Serving
Protein: 17g per 100g serving [7]
Cost: 55p per 100g serving
9. Vegan Protein Powder
Vegan protein powder is a convenient and cost-effective way to top up your protein intake, especially if you’re active, short on time or in need of an extra protein boost. Our Vegan Protein is made from a premium blend of soy, pea, pumpkin seed, sunflower and brown rice protein, delivering a well-rounded amino acid profile and a whopping 25g of plant-based protein goodness per serving. While a big bag might seem pricey upfront, it often works out cheaper per gram of protein than many whole food sources.
Protein Content and Cost Per Serving
Protein: 25g per 30g serving
Cost: Less than 50p per 30g serving
Based on Protein Works Vegan Protein £16.49 per 1kg
10. Soy milk
Soy milk is generally the cheapest plant milk available, and it also happens to have one of the highest protein contents. It’s a great everyday option if you’re looking to top up your protein intake through things you’re already doing – like eating cereal or porridge and drinking tea or coffee. Most supermarket own-brands are also fortified with nutrients like calcium, vitamin B12 and vitamin D to support a balanced vegan diet.
Protein Content and Cost Per Serving
Protein: 3.6g per 100ml serving [8]
Cost: 13p per 100ml serving
The Take Home
Eating enough protein on a vegan diet doesn’t have to cost the earth. As this list shows, some of the best vegan protein sources are also the most affordable and accessible – making it easy to build balanced, protein-rich meals, without breaking the bank.
For more information about balanced vegan eating, explore the Protein Works Vegan Nutrition Hub!
References:
[1] https://tools.myfooddata.com/nutrition-facts/172421/100g/1
[2] https://tools.myfooddata.com/nutrition-facts/2342893/100g/1
[3] https://tools.myfooddata.com/nutrition-facts/100091325/wt1/1
[4] https://tools.myfooddata.com/nutrition-facts/173735/100g/1
[5] https://tools.myfooddata.com/nutrition-facts/173740/100g/1
[6] https://tools.myfooddata.com/nutrition-facts/171661/100g/1
[7] https://tools.myfooddata.com/nutrition-facts/172475/100g/1
[8] https://tools.myfooddata.com/nutrition-facts/2705405/100g/1
