“But where do you get your protein?” is a familiar question for most people who follow a vegan or plant-focused diet.

And it’s understandable. Around the world, many are taught from a young age that meat from animals is essential for protein. 

But things are starting to change. More people than ever have chosen to reduce their animal product intake in the last few years. 

In Hong Kong, for example, research suggests that nearly a quarter of the population is actively cutting down on meat. They’re doing so for a variety of reasons, but one key motivation is the planet. That’s because the meat industry contributes to a wide variety of environmental problems, like deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.

The good news is, most people who follow a plant-based or flexitarian diet don’t have to worry about not getting enough protein. Vegan protein comes in all forms—from beans to tofu to vegan meat products. When it comes to the latter, we’ve rounded up some of the best options on the market. 

But first, let’s take a look at what vegan protein is, how much we need, and take a deeper dive into the issues with animal protein. 

What is vegan protein?

Like fat and carbohydrates, protein is a macronutrient, which means the body needs a large amount of it. That’s because protein is made up of amino acids, which the body breaks down and uses to build protein where it’s needed. >>MORE