What Is Plant Protein and Why Should You Care? A Dietitian’s Guide to Smarter Meals
By Kristin Neusel, MS, RD, LD, CDCES, NASM-CPT
These statements are entirely thoughts of the author and not claims made by the company. The Author was compensated to create this article.
Plant protein has become one of the most talked-about topics in food and nutrition. From grocery store shelves to restaurant menus, you’re seeing more options that highlight plant-based eating. As a Registered Dietitian, I have lots of people asking me about ‘plant-based protein’ and what it is. So if you’ve ever wondered what plant protein really is and why people are paying so much attention to it, you’re not alone!
The truth is, you don’t need to switch to a fully vegan or vegetarian lifestyle to care about plant protein. Many people are simply looking to add more variety to their meals, have a smaller environmental footprint, try new foods, or support personal wellness goals. In this article, we’ll explore what plant protein is, why it matters, and how you can easily bring it into your everyday routine with simple swaps and staples like Hero Bread.
What Is Plant Protein, Exactly?
Plant protein is simply protein that comes from plant sources. You’ll find it in foods like beans, lentils, peas, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and even some vegetables. These proteins provide the amino acids your body needs to build and repair muscle, support energy, and carry out essential processes.
One key difference between plant protein and animal protein is whether they’re considered “complete” or “incomplete.” Animal proteins, such as chicken or eggs, naturally contain all nine essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are protein building blocks your body can’t make on their own- so you have to get it through your diet.
Some plant proteins don’t provide all nine on their own, which is why you’ll sometimes hear them described as incomplete. But this doesn’t mean they’re less valuable. By eating a variety of plant proteins throughout the day, think rice with beans, or hummus with whole-grain bread, you can still cover your full amino acid needs without stress.
Plant proteins also come with added nutritional perks. Many are naturally high in fiber, packed with vitamins and minerals, and lower in saturated fat. That makes them not just a protein source, but a way to round out your meals with extra benefits!
Fun fact: Quinoa is the only grain that is a complete protein! So when quinoa got super popular a few years ago, that’s the reason why- but everyone thought it was SUPER high in protein! The terms can certainly be confusing.
Why Are More People Choosing Plant-Based Protein?
Plant protein isn’t just for vegans. In fact, most people adding more plant-based meals to their week still eat animal products, they’re simply finding balance by experimenting with plant-forward choices.
There are plenty of reasons for this shift. Some people are motivated by wellness goals, like adding more fiber to their diet or reducing heavy, processed foods. Others are curious about how eating more plants can support long-term energy and overall health. Sustainability has also played a role, with interest in how plant-forward eating patterns may have a lighter environmental impact. Everyone has their own reasons!
No matter the reason, the trend is clear: more people are exploring how plant proteins can fit into their everyday meals. This is where versatile staples like Hero Bread make it easier. Made with plant-based ingredients and packed with fiber, Hero Bread buns, tortillas, bagels, and sliced breads can act as the foundation for meals built around beans, lentils, hummus, or tofu, helping you create balanced, filling options without overcomplicating your routine.
3 Easy Ways to Add More Plant Protein to Your Routine
Making space for more plant protein doesn’t have to mean giving up the foods you already love! Instead, it can be about small swaps and simple additions that layer plant-based nutrition into your day. Here are three easy ways to start:
- Start Your Day with a Plant-Based Addition: Breakfast is the perfect place to experiment. Something as simple as spreading peanut butter on Hero Seeded Bread or topping Hero Classic White Bread with avocado and hemp seeds can add a plant-based boost first thing in the morning- yum! If you enjoy a warm breakfast, try a veggie scramble with peppers and black beans served alongside Hero Flour Tortilla Wraps.
- Add One Plant Protein to Your Go-To Lunch: Look at your regular lunch and ask: what’s one plant-based protein I could add here? Tossing lentils into a salad, using hummus as a sandwich spread, or layering marinated tofu on a Hero Flour Tortilla can all raise the protein and fiber content while adding new textures and flavors. Try recipes like a veggie-packed slaw sandwich or hummus veggie sandwich for inspiration.
- Build a Plant-Based Grocery List Anchor: Consistency often comes down to what’s in your kitchen. Stocking a few staples makes it easier to build meals on the fly. Beans, lentils, nuts, and tofu are classic go-tos. Pair them with Hero Bread tortillas, buns, bagels, and sliced breads, and you’ll always have the base for a balanced, plant-forward meal. For example, keep roasted chickpeas on hand for salads or wraps, or try BBQ jackfruit (people LOVE this!) piled high on Hero Classic Burger Buns for a plant-based twist on comfort food.
Curious About Plant-Based Eating? Start With a Slice!
Plant protein doesn’t have to feel intimidating, and you don’t need to make a dramatic change to see the benefits of adding more plants to your plate. Whether it’s trying out hummus on your sandwich, swapping beans into a taco, or starting your day with nut butter toast, small steps add up.
Hero Bread makes those steps even easier. With its plant-based ingredients, low net carbs, and high fiber content, it works as a smart, satisfying base for countless plant-forward meals. Pair it with avocado, roasted veggies, or your favorite plant proteins and you’ll discover how simple,and delicious,it can be to experiment with plant-based eating.
Order Hero Bread online or use our store locator to find it near you.
