Top 20 CHEAP Foods Which are High In Protein

Are you looking to build muscle, shed fat, or improve your metabolism? If so, then having a protein-rich diet is an excellent way to do that. But with grocery store prices being on the rise these days, beef and pork aren’t really the best options for those who have a very tight budget.

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In a nutshell:

Fortunately for your broke self, there`s an entire host of incredibly nutritious and low-cost protein options to choose from.
Black beans, canned tuna, oats, and peanut butter are just a few of the many cheap protein foods we have in mind.

Want to know what protein sources you can add to your daily diet to hit your protein goals without breaking the bank?
A cult favorite among vegans and vegetarians is none other than lentils.
Aside from protein, lentils are also packed with nutrients like fiber, folate, magnesium, manganese, potassium, copper, and iron.

Whether baked, scrambled, fried, or poached, eggs are one of the most affordable proteins due to their phenomenal nutrient density.
Also, eating them whole grants your body complete protein.
Canned tuna is another seriously cheap protein food if you`re looking to bulk up.

For starters, it`s a complete protein source.
As a concentrated source of peanuts, natural peanut butter is one of the least expensive sources of plant protein.
Peanut butter isn`t just loaded with protein but also healthy fats.
You can easily add them to your baked goods, marinades, sauces, and dressings.

Oh and smoothies, shakes, and oats also taste extra delicious when added to peanut butter.
Then worry not because that`s another cheap protein source added to your list.

With their stellar nutritional profile, chickpeas make a great ingredient in many dishes like homemade hummus and salad.
Want a complete protein source but you`re a vegetarian/vegan?
Love it or hate it, tofus is one of the inexpensive proteins you can add to your grocery cart.

It`s jam-packed with protein and is plant-based.
If not, you can add it with the rest of your veggies, whether steamed or fried, while cooking your main source of protein.
Edamame would make a perfect snack or another ingredient to your stir fry and salad or however you like it.

It`s a low-priced plant-based protein made from immature soybeans.
Edamame is also another welcome addition to vegetarian or vegan diets.
What`s more, they`re a whole protein source, containing all the essential amino acids that the body requires.
Like many other beans, black beans are a great source of fiber, protein, and folate.

These little black beauties cost less than 20 cents per serving so you can easily bulk up your soups, chilis, stews, and salads with these if you want to.

Black beans are also high in fiber, which aids in reducing hunger and boosting fullness.
Sardines are a complete protein source with added benefits of being high in vitamin D and omega-3s.

Although these fishes aren`t exactly drool-worthy, they do pack an impressive amount of protein and are extremely cheap.
Greek yogurt is everyone's favorite slimming snack.
It's cheap, protein-packed, and makes a wonderful post-workout food to help build muscle and replenish energy.

Whether eaten plain, added to baked goods, or included in smoothies, yogurt is an excellent protein source.
Looking for a more portable protein snack?
High in plant-based protein and low in cost, you`d never go wrong with almonds.

So, feel free to munch on almonds alone or throw a handful of them into blended smoothies and protein shakes for added texture.
Whey protein powder
You`re likely very familiar with whey protein already if you`ve been in this protein business for a while now.

For newbies, whey protein is a by product of cheese manufacturing.
It`s also the most concentrated source of complete protein among protein powders.
Whey protein is cheap, protein-rich, low-calorie, and fast absorbing, so what more could you ask for really?

It`s an easy way to increase your protein intake when you eat it alongside your favorite fruits.
This brekkie staple is, after all, an excellent source of fiber and carbohydrates.

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