A great food combination is hummus, as it contains chickpeas (non-complete protein) and sesame seeds (non-complete protein), and together covers all 9 essential amino acids.
The combination of pita and hummus is another classic pairing that constitutes a complete protein source. One medium-sized (57-gram) pita with 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of hummus provides 7 grams of protein.
Hummus as a Rich Source of Protein
They contain all 8 essential amino acids, meaning the ones your body does not produce on its own. And tahini contains all the amino acids that chickpeas do not—meaning they combine to make one of the tastiest vegetarian protein foods around.
What is this? Some good protein sources to pair with hummus include whole-grain bread, vegetables, and legumes.
Chickpeas are a good source of protein.
Like most other plant protein sources, chickpeas are not a complete protein and do not contain all nine essential amino acids. Chickpeas are rich in some essential amino acids, including lysine and arginine, but lack the sulfur-containing amino acids, methionine and cystine.
Rich in plant protein
Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein, making them an excellent food for people who don't eat meat or animal products. A 1-cup (164-gram) serving provides about 14.5 grams of protein, which is comparable to the protein content of similar foods like black beans and lentils ( 1 ).
Avocados don't contain all the amino acids used by your body to build protein-based structures, but they contain all the essential ones. Essential amino acids must be obtained from the diet, whereas your body can make the non-essential types.
Combining incomplete proteins to form a complete protein
Nuts or seeds with whole grains (peanut butter on whole wheat toast) Whole grains with beans (beans and rice; hummus and pita bread; bean-based chili and crackers; refried beans and tortillas)
Chickpeas are what's known as a complete protein because they contain all nine essential amino acids, which are building blocks that help our bodies function properly. “Chickpeas are also an excellent source of non-animal protein,” Lane adds. “They're great for vegetarians and vegans.”
Some ideas for pairing foods to create a complete protein:
Hummus, made from chickpeas and tahini, is a complete protein.
Hummus, with its chickpea base, wins with certain nutrients, like protein, zinc, and iron, while guacamole helps avocado fans slim down with fewer calories and carbs, heart-healthy fats, and potassium.
Hummus has a higher protein content, which may help you feel fuller for longer.
The casein in Greek yogurt is a complete protein because it contains all nine essential amino acids: methionine, lysine, isoleucine, histidine, valine, tryptophan, threonine, phenylalanine and leucine.
Beans, lentils and chickpeas have essential amino acids that brown rice lacks. Simply pairing rice and beans will give you a vegan-friendly meal with complete proteins.
Pea protein contains all nine EAAs, but it's not officially a complete protein because it's an inadequate source of methionine+cysteine. A complete protein provides at least 25 mg/g of this amino, and pea protein only delivers around 11 mg/g.
Olive oil makes the texture of the hummus luxurious. We also add a little drizzle to the top of the swirly hummus when we serve it. I really like using fruity, light flavored olive oils when making hummus. In addition to the ingredients above, you can add more flavor and ingredients to your hummus.
Are Lentils a complete protein? No. According to the Cleveland Clinic, you should try to eat a variety of legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains each day, which will allow you to get all the essential amino acids.
With about 6 grams of protein apiece, eggs are an excellent source of this vital nutrient. But lots of other foods offer as much or more. For example, chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) provide nearly 8 grams of protein per 1/2 cup. People have enjoyed them since the days of ancient Egypt.
Unlike some plant proteins, quinoa is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot make on their own. Quinoa is also naturally gluten-free and can be eaten safely if one has gluten intolerance such as celiac disease.
Some plant proteins, such as those found in buckwheat, quinoa, and soy, are complete proteins as well. But the majority of plants contain just some of the essential amino acids.
A Source of Incomplete Protein
Although sweet potatoes add some protein to your diet, plant-based protein foods are incomplete. This means that they do not provide all of the more than 20 essential amino acids your body needs on a daily basis.
Oats contain all nine essential amino acids necessary to make up a complete protein. However, oats don't have quite enough of the amino acid lysine to qualify as a complete protein.
When a protein lacks one or more of the nine essential amino acids, it is known as an incomplete protein. Peanut butter lacks the essential amino acid methionine, but is high in lysine. All plant-based proteins are incomplete protein sources except for soy and quinoa.