For meat eaters, the proteins in meat, fish and dairy foods supply all the essential amino acids. However, getting good quality protein can be more difficult for vegetarians and vegans.

Protein supplies your child with amino acids, essential chemicals which are the body’s building blocks. Whilst all animal proteins including egg and dairy products provide a high quality protein containing all the essential amino acids, cereals and vegetable proteins (e.g. peas, beans, lentils, and nuts and seeds) have a lower quality.

Good source of protein for a Vegetarian Diet

LEGUMES:
• Baked beans
• Chickpeas
• Butter beans
• Borlotti beans
• Kidney beans.

SOYA PRODUCTS:
• Tofu
• Miso
• Tempeh (soya).

PULSES:
• Lentils
• Split peas
• Green peas.