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 a vegetarian diet and vegan diet.

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.