11 High-Protein Vegan Breakfast Ideas That Will Keep You Full Until Lunch

Eggs? Never heard of ‘em.

Savory Cornmeal-Chia Waffles With Spicy Maple Syrup
Photo: GREG DUPREE

Whether you're experimenting with veganism or simply trying to eat less meat and animal products, finding a vegan breakfast recipe that actually tastes good and keeps you full until your next meal can be very tough. After all, while we certainly have no qualms regarding the first meal of the day, the fact that it's often dominated by ingredients like eggs, bacon, and yogurt, means it's far from vegan-friendly.

Plus, if you're omitting meat, eggs, and dairy from your diet, you need to make sure that you're still consuming enough protein. The key nutrient is a crucial component of one's overall health, and is responsible for producing antibodies, enzymes, blood, connective tissue, hormones, and more. Protein is also critical for muscle repair and growth, which is why it's important to have a protein-rich meal shortly before or after a workout.

While it may be tricky to find a vegan breakfast recipe that won't leave your body wondering where the protein is, that doesn't mean it's impossible. In fact, we managed to compile nearly a dozen plant-based breakfast recipes that taste delicious, pack on the protein, and are easy to make.

Easy Vegan Breakfast Ideas

From breakfast burritos to smoothies and everything in between, we gathered 11 vegan breakfast recipes that you'll want to eat over and over again. Scroll down to find out more!

01 of 11

Vegan Breakfast Burrito With Tofu Scramble

Vegan Breakfast Burrito With Tofu Scramble
Not eggs, but a tofu scramble is what’s stuffed inside this vegan breakfast burrito. Seasoned with nutritional yeast, turmeric, and cumin, it’s an irresistible breakfast that’s great for on-the-go, too. Get the recipe:Vegan Breakfast Burrito With Tofu Scramble. Jennifer Causey

As any longtime vegan will tell you, tofu is an excellent source of plant-based protein. In this recipe, the tofu closely resembles scrambled eggs, and is flavored with ground turmeric, cumin, and nutritional yeast, which gives it a bold and slightly cheesy taste. The sliced avocado and jarred salsa also contribute a substantial amount of protein, as do the whole-wheat tortillas.

RELATED: These 13 Delicious Plant-Based Products Make Vegan Eating Incredibly Easy

02 of 11

Toasted Pistachio Muesli With Apple and Fig

Toasted Pistachio Muesli With Apple and Fig
Sang An

For a sweet and crunchy breakfast that doesn't skimp on the protein, give this muesli a try. The oats, pistachios, seeds, and almond milk are all great sources of the muscle-building nutrient, as are fresh figs. To add even more protein to this breakfast, toss in some extra nuts or blackberries.

03 of 11

Oatmeal With Mango and Coconut

Oatmeal With Mango and Coconut
Turn breakfast into a tropical treat with toasted coconut and diced fresh mango. Get the recipe. Danny Kim

Oats strike again! Here, you can use old-fashioned rolled oats (just make sure you prepare them with water or plant-based milk), and pair them with vegan ingredients of your choice. This particular recipe calls for fresh mango slices, flaked coconut, and chopped cashews, but feel free to use any of your favorite high-protein toppings instead, such as chopped almonds and banana slices.

04 of 11

Nutty Superfood Breakfast Bites

Superfood Bars
Kick start your morning with these no-bake bars, which star a variety of good-for-you nuts and seeds (buy them in bulk to save money at the grocery store). Each hearty square is the perfect blend of chewy and crunchy, and every bite is packed with nutty flavor. Pistachios add a pop of gorgeous green color, yes, but they’re also packed with nutrients and are a good source of calcium. Quinoa lends crunch and protein, while dried goji berries are rich in antioxidants. Be sure to store the bars, which will keep for one week at room temperature and two weeks in the fridge, between layers of parchment paper to keep them from sticking. Get the recipe:Nutty Superfood Breakfast Bites. Grace Elkus

If you can't seem to make time in the morning to actually sit down and enjoy breakfast, make a batch of these bites over the weekend and grab one or two before you run out the door each morning. The protein from the almonds, quinoa, and pistachios will keep you full all morning, while the goji berries and blueberries are loaded with antioxidants. These bites do call for honey, which isn't technically vegan, but feel free to use plant-based honey alternatives like agave nectar or date syrup instead.

RELATED: 11 Tips for Making Tastier Plant-Based Meals, According to Professional Chefs

05 of 11

Creamy Coconut Yogurt

plant-based-yogurt-recipe
Getty Images

While vegan yogurt used to be hard to find, you can now pick some up at your local Trader Joe's. However, if you prefer to make your own, give this recipe for creamy coconut yogurt a whirl. It's made with a combination of coconut and nut milk, and gets its yogurt-like thickness courtesy of cornstarch. Eat it solo as a snack, or use it in a fresh fruit and nut-packed parfait for a quick and easy protein-filled breakfast.

06 of 11

Savory Cornmeal-Chia Waffles With Spicy Maple Syrup

Savory Cornmeal-Chia Waffles With Spicy Maple Syrup
GREG DUPREE

This healthy take on waffles gets a protein boost from cornmeal and chia seeds. While this recipe also calls for Greek yogurt, keep it completely vegan by using the above recipe for plant-based coconut yogurt instead, or buying a vegan yogurt of your choice. What really sets these hearty waffles apart is the spicy maple syrup topping, but if you're not a fan of spice, feel free to omit the crushed red pepper.

07 of 11

Avocado Toast

Easy avocado recipes - Avocado Toast
Danny Kim

It doesn't get much easier or tastier than avocado toast. In its simplest form, this trendy breakfast food is naturally vegan, and it's a great source of protein thanks to the avocado. To kick the protein content up a notch while still keeping this meal plant-based, throw some sliced tomatoes, sesame seeds, or seasoned tempeh on top. Swapping Ezekiel bread for your usual bread of choice is also a great way to start your day off with more protein.

RELATED: Grated Egg Avocado Toast Is TikTok's Latest Obsession: Here's How to Make It

08 of 11

Tropical Creamsicle Smoothie

smoothies-that-taste-like-dessert: Tropical Creamsicle Smoothie
Greg Dupree

Smoothie drinkers rejoice! This refreshing beverage takes just five minutes to make, is super healthy, and is just the kind of homemade meal that deserves a spot on your Instagram grid. Mango, carrots, and coconut milk are good sources of protein, while the apple cider vinegar delivers just the right amount of tang coupled with some health benefits for your gut. To keep this recipe completely vegan, cut the honey or use a plant-based alternative in its place.

09 of 11

Tofu Scramble Wraps With Spinach and Spiced Sunflower Seeds

tofu-scramble-wraps-recipe Jane Goodall
Erin Scott

Who needs scrambled eggs when you can have scrambled tofu? This recipe from Jane Goodall (yes, that Jane Goodall) transforms normally bland tofu into a protein-packed flavor bomb by adding some chickpea flour and turmeric to the mix. Sunflower seeds, fresh spinach, and whole-wheat tortillas also provide a sizable protein boost.

10 of 11

Creamy Date Shakes

Creamy Date Shakes Recipe
Greg DuPree

Start your day on a sweet note by sipping on one of these creamy date shakes. While Medjool dates are a solid source of protein with an irresistible butterscotch-like taste, you'll get the majority of the protein in this drink from almond milk and hemp seeds. Add a tablespoon of peanut or almond butter to the mix if you want to take the protein content to the next level.

RELATED: These Are the 10 Best Nut and Seed Butters For a Protein Boost

11 of 11

Whole-Grain Pancakes

Homemade food gifts ideas: Whole-Grain Pancake Mix
Gentl & Hyers

This recipe for a homemade pancake mix is packed with protein, courtesy of a combination of whole-wheat flour and cornmeal. To transform this mix into a pancake (and keep it vegan), all you need to do is add some non-dairy milk. Once the pancakes are done, top 'em with fresh berries, flaxseeds, and some nut butter for even more protein.

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