When you think of protein, you probably think meat, seafood, legumes, tofu, yogurt, cheese, nuts and eggs—the usual suspects. And you’re not wrong—they’re among the best foods to consume for protein. But fun fact: Fruit contains protein in small amounts too. (So do vegetables and grains, to an extent.)
According to the FDA, women should aim for 46 grams of protein a day, while men should consume 56 grams per day. Why? Because the benefits of protein include:
- It’s an essential macronutrient that’s found in every part of the body
- It builds muscle mass and helps carry oxygen to the blood
- It helps make antibodies that ward off illness
A one-cup serving of fruit will generally provide less than six grams of protein, so yes, you’d have to eat pounds and pounds of the stuff to meet your daily requirement. The real benefits to eating a fruit-rich diet are the other vitamins and nutrients the food group can provide, plus healthy carbs and fiber. And if you combine your daily dose of fruit with another protein-rich snack, you can create a satisfying, protein-packed pick-me-up. Here, 12 high-protein fruits* to add to your diet (plus snack pairings to sneak in even more protein).