5 of the Highest-Protein Fruits, Ranked
Protein has long been recognized as essential to a healthy diet—and for good reason. Protein is integral for tissue growth and repair, and it’s also involved in immune and muscle function and blood clotting.1 And if you’re looking to lose weight, a high-protein meal plan may help get you to your goal.
Obvious high-protein choices include animal proteins like red meats, poultry and fish, but there are other plant-based foods, like certain high-protein fruits, that pack a little more of that “P” power, too.
In truth, you’re not going to be eating fruit specifically as a source of protein, but the protein they contain counts, too! Plus, fruits also pack a slew of other nutrients (fiber, antioxidants and disease-fighting phytonutrients) that make them a wonderful addition to your daily diet. Consuming more fruit can actually help reduce the risk for many diseases, while also offering weight-management benefits and promoting healthy aging.
Experts rarely (if ever) tout the protein benefits of fruit. “When compared to other sources, fruit falls short on this macronutrient,” says nutrition expert. For reference, chicken contains 31 grams of protein per 3.5-ounce serving.2 Fruits—even the higher-protein fruits—pale in comparison.
That said, fruit does contain protein—and that protein counts toward your daily intake. So, we wanted to highlight the choices that pack more of this macro. With this info, you may be inspired to expand the variety in your fruit selections. The serving sizes listed below are based on the typical consumed portion of each fruit.
1. Guava
Protein: 4.2 grams in 1 cup.
Guava is a tropical fruit native to parts of India, Indonesia, Pakistan and South America. One cup provides 4.2 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber—about one-third of your daily needs. It’s also rich in polyphenols and vitamin C, both of which may help reduce inflammation. Preliminary research in animals and lab settings has also explored guava’s potential anticancer properties.4
In addition to eating the fresh fruit, you can also use guava puree in a salad.
2. Jackfruit
Protein: 2.8 grams in 1 cup.
Jackfruit is native to Asia, Africa and parts of South America—and it's a nutrient-rich powerhouse. In some cultures, both the seeds and flesh are consumed, but in the United States, the flesh (sold in cans) is more common. In addition to the 2.8 grams of protein, 1 cup also contains 2 grams of fiber and is a good source of potassium, which supports healthy blood pressure. Canned young or green jackfruit can be used as a plant-based meat substitute, thanks to its shredded-meat-like texture and ability to absorb different flavors.
3. Blackberries
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/EWL-high-protein-fruits-ranked-8628266-blackberries-0484a0a33d734bb1b95215c643f8403e.jpg)
Protein: 2 grams in 1 cup.
Berries are a delicious addition to a fiber-fueled diet, but blackberries, in particular, pack more protein than other berries. For comparison, a cup of blueberries has about 1 gram of protein, whereas a cup of blackberries has about twice that amount. While all berries provide their own phytonutrients due to the colorful pigments in their flesh, blackberries pack anthocyanins, which may help protect your heart and brain.7
If you need more reasons to stock up on blackberries, a 1-cup serving also offers 8 grams of fiber and 30 mg vitamin C.
4. Avocado
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/EWL-high-protein-fruits-ranked-8628266-avocado-1251180de4f9475ca8820a6fd5ba7e9a.jpg)
Protein: 1.5 grams in half of an avocado.
The green goddess may be a social media superstar, but its claim to fame really stems from its nutrient content. Alongside fiber (5 grams per half avocado) and healthy fats, avocados also provide a small amount of protein. But, keep in mind this is the nutrient content for a half of an avocado—if you’re having just a slice here or there, you’ll get far less protein.
5. Pomegranate Arils
Protein: 1.5 grams in ½ cup.
Available year-round in the freezer or refrigerated section of many grocery stores, pomegranate arils (“seeds”) pack a small but powerful punch. In addition to the 1.5 grams of protein, a half-cup serving also supplies 3.5 grams of fiber. Plus, pomegranate is rich in antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation, support healthy blood sugar levels, and promote heart health—though more research is needed to confirm these effects.10
Increase Fruit and Protein Intake
Fruit pairs perfectly with a wide range of sweet and savory dishes, making it an easy way to enhance the nutrient density of your meals. Pairing fruit with protein also boosts the overall fiber content, helping you stay fuller longer. “Protein and fiber are a powerful combo to help stave off hunger while providing essential nutrients your body requires,” says an expert.
Try these dietitian-approved tips to get the most nutritional bang for your bite at any meal:
- Add blackberries to Greek yogurt, cereal, cottage cheese, oatmeal or on top of avocado toast.
- Swap out jelly and top your toast with fresh apples slices, strawberries or pomegranate arils.
- Love tuna but feeling tired of the same old salad? Mix canned tuna with avocado instead of mayo, and add pomegranate for a pop of color. Serve it in the avocado skin instead of a bowl and sprinkle with parsley.
- Looking to upgrade your turkey sandwich? Layer hearty whole-grain bread with turkey, super-thin slices of raw guava and sharp cheddar or brie.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/EWL-high-protein-fruits-ranked-8628266-guava-55b205db30d9490f9b36153f05b4ebed.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/EWL-high-protein-fruits-ranked-8628266-jackfruit-f4501be56d40463db964072662f01538.jpg)