Getting enough protein on a vegetarian diet while keeping calories in a deficit is one of the most common nutrition challenges in the UK. This 7-day plan solves it by building every meal around a protein-first approach — eggs, 0% fat Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, tofu, lentils, chickpeas, and edamame. It delivers 100–130 g of protein per day at around 1,500 calories, with an estimated weekly shop of £35–45 at any major UK supermarket.
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Most vegetarian meal plans underdeliver on protein because they focus on vegetables and grains rather than planning around protein anchors. This plan takes the opposite approach: decide the protein source first, then build the rest of the meal around it. Eggs provide 6 g of protein each at around 78 kcal; 0% fat Greek yogurt delivers 10 g per 100 g at 57 kcal; and cottage cheese offers 12 g per 100 g. Combined with tofu and legumes, hitting 100–130 g of vegetarian protein per day at 1,500 calories is entirely achievable.
Example 7-Day High Protein Vegetarian Meal Plan
Below is a sample week. Each day is planned to hit approximately 1,500 calories with a strong protein focus. Calorie and protein figures are estimates — weigh ingredients if you need precision. Use the free generator to get a freshly personalised version.
Monday
BreakfastOat & Chia Seed Porridge360 kcal · 14g protein · 5 min
50 g oats cooked with soy milk, 1 tbsp chia seeds, topped with sliced banana and a drizzle of honey.
Combine the base ingredients in a bowl or container and stir well.
Add toppings last, then eat straight away or chill until needed.
Daily total: 1500 kcal · 83g protein
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Use the free AI meal plan generator to adapt this plan to your calories, protein target, budget, supermarket, dietary preferences, and foods you actually like.
Here is a sample shopping list to cover this 7-day plan. Estimated cost: £35–45 per week.
Protein
360g chickpeas (drained)
300g firm tofu
11 eggs
100g red lentils (dry)
220g green lentils (cooked)
360g black beans (drained)
1 egg
120g kidney beans (drained)
Carbs
100g oats
200g brown rice (dry)
1 slice wholemeal bread ( 40g )
200ml oat milk
80g quinoa (dry)
30g granola
2 small wholemeal tortillas ( 60g )
70g Arborio rice (dry)
50g oat flour
Vegetables
60g baby spinach
350g cherry tomatoes
200g broccoli
300g peppers
250g spinach
200g mushrooms
150g roasted peppers
200g cucumber
200g sweet potato
80g shredded cabbage
100g carrot sticks
half avocado ( 75g )
100g romaine lettuce
80g sweetcorn
60g wilted spinach
150g butternut squash
150g courgette
200g mixed mushrooms
200g edamame pods
200g tomatoes
150g carrots
150g parsnips
Dairy
200ml soy milk
200g low-fat Greek yogurt
80g reduced-fat halloumi
200g low-fat cottage cheese
400g 0% Greek yogurt
150g protein yogurt
125g buffalo mozzarella
Extras
1 tbsp chia seeds (15g)
1 banana x3
2 tbsp tahini (15g)
160g mixed berries
1 slice wholemeal toast ( 120g )
80g wholemeal spaghetti (dry)
1 apple ( 180g )
1 tbsp peanut butter (15g)
1 tbsp almond butter (15g)
60g reduced-fat feta
150g low-fat paneer
40g hummus
1 tbsp Caesar dressing
30g Parmesan
15g crushed walnuts
2 tbsp low-fat crème fraîche
1 tbsp olive oil
150g nut roast
1 tsp honey
1 tsp mixed seeds
Tips for Success
Hard-boil a batch of eight to ten eggs at the start of the week. They keep in the fridge for five days and are the fastest 78-kcal protein boost available.
0% fat Greek yogurt is the most calorie-efficient protein source on a vegetarian plan. A 200 g serving provides 20 g of protein for around 115 kcal.
Press tofu before cooking for better texture — wrap it in a clean tea towel, place a weight on top, and leave for 20–30 minutes. Marinate and pan-fry or bake for a satisfying protein anchor.
Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, umami flavour to vegetarian dishes and is rich in B vitamins. Find it in most major UK supermarkets for around £3–4 per bag.
Edamame (frozen) is one of the highest-protein vegetables available — 11 g per 100 g. Add to salads, stir-fries, or eat as a snack with a little sea salt.
Generate Your Free Personalised Plan
Our AI generator creates a personalised High Protein Vegetarian meal plan tailored to your preferred UK supermarket, dietary requirements, and cooking time. Free, no sign-up needed.
Meal plans are for general information only. Calories and protein are estimates. For medical conditions, pregnancy, eating disorders, or clinical dietary needs, speak to a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much protein can I get on a vegetarian diet?
More than you might expect. This plan delivers 100–130 g per day from eggs, dairy, tofu, and legumes — sufficient for most adults at 1,500 calories to preserve muscle while losing fat.
Is this plan vegan-friendly?
Not as written — it uses eggs, dairy (Greek yogurt, cottage cheese), and sometimes halloumi. To make it vegan, substitute silken tofu for eggs, soy or oat yogurt for Greek yogurt, and use more lentils and chickpeas.
Which UK supermarket is best for vegetarian high-protein foods?
Tesco and Sainsbury's have the widest range of high-protein vegetarian products including protein yogurt, cottage cheese varieties, and tofu. Aldi and Lidl are cheapest for eggs, Greek yogurt, and pulses.