Frequently Asked Questions
Protein is a nutrient that our bodies need to grow and repair cells and to carry out many other functions in the body. Protein is found throughout our body in our skin, muscles, hair and essentially every other body part or tissue. Proteins are made up of amino acids. We can make some amino acids in our body (non-essential amino acids), but the rest must come from protein-rich foods (essential amino acids). You can source protein from a variety of foods such as animal products (lean meats, poultry, eggs, dairy products) and plant-based products (nuts, seeds, legumes, soy products, whole grains)
Plant proteins are derived from plant foods, including:
1. Legumes – Chickpeas, lentils, beans (black, kidney, cannellini, pinto, white), peas (yellow, green, split)
2. Soy Products – Tofu, tempeh, edamame, soy milk
3. Nuts and Seeds – Almonds, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds
4. Whole Grains – Brown rice, quinoa, oats, buckwheat
Plant proteins not only provide protein, but also dietary fibre and select vitamins and minerals dependent on the plant source.
Every product in our Plant Proteinz soup range has 15g of plant protein per serve which comes from a combination of plant protein sources such as pea protein and legumes (chickpeas, white beans, black beans).
Legumes come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours. Types of legumes include chickpeas, lentils, beans (black, kidney, cannellini, pinto, white) and peas (yellow, green, split).
Legumes are a great cost-effective way to include protein, dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals such as zinc, folate and iron in your diet.
The simple answer is no: anyone can make the choice to consume fewer animal-derived proteins and include more plant proteins in their diet for various health or environmental reasons.
Below are some examples of different diets or eating patterns:
Plant-Based Diet
A plant-based diet primarily includes foods from plants (vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains and legumes) and may include small amounts of animal products. ‘It doesn’t mean that you are vegetarian or vegan and never eat meat or dairy. Rather, you are proportionately choosing more of your foods from plant sources (2).’
Plant Proteinz Soups are a tasty and convenient option for anyone who is interested in increasing their plant protein intake and occasionally replacing some of their meat-based meals.
Flexitarian Diet
A flexitarian or semi-vegetarian diet is one that is primarily plant based with the inclusion of small amounts of meat, fish, poultry and dairy products.
Vegetarian Diets
There are different types of vegetarianism:
1. Lacto-ovo Vegetarian – Excludes all meat, poultry and seafood from their diet; consumes eggs and milk products.
2. Lacto Vegetarian – Excludes all meat, poultry, seafood and eggs from their diet; consumes milk products.
3. Pescatarian – Excludes all meat and poultry; consumes seafood, eggs and milk products.
Vegan Diet
Excludes all animal products from their diet (meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, milk and all animal-derived ingredients)
References:
1-National Health Medical Research Council (2013). Australian Dietary Guidelines [Internet] Eatforhealth.gov.au [cited 2020]. Available from:
2-McManus, Katherine D. What is a plant based diet and why should you try it? [Internet] Harvard Health Publishing; 2018 [cited 2020]. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-a-plant-based-diet-and-why-should-you-try-it-2018092614760(opens in a new window)
The Plant Proteinz products do not contain added animal-derived ingredients. We recommend you check the ingredient list on pack to ensure the product is suitable for your dietary requirements.
Yes, Heinz Plant Proteinz soups are vegetarian friendly.