With all the hype that has come with the high-protein diet, it is often overlooked that some people have to go the other direction. According to the National Institutes of Health, when you have chronic kidney disease, you need to make changes to your diet, including eating low-protein foods. Even if you're not a high- or low-protein dieter, it is a good idea to know which foods are low in protein.
Fruits
Fruits are high in water content, fiber, carbs and natural sweetness. The one thing that they lack is a high amount of protein. Apples, pears, peaches, plums, grapes, cherries and all forms of citrus are specific examples. Avocados are considered a fruit and they are one of the highest in protein. One whole avocado contains approximately 4g of protein. Fruits that are dried, canned and frozen are also low in protein.
Greens
Leafy greens are high in water content, fiber, and multiple vitamins and minerals. They are also low in carbohydrates, fat and protein. Kale, collard greens, cabbage, kohlrabi, baby spinach, arugula, romaine lettuce and mustard greens are examples. All of these have 2g or less protein per serving.
Other Vegetables
Vegetables other than greens have numerous nutritional bells and whistles themselves. They are low in protein and fat and they are high in minerals, water content and fiber. With the exception of root vegetables, corn and beans, they are also low in carbs. As far as protein content goes, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower and brussels sprouts are among the highest coming in at 3g of protein per serving. Beans are also high, coming in at approximately 9g of protein per 100g serving. Vegetables that have 1g or less of protein include celery, cucumbers, carrots, turnips, radishes, peppers and onions.
Grains
Whole grains are high in fiber and complex carbs, and they have moderate amounts of protein. But the products that are made from grains generally have low protein content. Bread, cereal, crackers, pretzels, rolls and muffins are examples. A slice of whole grain bread contains 3g of protein.
Fats
Oils and nuts are high in fat and low in protein. Pine nuts and peanuts have approximately 7g per 1 oz. serving and they rank among the highest. Hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, walnuts, macadamia nuts and cashews all have 4g or less per serving. Olive oil, canola oil, flax seed oil and safflower oil are all high in essential fats and they have zero grams of protein.
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