Foods With Little Or No Protein

While protein is an important component of the diet needed for the growth and repair of tissues, some health conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, may require a reduction of protein in the diet. Foods in several food groups are low in protein such as fruits, vegetables, many grains, sweets and oils. Depending on your health condition, it may be necessary to limit other nutrients in the diet along with protein as well.

Fruit

Most fruits contain a trace amount of protein in a 1/2 cup serving. In low-protein diets, trace amounts of protein may be counted as 0 g. One medium banana contains 1 g of protein, which is approximately 2 percent of the daily protein requirement for a 150-lb. person. Other products made from fruit, such as fruit juice and fruit cocktail, as well as dried fruit, also contain small or trace amounts of protein.

Vegetables

Vegetables generally contain approximately 1 g of protein in a 1/2 cup serving. One cup of carrots contains 1 g of protein and is a low source. Other examples of vegetables containing little protein include broccoli, spinach, mushrooms and onions. Vegetables juice is also low in protein. Vegetables do, however, contain important nutrients such as potassium and vitamins A, E and C, as well as fiber. They are naturally high in water and low in calories.

Grains

Grain foods generally contain 2 g of protein in a 1/2 cup serving or in 1 slice. A 1/2 cup serving of cooked rice, for example, contains 2 g protein. Other grain products that are low in protein include croutons, English muffins, noodles, corn and bread. While these foods do not contain much protein, the whole-grain products are rich in fiber. They are also important sources of B vitamins, among others.

Fats & Sweets

Oil, such as canola, olive and sunflower, is 100 percent fat and does not contain any protein. Similarly, butter and margarine are protein free. Many sweets made from flour and sugar are also low in protein; for example, a chocolate chip cookie contains approximately 1 g protein. Many candies that do not contain milk, such as hard candies, also contain 0 g protein. These foods contain primarily sugar, which is pure carbohydrate and does not contain protein or fat.