How we develop High Protein Plans

High Protein

Protein is one of the most important nutrients for maintaining muscle, supporting recovery, promoting satiety and helping the body function properly. A high-protein meal can help keep you fuller for longer, support an active lifestyle and contribute to healthy ageing.

A recipe is considered High Protein when it provides at least 30g of protein per serving or at least 25% of the calories comes from protein.

Good Sources of Protein

FiveDinners recognises the following as high-quality protein sources:

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Lean beef
• Lean pork
• Fish
• Seafood
• Eggs
• Greek yogurt
• Cottage cheese
• Tofu
• Tempeh
• Lentils
• Chickpeas
• Beans
• Edamame

Recipes may combine several protein sources to reach the target.

Lean Protein Matters

Protein should ideally come from lean, nutrient-dense foods rather than heavily processed or fatty meats.

For example:

Recommended

• Chicken breast
• Turkey breast
• Lean beef (5–10% fat)
• Pork loin or pork fillet
• Fish and seafood
• Tofu
• Beans and lentils

Less Suitable

• Pork belly
• Large amounts of bacon
• Fatty sausages
• High-fat processed meats

Although these foods contain protein, they are also high in saturated fat. Where they are the main source of protein, FiveDinners will recommend a leaner alternative before classing the recipe as High Protein.

Plant-Based Protein

Recipes do not need to contain meat to qualify.

Excellent plant-based sources include:

• Lentils
• Chickpeas
• Butter beans
• Cannellini beans
• Black beans
• Kidney beans
• Edamame
• Tofu
• Tempeh

How FiveDinners Assesses High Protein

A recipe is considered High Protein when it:

• Provides 30g or more of protein per serving
• Obtains most of its protein from lean or nutrient-dense protein sources
• Does not rely primarily on fatty or highly processed meats to reach the target

If a recipe falls below the target, FiveDinners will recommend a simple change, such as increasing the amount of lean meat, fish, seafood, tofu or pulses.

Quick Guide

A recipe is classed as High Protein if it:

• Provides 30g or more of protein per serving
• Uses quality protein sources
• Prioritises lean meats, fish, seafood or plant proteins
• Avoids relying primarily on fatty or processed meats to achieve the protein target