Soy, Legumes, and Wheat gluten are it for vegan food rich in protein that are not calorie bombs ( nuts, seeds ). Tofu ( Lidl, Extra Firm ) – 7oz – 24g protein 206 calories – 83 cents Tempeh ( Trader Joes ) – 4oz – 24g protein, 218 calories – $1.10 TVP ( many cheap brands ) – 100grams – 50g protien, 330 calories – $1 – $1.80 Seitan (wheat gluten ) – 200grams – 44g protein, 244 calories – $1.50 – $5.00 depending on brand, and if you make it yourself ( Vital Wheat Gluten mix ). I got the three examples above by searching for them with a free cronometer.com account – a food diary site that tells you how much nutrition you getting when you enter what you ate that day. You can look up various legumes to plan meals ( adding carbs, vegetables ). Most are going to be cheap.