16 Complete Protein Pairings with Green Bean

Summary:

  • Green bean contains a moderate amount of protein - about 1.8 grams per cup.
  • However, green bean provides only 8 of the 9 essential amino acids sufficiently - it is a little low on methionine.[1]
  • Green bean pairs well with brazil nut, pili nut, chia seeds, sesame seeds or wild rice to create a complete protein profile. [2] More green bean pairings and detailed analysis below.

A complete protein is a protein source that "contains adequate proportions of the nine essential amino acids" that our body can not produce on its own.

World Health Organization [2], National Academy Press [3]

We analyzed the amino acid composition of green bean, and found both vegan and vegetarian pairings with green bean that creates a complete protein profile. Read on to discover new combinations of foods to enjoy!

Details on how we calculate complete protein profiles.

image of green bean source

Amount of Protein in Green Bean

A decent source of supplementary protein, a single cup of green bean contains 1.8 grams of protein, or about 4% of recommended daily values. [1]

To get the adequate amount of protein with green bean alone, you will need 27 cups of green bean (2730 grams) for an average female, or 33 cups of green bean for males. [4] That's about 847 calories, and a lot of green bean! Supplementing green bean with food higher in protein is a good idea.

Full nutritional profile for green bean
USDA Source: Beans, snap, green, raw

Macronutrients in 1 cup (100g) of green bean:

% of RDV Amount
Calories
1.6% 31 kCal
Carbohydrates
0% -
Total fat
0.3% 0.2 grams
Protein
3.7% 1.8 grams

Essential Amino Acids in Green Bean

Proportionally, green bean does contain abundant amounts of 8 out of the nine essential amino acids. However, green bean is a little short on methionine.[1]

To have adequate amounts of all nine essential amino acids with green bean alone, you will have to eat 39 cups of green bean (3909 grams) for an average person. [2]

That's about 43% more green bean to compensate for the lack of methionine, compared to the protein requirement alone.

The amount of each essential amino acid in 1 cup (100g) of green bean:

Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [1] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
3.7% 1.83g
Histidine
5.4% 0.034g
Isoleucine
7.7% 0.066g
Leucine
5.9% 0.112g
Lysine
5.1% 0.088g
Methionine
2.6% 0.022g
Phenylalanine
4.5% 0.067g
Threonine
8.8% 0.079g
Tryptophan
7.3% 0.019g
Valine
8.3% 0.09g

More Complete Protein with Green Bean

Top vegan pairings with green bean include:
  1. Brazil Nut
  2. Pili Nut
  3. Chia Seeds
  4. Sesame Seeds
  5. Wild Rice
  6. Hemp Seeds
  7. Poppy Seeds
  8. Hedge Mustard Seeds
  9. Nori
  10. Chestnut
  11. Pumpkin Seeds
  12. Quinoa
Although dairy and eggs are generally considered complete proteins, some types of vegetarian food pair more efficiently with green bean. These include:
  1. Mayonnaise
  2. Sour Cream
  3. Caramel
  4. Egg

Vegan 1. Brazil Nut and Green Bean


image of brazil nut
image of green bean

A reasonable source of supplementary protein, brazil nut is high in methionine, which is complementary to green bean.

A ratio of 5 cups of green bean (500g) and 1.5 teaspoons of brazil nut (4g) creates a complete protein profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.01 to 1:0 for green bean to brazil nut by weight.

Full nutritional profile for brazil nut
USDA Source: Nuts, brazilnuts, dried, unblanched

Table of amino acids of 5 cup green bean and 1.5 tsp brazil nut :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [5] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
19.5% 9.7g
Histidine
29.7% 0.19g
Isoleucine
40.8% 0.35g
Leucine
32.2% 0.61g
Lysine
26.9% 0.46g
Methionine
18.2% 0.16g
Phenylalanine
24.2% 0.36g
Threonine
45.6% 0.41g
Tryptophan
38.7% 0.1g
Valine
44.6% 0.48g

Vegan 2. Pili Nut and Green Bean


image of pili nut
image of green bean

Pili nut is a reasonable source of supplementary protein, and is high in methionine, complementing the profile of green bean.

For example, 3.3 cups of green bean (333g) and 1.5 tablespoons of pili nut (11g) make a complete amino acids profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.03 to 1:0 for green bean to pili nut by weight.

Full nutritional profile for pili nut
USDA Source: Nuts, pilinuts, dried

Table of amino acids of 3.3 cup green bean and 1.5 tbsp pili nut :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [6] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
14.6% 7.3g
Histidine
22.4% 0.14g
Isoleucine
31.8% 0.27g
Leucine
24.9% 0.47g
Lysine
19.5% 0.33g
Methionine
13.6% 0.12g
Phenylalanine
18.7% 0.28g
Threonine
34.2% 0.31g
Tryptophan
32.4% 0.08g
Valine
34.9% 0.38g

Vegan 3. Chia Seeds and Green Bean


image of chia seeds
image of green bean

A reasonable source of supplementary protein, chia seed is high in methionine, which is complementary to green bean.

A ratio of 3.3 cups of green bean (333g) and 0.3 ounce of chia seeds (8g) creates a complete protein profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.02 to 1:7 for green bean to chia seed by weight.

Full nutritional profile for chia seeds
USDA Source: Seeds, chia seeds, dried

Table of amino acids of 3.3 cup green bean and 0.3 oz chia seeds :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [7] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
14.7% 7.4g
Histidine
24.4% 0.15g
Isoleucine
32.6% 0.28g
Leucine
25.2% 0.48g
Lysine
21.4% 0.37g
Methionine
13.7% 0.12g
Phenylalanine
20.1% 0.3g
Threonine
35.2% 0.32g
Tryptophan
37.1% 0.1g
Valine
34.4% 0.37g

Vegan 4. Sesame Seeds and Green Bean


image of sesame seeds
image of green bean

Sesame seed is a reasonable source of supplementary protein, and is high in methionine, complementing the profile of green bean.

For example, 3.3 cups of green bean (333g) and 0.9 tablespoon of sesame seeds (9g) make a complete amino acids profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.03 to 1:0 for green bean to sesame seed by weight.

Full nutritional profile for sesame seeds
USDA Source: Seeds, sesame seeds, whole, roasted and toasted

Table of amino acids of 3.3 cup green bean and 0.9 tbsp sesame seeds :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [8] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
15.1% 7.5g
Histidine
24.7% 0.16g
Isoleucine
32.8% 0.28g
Leucine
25.6% 0.48g
Lysine
19.9% 0.34g
Methionine
14.1% 0.12g
Phenylalanine
20.1% 0.3g
Threonine
35.9% 0.32g
Tryptophan
36.5% 0.09g
Valine
35.2% 0.38g

Vegan 5. Wild Rice and Green Bean


image of wild rice
image of green bean

A reasonable source of supplementary protein, wild rice is high in methionine, which is complementary to green bean.

A ratio of 3.3 cups of green bean (333g) and 0.3 cup of wild rice (45g) creates a complete protein profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.13 to 1:0.01 for green bean to wild rice by weight.

Full nutritional profile for wild rice
USDA Source: Wild rice, cooked

Table of amino acids of 3.3 cup green bean and 0.3 cup wild rice :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [9] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
15.8% 7.9g
Histidine
25.3% 0.16g
Isoleucine
34.2% 0.29g
Leucine
26.3% 0.5g
Lysine
21.6% 0.37g
Methionine
14.7% 0.13g
Phenylalanine
20.8% 0.31g
Threonine
35.5% 0.32g
Tryptophan
32.8% 0.09g
Valine
37.3% 0.4g

Vegan 6. Hemp Seeds and Green Bean


image of hemp seeds
image of green bean

Hemp seed is a great source of protein, and is high in methionine, complementing the profile of green bean.

For example, 3.3 cups of green bean (333g) and 0.6 tablespoon of hemp seeds (6g) make a complete amino acids profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.02 to 1:0 for green bean to hemp seed by weight.

Full nutritional profile for hemp seeds
USDA Source: Seeds, hemp seed, hulled

Table of amino acids of 3.3 cup green bean and 0.6 tbsp hemp seeds :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [10] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
15.8% 7.9g
Histidine
26.8% 0.17g
Isoleucine
34.1% 0.29g
Leucine
26.3% 0.5g
Lysine
21.4% 0.37g
Methionine
14.7% 0.13g
Phenylalanine
20.5% 0.31g
Threonine
37.3% 0.34g
Tryptophan
32.5% 0.08g
Valine
37.2% 0.4g

Vegan 7. Poppy Seeds and Green Bean


image of poppy seeds
image of green bean

A reasonable source of supplementary protein, poppy seed is high in methionine, which is complementary to green bean.

A ratio of 3.3 cups of green bean (333g) and 4.1 teaspoons of poppy seeds (11g) creates a complete protein profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.03 to 1:10 for green bean to poppy seed by weight.

Full nutritional profile for poppy seeds
USDA Source: Spices, poppy seed

Table of amino acids of 3.3 cup green bean and 4.1 tsp poppy seeds :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [11] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
16.3% 8.2g
Histidine
26.6% 0.17g
Isoleucine
36.5% 0.31g
Leucine
27.8% 0.52g
Lysine
23.5% 0.4g
Methionine
15.2% 0.13g
Phenylalanine
20.8% 0.31g
Threonine
38% 0.34g
Tryptophan
32.4% 0.08g
Valine
39.4% 0.43g

Vegan 8. Hedge Mustard Seeds and Green Bean


image of hedge mustard seeds
image of green bean

Hedge mustard seed is a reasonable source of supplementary protein, and is high in methionine, complementing the profile of green bean.

For example, 3.3 cups of green bean (333g) and 0.3 cup of hedge mustard seeds (21g) make a complete amino acids profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.06 to 1:19 for green bean to hedge mustard seed by weight.

Full nutritional profile for hedge mustard seeds
USDA Source: Seeds, sisymbrium sp. seeds, whole, dried

Table of amino acids of 3.3 cup green bean and 0.3 cup hedge mustard seeds :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [12] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
17.3% 8.7g
Histidine
28.9% 0.18g
Isoleucine
41.5% 0.36g
Leucine
33.5% 0.63g
Lysine
27.1% 0.46g
Methionine
16.1% 0.14g
Phenylalanine
23.2% 0.35g
Threonine
45.4% 0.41g
Tryptophan
45.9% 0.12g
Valine
41.5% 0.45g

Vegan 9. Nori and Green Bean


image of nori
image of green bean

A reasonable source of supplementary protein, nori is high in methionine, which is complementary to green bean.

A ratio of 3.3 cups of green bean (333g) and 18 sheets of nori (47g) creates a complete protein profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.14 to 1:0.23 for green bean to nori by weight.

Full nutritional profile for nori
USDA Source: Seaweed, laver, raw

Table of amino acids of 3.3 cup green bean and 18 sheet nori :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [13] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
17.6% 8.8g
Histidine
28.4% 0.18g
Isoleucine
39.7% 0.34g
Leucine
32.2% 0.61g
Lysine
23.2% 0.4g
Methionine
16.4% 0.14g
Phenylalanine
23.6% 0.35g
Threonine
41.3% 0.37g
Tryptophan
32.1% 0.08g
Valine
45.2% 0.49g

Vegan 10. Chestnut and Green Bean


image of chestnut
image of green bean

Chestnut is a reasonable source of supplementary protein, and is high in methionine, complementing the profile of green bean.

For example, 3.3 cups of green bean (333g) and 0.7 cup of chestnut (100g) make a complete amino acids profile. In fact, any ratio of more than 0.3:1 of chestnut to green bean will be complete.

Full nutritional profile for chestnut
USDA Source: Nuts, chestnuts, european, roasted

Table of amino acids of 3.3 cup green bean and 0.7 cup chestnut :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [14] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
18.6% 9.3g
Histidine
32% 0.2g
Isoleucine
40.2% 0.35g
Leucine
29.7% 0.56g
Lysine
28.2% 0.48g
Methionine
17.3% 0.15g
Phenylalanine
24% 0.36g
Threonine
41.8% 0.38g
Tryptophan
37.8% 0.1g
Valine
44.3% 0.48g

Vegan 11. Pumpkin Seeds and Green Bean


image of pumpkin seeds
image of green bean

A reasonable source of supplementary protein, pumpkin seed is high in methionine, which is complementary to green bean.

A ratio of 2.5 cups of green bean (250g) and 3.8 tablespoons of pumpkin seeds (15g) creates a complete protein profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.06 to 1:24 for green bean to pumpkin seed by weight.

Full nutritional profile for pumpkin seeds
USDA Source: Seeds, pumpkin and squash seeds, whole, roasted, without salt

Table of amino acids of 2.5 cup green bean and 3.8 tbsp pumpkin seeds :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [15] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
14.8% 7.4g
Histidine
26% 0.16g
Isoleucine
36.1% 0.31g
Leucine
27.5% 0.52g
Lysine
25.2% 0.43g
Methionine
13.8% 0.12g
Phenylalanine
20.7% 0.31g
Threonine
33.5% 0.3g
Tryptophan
37.4% 0.1g
Valine
41.9% 0.45g

Vegan 12. Quinoa and Green Bean


image of quinoa
image of green bean

Quinoa is a reasonable source of supplementary protein, and is high in methionine, complementing the profile of green bean.

For example, 3.3 cups of green bean (333g) and 0.5 cup of quinoa (96g) make a complete amino acids profile. In fact, any ratio of more than 0.29:1 of quinoa to green bean will be complete.

Full nutritional profile for quinoa
USDA Source: Quinoa, cooked

Table of amino acids of 3.3 cup green bean and 0.5 cup quinoa :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [16] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
20.7% 10.3g
Histidine
37.4% 0.24g
Isoleucine
43.1% 0.37g
Leucine
33% 0.62g
Lysine
30.6% 0.52g
Methionine
19.2% 0.17g
Phenylalanine
26.9% 0.4g
Threonine
43.3% 0.39g
Tryptophan
43.5% 0.11g
Valine
44.2% 0.48g

Vegetarian 13. Mayonnaise and Green Bean


image of mayonnaise
image of green bean

Low in protein, mayonnaise is high in methionine, which is complementary to green bean.

A ratio of 3.3 cups of green bean (333g) and 0.6 cup of mayonnaise (125g) creates a complete protein profile. In fact, any ratio of more than 0.37:1 of mayonnaise to green bean will be complete.

Full nutritional profile for mayonnaise
USDA Source: Salad dressing, mayonnaise, regular

Table of amino acids of 3.3 cup green bean and 0.6 cup mayonnaise :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [17] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
14.6% 7.3g
Histidine
23.1% 0.15g
Isoleucine
35% 0.3g
Leucine
26% 0.49g
Lysine
22.4% 0.38g
Methionine
13.6% 0.12g
Phenylalanine
19.8% 0.29g
Threonine
36.9% 0.33g
Tryptophan
32.5% 0.08g
Valine
36.3% 0.39g

Vegetarian 14. Sour Cream and Green Bean


image of sour cream
image of green bean

Sour cream is a reasonable source of supplementary protein, and is high in methionine, complementing the profile of green bean.

For example, 3.3 cups of green bean (333g) and 0.3 cup of sour cream (63g) make a complete amino acids profile. In fact, any ratio of more than 0.19:1 of sour cream to green bean will be complete.

Full nutritional profile for sour cream
USDA Source: Cream, sour, cultured

Table of amino acids of 3.3 cup green bean and 0.3 cup sour cream :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [18] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
15.3% 7.6g
Histidine
27.2% 0.17g
Isoleucine
37.5% 0.32g
Leucine
30.5% 0.58g
Lysine
27.2% 0.47g
Methionine
14.2% 0.12g
Phenylalanine
21.6% 0.32g
Threonine
39.2% 0.35g
Tryptophan
34.5% 0.09g
Valine
39.1% 0.42g

Vegetarian 15. Caramel and Green Bean


image of caramel
image of green bean

Low in protein, caramel is high in methionine, which is complementary to green bean.

A ratio of 3.3 cups of green bean (333g) and 0.4 cup of caramel (139g) creates a complete protein profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.42 to 1:0.04 for green bean to caramel by weight.

Full nutritional profile for caramel
USDA Source: Toppings, butterscotch or caramel

Table of amino acids of 3.3 cup green bean and 0.4 cup caramel :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [19] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
15.6% 7.8g
Histidine
26.8% 0.17g
Isoleucine
39.9% 0.34g
Leucine
30.3% 0.57g
Lysine
26.6% 0.46g
Methionine
14.5% 0.12g
Phenylalanine
21.6% 0.32g
Threonine
39.4% 0.35g
Tryptophan
24.4% 0.06g
Valine
40.4% 0.44g

Vegetarian 16. Egg and Green Bean


image of egg
image of green bean

Egg is a reasonable source of supplementary protein, and is high in methionine, complementing the profile of green bean.

For example, 3.3 cups of green bean (333g) and 0.3 egg (14g) make a complete amino acids profile. The entire range to create a complete protein are ratios of 1:0.04 to 1:12 for green bean to egg by weight.

Full nutritional profile for egg
USDA Source: Egg, whole, raw, fresh

Table of amino acids of 3.3 cup green bean and 0.3 large egg :
Amino Acid % of RDV [2] Amount [20] Complete /
Adequate
Protein
15.6% 7.8g
Histidine
24.7% 0.16g
Isoleucine
36.2% 0.31g
Leucine
27.6% 0.52g
Lysine
24.4% 0.42g
Methionine
14.6% 0.13g
Phenylalanine
21.2% 0.32g
Threonine
37.7% 0.34g
Tryptophan
33.1% 0.09g
Valine
38.6% 0.42g


Complete Protein Pairings