Protein Sources for Children

Kids need about a gram of protein for every 2 pounds of body weight. Protein needs grow as children get bigger and level off when they reach adult size.

To determine individual protein needs, multiply your weight in pounds by 0.5. For example. a 40-pound child should have about 20 grams of protein every day.

Protein for Children: How Much Is Enough?

PROTEIN SOURCE SERVING SIZE PROTEIN CONTENT
Greek yogurt 1 cup 13 grams
Cottage cheese 1/2 cup 13 grams
Plain/fruit yogurt 1 cup 11 grams
Bean & cheese quesadilla 1 serving 10 grams
Veggie patty/nuggets 1 patty 9 grams
Lunch meats 1 ounce 8 grams
Sunflower/pumpkin seeds 1/4 cup 7 grams
Cheeses 1 ounce cheddar 7 grams
Hard boiled egg 1 egg 6 grams
Canned Wild Salmon/Tuna 1 ounce 6 grams
Tahini 2 Tablespoons 5 grams
Hot dog 1 link 5 grams
Cream cheese 3 ounces 5 grams
Hummus 1/4 cup 4 grams
Milk 1/2 cup 4 grams
Whole Grain Pasta 1/2 cup cooked 4 grams
Nut butter 1 Tbsp 3 grams
Broccoli 1/2 cup 2 grams