Which foods are considered incomplete proteins?

Which foods are considered incomplete proteins?

• A. Corn, peas, beans, nuts
• B. Eggs and ground beef
• C. Milk and cheese
• D. Rice and chicken

Answer: (A)

Incomplete proteins are foods that don’t provide all of the essential amino acids in sufficient amounts. Most plant-based foods fall into this category, so they’re considered incomplete when eaten alone. Corn, peas, beans, and nuts are all plant sources that typically lack one or more essential amino acids, which is why they’re classified as incomplete proteins. In contrast, animal-derived foods like eggs, ground beef, milk, and cheese supply all the essential amino acids in adequate amounts, making them complete proteins. A dish like rice and chicken mixes a plant source with an animal source, but the question is about which foods are incomplete on their own—the plant-based items listed fit that description.

Incomplete proteins are foods that don’t provide all of the essential amino acids in sufficient amounts. Most plant-based foods fall into this category, so they’re considered incomplete when eaten alone. Corn, peas, beans, and nuts are all plant sources that typically lack one or more essential amino acids, which is why they’re classified as incomplete proteins.

In contrast, animal-derived foods like eggs, ground beef, milk, and cheese supply all the essential amino acids in adequate amounts, making them complete proteins. A dish like rice and chicken mixes a plant source with an animal source, but the question is about which foods are incomplete on their own—the plant-based items listed fit that description.