Which One Is a Not Included Source of Proteins? The Definitive Answer

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional science, while eggs are known as an excellent source of high-quality protein, other common foods like edible oils are definitively not a protein source. Understanding which one is a not included source of proteins is crucial for building a balanced and healthy dietary plan based on primary macronutrient composition.

Quick Summary

This guide clarifies which common foods are not protein sources, detailing the macronutrient composition of different food groups and explaining how to identify true protein sources versus those that provide primarily fat or carbohydrates.

Key Points

Edible Oils and Pure Sugars: Pure fats and pure sugars, like olive oil and table sugar, are not included as significant protein sources.
Macronutrient Role: Fats are primarily for energy and vitamin absorption, while proteins are for tissue building and repair.
Low vs. No Protein: Many fruits and vegetables contain minimal, rather than zero, protein, unlike pure fats and refined sugars.
Reading Labels is Key: Always check the nutrition label to accurately determine a food's protein content, as some foods containing protein also have high fat or sugar.
Balanced Diet: A healthy diet requires a balance of all macronutrients from diverse sources, rather than focusing on protein in isolation.

Understanding the Primary Macronutrients

Our bodies require three primary macronutrients for energy and function: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Each serves a distinct purpose, and foods are typically classified based on which macronutrient they provide in the highest concentration. While many foods contain a mix, their primary component dictates their role in a balanced diet.

Proteins: Composed of amino acids, proteins are essential for building and repairing tissues, creating enzymes, and supporting numerous bodily functions. Examples include meat, dairy, eggs, and legumes.
Fats: Made of fatty acids, fats are a concentrated source of energy, vital for insulating organs and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins. Examples include oils, butter, and nuts.
Carbohydrates: These are the body's primary energy source, found in grains, fruits, and vegetables. Simple carbs like pure sugar provide quick energy but no significant nutritional value beyond calories.

The Answer: Edible Oils and Pure Sugars

When asked "which one is a not included source of proteins?", the most accurate answer from a macronutrient perspective would be pure fats and oils, and pure sugars. For example, edible oil consists almost entirely of fat, with negligible protein content. Similarly, white table sugar is a pure carbohydrate, providing only caloric energy without any protein. This distinction is important for people tracking their macronutrient intake or following specific diets.

A Deeper Dive into Non-Protein Foods

Many people are surprised to learn that certain foods they might associate with a healthy diet contain very little or no protein. It's important to differentiate between foods that contain trace amounts of protein and those that are simply not considered a source of it.

Here are some common items that are not significant sources of protein:

Pure Fats: Olive oil, coconut oil, butter, and margarine are nearly pure fat and contain virtually no protein.
Refined Sugars and Sweets: Table sugar, syrups, candies, and non-gelatin-based sweets are pure carbohydrates and contain no protein.
Many Fruits: While packed with vitamins and fiber, most fruits like apples, grapes, and oranges contain minimal protein.
Most Vegetables: Though nutrient-dense, many vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and lettuce are not considered good protein sources. Notable exceptions like spinach and corn have small amounts.
Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and spirits contain virtually no protein.
Condiments: Items like mayonnaise, mustard, and jams are not protein sources.

Comparing Protein and Non-Protein Sources

To highlight the difference, let's compare some common food items. This comparison demonstrates how the primary macronutrient content distinguishes a protein source from a non-protein one.


Food Item	Primary Macronutrient	Protein Content	Nutritional Example
Lean Meat	Protein	High	A chicken breast offers a significant amount of high-quality protein.
Eggs	Protein, Fat	High	Widely known as an excellent and complete protein source.
Edible Oil	Fat	Negligible	Primarily consists of fat and fat-soluble vitamins, not protein.
Legumes (e.g., Lentils)	Protein, Carbohydrates, Fiber	High	Plant-based protein, also rich in fiber.
Table Sugar	Carbohydrate	None	A simple sugar that provides only empty calories with no protein.
Milk	Protein, Carbohydrates, Fat	High	Contains high-quality casein and whey proteins.
Apple	Carbohydrates, Fiber	Minimal	Mainly provides carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins.

The Importance of Reading Nutrition Labels

For anyone focusing on their protein intake, the nutrition facts label is an essential tool. This panel will clearly list the amount of protein in grams per serving, along with fat, carbohydrates, and other nutrients. This allows consumers to make informed choices rather than relying on general assumptions about a food's properties. For instance, while trail mix contains nuts (a protein source), the total protein per serving might be lower than expected due to added fats and sugars. Relying on the label ensures you understand exactly what you're consuming.

Conclusion

Ultimately, which one is a not included source of proteins can be determined by its primary macronutrient composition. Foods like edible oils and pure sugars are primarily fats and carbohydrates, respectively, not proteins. While most foods contain trace amounts of various nutrients, understanding which ones are significant sources of protein is vital for anyone looking to build a healthy and balanced diet. By paying attention to food groups and nutritional labels, you can ensure your body receives the protein it needs to thrive alongside other essential nutrients. For more information on dietary needs, consulting resources from established health organizations can be beneficial. For example, Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health offers extensive resources on protein and diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, butter is primarily composed of fat, with only trace amounts of protein. Its main nutritional contribution comes from its fat content.

Most fruits, such as apples and oranges, contain minimal protein and are not considered a good source. They are primarily a source of carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins.

No, pure sugar is a simple carbohydrate that provides energy but contains no protein. It lacks the amino acid building blocks that constitute protein.

Olive oil is a source of healthy fats but contains virtually no protein. It's important for other nutritional benefits but not for protein intake.

To be certain, check the nutrition facts label on the food's packaging. The label will list the grams of protein per serving, confirming if it's a significant source.

Complete protein sources, typically from animal products and soy, contain all nine essential amino acids. Incomplete sources, like most plant-based foods, may be low in one or more essential amino acids, though a varied diet can compensate.

While grains contain some protein, especially whole grains, they are not typically considered a high-protein food. Combining them with other foods like legumes can create a complete protein profile.