Which crop produces seeds with the highest protein percentage?

Soybeans are recognized for having the highest protein percentage among common crops that produce seeds. Soybean seeds typically contain about 40% protein by weight, making them an excellent source of plant-based protein. This high protein content is one of the reasons soybeans are widely utilized in animal feed and for human consumption, particularly in vegetarian and vegan diets.

In contrast, corn and wheat generally have lower protein concentrations, closer to 9-10% for corn and about 12-15% for wheat. Grain sorghum also falls into a similar range of protein content, which is lower than that of soybeans. The ability of soybeans to fix nitrogen through their root system also contributes to their robust nutrient profile, allowing them to form higher protein levels compared to other crops. This makes soybeans not only a valuable crop in agronomy but also a critical component in food and feed production globally.