Pack on the protein with these pantry must-haves.

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If there was a popularity contest among the macronutrients,proteinwould surely win.

And its no wonder, as protein carries out a variety of tasks throughout the body.

Top view of raw quinoa in a bowl, wooden spoon and clip top glass jar over bright orange background. White quinoa seeds for gluten free dieting. Cooking chenopodium quinoa

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In turn, we experience less extreme spikes and dips in blood sugar levels after eating it.

However, there are a whole host of shelf stable protein-rich options that can be found right inyour pantry.

Read on to learn about our top eight high-protein pantry staples.

Green peas are also easily found canned or dried, as are lentils.

Lentils can be found pre-cooked or dry, and supply about9 grams of protein per half cup.

Most canned goods on this list, soup included, have a shelf life of at least two years.

Some even love adding protein powder to baked goods to increase their staying power and healthfulness.

Plus, its packed withfiberand a range of vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds.

Its just an added bonus that it has a shelf life of two to three years when dried.

They’re great for mixing into salads or turning into a comforting sandwich melt, Davis offers.

Some even add them to pastas, sauces, dips, or homemade sushi rolls and bakes.

Plus, nutritional yeast will last in the pantry for up to two years.

Plus, they offer meaningful amounts ofheart-healthy fats, plant compounds, and certain vitamins and minerals.