Which food combination provides a complete protein profile?

The combination of rice and beans is recognized as a classic pairing that provides a complete protein profile because it contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for human health. Individual plant-based foods often lack one or more of these essential amino acids, but when combined, rice and beans complement each other effectively. Rice is low in the amino acid lysine but high in methionine, while beans are high in lysine and low in methionine. Together, they create a balanced amino acid spectrum that serves as a complete protein source, making this combination particularly valuable for vegetarians and vegans who may not consume animal proteins.

In contrast, the other combinations either lack the necessary amino acids to form a complete profile or do not complement each other in the same way. For example, rice and oranges, while nutritious, do not provide the full set of essential amino acids. Similarly, pasta and cheese, while they offer some protein, may not achieve the same completeness as the rice and beans pairing in terms of amino acid balance. Lastly, potatoes and corn again fall short in providing all essential amino acids, lacking the necessary variety to be considered a complete protein.