The New York Times’ word puzzle game Strands continues to challenge and delight players with its daily themed puzzles. Today’s edition, Strands #391 for March 29, 2025, focuses on an increasingly popular dietary trend - plant-based proteins.
What is NYT Strands?
Strands is a word puzzle game from The New York Times that presents players with a 6x8 grid of letters. The goal is to find theme-related words that fit together to fill the entire grid. A special “spangram” word touches two opposite sides of the board and ties the theme together.
Today’s Plant Protein Theme
For puzzle #391, players are tasked with uncovering words related to plant-based protein sources. This timely theme reflects growing interest in vegetarian and vegan diets, as well as concerns about the environmental impact of animal agriculture.
Key Plant Protein Sources
Let’s explore some of the protein-rich plant foods featured in today’s puzzle:
Tempeh
Tempeh is a traditional Indonesian food made from fermented soybeans. It has a firm texture and nutty flavor, making it a popular meat substitute. Tempeh is rich in protein, fiber, and probiotics.
Seitan
Also known as “wheat meat,” seitan is made from wheat gluten. It has a chewy texture similar to meat and readily absorbs flavors from marinades and sauces. Seitan is very high in protein but not suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Nutritional Yeast
Often called “nooch,” nutritional yeast is deactivated yeast sold as yellow flakes or powder. It has a nutty, cheesy flavor and is rich in B-vitamins. Nutritional yeast is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids.
Seeds
Many seeds are concentrated sources of protein, healthy fats, and minerals. Some protein-rich options include:
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Chia seeds
- Hemp seeds
Nuts
Like seeds, nuts provide protein along with healthy fats and fiber. Some top choices for protein content include:
- Almonds
- Pistachios
- Cashews
- Walnuts
Beans
Beans are an excellent and affordable plant protein source. They’re also high in fiber and complex carbohydrates. Some protein-rich varieties include:
- Black beans
- Kidney beans
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
Tofu
Made from condensed soy milk, tofu is a versatile protein source that takes on the flavors of the dishes it’s prepared with. It comes in various textures from silken to extra-firm.
Benefits of Plant-Based Proteins
Incorporating more plant proteins into your diet can have several potential benefits:
- Lower environmental impact compared to animal proteins
- Reduced risk of certain chronic diseases
- High fiber content supports digestive health
- Often lower in saturated fat than animal proteins
- Can be more budget-friendly than meat
Solving Today’s Strands Puzzle
With this background on plant-based proteins, players should be well-equipped to tackle Strands #391. Remember to look for words related to various plant protein sources, considering both common and less familiar options.
The spangram, touching opposite sides of the board, likely relates to the overall theme of plant-based or vegan protein sources.
Whether you’re a dedicated vegan, a curious omnivore, or simply enjoy word puzzles, today’s NYT Strands offers an engaging way to explore the world of plant proteins. Happy puzzling!