Vegan Protein Powder

About Vegan Protein Powder

Vegan Protein Powders have come a long way in terms of flavour, quality and consistency. Plant protein powders were once gritty and lacking in flavour, making them difficult to consume. Improvements in material sourcing and processing techniques has been ongoing for decades now, leading to the creation of silky-smooth flavours that are creative and delicious. From Coconut Milk to Salted Caramel and even White Chocolate Raspberry, there is a flavour to impress everyone!

Pea protein now comes with a protein percentage of up to ninety and contains all of the essential amino acids to support the body’s many metabolic needs and anabolic processes. These amino acids are contained in appreciable quantities, comparable to whey protein, and in decent ratios. Vegan protein powders also contain many non-essential amino acids, like glycine and glutamic acid. 

The quality of vegan protein compared to whey protein (the industry standard) has been the subject of debate for decades. Scientific research is showing that there may only be minor differences between concentrated protein powders made from whey, rice or pea protein when body composition and adaptation to exercise are study end points. A clinical trial published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition in 2015 showed that pea protein and whey protein were identical in promoting muscle thickness in response to exercise. Another study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Health Sciences in 2014 indicated that rice protein and whey protein isolate achieved the same results. 

The quality of a protein can largely be attributed to its essential amino acid content, as well as its bioavailability. Most understand the importance of oxygen and water to human health, yet we were never taught the importance of high quality protein food as a provider of essential amino acids. These are essential nutrients the body cannot synthesize and must be obtained from the diet or supplements. These nutrients are stored in muscle tissue, like a functional reservoir, ready for release into the blood stream when fasting or in demand. This is perhaps one of the reasons why having an appreciable amount of lean muscle is an important marker of health.

Vegan Protein Powders are completely plant-based for those following animal and animal by-product free diets. The sources of protein used in these powders may be any combination of yellow pea, rice, sacha inchi seed and chia seed, hemp and more, mixed with natural sweeteners and flavours. Simply add to water or your favourite milk alternative, shake or stir and drink. Instant nourishment, and purely from vegan sources! Alternatively, you may wish to add a small amount of protein powder to a muffin or cake mix to create high protein foods. The creative possibilities are endless!