Up until recently, whey protein has been considered the ‘gold standard’ in protein powders - which makes sense, given its exceptionally high protein content and excellent amino acid profile!
But, with the rise of new information, product development and awareness, we’ve now seen demand for plant based protein powders (think soy, pea and rice proteins) in Australia not only catch up with whey – but actually surpass it
Here’s the main reasons why we (and now many people) love plant based proteins (and why you’ll find them used in our range!):
- Less chance of digestive distress - It’s reported that around 65% of the human population have some degree of lactose intolerance. Whilst whey protein often contains less lactose than other dairy products (e.g., cheese, milk or ice cream), it often still contains enough to cause a reaction in those sensitive or intolerant to it. This can often manifest in symptoms such as a gurgly stomach, excess gas, bloating or diarrhea. Most plant proteins, on the other hand, are hypoallergenic and may be easier to digest.
- They’re better for the environment - it’s no secret that the global production of livestock has a significant carbon footprint and environmental impact. Protein from plants, particularly peas, on the other hand have a very low burden for the environment, requiring less water, less land and producing less CO2 than protein sources coming from animals.
- Evidence says plant proteins are great at building muscle - despite what many people think, vegan proteins have been shown to be just as effective as whey protein in increasing muscle mass! This is especially true when sources are combined to form a plant-based blend, for example, protein powders combining pea and rice protein. These blends contain a very balanced amino acid profile, both high in essential and branched-chain amino acids. Moreover, since many people are sensitive to whey, they may find more benefits when switching to plant proteins due to better absorption (and less digestive upset!).
When you’re searching for the best plant-based protein powders to try, some things to consider include:
- The source - is it coming from peas, rice, hemp, soy, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds etc?. Each source provides a different blend of amino acids and other nutrients.
- Whether the powder provides a complete protein with all essential amino acids - this follows on from above. Try to pick a plant based protein containing a blend of sources for a better amino acid profile.
- Whether it has a pleasant taste and texture - this is probably the hardest criteria to meet! If you can, try to get small samples of any new proteins before committing to a 0.5-1kg pouch!
- Whether the powder contains any allergens or ingredients you may be sensitive too, including artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols. It’s easy to assume that “plant-based” equals “natural”, but unfortunately many plant proteins can still be packed with artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols like Sucralose. Try to pick options that are naturally sweetened with things like Stevia.
- Whether it’s high in other beneficial nutrients. Plant proteins can be fortified with things like magnesium, calcium, fibre, and iron - so be on the lookout for one that’s packed with the nutrients you may be lacking, especially if the rest of your diet is relatively plant-based!
At Sneaky Wholefoods, we’re proud to offer high-protein snacks made with a combination of pea protein and nuts. Not only do they taste great, but they’re also designed to support your overall wellbeing, providing the perfect balance of nourishment and flavor to keep you energized throughout your day.
- Steph McDonald, Nutritionist
