When you’re a vegan, people always ask you how you get enough protein. When you need to add a little boost to your diet, a great protein powder is the perfect solution. Here are 5 tips for choosing the best vegan protein powder to keep you healthy without breaking the bank.
“But, how do you get enough protein?”
This question, asked by meat-eaters everywhere, is the bane of vegetarians and vegans alike. It’s not that protein isn’t an important nutrient. Of course, it is.
But many vegetarians and vegans are able to get all the protein they need from plant-based sources. And for those who need a little extra boost, protein powders are the ideal supplement.
Maybe you are a vegan and have been thinking about adding a protein powder to your diet. How do you know which one to choose?
Below we’ve got five tips to help you choose the best vegan protein powder. You’ll be able to pick the one that’s right for you without breaking the bank. Let’s go!
1. Cheapest Vegan Protein Powder
Vegans typically consume one to three servings of protein powder per day. That can get expensive if you’re not careful.
The best way to keep your costs down is to read labels carefully. Some brands have a lower price, but you end up paying more money overall.
This is because they offer less protein per serving. Or their serving size is so small you need to eat more to meet your daily protein requirement. Don’t be afraid to pay a higher price, then, if you are getting more bang for your buck.
Types of Vegan Protein Powders
In the remaining four sections, let’s see what typical vegan protein powders consist of. That way, you’ll know which is best for you.
2. Soy Protein Powder
The most common vegan protein used in powders comes from soy. It is easy to see why.
Soy protein is lactose-free and contains all nine essential amino acids. That makes it a complete protein. In fact, one serving of soy protein isolate has 46% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for protein. It also has 22% of the RDA for iron.
Soy has had a lot of bad press over the years. The latest scientific research, however, shows it is safe to consume in moderate, every day amounts.
3. Pea Protein Powder
Pea protein powder is a popular soy-free alternative. The peas used are field peas (think split pea soup). They have four times more protein than regular sweet peas.
If you have a soy allergy, pea protein powder makes an excellent alternative. It is also easy to digest, so you don’t have to worry about bloating and other stomach issues.
Note, though, that pea powder is not a complete protein. But as long as you eat a rich and varied diet, that shouldn’t be a problem.
You could also buy pea powder as part of a complete vegan powder blend. We’ll discuss those down below.
4. Hemp Protein Powder
Hemp protein makes an excellent complete vegan protein powder. It has a whopping twenty amino acids, including the nine our bodies cannot make. Hemp is also high in healthy fats and is a good source of fiber.
What’s more, studies are beginning to show hemp’s amazing health benefits:
- Lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease
- Improves skin health
- Reduces PMS and menopause symptoms
- Aids digestion
While hemp powder has a pleasant, nutty taste, its texture is a bit sand-like. Also, it contains less protein than other plant-based sources. Even so, it can be added successfully to baked goods and mixed with frozen fruits.
5. Blended Protein Powders
Some protein powders are made from combinations of different plant-based powders. This yields several benefits.
Remember different powders contain different amino acids. Also, some are complete proteins, and some are not. By combining them together, you reap the nutritional benefits of both powders.
A blended powder might also taste better. It can cover up any taste or textural deficiencies in a single powder (remember how hemp is a little sand-like?).
Wrapping Up: The Best Vegan Protein Powder
There you have it! Now you can get the best vegan protein powder to meet your individual needs. Whether you are an avid exerciser or just need a little protein pick-me-up, a vegan protein powder might be just the thing.
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