What to look for in a Plant-Based Protein Powder!

With an increasing number of vegan protein powders hitting the shelves, how do you know which one is best for you?
Have you previously taken whey protein powders, or are you simply trying to get additional protein on a plant-based diet?
We break down the top five factors to look for when choosing your next plant-based protein supplement.

1. Is your Protein organic?

Look for brands which have callouts such as ‘Organic Ingredients’ or organic accreditations. Unlike other forms of protein powder, plant-based proteins can often be be contaminated with pesticides, so be sure to read the label!

2. Look for the Amino Acid profile.

There are 9 essential amino acids which are vital for functions throughout your body, including protein synthesis, tissue repair and nutrient absorption. These amino acids are easy enough to consume if you’re eating meat and dairy, however on a plant-based diet this can sometimes be difficult. Look for plant-based protein powders which contain a mix of different proteins, such as pea, rice, hemp, faba, soy etc. Individually these proteins are great, but when combined you get a complete protein and therefore more of the 9 amino acids. Simply flip over the packaging, read the ingredients and search for a protein which contains at least two or more of these protein sources!

3. High Protein concentration.

How do you get enough protein on a vegan diet? There are so many misconceptions that vegan protein powders don’t offer as much protein as traditional whey powders, however if you do your research you’ll quickly realize many vegan powders now offer between 20 - 30 grams of protein per serve! Your body uses protein to build and repair muscles and bones and to make hormones and enzymes, so we recommend a vegan protein powder which has at least 60 grams of protein per 100 grams.

4. Low Sugar & No Artificial Sweeteners.

Everything in moderation right? This is especially important for protein powders. Many brands load their products with added sugars and artificial sweeteners which can damage your gut microbiome. Research has also linked elevated sugar levels to chronic diseases such as obesity. Generally speaking you’ll consume enough sugar in other aspects of your diet, so it’s best to look for a protein powder which is refined sugar free and also contains no artificial colours.

5. Is it actually Vegan?

This seems pretty simple right? If it says it’s Vegan, then surely it’s Vegan? Unfortunately you can never really trust marketing call-outs on packaging these days. It might sound a bit excessive, however it’s really important to read and inspect every ingredient used on your vegan protein powder to ensure it is truly free from any animal products. Key ingredients to look out for are whey, cassein, egg white, bone broth and meat isolates - these are often added to boost the protein percentage on products.

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