Allergen friendly protein powder.

Protein powders are a popular and convenient way to supplement your diet with additional protein, particularly for those who engage in regular exercise or those who simply want to boost their daily protein intake. With a growing prevalence of food allergies amongst people, it’s important to find a protein powder that you can safely and regularly consume that will support your lifestyle, dietaries and allergies. Allergen friendly protein powders are becoming very popular as they are easier to digest and don’t come with some of the risks typically found in other protein powders. In this article we break down which ingredients to avoid and our favourite allergy-friendly protein powder on the market!

Why are allergen friendly protein powders important?
The prevalence of food allergies has been on the rise in recent years. People with food allergies need to be careful about what they eat and often need to avoid certain types of protein sources. As a result, there is a growing demand for protein powders that are free from common allergens such as lactose, gluten, soy and nuts.  

Many people are also becoming more aware of the potential health risks associated with consuming certain types of protein sources which has led to an increased interest in protein powders that are made from alternative sources. As this demand for allergen-friendly protein powders has grown, so too has the availability and variety of products on the market.

Traditionally the protein powder market was dominated by whey protein sources, however in more recent years it is very common to see powders which are derived from allergy friendly protein sources. These sources include pea protein, brown rice protein, faba bean protein and even hemp protein to list a few. These hypoallergenic sources are suitable for protein users with food sensitivities and have made it easier for supplement users to find protein powders that meet their specific dietary needs.

Ingredients to avoid.
If you’re finding it difficult to digest protein powders or have certain food allergies it’s important to know which ingredients or protein sources to avoid. We’ve listed some of the most common ingredients which can cause issues, however it’s important to always check the ingredient label of any food product before consuming it, and to consult with your doctor if you have any concerns about an allergic reaction.

Artificial flavours & colours: Artificial ingredients, including flavours and colours, can be difficult for some people to digest. This can lead to stomach upset, gas, and bloating. By choosing a protein powder that is free of artificial ingredients, you can reduce the risk of digestive issues.

Lactose intolerance: Lactose is a sugar found in many types of whey protein powders, which are all derived from milk. The amount of lactose found in whey protein powders often can vary depending on the manufacturing process and the type of whey protein used. Consuming lactose-containing protein powders can lead to digestive discomfort, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. In some cases, it can also cause more severe symptoms, such as nausea and abdominal pain. Even if you are not lactose intolerant, consuming large amounts of lactose-containing protein powders can be difficult for your digestive system to process and absorb, which can lead to digestive discomfort and may decrease the overall effectiveness of the protein supplement.

GMO’s (Genetically Modified Ingredients: GMOs are often grown using large amounts of pesticides and herbicides, which can have negative effects on the environment and human health. By choosing protein powders that are free of GMO ingredients, you can support environmentally-friendly and sustainable agricultural practices. By avoiding GMO ingredients in protein powders, you can reduce your exposure to health risks including allergies, inflammation, and even cancer.

Gluten intolerance: Some protein powders contain ingredients that are derived from wheat or other gluten-containing grains, and this can be a common allergen for people with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance.

Nut allergies. Some individuals may have nut allergies or sensitivities, which can cause allergic reactions or even experience anaphylaxis. Even if you don't have a nut allergy, you may want to be cautious and consult with a healthcare professional before adding a nut-based protein powder to your diet. While nut-based protein powders can be a good source of plant-based protein, it is important to consider potential allergies or sensitivities.

Key things to consider when looking for allergen friendly protein powders.

Protein source: The protein source should be chosen based on your individual allergies or sensitivities. For example, someone with a dairy or lactose allergy should avoid whey protein, while someone with a nut allergy should avoid peanut based protein powders.

Manufacturing processes: The manufacturing processes used to produce the protein powder should be carefully evaluated to ensure that the protein is not contaminated with allergens. The manufacturing facility of your protein powder should have strict protocols in place to prevent cross-contact with common allergens like peanuts or tree nuts.|

Product Labelling: The protein powder should be clearly labelled to indicate if it contains any of the top allergens, such as peanuts, tree nuts, soy, dairy, eggs, or gluten. This can help individuals with food allergies to avoid products that may cause an allergic reaction.

Certification: The protein powder should be tested by a third-party laboratory or produced within the country of consumption. Different countries have different food and drug regulations and it’s important to comply to these standards to ensure safe and healthy food consumption.

Organic Ingredients: It’s also important to find protein powders which are produced using only organic ingredients to avoid contamination from genetically modified ingredients.

Flavourings and sweeteners: Flavourings and sweeteners can sometimes be difficult to digest and cause an upset stomach or bloating. Avoid using protein powders which contain artificial flavourings or sweeteners and instead use natural alternatives such as stevia.

Our favourite allergen friendly protein powder!
When it comes to allergen friendly protein powders, it's important to find one that not only meets your nutritional needs but is also tailored to your allergies. One Australian brand that stands out as a favourite of ours is Botanika Blends. One of the reasons why Botanika Blends is a favourite is because it is free from the most common allergens, including dairy, soy, gluten, peanuts, tree nuts and egg. This makes it an excellent choice for people with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients, who often struggle to find protein powders that fit their dietary restrictions.

Botanika Blends is also formulated to provide high-quality, concentrated protein to support muscle growth and repair. It contains a blend of organic plant-based proteins, which are both excellent sources of the essential amino acids needed for optimal health and digestion. Botanika Blends protein powders are free from artificial flavours and sweeteners and 100% refined sugar free, making it a great option for those looking to manage their weight.  They have an extensive range of delicious flavour which make it a convenient, delicious and safe protein supplement.

At Pro Scoop, we’ve tasted far and wide, and we were so impressed with Botanika Blends protein powder that we now stock their delicious range on our site. We also bundle their protein powders with our premium shaker bottle for an economical and convenient way to scoop these delicious flavours.  

Summary.
Overall, the rise in popularity of allergen-friendly protein powders reflects a growing awareness of the importance of dietary choices and the need for more inclusive and accessible products in the health and wellness industry. Finding a good protein powder that works for you is important because it can help you meet your nutritional needs, fit your lifestyle, taste good, and be easily digested. This can support your overall health and fitness goals, and help you achieve the best results possible.