Is Plant Based Protein Powder Better For Smoothies?

Is Plant Based Protein Powder Better For Smoothies?

Enjoying a pre or post-workout smoothie is an excellent way to help your body recover from a challenging workout. However, protein powders aren't just for those who frequent the gym; anyone can use them to quickly boost their protein intake. Packed with nutrients and essential amino acids, consuming protein powder can help your body in the recovery process and promote the building of lean muscle mass. That being said, not all protein powders are created equal, and many popular protein powders like whey protein powder are dairy based. If you're searching for a plant-based protein powder and wondering how it stacks up against whey protein, we're here to help. When creating the perfect smoothie recipes, the texture of certain powders may leave a gritty and even chalky result. This article will help you discover ways to avoid that and teach you how to choose the right protein powder for your unique lifestyle and dietary needs.

What Is Plant Based Protein Powder?

Unlike whey, plant based protein powder is derived from a plant and is free of all dairy ingredients. Though it's most often consumed by vegans and vegetarians, nearly everyone can enjoy plant based protein powder. There are several types of plant based protein powder, each with unique qualities, and choosing the right one for you is the key to creating a smoothie that you'll enjoy. To figure out which plant based protein powder best suits your needs, take a moment to review the options below.

The Different Types of Plant Based Protein Powder

Though there are many types of protein powder available, the three listed below are the most commonly used.

Almond Protein Powder

Almond protein powder is an excellent plant-based protein option for people looking to boost the nutritional profile of their smoothies. It's made through a mechanical process that involves blanching almonds, finely ground them, and then removing the oil through the use of an expeller. By doing so, an almond protein powder is created that is significantly higher in protein than whole almonds. With nearly 20 grams of protein per serving, Bob's Red Mill Almond Protein Powder contains one simple ingredientalmond protein powder. It's free of fillers, flavors, colors, or sweeteners and verified Non-GMO, vegan and gluten free. Blend it into a smoothie recipe like this Green Godness Protein Smoothie, to ensure that you're getting your daily recommended requirement of protein, fruits and vegetables! soy protein powder

Soy Protein Powder

Soy protein powder is a popular and healthy alternative to animal protein. And even as a plant-based and dairy free powder, soy remains a complete source of protein. Containing all nine essential amino acids, this protein supplement is the ideal way to ensure that your nutritional needs are met. Easy to digest with a minimal flavor, it blends smoothly into liquids mimicking whey's creamy texture. In addition, our Bob's Red Mill Soy Protein Powder is diary free, gluten free, unflavored and unsweetened, making it ideal for vegans, vegetarians and health enthusiasts. The next time you crave a mid-day pick me up, use soy protein powder to make this Soy Sunshine Smoothie. Made with just four ingredientssoy protein powder, pineapple juice, banana and mangoit's a nutritious meal that comes together in minutes.

Hemp Protein Powder

Hemp seeds are an excellent natural plant-based protein source, making them the perfect candidate for a protein powder. Hemp protein contains all 20 amino acids, including the nine essential ones. Loaded with health benefits, it's the ideal way to enjoy a protein boost no matter what time of day it is. Enjoy hemp protein powder in a smoothie as an on-the-go breakfast, or work it into your post-workout shake to speed up the recovery process. In addition, its easily dissolvable nature and milky taste make it an excellent addition to both sweet and savory flavored treats. For more delicious hemp protein powder recipes, see the back of our package of hemp protein powder, which is now available in a stand-up, resealable pouch. To create a smoothie recipe that's overflowing with nutrition, make this sweet Berry Peachy Hemp Smoothie. Great when served as breakfast or a snack, it's packed with a great flavor that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Using Plant-Based Protein Powder in Smoothies

When searching for protein-packed smoothie recipes, you're bound to encounter a few that use whey protein as the primary protein source. And while this works for some, others may wonder if they can substitute plant-based protein instead. When using protein powder, each powder is unique. That being so, each powder will add a different taste and texture to a recipe. Though plant-based powders can and often are, used as a substitute for whey, the recipe may change slightly depending on the type you choose. Deciding if the flavor of one protein powder is better than another is ultimately up to your taste preferences.

Plant-Based Protein Powder vs. Whey Protein Powder

Knowing how plant-based proteins stack up against whey may help you during the decision-making process. Here's an overview of the similarities and differences of each.

Amino Acid Levels

In the health food industry, a high-quality protein source is generally one that contains all nine essential amino acids. These amino acids are considered essential because our bodies cannot produce them independently and instead require supplementation through diet. Though there are 20 different types of amino acids, if a food source contains the nine essential amino acids, it's considered complete. If it's even missing one of them, it's deemed incomplete. Animal Proteins like whey proteins are complete proteins. They provide all nine essential amino acids in great enough quantities to help build muscle and boost metabolism. Plant-based protein sources are generally an excellent source of amino acids. However, not all of them contain the essential ones. This issue can easily be solved by combining one plant-based powder with another or pairing the chosen protein powder with fruits and vegetables that complete it. Still, certain plant-based flours are complete proteins and can be used interchangeably with whey protein powder to provide most of the same benefits. For example, soy protein powder, almond protein powder and hemp protein powder are all complete protein sources and supply your body with the proper ratio of amino acids to support all essential functions. hemp protein powder

Protein Digestibility

Though a type of food may be a great source of protein, if that protein is unable to be absorbed, consuming it won't do your body much good. When you incorporate protein-rich foods and powders into your diet, you'll want to consider their biological value. Biological value measures how much of the protein from a food source can be immediately used by your body. The biological value is calculated by looking at the total amount of protein consumed and then determining how much is passed through the digestive system. The higher amount of protein digested, the higher its biological value. Animal-based products like dairy, meat, fish, eggs and poultry have a high biological value. In comparison, specific plant-based proteins like legumes, grains, nuts and seeds have a lower biological value, often attributed to missing essential amino acids. Plant-based proteins like almond protein, hemp protein and soy protein contain all essential amino acids and carry a biological value similar to animal proteins like whey.

Whey Protein Benefits

When looking at whey protein benefits, the most notable benefit is that it will always be a complete protein. And, just as it will always include the nine essential amino acids, it will also include important branched-chain amino acids, which are necessary for muscle recovery and synthesis. Animal proteins high concentration of BCAAs and it's high biological value work together to provide your body with the nutrition it needs to keep your muscles healthy, active and strong. Whey protein is also rich in other beneficial compounds like calcium, healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids. However, different types of whey protein (concentrates vs. isolates) may contain higher percentages, and it's important to research which variety of whey is best for your lifestyle and dietary needs.

Plant Protein Benefits

Though not all plant-based protein sources are complete proteins, several are. Almond protein, hemp protein and soy protein are just a few of the many vegan options that contain all nine essential amino acids. Additionally, plant proteins are rich in fiber and antioxidants, two nutrients that are relatively low in animal-based sources. Additionally, plant-based protein powders are free of animal products, making them the preferred choice for vegans, vegetarians and lactose intolerant individuals. Because there are several more plant-based protein powders than animal-based ones, individuals also have more options to choose from regarding taste and texture. Though there and benefits and downfalls of both plant-based and animal protein, determining which one is better for your smoothie recipe is heavily reliant on your health goals. After reviewing this article, if you are interested in learning more about the different plant-based protein sources available to you, check out this guide outlining the different types of plant-based protein powder for smoothies. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, we hope you have a protein-packed day!
Bob's Red Mill
December 22 2021

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