Everything about Vegan Protein
We used to think of meat, dairy, eggs and whey protein shakes as our main protein sources. These days, however, it’s clear that more and more are people turning to plant-based foods and supplements to support their health & fitness needs. Statistics Netherlands (otherwise known as CBS) reported in 2021 that 8 out of 10 adults in the Netherlands don't have meat on their daily menu. Whether veganism is a full-time lifestyle choice or something you just want to try out one day a week, we’ve got a selection of top-notch plant-based products, giving you the freedom to try out different dietary options without having to compromise your protein intake. For this blog, we've collected the most common questions about vegan protein and explain all about the latest edition to our Vegan Series: Vegan Protein. Keep reading to discover the power of plants!
How do vegans get protein?
When there's no meat, fish or dairy involved, it’s common for people to worry about their protein intake, especially if they’re trying to build muscle. Well, let's bust this myth once and for all. Have you ever thought about the reason why meat and dairy are full of protein? Animals can't ‘make’ protein themselves. Just like us, they must consume (plant-based) ingredients that contain protein. By absorbing protein from plants, it ends up in their tissues, such as muscle (which is almost fully made of protein) and milk in a concentrated form. Subsequently, meat, dairy and other animal-derived ingredients contain protein. Knowing this, you'll understand that you can easily skip the ‘intermediate’ and eat plants for protein instead of meat or dairy. So, vegans, or anyone eating plant-based every now and then, get protein by simply eating plants.
Are plants a complete source of protein?
Ok, so we've established that plants are a source of protein. But are they a good source of protein? Whey protein (made from cow's milk) is often seen as the gold standard of protein because it’s a ‘complete’ source of protein. This means it contains all the amino acids the body needs in an ideal ratio. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Some are non-essential amino acids, meaning your body can make them itself. Others are essential amino acids, which the body is unable to make. The only way to get them is through your diet. Whey contains these essential amino acids in exactly the amount your body prefers. That's why we call it a ‘complete’ source of protein. Plant-based proteins differ from whey protein in that they usually don’t have a complete amino acid profile, although there are some exceptions to that rule. Soy and quinoa proteins, for example, are complete. Luckily, it's very easy to combine plant-based protein sources to form a complete protein source. In the case of our new Vegan Protein, we've combined pea protein isolate, pumpkin seed protein, watermelon seed protein, and fava bean protein, making sure your body gets all the amino acids it deserves.
Are vegan protein shakes good for you?
Protein is one of three macronutrients (alongside carbohydrates and fats) that your body needs in adequate amounts to function properly. Protein contributes, for example, to muscle growth and the maintenance of muscles and normal bones. How much protein you need is dependent on many factors including your age, physical activity and body composition. We can – and should – get most of our protein from our regular diet, whether that's animal-derived or plant-based. Some of us like to supplement our protein intake with a protein shake. It's a very convenient way to fuel your body with relatively large amount of protein. To give you an example; one serving of our Vegan Protein contains at least 20 grams of protein. To get the same amount of protein from lentils, you'll have to eat about 330 grams of them. We believe in a healthy and balanced diet together with a healthy lifestyle and consider protein shakes, whether vegan or not, as a supplement, not as a substitute.
Is vegan protein powder better than whey?
The times when you had to compensate as a vegan on taste, structure or protein content are long gone. It's never been easier to include vegan protein in your routine, the same way whey has been part of our routines for years. Vegan protein powders can be just as good as whey in terms of quality and taste. Many non-vegans prefer plant-based supplements as they are dairy-free and easier to digest for them. Our Vegan Protein is a fantastic way to introduce (more) plant-based protein to your diet, whatever the reason may be, and it’s just as effective at supporting muscle growth as any other protein out there.
How to use Vegan Protein powder?
Just add 1 scoop (30 grams) of Vegan Protein to 300ml of water, shake it up and enjoy. Use our Essential or Perfection shaker if you want an extra smooth, lump-free texture. If you’re a serious athlete or passionate gym-goer looking to pack on muscle, this is ideal for nourishing your body after those intense sessions. Alternatively, Vegan Protein makes for a great everyday option at any time of day. If you like getting creative in the kitchen, try adding a scoop to your next baking endeavour for a protein packed vegan treat that’ll help you stay on top of those gains (keep an eye on our socials — @bodyandfit_official — and recipe page for some next-level inspiration!).
How is Vegan Protein different from other vegan protein powders?
As we already mentioned, our Vegan Protein is made with a blend of pea protein isolate, pumpkin seed protein, watermelon seed protein, and fava bean protein. These may not be the plant-based protein sources you think of first, but they are what makes our product so good and different from what you've tasted so far. This is our smoothest vegan protein yet — a velvety texture in a selection of luxurious flavours: Banana Bread, Chocolate Hazelnut, Salted Caramel Peanut Butter, Vanilla Chai and Smooth Vanilla. We also made sure to include vitamin B6, B12, iron, iodine, selenium and zinc, which are often only found in adequate amounts in animal-derived foods. Adding them to a vegan protein shake seems more than logical to us, just like the addition of DigeZyme®, a premium enzyme complex. And did we mention our formula is sugar-free and low in fat? Perfect for staying shredded for the Summer.
Taste the power of plants
We hope to have answered your main questions about Vegan Protein. If not, feel free to reach out to our team of Nutrition Experts who are happy to answer any questions (vegan-focused or otherwise). You can contact them via our regular customer service channels. Want to know more about the vegan lifestyle? Check out even more insights on veganism, and some of our community's best vegan advice. We hope you'll give our Vegan Protein a try to experience the power of plants, whether you're living your best vegan life, curious about giving it a shot or just looking for a delicious alternative to your regular dairy-based protein shakes.