Most protein powders tend to be milk-based, using whey and casein proteins.
Many people who hear about vegan protein powders from websites like The Vegan Life, Vegan.com or Oh She Glows, wonder what they could possibly be made from, since vegans never consume dairy products.
You may be surprised to find out that there are many different plant-based sources for protein, including many nuts, seeds, legumes, and dark leafy greens.
Some of the plant-based protein powder options use soy protein, pea protein, hemp protein, or rice protein. Hemp seeds in particular are very high in protein, making them an excellent source for powder supplements. Many smoothie recipes call for hemp seed protein powder as an ingredient, to bump up the nutritive content.
Pea protein is another favorite, as its flavor is milder and the powder is smoother than hemp seed powders.
Although many people still propagate myths about vegan foods lacking in nutrition like amino acids, that is simply not true. Plant proteins often contain amino acids, just in a lower amount than what is typically found in eggs and dairy. If you review a good list of vegan cookbooks, many of the highly credited authors will tell you the same thing.
A vegan can get the nine essential amino acids they need for building muscle and for optimum body functionality with just a balanced vegan diet. But with a protein-rich supplement, an athlete or bodybuilder can get everything he needs, all powered by plants!
But it is not just vegans who benefit from these plant-derived powders. Even some omnivores may find that they perform better with vegan protein powder. Some people end up with digestive issues or allergic reactions to the whey and casein protein powders, and worry that they will have to forgo their protein supplements.
That is not true. By using the vegan powders, athletes may find that they reap just as many benefits with their new plant-powered powder than the old milk-based powder that gave them trouble.
Packed with nutrition and protein, vegan protein powders just may be the answer, for vegans and non-vegans alike. You can review a list of protein powders for vegans here.