Vitacost Pea Protein Vanilla -- 28.3 oz (1 lb 12.3 oz) (805 g)
87
96
Good Value but I Would Recommend a Plant Protein
Pros: Good value, mixes well (not as grainy as other types of protein powder), sweet though not overly sweet for my pallet, uses more natural low calorie sweeteners, filling (pro if you want to lose weight and con if you want to gain), non-GMO, and comes with “serving size” scoop
Cons: Flavor is tolerable mixed when mixed in water only but not great, serving size is pretty large, filling (pro if you want to lose weight and con if you want to gain)
Bottom Line: Although I think this is a good product I would recommend purchasing a “Plant” protein blend instead of a product like this with only pea protein. I would recommend Vitacosts Plant Protein over others that I have tried (Jarrow and Lifetime). It is my opinion that these protein blends offer a better amino acid profile than each of the protein products on their own.
Details:
I am a vegetarian and I have been interested in playing around with increasing my protein intake, but I wanted to do so with something other than soy as my diet already has a lot of soy in it (tofu & tempeh). As a consequence I have been trying a number of different protein powders.
I have to admit that this is the only pea protein product that I have tried that is exclusively pea protein (plus some low calorie sweetners). I have used a number of “Plant” protein blends which have always included some amount of pea protein and some that were predominantly pea protein. I ordered this product to start making my own plant protein blends with hemp, pea, and rice protein powders.
I have tried this powder on its own mixed into water only on a couple of occasions. As I stated in the cons list above the flavor is tolerable, like sweetened vanilla pea soup, but not amazing. It is sweet, but not overly sweet in my opinion. For reference I have found pretty much every smoothie I have ever purchased from Smoothie King, McDonalds, or Burger King too sweet for my tastes. Continuing on the topic of sweet I appreciate that Vitacost used natural low calorie sweeteners (xilitol & stevia) instead of the more commonplace sucralose. I typically do not care for the taste of stevia, but I did not notice a strong stevia flavor with this product.
This product and I think pea protein products in general are very filling. That makes this product a great addition to a breakfast smoothie, or good for a quick filling snack shake in between meals. If you are trying to lose weight I could see this full sensation as a large benefit to pea protein. For me it was more of a con as my diet tends to be low in calories and the full feeling I get from pea protein can make it difficult to eat my regular meals.
The powder mixes well into water or other liquids...juice, almond milk, coffee...etc although it can clump from time to time. I have gotten into the practice of mixing my drinks in the blender on low so I do not have a lot of experience mixing it with a spoon or shaker. It does not have as much of a grainy texture as some rice protein powders I have tried and it is definitely no where near as grainy as hemp protein powders I have tried. When the drink is mixed it creates a texture that is very similar to a runny pea soup.
To significantly improve the flavor of this powder, or any other powder for that matter, I recommend adding half a banana to the mix. It really does make for a major improvement to the flavor.
My typical drink is has become 2 Tbsp of this product, 2 Tbsp hemp protein powder, 1 Tbsp rice protein powder, half a banana, 3-4 one inch cubes of pineapple, approximately 0.5 cups water, 1 cup almond milk, and two shakes of cinnamon (optional, or substitute for some cocoa powder). Coconut oil also makes a nice addition although it can be difficult to add since it is a sort of semi-solid at room temperature.
April 19, 2013
Great product!
I use a scoop in my morning smoothie. Mixes in completely. Pleasant neutral flavor that doesn't overpower the drink. Great protein source that keeps me full.
April 13, 2013
good price
dosen't taste bad, has kind of a dry taste tho.
April 13, 2013
This is a excellent product, but it is ALWAYS out of stock!!!!
April 12, 2013
Best Vegan Protein
This stuff doesn't taste wonderful, but it is the best pea protein I have found. Unlike whey, or casein, it does not cause stomach upset or inflammation. Its all-natural plant-based protein with all essentially amino acids (complete protein). I've been using this brand consistently for about 2 years and now its out of stock. Looks like people are catching on! I use it to supplement my very active military fitness regimen (strength and endurance training).
April 11, 2013
