Whether dairy doesn’t do your body good or soy’s effects leave you feeling unsettled, picking a protein powder is tricky when your diet is restricted. But thanks to a growing interest among athletes in plant-based and vegan nutrition, whey and soy are no longer your only options. Here are three up-and-coming protein powders to try.
Get hip to hemp
Technically a fruit, not a seed, hemp seeds – also called hemp hearts – have a mild, nutty flavor that’s enjoyable in smoothies, shakes, yogurt, cereal and more. Hemp seeds are packed with protein, with three tablespoons providing a hefty 10 grams. They’re also a source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, amino acids and essential minerals.
Hemp-Happy Piña Colada Smoothie
1 cup coconut water
1 cup pineapple chunks
1 frozen banana
3 Tbsp. hemp seeds
2 Tbsp. ground flaxseed
½ tsp.cinnamon
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Power up with powdered peanut butter
If you haven’t tried powdered peanut butter yet, now’s the time! Made from roasted peanuts that are pressed to remove the fat and oil, powdered peanut butter provides all the protein of regular peanut butter (about 6 grams per serving), without the excess fat.
Peanut Butter & Jelly Smoothie
2 cups almond milk
2 cups frozen raspberries or strawberries
1 frozen banana
2 Tbsp.powdered peanut butter
1/4 cup steel-cut oats
2 Tbsp. raspberry jam
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. (Note: For smoother texture, add oats to blender first and grind before adding other ingredients.)
Mix it up
For the most potent plant-based protein punch, try a powder such as Garden of Life RAW Fit, which combines different sources of protein – brown rice, flax, quinoa, bean sprouts and seed sprouts – to deliver 28 grams per serving. If you’re looking for a lot of protein in a little scoop, blends like this are best for you.
Pretty-in-Pink Protein Watermelon Smoothie
2 cups watermelon chunks
5 frozen strawberries, chopped
½ cup coconut water
1 scoop plant protein powder
2 Tbsp. chia seeds
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.