Pea/Rice Protein Powder...scared to try it. Input anyone?

NumbrsNerd
NumbrsNerd Posts: 202 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I am looking at potentially ordering a pea/rice protein powder....but I'm scared to order it, try one serving and then toss the rest. I think it's the idea of "pea protein" that I find off-putting.

I have used other ready to drink protein shakes in the past; however, I have recently gotten to the bottom of my numerous hormonal issues; primarily estrogen dominance, so I am trying to avoid soy, which can be abundant in these products. Whey, unfortunately, tends to really upset my stomach, so it's not really an option for me either.

Those who have used pea/rice protein powders - how are they? I'm probably more concerned about texture than taste because I plan on simply adding this to my daily bulletproof coffee to boost my protein intake, and I think/hope the coffee will help mask any off flavors of the powder.

I am thinking of getting this one in particular: http://www.naturalhealthyconcepts.com/vegalite-protein-vanilla-TR431gr.html

Any input is appreciated! Thanks!

Replies

  • Kanuenue
    Kanuenue Posts: 253 Member
    I try to vary my protein sources especially with a plant based diet. I have tried a lot of powders, mainly unflavored, out there. I am not familiar with this brand specifically but as far as your question goes... If they flavor it, it will taste pretty much like that. Vanilla intensity. As for my experience: Natural/unflavored pea powder I found to be a little too earthy, and it definitely left a little texture to it. Not completely unpalatable, but not smooth enough for drinking. Brown rice protein powder (unflavored again) was much smoother and pretty unremarkable in flavor except for a mild nutty/sweetness that disappeared into the rest of smoothie flavors. I ended up using the pea protein for baking instead of smoothies/protein shakes.

    I can only imagine that a mix, would be a combo of these two descriptions. A high quality brand should pulverize the proteins to ensure a smooth texture. There are some reviews on amazon for this specific product that may give you a better direction:

    http://www.amazon.com/THORNE-RESEARCH-Vegalite-Vanilla-15-3/dp/B005FTIN7S
  • hunterjumper642
    hunterjumper642 Posts: 115 Member
    Hey. I decided to start on a rice-based protein because I wanted to shy away from the typical processed Whey powders found in GNC and other nutrition stores. I used Sun Warrior, and found that it tasted DISGUSTING. However, I gulped it down and I am still using it presently.

    The benefit of these is that, typically, it has the same amount of protein for less calories, and is usually less processed. If you are sensitive to dairy, it may help lessen some of the complications that are involved with that. The disadvantage is that some brands are not as nutrient dense, and it tastes bad.

    I lost weight after transitioning to the rice protein. I found mine in my local Apple Crate but you can also order it online.
  • shmerek
    shmerek Posts: 963 Member
    I was going to try rice protein powder next. I have tried soy, whey and egg. The egg was brutal anything more then a scoop and your drink tasted vile. It took me a while but I just used in in conjunction with the whey I had and I slowly widdled it away. Sad to hear that the rice protein was gross, hopefully it won't be as bad as the egg.
  • TrailNurse
    TrailNurse Posts: 359 Member
    Raw Protein by Garden of Life is pretty good. Been using it for about 3 years. Chocolate rocks and I add dark chocolate unsweetened cocoa to it. Yum!
  • kelseyhere
    kelseyhere Posts: 1,123 Member
    You can also try hemp protein. It is plant based and popular among vegans. I have tried the Nutiva chocolate flavor and it's pretty good. It doesn't dissolve as well as some whey protein powders, so I just mix it in a blender. You don't taste the hemp, just the cocoa.
  • NumbrsNerd
    NumbrsNerd Posts: 202 Member
    Thank you all for your input! Someone just suggested hemp protein to me this morning, so I may have to look into that further.

    I ended up ordering Now Foods Vanilla Toffee pea protein powder with no rice protein in the blend. The other product I was looking at: I've found some sites saying it was discontinued. I don't want to really like something and then not be able to find it again.

    I think I'll try it with almond milk since I read that some protein powders don't mix well with hot beverages (I might try it and see what happens anyway).

    I figured, bite the bullet, order it and try it. If it's gross, I'll use it up and then try another brand.

    Thanks again for easing some of my initial worries about it!!

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