Why You Should Give Pea Protein a Chance

Updated on Feb 1, 2016 at 4:30 PM

POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts

POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Pea protein: it's pretty much exactly what it sounds like, a plant-based protein that's been extracted from peas, yellow ones. The process for isolating the protein is a lot less scary than you might expect: manufacturers simply mill dried peas into flour, separate the starch from the protein, and then use the protein as a food additive in everything from almond milk to vegan meatballs.

But even if you are the furthest thing from a vegetable-lover — like, your idea of eating your veggies amounts to the lettuce and tomato on your beloved BLT — you still ought to give pea protein a chance, and here's why:

It's surprisingly high in protein. An average serving of pea protein isolate has about 20 grams of highly bioavailable protein. That's more than three times the amount of protein in a large egg, twice the protein as 10 almonds, and equal to the amount of protein in a hamburger.

It's super hypoallergenic. Pea protein is naturally dairy-free, soy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free. So if you are allergic or avoiding any of these foods — no problem!

It has a neutral flavor. Looking to amp up the protein in your go-to pancakes, muffins, or bread recipe? Look no further than pea protein. Unlike most protein powders out there (think: very, very vanilla), the flavor is pretty much unflavored.

It's all about diversity. Even if you're perfectly content with your current sources of protein, why not throw pea into the mix? "A healthy diet is a diverse diet, and we see pea protein as part of that diversity," commented Brian Kincaid of Beyond Meat, an innovative producer of plant-based meat substitutes backed by Bill Gates and Twitter cofounder Biz Stone.

Ready to give it a go? Read on for our roundup of six taste-tested pea-protein products readily available at a supermarket near you.

Larabar Alt Protein

While most grab-and-go energy bars use soy or whey protein, this one packs in 10 grams of the pea-derived alternative — hence the name. The chocolate peanut butter flavor delivers salty-sweet satisfaction. Plus, it's totally dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan — a rare find in the protein bar aisle.

Beyond Meat Italian Meatballs

These juicy vegan meatballs aren't your traditional Italian grandmother's meatballs; they have even more protein and half the fat, plus zero cholesterol, hormones, or antibiotics. Tossed with marinara, you'd never guess they were meat-free. We like them served up classic-style over spaghetti with marinara or in a veganized meatball sub.

So Delicious Unsweetened Almond Milk

This no-moo milk has five times the protein of most other almond milks while remaining soy- and dairy-free. Try it on its own or with your go-to breakfast cereal. It's oh so creamy.

Vega Sports Performance Protein

Each scoop of this meganutritious protein powder (developed by Brendan Brazier, a former professional Ironman triathlete and a vegan) delivers a whopping 30 grams of plant-based protein derived from peas, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and alfalfa. Plus, it's packed with performance-enhancing superingredients: tart cherry, turmeric, and probiotics. Enjoy it 45 to 90 minutes post-workout to build and repair muscle. We are obsessed with the mocha flavor.

Daiya Fire-Roasted Veggie Pizza

Stash this veggie-adorned pie in your freezer for those nights when you are even too tired to pick up the phone and order in. The gluten-free crust has awesome crunch factor, and the dairy-free mozzarella, fortified with pea protein, melts better than any vegan cheese on the market, hands down.

Now Foods Pea Protein Powder

This is your go-to unflavored pea protein powder for cooking and baking. Next time you get a craving for cornbread, swap a scoop of flour for a scoop of this stuff. We promise you won't taste the difference.