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Building Muscle? Try These Plant Based Protein Powders

For years, protein powder has been marketed to athletes and gymgoers alike as a muscle-building essential. Protein is a necessary macronutrient for everyone. Made up of chains of amino acids, protein helps your body make new cells and repair damaged ones. For physically active folks, it is an especially important need. Exercise damages muscle cells. These cells then are repaired, which causes them to increase in size. Of course, this is a very simplified explanation. However, protein is necessary for this process.

Protein powders can help meet protein needs. Unfortunately, they are traditionally made from whey protein. Whey is the liquid portion of milk that separates from the solids during the cheesemaking process. However, many people eschew whey protein due to intolerance or objection to the use of animal products. Luckily, more and more plant-based whey alternatives are becoming available.

Plant-based protein powder is frequently made up of proteins synthesized from peas, hemp, soy, or brown rice. Other plant-based sources may also be used. These powders can be utilized by those following a vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based diet to meet their fitness goals. Additionally, they provide a safe alternative for people with lactose intolerance. The growing number of vegan athletes shows that it is possible to improve fitness and performance while following a compassionate diet. Vegan athletes include Venus Williams, Kyrie Irving, and Justin Fields. These athletes prove that veganism is sustainable, even for professional athletes with increased protein needs.

As more people become aware of the importance of reducing consumption of animal products, vegan protein powders will become more common. For now, experts say to look for nutrient-dense, sustainably sourced protein powders that have complete proteins. Additionally, they advise looking for natural sweeteners, as these tend to improve the powder’s taste.

For a dietitian’s pick of the best vegan protein powders, check out this list of the best plant-based protein powders recently featured in Sports Illustrated.

1. Swolverine Plant Protein

With 22 grams of plant-based protein per serving, Swolverine’s plant-based protein powder blends pea protein and pumpkin protein to form a complete protein. It comes in chocolate cake or salted caramel flavors. Plus, this plant-based protein is a great source of vegan omega-3s thanks to the pumpkin seeds!

2. Transparent Labs Rice & Pea Protein

Available in French Vanilla and chocolate flavors, Transparent Labs is known for its high-quality ingredients and transparency surrounding those ingredients. These plant-based protein powders are rich in iron and have 24 grams of protein per serving.

3. KOS Organic Plant Protein

Sports Illustrated voted this plant-based protein powder as the best-tasting vegan protein powder. The powder comes in eight different flavors, so there is sure to be something that appeals to everyone. Additionally, each serving has 20 grams of protein from a five-source blend. Users can thank peas, pumpkin, flaxseed, quinoa, and chia for the plant protein found in this product.

4. Gainful Vegan Protein Powder

Fully customizable, Gainful Protein Powder uses organic rice and pea proteins to provide 26 grams of protein per serving. Before ordering, you take a quick quiz that lets you specify your goals and dietary needs. The powder comes unflavored, but flavor boost options are available.

5. Kaged Plantein

With a whopping 26 grams of protein per serving, Kaged claims to be as good as whey protein at building muscle. Kaged is available in three flavors: Peanut Butter Cookie, Banana Bread, and Cinnamon Roll.

6. Ritual Daily Shake

Designed to be safe to use during pregnancy, Ritual can help pregnant people meet their high protein needs! With 20 grams of pea protein in every serving, Ritual is third-party tested, non-GMO, and uses traceable ingredients.

7. Legion Plant + Plant Protein Powder

Lab tested and made in FDA-inspected labs, Legion uses rice and pea protein to make up a complete protein formula. Delivering 24 grams of protein per serving, Legion comes in four different flavors.

Animal agriculture is responsible for roughly 14.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. As our planet rapidly warms, we must move towards plant-based diets to help slow Climate change. Sign this petition asking Major U.S. and UK grocery Stores to Sell Mostly Plant-Based Products!

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