What is Pea Protein?
You may have heard the buzz about pea protein lately, as one of the new trending plant-based proteins—and with good reason! Pea protein is extracted from yellow “field peas”, also known as “split peas”, through a process that involves milling the peas into a fine powder, mixing the powder with water, and then separating out the proteins from the starches and fibres until a concentrated protein product remains. Pretty cool, right?
Pea protein boasts an excellent nutritional profile, being low in fat and carbohydrates while being rich in iron, micronutrients, and essential amino acids. Pea protein is increasingly being found in a variety of products, including on its own as a dietary supplement, as an ingredient in a wide range of plant-based food products, and as the basis of non-dairy beverage alternatives.
Benefits of Pea Protein
The pea might be small, but it’s also mighty. There are many reasons why pea protein is one of the best forms of plant-based protein available. Pea protein is well digested and highly bioavailable, meaning that its nutrients are readily absorbed by the body. Unlike whey protein, which isn’t always friendly to my tummy, pea protein is unlikely to cause bloating or other digestive discomfort. Studies have found that pea protein can also improve glycemic control (i.e. balance blood sugar levels) and lower high blood pressure.
In addition to the myriad health benefits, pea protein is also an environmentally sound choice that makes it both good for you and good for the planet. Peas can be grown without the use of nitrogen-based chemical fertilizers, and in fact, peas naturally fix nitrogen into soil, which can improve soil fertility for future crops! Peas to the rescue! Additionally, the energy, water, and overall carbon footprint of plant-based beverages—including those containing pea protein—is much smaller when compared to animal-derived milk. In particular, thanks to the shallow root system of peas, pea protein non-dairy beverage alternatives use less water in production than other similar products, like almond-based alternatives.
Is Pea Protein Right for You?
In selecting the right source of protein and the right plant-based beverage for your needs, it’s important to make an informed choice. Pea protein has been demonstrated to be an excellent option—comparable to whey protein—for building muscle, feeling satiated, and recovering from workouts. Even better, pea protein is entirely vegan and gluten-free, making it a great choice for a range of dietary needs. It’s also free from common allergens like soy, dairy, lactose, or nuts, which renders it suitable for those who suffer from allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients.
Dream Ultimate™ Pea Protein Non-Dairy Beverage is a versatile product that can be used like any other plant-based beverage, with the added bonus of providing 8g of protein per 250mL serving. It has a neutral flavour that is well-suited to a variety of uses and is easy to incorporate into your existing diet. Try it in smoothies, baking, coffee, on its own—the possibilities are endless! I love finding new and creative ways to fit Dream Ultimate™ Pea Protein Non-Dairy Beverage into my active lifestyle. My latest discovery is using it in my chia pudding to make it extra creamy, while also giving it an extra boost of protein—win-win!
If you’re ready to give peas a chance, look for Dream Ultimate™ Pea Protein Non-Dairy Beverage in the natural foods section of your local grocery store, as part of Dream’s extensive range of non-dairy beverage alternatives available in Canada.
