Plant Protein Powder

If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan protein alternative to dairy-based whey protein, you might be considering a plant-based protein powder. Our plant-based protein powders are gluten-free and a delicious option for anyone trying to increase their daily protein intake.

The benefits of plant-based protein powder

Incorporating plant-based protein powders into your diet is a simple, tasty, and healthy way to increase your daily protein intake. Not only is protein essential for cell repair and muscle growth, but it acts on hunger and satiety hormones to make you feel fuller for longer (1). They also tend to be very easy to digest, making them a great option for people who are intolerant to dairy or experience stomach discomfort when consuming animal-based proteins.

Additionally, plant-based protein powders are suitable for those who are looking for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to animal-based products. 

What to consider when shopping for vegan protein powder in Australia

When deciding on which plant-derived protein powder to buy, it’s important to pick one that aligns with your goals, so take a moment to consider why you’re choosing to add it to your diet. Do you want to increase muscle mass, improve your athletic performance or generally support your health? Knowing this information in advance will help to guide your decision.

Some plant-derived protein powders are purely made up of amino acids, which are best suited to muscle-building and fat loss goals, while others contain a balanced mix of carbs and protein that are ideal for endurance training and recovery (2). Additionally, some products also contain added nutrients like vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

No matter which plant-based protein powder you choose, it’s important to read the ingredients list carefully. Some powders include additives or artificial sweeteners that may not be healthy for you. At Muscle Nation, you won’t find any nasties in our Australian-made range of 100% natural protein powders. They’re also gluten-free and non-GMO, making them some of the best natural plant-based protein powders on the market.

Stock up on natural plant-based protein powder at Muscle Nation

If you're looking for a healthy and delicious way to get more protein in your diet, our range of plant-based protein powders may be the perfect option for you. Browse our wallet-friendly savings stacks to fast-track your training goals, or save on certain flavours with our dedicated discount supplement section. 

If you want to try something different, check out our flavoured custard protein range, or for on-the-go snacking, stock up on protein bars. From collagen to gut prebiotics and pre-workout, you’ll find everything you need in our vast supplements range. If you have any questions, check out our FAQs page or contact us directly. 

FAQs

What is plant-based protein?

Plant-based protein is exactly what it sounds like: a protein that comes from plants. This type of protein can be found in a variety of foods, including:

  • Legumes— for example, chickpeas, beans and lentils
  • Nuts and seeds — such as peanuts, almonds, cashew nuts, pumpkin seeds and pistachios
  • Whole grains— for example, quinoa, brown rice and oats
  • Soy-based products — tofu, tempeh, edamame and other similar foods

Compared to animal protein sources, plant-based proteins tend to be lower in calories and fat and loaded with fibre, vitamins, minerals and even antioxidants. That’s why plant-based proteins are vital for vegetarians and vegans — they provide the nutrients you need to build muscle, fortify your immune system and safeguard your health.

But plant-based proteins are also a great choice for anyone looking for healthy, sustainable, and ethical natural protein sources. While some plant proteins contain all nine essential amino acids, which your body needs to perform optimally, not all of them do — so it’s important to eat a variety of foods to keep your levels topped up. 

Protein on a vegan diet?

If you’re looking to increase your protein intake on a vegan diet, try incorporating plant-based protein powder into your routine to keep your protein levels topped up. Most vegan protein powders contain around 20 grams of protein per serving, making them an excellent source of this essential nutrient.

Is vegan protein as effective as whey protein?

Vegan protein powder is just as effective as animal-based alternatives. In a study that measured the effects of whey and pea protein on athletes during eight weeks of High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT), researchers found little to no difference in body composition, muscle gain, performance or strength between the two (4). 

What is vegan protein powder made from?

Vegan protein powders are made from one or more plant-based protein sources. These include:

  • Pea protein — There are 20 amino acids in pea protein, including the nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own. Pea protein is also a very rich source of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are important for muscle growth and recovery. It has a high biological value, meaning it is easily absorbed and used by our bodies.
  • Nut protein — Unlike pea protein, nut proteins do not contain all the essential amino acids. However, they are a good source of some of the non-essential amino acids, such as alanine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid and contain a wealth of nutrients that are important for health, including unsaturated fats and fibre.
  • Rice protein — Rice protein is one of the most popular plant-based proteins on the market today. It's a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids, and is also low in fat and calories. Plus, it's hypoallergenic, making it an ideal option for those with food allergies or sensitivities.

  • Soy protein — Soy protein is a good source of all the essential amino acids except for methionine. Glycine, another amino acid found in soy protein, plays a key role in the formation of collagen and other connective tissues.

  • Hemp protein  — Hemp contains high levels of arginine, an important amino acid for wound healing and immune function. It also contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an anti-inflammatory fatty acid that is beneficial for the skin.

These plant-based proteins are processed into a powder form that makes them easy to add to smoothies, juices, or baked goods. At Muscle Nation, our vegan plant-protein powders are made with pea protein, although some flavours also feature rice and peanut proteins.

When should I take vegan protein powder?

For those who are looking to build muscle, it's generally recommended to take vegan protein powder within two hours of your workout (5), because it can help to repair and rebuild muscles that have been broken down. Additionally, vegan protein powder is a great source of energy and can be enjoyed any time to keep you going during the day.

For those who are looking to lose fat, it might be best to take vegan protein powder in the morning. This is because protein can help to boost your metabolism and reduce your appetite (6). It’s also a good idea to take vegan protein powder between meals, as it can help to control hunger and cravings.

In truth, there is no one definitive answer to the question of when to take it. Some people might find that taking vegan protein powder before or after a workout, while others might prefer to take it in the evening to stay satiated and keep craving at bay. Ultimately, it's up to you to experiment and figure out what works best for you.

References

  1. Dhillon J, Craig BA, et al. The Effects of Increased Protein Intake on Fullness: A Meta-Analysis and Its Limitations. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2016. DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2016.01.003
  2. Jäger R, Kerksick CM, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Protein and Exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2017. DOI: 10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8
  3. Australian National Health and Medical Research Council. Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand: Protein.
  4. Banaszek A, Townsend JR, et al. The Effects of Whey vs. Pea Protein on Physical Adaptations Following 8-Weeks of High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT): A Pilot Study. Sports (Basel), 2019. DOI: 10.3390/sports7010012
  5. Kerksick CM, Arent S, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Nutrient Timing. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2017. DOI: 10.1186/s12970-017-0189-4
  6. Westerterp K R. Diet Induced Thermogenesis. Nutrition & Metabolism, 2004. DOI: 10.1186/1743-7075-1-5