How to Find the Best Protein Powder Without Pea Protein
📌 Overview and Key Takeaways
This is a Dietitian’s guide on how to find the best protein powder without pea protein.
Discover how to supplement your protein intake without pea protein.
Protein Powder Without Pea Protein
Why Should I Avoid Pea Protein?
Although pea protein powders are affordable and widely available, they are not for everyone.
Here are a few of the top downside to using pea protein powders:
Digestive Issues
Pea protein powder is made from green or yellow split peas.
Although peas are naturally high in protein, they do not contain enough protein by weight to be used as a protein supplement.
They therefore must be stripped of everything but the protein, including the enzymes, fiber, and other natural digestive aids that help you break them down.
For this reason, many people experience digestive issues when they consume pea protein powders.
Chalky Aftertaste
Because pea protein concentrates and isolates have been stripped of everything but the protein, they have a chalky aftertaste.
Many companies try to mask the chalkiness with gums and other thickeners, which can not only upset your stomach, but also cause gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria.
High in Sodium
Many pea protein powders are high in sodium.
Popular brands like Orgain, for example contain over 300 milligrams of sodium per serving.
The reason why pea protein powders tend to be high in sodium is because they are made from pea protein concentrates and/or isolates, which are made using a dilute salt solution.
Too much sodium can cause high blood pressure, increased risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease, and other health problems (Circulation, 2021).
High in Purines
As far as plant-based protein sources are concerned, peas are high in purines.
When your body breaks purines down, it creates uric acid.
High levels of uric acid can lead to gout, a form of arthritis characterized by painful inflammation in joints (Lancet, 2021).
Summary
It seems like more and more people are looking for protein powder without pea protein.
Some of them simply do not like the chalky aftertaste.
Others do not like how pea protein makes them feel.
Whether you are just looking for a better tasting alternative, or if you have specific dietary concerns related to pea protein, you have come to the right place.
Keep reading to learn about the best vegan protein powder without pea protein.
Product Quiz
What Is the Best Pea-Free Protein Powder?
There are many alternatives to pea protein powder.
If you are looking for a plant-based protein powder without pea protein, I highly recommend almond protein powder.
Almond protein powder is made from whole almonds, which are roasted, milled into a paste, pressed to remove most of the oil, and ground into a fine powder.
Unlike pea protein powders, almond protein powder does not have a chalky aftertaste.
It is also much easier to digest.
Unlike pea protein concentrates and isolates, almond protein powder is not ultra-processed.
Ultra-processed protein concentrates and isolates are not only hard to digest, but they might also disrupt your gut microbiome and cause the formation of toxic byproducts in your gut (Nutrients, 2018; Mol Nutr Food Res, 2024).
It follows that our customers experience fewer digestive issues with our minimally-processed Vegan Almond Protein Powder than with any other type of plant protein.
Order Samples to see for yourself.
Sources
- Circulation (Circulation). 2021 Dietary Guidance to Improve Cardiovascular Health: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.. 2021.
- Lancet (London, England) (Lancet). Gout.. 2021.
- Nutrients (Nutrients). Effect of a Protein Supplement on the Gut Microbiota of Endurance Athletes: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Pilot Study. 2018.
- Molecular Nutrition & Food Research (Mol Nutr Food Res). In Vitro Fermentation of Animal and Plant Protein Isolates by the Human Gut Microbiota Under High and Low Carbohydrate Conditions.. 2024.
Editorial Guidelines
This article was written by a Registered Dietitian and reviewed by a Physician Assistant. We rely on peer-reviewed research and trusted medical sources, and regularly update our content to ensure accuracy and clarity.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Drink Wholesome for?
Drink Wholesome makes minimally-processed protein powder for sensitive stomachs. Because our protein powder is additive, dairy, and gluten-free and made from a short list of simple ingredients, it’s a great option for people with lactose intolerance, IBS, GERD, and SIBO.
Why is Drink Wholesome easy to digest?
No Dairy
Drink Wholesome is made without whey and casein, which often contain lactose, a sugar most people can’t fully digest. Some caseins also release a bioactive peptide during digestion that has been linked to digestive issues in some individuals.
No Additives
Drink Wholesome is made without food additives. Regularly eating certain emulsifiers, thickeners, and other ultra-processed additives can contribute to gut dysbiosis, which has been linked to chronic digestive issues.
Whole Food Protein
Other protein powders are made from ultra-processed protein concentrates and isolates, which have been mechanically and/or chemically stripped of non-protein components that promote digestion. Drink Wholesome, on the other hand, is made from whole food protein sources, which might be more gut-friendly.
Collagen vs egg white vs almond protein powder?
We make three types of minimally-processed Protein Powder for sensitive stomachs: Collagen Protein Powder, Egg White Protein Powder, and Vegan Almond Protein Powder. As long as you eat a balanced diet, any type of protein powder can help you meet your protein needs. So just pick the type that best suits your personal preferences.
Ask our dietitian.
If you’re wondering which of our products is best for you, ask our Registered Dietitian. They’ll reply via email within 24 hours.
High Protein Blueberry Pancakes
PREP TIME
5 min
COOK TIME
5 min
SERVES
2
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Drink Wholesome
- ⅓ cup flour
- 2 egg whites
- ¼ cup plant milk
- 1 tbsp nut butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 cup blueberries
Instructions
In a blender, combine the egg whites, milk, ¼ cup blueberries, and almond butter. Pour the mixture into a small mixing bowl and add the protein powder and flour. Whisk until smooth. Pour ⅓ cup batter onto a heated and greased (or non-stick) pan to form pancakes. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes. This recipe makes 4-5 pancakes. Then, in a small saucepan, heat ¾ cup blueberries and the maple syrup over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes. Plate the pancakes and spoon blueberry jam on top.
Author(s)
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