In addition to getting our caffeine boost in the morning, most of us look for the quickest and healthiest option available to us. Whether our day starts off with a nutrition bar, a shake or simply a piece of fruit, feeling nourished throughout the day depends on properly fueling ourselves with our first and most important meal: breakfast.
Nutrient-dense mornings are vital in order to get a head start on the Daily Recommended Value (DRV) of 50 grams of protein per day, which a lot of us unfortunately aren't getting. Luckily, some companies have dedicated their livelihood to making protein consumption much easier by developing plant-based protein powders.
Even for the carnivores out there, plant-based protein powders are a wonderful option for increased protein consumption, without much sugar and—most importantly—without the energy crash or lethargic feeling of some breakfast alternatives.
Sunwarrior, based in Utah, provides a range of vegan protein powders to help start your day right. They taste simply delicious, and have been craftfully developed to ensure they leave no funny aftertaste like some of the other alternatives out there. Sunwarrior's base varies with a blend of pea, rice and hemp proteins and they contain 18 amino acids. Their newest "Illumin8" line focuses on the power of 8 essential nutrients: protein, good carbs, healthy fats, minerals, fiber, vitamins, enzymes and probiotics. All of that is available with less than 4 grams of sugar per serving!
Another wonderful plant-based protein brand that is readily available is Garden of Life. Based in Florida, Garden of Life is a long-standing natural brand supporting vegan and raw protein powders which have a classically clean ingredient deck. Their original line, Raw Protein, is a blend of different grains mixed with probiotics. Garden of Life's "Raw Organic Meal" offers a slightly higher caloric content than their original Raw Protein blend, but offers consumers a full meal replacement option. If you're trying to manage your weight, their "Raw Fit" line contains added green coffee bean extract and ashwaganda to help with burning fat. Garden of Life's newest lines include their "Organic Plant Protein" and "Raw Protein and Greens". The "Organic Plant Protein" varieties are grain free with protein sources derived from pea and flax seeds. Last but not least, the "Raw Protein and Greens" contains their classic "Raw Protein" blends but with an addition of six different greens and veggies like alfalfa and broccoli.
In sum, just these two brands alone provide a multitude of plant-based protein options. Whether your focus is maximizing your protein content, losing weight, focusing on obtaining more amino acids or increasing your greens, there is a match out there for you.
Cheers to feeling protein-fueled and nourished throughout your day!
Natalie Ohanessian is the founder and chief food scientist of Food Happy Consulting. HACCP and SQF certified, with a BS in Food Science from Cal Poly State University—San Luis Obispo, Natalie she leads the food safety and quality aspect of Food Happy's services, based in Los Angeles.
