Everything you need to know about vegan protein

Vegan protein powder is becoming increasingly popular, whether it's due to a conscious lifestyle, allergies, or personal preference. What makes these proteins unique, and how do they differ from animal proteins? In this blog, you'll discover the benefits of vegan protein powder, how it's processed, and why quality is so important.

Is Vegan Protein Powder a Complete Protein Source?

Many people believe that plant-based proteins are incomplete. However, by combining different sources, such as hemp, pea, and rice protein, you can achieve a complete amino acid profile. This way, you get all nine essential amino acids your body needs. A vegan protein effectively supports muscle growth, maintenance, and recovery, just like animal protein.

This makes plant-based proteins suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and people sensitive to lactose. They serve as a full-fledged alternative to animal proteins and contribute to a varied diet.

Digestion and Absorption of Vegan Protein Powder

Plant-based proteins are absorbed differently than animal proteins due to the structure and composition of plant-based foods. Animal proteins usually digest faster and more completely. Plant-based sources, such as peas, fava beans, rice, and hemp, contain fibres and anti-nutrients (like phytic acid and tannins). These substances can slow down protein absorption. Fortunately, there are ways to improve the digestibility and absorption of plant-based proteins.

How Does the Digestion of Plant-Based Proteins Work?

• Breakdown in the stomach: Digestion begins in the stomach, where enzymes like pepsin break proteins into smaller chains (peptides).
• Digestion in the small intestine: Enzymes further break down these peptides into amino acids.
• Absorption into the bloodstream: The released amino acids are absorbed through the intestinal wall and transported to the body's cells.

Tips to Optimize the Absorption of Vegan Protein Powder

• Combine with vitamin C-rich foods: Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron and some minerals from plant sources, indirectly supporting protein metabolism. For example, add berries or a kiwi to a smoothie with protein powder.
• Use a complete vegan protein powder: By combining various plant-based protein sources, you get a complete amino acid profile. NoordCode’s blend of pea, hemp, and rice protein is a great example.
• Eat protein in smaller portions throughout the day: The body can only absorb a limited amount of amino acids at a time. Spreading your protein intake increases efficiency.

Other Benefits of Vegan Protein Powder

Vegan protein powder offers more than just protein. Many plant-based sources naturally contain beneficial nutrients such as fibre and polyphenols. This is appealing to people aiming for a natural and balanced diet.

Additionally, vegan protein powder can be a healthy alternative to flour in (raw) baking recipes. Perfect for smoothies, bowls, pancakes, cakes, cookies, and power balls. A flavoured vegan protein powder? That’s delicious in yoghurt for a tasty twist and extra protein!

How Is Vegan Protein Powder Processed?

The method used to extract plant-based proteins significantly affects the quality of the final product. Some methods, such as using chemical solvents like hexane, can leave residues and make the powder less pure.

NoordCode opts for water extraction: a natural method that keeps the proteins intact and leaves no chemical residues. This results in a clean product that retains its nutritional value.

What to Look for When Buying Vegan Protein Powder

Many vegan protein powders contain additives you’d rather avoid. Always read the label before purchasing. Here’s a list of unwanted ingredients to avoid in vegan protein powder, especially if you value quality, health, and a natural product:

1. Artificial sweeteners:
   • Aspartame
   • Acesulfame-K
   • Sucralose

   These sweeteners may cause digestive issues or headaches in some people.

2. Sugar alcohols:
   • Erythritol
   • Maltitol
   • Sorbitol
   • Xylitol

   Although often marketed as "natural," these sweeteners can cause bloating and diarrhea.

3. Added sugars:
   • Glucose-fructose syrup
   • Dextrose
   • Sucrose

   Excessive sugars add unnecessary calories and can cause blood sugar spikes.

4. Stevia: Known as a "natural" sweetener, but some people find it leaves a bitter aftertaste.
5. Emulsifiers:
   • Polysorbate 80
   • Mono- and diglycerides
   • Carrageenan
   • Sunflower lecithin
   • Soy lecithin

   Emulsifiers improve solubility but are highly processed and add no nutritional value.

6. Artificial flavourings: Ingredients listed as "aroma" or "artificial flavourings" are often chemically processed.
7. Chemical solvents (residues from processing):
   • Hexane

   Hexane is used to extract some vegan protein powders and may leave traces.

8. Fillers:
   • Maltodextrin
   • Corn starch
   • Tapioca starch
   • Rice flour

   Fillers add volume but have little to no nutritional value and can increase blood sugar levels.

9. Thickeners:

   Natural thickeners:

   • Xanthan gum
   • Guar gum
   • Agar-agar
   • Pectin

   Synthetic or highly processed thickeners:

   • Carrageenan
   • Cellulose gums
   • Gellan gum

   Thickeners enhance texture but may cause digestive issues or allergies. Highly industrial production methods may introduce chemical residues.

10. Non-organic ingredients: Non-organic vegan protein powders may contain pesticides, GMOs, or even be irradiated to extend shelf life.
11. Low-quality proteins:
    • Soy protein isolate

    Soy protein is often non-organic, GMO, and may contain solvent residues.

12. Excessive fibres: Added fibres like inulin in large amounts can cause bloating and gas.
13. Preservatives:
    • Potassium sorbate
    • Sodium benzoate
    • Citric acid

    Preservatives are used to extend shelf life but add no nutritional value.

What Should You Look For?

Choose organic, natural products without unnecessary additives. Labels like "free of artificial additives," "certified organic," and a minimal ingredient list are good indicators of quality.

NoordCode Pure Plant Protein: A Premium Vegan Protein Powder

NoordCode Pure Plant Protein combines three high-quality protein sources: pea, hemp, and brown rice proteins. This ensures a balanced and complete amino acid profile. It is suitable for anyone following a plant-based diet or seeking an alternative to whey protein.

NoordCode Pure Plant Protein is fully certified organic, free of pesticides, irradiation, and genetic modification. The proteins are naturally extracted using water, without chemical solvents. For flavour, NoordCode uses unprocessed ingredients like vanilla, Ceylon cinnamon, and coconut blossom nectar. The result? A pure product with no artificial additives, perfect for a conscious lifestyle.

With NoordCode Pure Plant Protein, you choose quality and enjoy a pleasant, accessible flavour. Ideal for anyone looking to support muscle maintenance, recovery, or growth with a 100% plant-based protein source.