How to Choose the Best Plant-Based Protein for You


If you’re trying to add more high-quality protein to your diet, the sheer number of protein powder options—especially plant-based ones—can be overwhelming. Fortunately, narrowing your choices down to plant-based proteins helps simplify things. These powders are typically made from legumes, seeds, and grains, and often include added fibre, which supports digestion and helps you feel full longer.

Common Plant-Based Protein Sources

There are seven widely available types of plant protein powders:

  1. Hemp Protein – Sourced from hemp seeds, it’s rich in fibre and omega-3 fatty acids. While not a complete protein due to low lysine content, it’s nutritious and has a nutty flavour. Best blended into smoothies, as it doesn’t mix well on its own.
  2. Pea Protein – Derived from yellow split peas, it’s a complete protein (containing all the amino acids), highly digestible, and great for those with food sensitivities. It has a neutral taste and texture, making it ideal for smoothies or mixing with water. However, make sure it’s organic to avoid pesticide residues. At Younited, the organic pea protein is fermented for easier digestion.
  3. Soy Protein – A complete protein offering 22 grams per serving, though its popularity has declined due to soy allergies and the prevalence of GMO soy. Still, organic non-GMO options are available.
  4. Brown Rice Protein – A good option for those with allergies, delivering 22 grams of protein per serving. It lacks lysine and may have a gritty texture. Watch out for potential contamination with heavy metals like arsenic, which can be present in soil.
  5. Pumpkin Seed Protein – Rich in minerals like magnesium and zinc, it offers 18 grams of protein per serving but lacks threonine and lysine. It has a strong taste and is best used in baking or smoothies.
  6. Chia Protein – Offers 10 grams of protein and lots of fibre in just 50 calories per serving. It’s not a complete protein and doesn’t taste great on its own but adds nutritional value when blended with other powders.
  7. Blends – Combining several plant sources ensures a complete amino acid profile and balances taste and texture. Many brands use blends to enhance nutritional value and palatability.

What Else to Watch For

When choosing a protein powder, don’t forget to check the ingredient list:

  • Sweeteners: Avoid artificial or high-sugar options. Natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit are better choices. Sugar alcohols (like xylitol) can cause digestive issues.
  • Flavours & Colours: Choose naturally sourced flavours only and steer clear of artificial additives.
  • Organic: This ensures you’re not consuming pesticide residues, which are hard to digest and linked to major diseases.
  • Added Superfoods: Though optional, powders with added greens or superfoods can offer additional health benefits.

The best protein powder is the one you’ll actually use regularly. Look for good taste, smooth texture, a complete amino acid profile, and easy digestibility. If you dislike the flavour or it causes bloating, you’re less likely to stick with it.

At Younited, the All-In-One Plant Protein & Superfoods was created using a base of pure, organic, Saskatchewan-grown pea protein isolate that’s fermented for easy digestibility—without gas or bloating. A half serving of organic Superfoods blend is then added, lightly sweetened with pure organic stevia, and flavoured only with natural ingredients.

Younited All-In-One Plant Protein & Superfoods provides 21 g of organic plant protein + 53 organically grown vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, and herbs. This great-tasting powder is a nutrition powerhouse—smooth and creamy, with no chalky aftertaste. Good enough to drink with water alone, or mix with your favourite plant milk, or blend into your go-to smoothie.

Available in three delicious flavours: Chocolate, Vanilla, and Chocolate Peanut Butter.

Fudgy Flourless Protein Brownies

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 1 cup natural peanut butter (or other nut butter)
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 3 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 scoop Younited All-In-One Chocolate Plant Protein
  • 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) or 1 regular egg
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • Pinch of sea salt

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F and line a square baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Make the flax egg and refrigerate it for 10 minutes to set (or use a regular egg).
  3. In a large bowl, mash the bananas and mix in the rest of the ingredients. Don’t forget the flax egg!
  4. Pour into the prepared baking dish, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if desired, and bake for about 35 minutes (may vary depending on your oven).
  5. Allow to cool completely before cutting—they’re gooey!
  6. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Younited All-In One Plant Protein + Superfoods

About the Author: Younited

“Younited“

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