Vegan Protein

1. DO VEGANS NEED PROTEIN POWDER?

   Incorporating protein into your diet is essential—it’s considered the building block for our muscles and organs, it helps to boost energy and it’s vital for our overall health and well-being.

   Some believe vegans need to monitor their daily intake of protein a little more closely than non-vegans as often the protein sourced from plant-based foods is digested less efficiently than animal protein. Plant-based protein can also have a different blend of amino acids and these are essential for maintaining healthy bodily functions.

   That being said, if you’re vegan and planning your diet well, you can absolutely get sufficient amounts of protein from plant-based food sources such as beans, legumes, grains, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Including a vegan protein powder into your diet can be a great additional protein source and a way to get the necessary nutrients your body needs.

2. CAN VEGANS HAVE PROTEIN POWDER?

   Yes, those that live a vegan lifestyle can 100% add a vegan protein powder into their diet. Using a protein powder is a quick and easy way to ensure you’re getting the necessary intake of daily protein, especially for those who have trouble meeting their protein requirements from plant-based food sources.

   Using a vegan protein powder is safe and can provide a lot of health and nutritional benefits. At Happy Way, our vegan protein powders are 100% natural and packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and nutrients.

3. HOW DO I GET ENOUGH PROTEIN AS A VEGAN THROUGH DIET?

   By consuming a plant-based diet, you can provide your body with the protein, minerals and vitamins you need. Below are some vegan protein sources that are good options to ensure you’re getting enough protein as a vegan.

   • Legumes – including chickpeas, lentils and beans.
   • Nuts (excluding coconut).
   • Seeds – including pumpkin, chia, sunflower and sesame seeds.
   • Grains – including wheat, oats, barley, quinoa and buckwheat.

   Plant-based proteins are considered lower in one or more of the essential amino acids that we need in our diets than animal protein, which contains all of the essential amino acids. If you’re a vegan, it’s important to eat a variety of foods from quality sources in your diet, to ensure you’re getting all the vitamins and nutrients you need throughout the day.

   Happy Way’s Vegan Protein Powders are not only filled with quality ingredients such as chia seeds, psyllium husk and maca powder, but they also contain all of the essential amino acids needed in our diets.

   Having a protein shake or smoothie is a great way to get all the nutrients you need that help to boost your immune system, assist with muscle recovery and improve digestion. Check out our Happy Way recipes page for a selection of yummy high protein, vegan recipes.

   If you have health concerns or questions about being vegan and getting enough protein in your diet, speak to your healthcare professional.

4. HOW MUCH PROTEIN DO YOU NEED ON A VEGAN DIET?

   The recommended daily intake of protein can vary depending on age, gender and body weight but protein should generally make up around 15-25% of your total energy intake.

   • Men – 0.84 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.
   • Women – 0.75 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.

   This equates to approximately 56 grams of protein per day for the average male and 46 grams of protein daily for the average woman.

   For further information on how to get enough protein into your diet, read our blog, ‘Finding the best high protein vegan meals’.

5. WHAT IS VEGAN PROTEIN POWDER?

   Vegan protein powder is made from a plant-based protein that is sourced from plant matter such as:

   • pea
   • rice
   • hemp
   • soy

   Converted into a powdered form, vegan protein supplements contain varying amounts of protein depending on where it’s sourced, the flavour, brand etc.

   At Happy Way, our vegan protein powders contain either a plant protein blend of rice and pea protein or hemp protein. The combination of the two plant-based proteins provides higher quantities of certain essential amino acids which are required from our diet to maintain healthy bodily functions. Hemp protein also contains all 9 essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. See a breakdown of each below.

   PEA PROTEIN

   • Pea protein is made from yellow split peas and is ideal for someone who wants to build muscle along with their fitness training.
   Is a great source of iron and is good for heart health.Assists with weight loss and weight management.
   • Contains all 9 essential amino acids - histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine.
   • Works with many diets as it doesn’t contain high allergen ingredients such as peanuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, cows milk, wheat, soy.
   • Can create a feeling of fullness, just like dairy-based protein powders

   RICE PROTEIN

   • Rice protein is allergen and gluten-free, considered easy to digest and contains a reasonable amount of protein.
   • Most rice supplements are derived from brown rice as it offers higher protein than white rice.
   • Assists with muscle growth, strength building and weight management.
   • Sustainable and environmentally friendly.
   • Contains 8 of the 9 essential amino acids, missing lysine which is found in pea and hemp protein.

   HEMP PROTEIN

   • Hemp protein is one of the most popular vegan proteins as it contains all 9 essential amino acids and is also one of the easiest to digest.
   • Contains a high source of fibre that will assist with gut health and digestion and is believed to help reduce the risk of bowel cancer.
   • Is a rich source of minerals (magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper) and antioxidants which are great for your health.
   • Contains essential fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6 which improve heart health, mental health and are good for metabolism.
6. IS VEGAN PROTEIN POWDER BETTER THAN WHEY PROTEIN POWDER?

   Both whey and vegan protein powders offer nutritional benefits and help to boost energy, maintain muscle mass, improve strength and assist with weight management. Vegan protein powder is best if you follow a plant-based diet or are gluten-free, being that whey protein is made from animal sources (milk). It’s for this reason that vegan protein can typically be lower in fat and calorie content than whey protein.

   Using a vegan protein powder is great for individuals who are lactose intolerant or have issues with allergies as they can be easier to digest, promote overall gut health and help to boost metabolism.

   Whey protein formulas have been considered better than plant-based protein in the past because they are considered complete proteins, meaning they contain the essential amino acids necessary for protein synthesis. However, at Happy Way, our vegan protein powders consist of a plant protein blend and contain all nine essential amino acids that are necessary for our diet, to help build and support muscle growth and repair.

7. DOES VEGAN PROTEIN POWDER HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT?

   Using a vegan protein powder can assist with weight loss and weight management as it can help to control the appetite, promoting a feeling of fullness, leaving you feeling satisfied for a longer period. Some people believe that this is even more apparent in vegan protein powders than in whey protein.

   A protein powder that contains all 9 essential amino acids will also assist with controlling weight as they’re absorbed rapidly by the muscles in our bodies, rather than being broken down by the liver. This provides a great source of energy during exercise, enabling you to train for longer periods, resulting in the loss of weight and a decrease in fat.

   Incorporating protein powder into your daily diet can help you to lose weight but it shouldn’t be looked at as a ‘magic powder’—it needs to be consumed along with a healthy diet and physical activity. Whilst a higher intake of protein can allow you to eat fewer calories and not leave you feeling hungry, having an excessive amount of protein and not burning calories through exercise can affect your weight-loss efforts.

8. DOES VEGAN PROTEIN POWDER MAKE YOU GAIN WEIGHT?

   Vegan protein powders are protein supplements that need to be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program. Diets that are rich in protein are said to promote fat loss rather than weight gain and including protein powders into a well-balanced diet can help to control the appetite, increase calories burned during exercise and even assist with losing unwanted belly fat.

   As with anything in our diet, it’s important to consume everything in balance and moderation, so we’re not taking in more calories than we need for energy. Any calories consumed in excess can be stored as body fat, leading to weight gain.

   It’s important to take the recommended serving per day of protein powder and keep in mind the best times to enjoy your shake or smoothie to gain the maximum benefits. Read our blog, 'The best protein powder types & flavours’ to learn more about how to incorporate protein powder into your daily diet.

9. WHAT DO I LOOK FOR IN A VEGAN PROTEIN POWDER?

   As with any protein supplement, it’s important to look at the ingredients as well as consider what you’re trying to achieve in regards to your health and fitness goal. This will help you determine which is the best vegan protein powder for you.

   Each primary plant ingredient (pea, rice, hemp) will have its own features and nutritional benefits. Using a vegan protein powder that is a blend of plant-based protein (rice and pea) is an excellent option as they contain a more complete source of protein, meaning your body will gain more rewards both nutritionally and physically. Ensure that your vegan protein powder contains all-natural ingredients and no artificial flavours, additives or preservatives.

   At Happy Way, our vegan protein powders are packed full of goodness! Created with the highest quality raw, ancient and organic superfood supplements, they’re filled with natural antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Happy Way loves the organic way because the ingredients are in their truest form, bursting with nutrients that haven’t been covered with chemicals. Free from nasty preservatives, artificial flavours and sweeteners, they nourish the mind and body, promoting a positive and natural lifestyle.

10. WHERE’S THE BEST PLACE TO BUY VEGAN PROTEIN POWDER?

    Here of course!

    You can buy Happy Way’s vegan protein powder through our website from the comfort of your own home or even mid-workout at the gym! Your Happy Way goodies are delivered straight to your door and if you have any questions or concerns prior to purchasing, our Happy Way team are here to help you make the best choice. Simply email support@happyway.com.au and one of our friendly team members will be in touch!

    We also have a fantastic blog with great articles to inspire and provide you with more information on vegan protein, as well as a page dedicated to a tonne of delicious recipes.

11. ARE THERE MANY CALORIES IN VEGAN PROTEIN POWDER?

    How many calories are in vegan protein powder? The number of calories in vegan protein powder will vary on the quantity consumed as well as the flavour of vegan protein powder used.

    Let's explore the number of calories (kilojoules) in Happy Way's vegan protein powders.

    • Like A Vegan Vanilla – 447 kilojoules per 30-gram serving
    • Chocolate Hazelnut – 502 kilojoules per 30-gram serving
    • Ashy Bines Triple Choc Fudge – 442 kilojoules per 30-gram serving
    • Ashy Bines Choc Caramel – 489 kilojoules per 30-gram serving
    • Choc Pea Princess– 432 kilojoules per 30-gram serving
    • Cacao Mint Hemp– 447 kilojoules per 30-gram serving

    To determine how many calories are in a vegan protein powder, check the nutritional information and ingredients listed on the back. This is important to take into consideration to ensure you’re choosing a supplement that aligns with your health needs and goals. Consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns before including a protein powder into your diet.

    You can enjoy your Happy Way vegan protein powder in a shake or smoothie by simply blending with water or your milk of choice. For a smoothie, add a selection of fruits, nuts, oats or yoghurt to create your own delicious recipe.

    Our vegan protein powders are so easy to use and offer a delicious and convenient way to enjoy protein! View our full range here.

12. WHAT’S THE BEST VEGAN PROTEIN FOR MUSCLE REPAIR?

    Because the proteins and amino acids found in protein supplements are digested quickly and absorbed rapidly by the muscles in the body, they help to replenish the nutrients in the body and promote muscle repair post-workout. This enables you to recover quickly, minimising the aches and pains or lethargic feelings we can get in our bodies following an intense workout or training session.

    The best vegan protein powder for muscle repair can vary depending on the ingredients and levels of protein. It’s important to use a protein powder that contains high-quality natural ingredients, with no hidden nasties like artificial flavours, additives or preservatives.

    So, what’s the best vegan protein powder for muscle repair at Happy Way? Let’s explore our flavours, their protein source and levels of protein per serve.

    • Like A Vegan Vanilla – 21.6 grams of protein per 30-gram serving – made with our plant protein blend (rice/pea).
    • Chocolate Hazelnut – 19.3 grams of protein per 30-gram serving – made with our plant protein blend (rice/pea).
    • Ashy Bines Triple Choc Fudge – 20.6 grams of protein per 30-gram serving – made with our plant protein blend (rice/pea).
    • Ashy Bines Choc Caramel – 19.9 grams of protein per 30-gram serving – made with our plant protein blend (rice/pea).
    • Choc Pea Princess – 23.7 grams of protein per 30-gram serving – made with our plant protein blend (rice/pea).
    • Cacao Mint Hemp – 16 grams of protein per 30-gram serving – made with hemp protein.

     

13. IS VEGAN PROTEIN POWDER SAFE TO USE WHEN PREGNANT?

    A question we’re regularly asked at Happy Way—‘Is vegan protein powder safe to use when pregnant?’.

    This all depends on the vegan protein powder you’re using and what ingredients it contains.

    At Happy Way, all of our protein supplements are safe for both pregnant and breastfeeding women, as they’re all-natural, organic and packed with vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants. We advise that you always check with your healthcare professional before using any supplement, including when you're pregnant and breastfeeding.

    It’s said by experts that pregnant women or women who are nursing a newborn should consume a minimum of an additional 25 grams of protein per day. This can be challenging for some, especially when there are errands to run, appointments to attend and a little one to look after! Incorporating a vegan protein powder into your diet can help equip you with the vitamins and nutrients you need as well as provide you with a perfect on the go snack to enjoy throughout the day.

14. HOW DO I MAKE VEGAN PROTEIN BARS?

    Vegan protein bars are super easy to make and require very few ingredients which can often be found in your fridge or kitchen pantry.

    Happy Way has delicious vegan protein powder flavours including Like A Vegan Vanilla, Chocolate Hazelnut, Cacao Mint Hemp, Choc Pea Princess and our Ashy Bines collection which includes Triple Choc Fudge and Choc Caramel.

    Check out our Happy Way recipes page or @happywayrecipes on Instagram for some yummy recipe inspo!

    Our Choc Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bar recipe is a Happy Way HQ favourite! This recipe features our Like A Vegan Vanilla Protein Powder, with vegan-friendly dark choc chips, syrup and almond butter. Super delicious and simple to make!

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