Ingredient · Updated
Pea Protein
Found in 16 productsSee all
B.T.R. Nation Superfood Nut Butter Bar Dark Chocolate Brownie 
Banza Gluten Free Chickpea Shells & White Cheddar 
IQ Bar Toasted Coconut Chip Protein Bars 
Iq Bar: Peanut Butter Chip Bar 1.6 Oz 
Iq Bar 1.6 oz Almond Butter Cup Bar 
Savour Bakes Protein Rice Cakes 
siggi's plant-based coconut blend vanilla 
Owyn Pro Elite 32g Plant Protein Shake Chocolate What is Pea Protein?
Pea protein is a plant-based protein isolate derived from yellow peas (Pisum sativum). It is produced by drying and milling peas before processing them to remove the fiber and starch, leaving behind a protein-rich powder.
It is used as a protein supplement in various food and beverage products, often as an alternative to animal-based proteins like whey. Health studies suggest that pea protein is a good source of essential amino acids and is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for people with dairy or egg allergies. It also supports muscle growth and repair.
When you see pea protein on a label, it's often in products targeting vegans or those looking to increase protein intake without animal products. It is generally well-tolerated and considered a good addition to plant-based diets.
Commonly found in: protein shakes, meal replacement bars, snacks, baked goods, dairy alternatives
Benefits
- Contains all nine essential amino acids.
- Hypoallergenic, suitable for those with common food allergies.
- Supports muscle growth and repair in a manner comparable to milk proteins.
Pea protein is considered GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the FDA for its intended uses in food products.
Research supports pea protein's effectiveness in supporting muscle synthesis and overall health, though studies note it may have a slightly lower bioavailability than animal-based proteins.
Pea protein is plant-derived and well-regarded by the vegan community as a strong and ethical source of protein.
Sources: GRAS Notices for Pea Protein · Amino Acid and Oligopeptides of Plant-Based Protein: Anti-nutrient, Biological Properties, and Its Effect on Athletic Performance
Scout's take
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
The case against
May cause digestive discomfort in some individuals due to its fiber content.
from the analysis of Country Crock PLANT BUTTER WITH AVOCADO OIL 79% PLANT-BASED OIL SPREAD · echoed in 3 other analysesMay not provide a complete amino acid profile compared to animal-based proteins.
from the analysis of Iq Bar 1.6 oz Almond Butter Cup Bar · echoed in 2 other analysesThe case for
Provides a plant-based protein source that is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
from the analysis of siggi's plant-based coconut blend vanilla · echoed in 2 other analysesProvides a complete amino acid profile and is a good source of protein for vegetarians and vegans.
from the analysis of Banza Gluten Free Chickpea Shells & White CheddarOffers a plant-based protein option that is hypoallergenic and supports muscle maintenance.
from the analysis of Iq Bar: Peanut Butter Chip Bar 1.6 OzOffers a plant-based protein source that is hypoallergenic and easily digestible.
from the analysis of Iq Bar 1.6 oz Almond Butter Cup BarProvides a plant-based protein option for those avoiding animal products.
from the analysis of Catalina Crunch Cheddar Protein Snack Mix - 5.25 ozMore from Scout's analyses
Plant-based protein that's notably good for a legume but still less bioavailable than whey or other animal-source proteins, meaning more grams are needed to deliver the same usable amino acids for muscle protein synthesis. Naturally low in methionine, so it does not stand alone as a complete protein and is typically blended with rice. Pea crops are also well-documented soil accumulators of lead and cadmium — the suspected primary contamination route in this product.
from the analysis of Owyn Pro Elite 32g Plant Protein Shake ChocolatePea protein is a plant-based protein source that is hypoallergenic and easily digestible. It provides a good amino acid profile but lacks some essential amino acids found in animal proteins. It is a suitable alternative for those avoiding animal products.
from the analysis of Iq Bar: Peanut Butter Chip Bar 1.6 OzPea protein is a plant-based protein source that offers a good amino acid profile. It is less processed than some other plant proteins but may have lower bioavailability compared to animal proteins. It is used to enhance the protein content of plant-based products.
from the analysis of Daiya CHEDDAR STYLE SHREDSAll 16 products with Pea Protein
Where Pea Protein shows up
- Protein Bars 3 products
- Protein Powders 3 products
- Snack Bars 1 product
- Rice & Pasta 1 product
- Rice Cakes 1 product
- Yogurt 1 product
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