Plant-based protein is not one ingredient. It is an entire casting call.
Pea, soy, chickpea, rice, seeds, legumes: the world of plant protein is much bigger than “tofu or no tofu”.
What counts as a plant-based protein source?
Harvard Nutrition Source lists legumes, soy, nuts, seeds and whole grains among plant-based protein sources. Different plant sources can have different amino-acid profiles, which is why variety across the overall diet matters.
Plant-based protein snacks in the Nano Supps range
Protein CEREAL
According to the product data, Chocolate, Cinnamon and Peanut Butter CEREAL are plant-based, vegan and gluten-free. They contain 14–14.4 g of protein per 40 g serving.
Protein CHIPS
BBQ Protein CHIPS uses chickpea, rice and pea protein among its plant-based protein sources. One bag contains 8.2 g of protein.
Protein POPS
Protein POPS are built around soy-protein puffs, but because of the chocolate coating, always check the specific product page and packaging for the dietary status of each variant.
Is plant-based automatically better?
It is not useful to turn this into such a simple competition. Harvard also highlights the importance of the whole “protein package”. In other words, look at what comes with the protein: fibre, fat, sodium, other ingredients and your overall diet.
What should you check when choosing a plant-based snack?
whether the complete product is actually vegan
which plant-based protein sources it contains
protein per serving
allergens, such as soy or peanuts
fibre, salt, energy and the full ingredient list
Plant-based can be crunchy, chocolatey, cinnamon, peanut butter or BBQ. Plant protein has moved a long way beyond the beige box at the back of the health-food shop.
Sources and professional background
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – Protein: plant-based protein sources and the “protein package”.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – Legumes and Pulses.
