IN THE world of protein powders, the debate between the pros and cons of whey versus plant-based options has been a longstanding one. Whey protein has traditionally held the spotlight for its effectiveness in building lean mass and supporting muscle recovery. But the rise of plant-based proteins, like hemp and pea protein, has widened the market for those looking to dabble with vegan options.
Based on preliminary research (pea protein is still relatively new to the scene, as we discussed in this previous piece), both whey and pea protein are viable choices for competitive athletes aiming to promote muscle growth. While pea protein offers slightly less protein ounce for ounce compared to whey isolate, it still contains all the essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. Pea protein also boasts a higher fiber content gram for gram, though it contains less leucine than whey isolate, an amino acid crucial for maximizing muscle growth.
Read more: How Men’s Health Thoroughly Tests and Reviews Fitness Products
More From Men’s Health
Enter: Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+. In this review, I’ll evaluate this protein powder from the perspective of a certified personal trainer educated in nutrition to discuss how it stacks up against other pea protein powders I’ve tried and determined if it’s worth your hard-earned cash.
Best Pea Protein Powder | Best Vegan Protein Powder | Best Vegan Meal Delivery Service | Best-Tasting Protein Powder | Best Whey Protein Powder | Best Creatine
Nutritional Breakdown
Containing 20 grams of protein per serving, this powder tops most vegan protein powders we’ve tested, which usually provide 15-20 grams of protein per serving. It holds its own against whey protein powders, too, which typically offer 20-25 grams of protein per scoop.
Each scoop weighs in at a standard 30 grams and contains 115 calories. These figures put it in the same league as the best whey and pea protein powders we’ve come across. Two grams of fat per serving come from organic coconut medium-chain triglyceride oil, which is important to note might not be suitable for folks with nut allergies. It’s got an extra boost on the fiber front, with three grams of carbohydrates in the form of fiber in each serving. (Most whey proteins barely tip the scales with less than one gram of fiber.) Aside from containing the full spectrum of essential amino acids, this pea protein also contains choline, calcium, and iron that can help fill nutrition gaps.
SHOP RITUAL ESSENTIAL PROTEIN DAILY SHAKE 18+ HERE
Flavor
Taste isn’t the most important factor when selecting a protein powder, but it does play a major role in determining whether you’ll consistently incorporate it into your routine. And with so many flavors out there, there’s no reason to settle for a one you don’t like the taste of.
This protein powder is only available in one flavor: vanilla. It tastes sweeter than you’d expect, given this powder contains zero grams of sugar (a major pro). The flavor comes off as a bit artificial, despite being extracted from Madagascar vanilla beans–think of vanilla birthday cake flavoring. It contains fermented sugarcane and monk fruit to add sugar-free sweetness, but doesn’t have the strong aftertaste that I detest in most products containing with monk fruit or stevia. I’m not a huge fan of sweetened protein powders in general, but when making a fruit smoothie, I reach for this powder frequently. The sweet vanilla flavor is tamped down when combined with other ingredients, and ends up adding a subtle flavor and creaminess that I enjoy in a protein smoothie. I’ve also incorporated it in my banana bread a few times now and was able to cut the sugar in the recipe by nearly half without a significant change in the flavor.
Pro tip: If you typically add sweeteners such as honey or stevia to your smoothies, try skipping them when using this protein powder. Even though it contains no sugar, it adds a sweet sensation that could be useful for those looking to cut excess sugar from their diet.
Texture
For those who have ventured into the world of plant-based proteins, all too familiar is the dreaded grittiness that many vegan powders have. I won’t sugarcoat it; this Ritual protein powder isn’t as smooth as the average whey protein powder. However, it’s noticeably less gritty than most pea protein powders I’ve tried. I frequently incorporate this protein powder into fruit smoothies and baked goods, where any grittiness is hardly noticeable at all. The texture isn’t a deal-breaker for me because this powder contains three grams of fiber per serving. Since whey protein powders can sometimes lead to constipation for me, I don’t mind the texture resulting from the extra fiber in this particular one.
On a scale of one to ten, with ten being a protein powder that never clumps and dissolves with minimal effort, I’d rate this Ritual protein powder at a solid seven. It’s certainly less prone to clumping and easier to mix than many protein powders I’ve experimented with–vegan or whey. However, I have experienced it sticking to the sides of my blender a few times after blending up a smoothie. When mixed with water in a shaker bottle, I found it clumps significantly less and requires less shaking than similar pea proteins I’ve tested, but more than most whey protein powders.
SHOP RITUAL PROTEIN POWDER ON AMAZON
Packaging
Where this protein powder falls short for me is in the packaging department. It comes in an standing bag, which I appreciate saves space in my cabinet, but it’s messy. Every time I open a new bag (I’m on my third now), a teaspoon or two of the powder ends up on the counter because of how it cakes into the seal and bursts out when you first open it.
The standing bag can be a bit of a nuisance, as you have to stick your arm into in when your supply gets low and sealing it is a task for nimble fingers. The packaging is my least favorite thing about this product, and makes me less inclined to reach for it over tub powders I have on hand when I’m in a hurry or feeling too lazy for extra cleanup.
Getting your hands on this powder couldn’t be easier, as it’s sold directly on the brand’s site and is now on Amazon, too. When ordered from Ritual directly, shipping is free if you subscribe to monthly auto-shipments.
Final Verdict
The Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ has its pros and cons. It’ll never be my go-to for a straight protein shake because of the artificial vanilla flavor and texture, and the packaging can be a bit messy. But I have enjoyed it as an addition to fruit smoothies and baked goods, where the flavor adds a sweet sensation and any grittiness is nearly undetectable. It’s comparable in price to similar vegan protein powders, but more expensive than many whey proteins, which is also something to keep in mind. If you’re on a plant-based journey and want to try something new, this could be a worthy addition to your pantry if the packaging and taste don’t bother you.
The brand also offers a 50+ formula for older adults, which has more calcium and HMB, an ergogenic aid whose effectiveness is controversial, according to Abby Langer, RD. Otherwise, the small differences in ingredients between the two are unremarkable.
Fitness and Commerce Editor
Talene Appleton is a fitness and food writer and editor, certified personal trainer (NASM-CPT), and former professional dancer based in New York City. Passionate about both exercise and cuisine, she merges her fitness, nutrition and culinary expertise with the goal of motivating others to embrace balanced healthy living. Her work has appeared in Men’s Health, General Surgery News, The Food Institute, The Nessie, and more.
Registered Dietitian
Abby Langer, RD is the owner of Abby Langer Nutrition, a Toronto-based nutrition consulting and communications company.
Credit: Source link