There are so many types of protein powder out there that come from an abundance of sources. So, what makes one better than the other? How do you decide what’s best for you? Well, that depends on a few things such as your purpose for using protein, any dietary or lifestyle restrictions you have, and also personal preference.
Rice protein powder is a great option for those who may have an allergy or aversion to certain ingredients like milk, soy, lactose, and others. Milk and soy are common ingredients in popular protein powders like whey, which is used by many who like to body build and lift weights. There are plenty of plant-based protein powder options, though, that provide an excellent alternative.
In terms of protein content and effectiveness, many plant-based options are almost equal to whey or even better in some ways! They often also include other nutrients and healthy, powerful ingredients or superfoods.
Rice protein in particular is rich in amino acids that help your body to function well. Some evidence suggests that rice protein is also better at managing your blood sugar levels than whey protein, perhaps due to differences in quality and speed of digestion of the protein. Not many people are thinking of their blood sugar specifically when choosing a protein powder, but this is a nice added benefit.
The Best Rice Protein Powder Brands
1. Growing Naturals Organic Rice Protein
Growing Naturals Organic Rice Protein is organic, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly! It contains no dairy, soy, corn, or lactose. It’s certified non-GMO as well as vegan and kosher. With only three or four grams of carbs per serving, it may be acceptable to some following the keto diet as well (that’s total grams of carbs, not net). It’s been clinically tested and found to be just as good and effective as whey protein. This is great news for those who love to work out, build muscle, and train hard but can’t have whey for whatever reason.
It has only 80 calories per serving and offers 15 grams of protein. There are also two grams of fiber, only two grams of sugar, and 0.5 grams of fat. It also contains a small amount of several other nutrients such as calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus,
You can get this powder unflavored or in the classic chocolate and vanilla flavors. This makes it quite versatile and perfect for many types of smoothies as well as baked goods.
2. Ora Organic Vegan Protein Powder
Ora Organic Vegan Protein Powder is one of the cleanest protein powder formulas you’ll find. It’s made from a combination of rice and pea protein and contains only natural and healthy ingredients. Some of these include cranberries, hemp, sprouted quinoa, blueberries, turmeric, apples, and more. This means that in addition to protein it’s offering a long list of other vitamins and minerals.
You can choose from chocolate, vanilla, or vanilla chai flavors – or go with no flavor at all. It’s smooth and creamy and makes for a delicious, top-notch vegan smoothie to start your day or finish off your workout.
If you like this protein powder, Ora has a ton of other great supplements you can try out, too. They’ve got pre-workouts and specific green powders for those who love to exercise and need recovery support. They’ve also got digestive support, probiotics, gut health support, skin support, and more. It’s all made with the same attention to detail and commitment to health and quality.
3. Nutribiotic Organic Rice Protein
Nutribiotic Organic Rice Protein is a plain, basic supplement that is 80% protein. This is great for those who simply need a strong shot of protein to help build muscle and recover after training, but don’t want any extra fuss or fillers.
It’s certified vegan, kosher, organic, gluten-free, and non-GMO for those who like to watch out for these things and it’s made without any preservatives, pesticides, herbicides, and the like. Rice protein is the only ingredient and this is organic, whole grain, sprouted rice. The protein powder has 60 calories per serving and offers 12 grams of protein.
There is only one gram of sugar, no fat, and no cholesterol. The formula is extremely clean and is perfect for pre- or post-workout supplementation, a breakfast smoothie, or even just as a little snack in between meals.
You can buy this protein in a three-pound tub or you can get individual packets. The packets contain one serving of the supplement and are great for on the go, such as taking one to work to mix up for lunch.
4. Amazing Grass Amazing Protein Glow
Amazing Grass Protein Glow is a fantastic, dual-purpose protein powder. It offers 15 grams of high-quality protein along with several ingredients that help boost collagen. Collagen is crucial to the health of your hair, skin, and nails as well as several systems and functions within the body. Some call collagen the building block of the body, which tells you how important it is.
Collagen is produced by our body with no help, but especially as we age, our body starts producing it slower, may not always produce enough, and it starts breaking down more easily. This is why collagen-boosting supplements like this protein powder can be a good idea.
Each serving has 80 calories, one and a half grams of fat, two grams of carbs, and no sugar. It’s also got a great list of other nutrients. It has 18 mg of vitamin C which is crucial to the production of collagen. It also has things like thiamin, niacin, folate, biotin, iron, sodium, and more. Many of its vitamins and minerals aren’t found in regular protein powders.
5. Birdman Plant-Based Protein Powder
Birdman Plant-Based Protein Powder is a unique product with lots to offer. In addition to the stand-out packaging, it’s made with an impressive protein blend. This includes rice protein, pea protein, quinoa sprout, pumpkin seed protein, sacha inchi protein, amaranth sprout, and even cranberry seed protein! Some of these are quite uncommon in protein powders and yet they have so much good to offer.
Each serving has 110 calories and a strong 22 grams of protein. There are also only two grams of fat, two grams of carbs, no cholesterol, and no sugar. Other ingredients are minimal and it’s sweetened naturally with stevia and monk fruit extract. It also has a good mix of enzymes and probiotics to support your digestive system and allow for maximum absorption.
It’s a great pre- or post-workout drink as it’ll support your muscles, sustain their energy, and help you recover and build even more muscle. It’s also vegan, dairy-free, non-GMO, soy-free, and certified kosher. Its low carb content makes it keto-friendly as well. It’s a versatile product that can be used by many.
Fun Rice Protein Powder Recipes
Protein powder is great for smoothies and shakes but that’s not all it can do! If you want to mix up your protein sources then try some of these fun, tasty protein treats:
Carrot Cake Protein Muffins
Carrot cake is a popular treat and there are several different ways to make it. If you turn it into muffins with this recipe, not only are you getting a protein hit but your snack is also dairy and gluten-free with plenty of nutritional value!
In addition to a cup of vanilla rice protein powder, you’ll need things like quinoa flakes, gluten-free oats, applesauce, nuts, grated carrot, and more. Everything this recipe calls for is a healthy ingredient that has plenty to offer you.
You can omit the frosting if you want to keep it dry like a muffin, or you can do them with a frosting of your choice. If you want to stay on the trend of DIY and healthy, this recipe does also tell you how to create a nice dairy-free frosting that is much better for you than something from a can or box!
Coconut and Caramel Protein Cake
This delicious recipe is the perfect dessert for any protein-loving health nut who wants to satisfy their sweet tooth without getting too far off track!
The ingredients are pretty simple, requiring things like egg whites, beets, coconut flour, and of course your rice protein powder. It also offers guidance for creating the frosting which is equally healthy with ingredients like whey protein, goji berries, coconut, and coconut milk. It does call for toffee flavor drops, but of course, you can omit these or use something else to create whatever flavor you want.
As cakes go, it’s a pretty easy one to make. All you have to do is blend the ingredients, bake it, and frost! Once done, each cake contains about 58 grams of protein, 15 grams of fat, 23 grams of carbs, and about 470 calories. Of course, you likely won’t eat it all at once, but this is a good reference point. That said, no one is stopping you from eating the whole thing on your own, either!
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