Protein powders top the chart as a convenient way to increase protein intake. However, many of them contain artificial sweeteners and questionable fillers. More so, the taste of these powders, especially whey protein, could be quite funky.
Generally, plant-based protein powders have a somewhat gritty and chalky texture. Even when you mix protein powder with other ingredients, such as in your smoothies or baked goods, the taste could still be distinct. For these reasons, many people have been asking about possible protein powder alternatives.
Come to think of it. You have spent countless hours doing cardio and some minutes on planking. Would you want a sugar-laden protein powder to ruin all your efforts? More so, would you just forget about protein supplementation because you can’t endure the chalky taste and texture that protein powder gives to your smoothies?
The good news is that there are many alternatives to pulverized protein. As such, you shouldn’t have any excuse to leave out proteins from your smoothies and baked goods. If you leave proteins out, smoothies and baked goods will quickly load your body with sugar and harm your health?
When there is protein and/or healthy fat in your baked goods or smoothie, car absorption would be faster. This would, in turn, cause a spike in your blood glucose levels. This is one of the things you avoid when you include protein in your baking and smoothies.
Since protein powders have downsides that many people can’t cope with, we have listed out a few alternatives below. You can use these alternatives for your smoothies and baking. They are real game changers and you should try them out.
Great Protein Powder Alternatives
The following are great alternatives for protein powder
1. Greek Yogurt
You will get about 18-20g protein in each 6 Oz. serving of Greek yogurt. It will give your smoothie the consistency of a milkshake consistency. If you like that, then use Greek Yogurt instead of protein powder.
This alternative is also great for weight loss, fitness fuel, and fat burning. It is one of the most powerful foods for these purposes.
More so, it contains an abundance of probiotics to support your digestion. It also contains vitamin D and calcium for better bone health. You can use it for your baking, as well as for your smoothies.
2. Flax Milk
You will get 5g of protein from each cup of flax milk. It can make your smoothies creamy and super-rich with nutrients. More so, it is low-calorie and contains neither lactose nor cholesterol.
What’s more, it contains omega-3 fats to help fight cancer, as well as essential minerals and vitamins. It is great for baking, cooking, and making smoothies.
3. Peanut Butter
You will get 4g protein from each tablespoon of peanut butter. You can use it for your smoothies and baking. When you add it to your smoothie, you’ll get a serving of creamy and savory smoothies. Peanut butter improves satiety and promotes weight loss.
4. Spinach
This is one option you probably never thought of. But it will give you 6g protein per cup. It contains an abundance of plant protein, folate, and omega-3s. It is a good addition for smoothies, as well as for baking.
5. Pumpkin Seeds
You will get 3-6g protein from each tablespoon of pumpkin seeds. Aside from protein, pumpkin seeds contain magnesium for heart health, zinc for better immunity, and omega-3s for waist-shrinking.
You will also get loads of tryptophan when you add pumpkin seeds to your smoothing or use them for baking. Tryptophan improves healthy sleep and could help stabilize your mood.
6. Raw Oats
Half a cup of raw oats will give you 7g of protein. It is even better if you make it overnight and blend it with your smoothie. You will get lots of health benefits and a delicious taste too.
More so, the kind of carbs you get from raw oats is resistant starch. This boosts post-meal fat burning by a whopping 30 percent.
7. Cashew Butter
This option will add about 3g of protein with each tablespoon you use. It is good for both baking and making smoothies. Cashew butter might, however, be somewhat expensive. But they indeed have many health benefits for the body.
Cashew butter contains not only proteins but also healthy fats. These promote satiety. It also contains powerful antioxidants that could help fight tumors. You will also get a good supply of copper, an essential mineral for your body.
8. Turnip Greens
You will get 6g protein from each cup of turnip greens. This protein-rich veggie is loaded with powerful antioxidants that help fight against cancer. What’s more, one serving contains enough vitamin K, to last you for 5 days.
One cup of turnip greens would give you 61% of your vitamin A daily value (DV). It will also give you 50% of your vitamin C DV. Turnip greens are indeed a powerhouse of nutrients. You should consider using them in place of protein powder.
9. Pistachios
This alternative would also give you 6g protein per ounce. It is a waist-cinching nut that you can rely on. You can add it to your smoothies or ice cream, and you can use it for baking too. Among all nuts, pistachios have the fewest calories.
Pistachios contain lots of potassium, which is good for heart health, digestive health, and muscle contraction. It even has more potassium than an average-sized banana.
10. Chia Seeds
You will get a whopping 9g extra protein when you use 3 tbsp. for your baking or smoothies. Experts have told us that it is a powerful weight-loss weapon. It absorbs water and makes your stomach feel full for longer periods.
Aside from protein, there are other nutrients in chia seeds. These include calcium, fiber, and healthy fats. It is a good alternative to protein powder.
Conclusion
There are many protein powder alternatives you can use for your smoothies and baking. We have listed out a few above. You will love them when you try them out.