Plant-based protein powder is easy to digest, nutrient-rich, and more sustainable than its animal-derived counterparts. We’ll compare two leading brands: Vega chocolate protein powder and Nuzest Clean Lean Protein, so that you can make an informed purchase decision.
Living a healthy lifestyle involves being aware of the nutrients and macronutrients that you ingest daily. While it is important to monitor the levels of sugar and refined foods you consume, protein is another essential element of nutrition to consider. Protein is one of the major macronutrients in the human body, providing a calorie-dense source of fuel that is more efficient and long-lasting than energy derived from sugar or other carbohydrates. For most individuals, the most common sources of protein come from animals or animal products such as eggs, milk, or cheese. However, many individuals with dietary restrictions, such as vegetarians and vegans, seek out alternative sources of protein, such as plant-based proteins like peas and soy.
Naturally occurring sources of plant-based proteins often lack the ability to provide an adequate amount of protein. Therefore, plant-based protein powders are often used to supplement protein intake without compromising dietary regulations or preferences. Additionally, plant-based protein powders offer an easy way to add grams of protein to existing meals. However, determining which plant-based protein powder is best can be challenging. Read on for a comparison of two leading plant-based protein powder brands on the market: Vega chocolate protein powder and Nuzest Clean Lean Protein powder.
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Vega chocolate protein powder vs Nuzest Clean Lean Protein:
Benefits of plant-based protein
One common concern with plant-based protein products is the skepticism surrounding their ability to provide the same level of nutritional protein values as their animal counterparts. However, studies have shown that a diet rich in plant-based options can offer additional health benefits, such as lower cholesterol levels and a reduced risk for certain cancers.
Additionally, there are some concerns about the sustainability and accessibility of animal-derived proteins for all individuals. In these instances, plant-based protein can serve as an alternative solution to ensure adequate protein intake. Plants such as legumes, grains like quinoa, and starchy vegetables like potatoes are great sources of protein and are often easier to digest than animal-derived proteins. The type of plant source used in a protein powder can be a crucial factor in your decision-making process.
Vega chocolate protein powder vs. Nuzest Clean Lean Protein:
Ingredients
Two popular sources of plant-based protein powder are Vega chocolate protein powder and Nuzest Clean Lean Protein.
Vega’s original protein powder comes in two flavors: vanilla and chocolate, and provides 25 grams of protein in a single two-scoop serving. Vega chocolate protein powder can be used as a nutritional shake or as a supplemental add-in to other beverages or foods. Vega chocolate protein powder is derived primarily from pea protein and contains only 14 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fiber, with 180 calories per serving.
Vega also adds rosemary extract to the supplemental powder for added health benefits; other ingredients include coconut oil, stevia, sea salt, and xanthan gum. The large container provides 19-20 servings, while the small container provides 9-10 servings. While Vega doesn’t offer a subscription service or monthly delivery, they do offer a rewards program for their customers.
Nuzest Clean Lean Protein, on the other hand, provides 20 grams of plant-based protein per serving and only 100 calories. Each serving is comprised of two scoops of powder mixed with 12 ounces of water.
Nuzest Clean Lean Protein is offered in five different flavors and is derived from European golden peas that are processed with water-based processing, eliminating the introduction of harsh chemicals into the final product.
Unlike many other protein powders, Nuzest Clean Lean protein powder is free of any type of gums or fillers, which are often the cause of gastrointestinal distress. Moreover, Nuzest offers options for the number of servings per purchase, with increments of 10, 20, 40, and 100 servings, and a subscription service for periodic deliveries at an additional discount.
Vega chocolate protein powder vs. Nuzest Clean Lean Protein:
Final overview
Plant-based protein powders are a good option for those seeking a clean and easily digestible source of protein when animal-derived options are not available or suitable. The qualities often sought in plant-based protein powders include calorie content, carbohydrate grams, protein grams, and source of protein. Additional factors like flavor and texture are also often considered by consumers.
Both Vega chocolate protein powder and Nuzest Clean Lean Protein are plant-based and derived from peas, but Nuzest has the added benefit of using a water-based processing method. Nuzest Clean Lean Protein requires only 25g to achieve 20g of protein, making it 80% protein, while Vega chocolate protein powder requires a serving size of 46g to achieve 25g of protein, making it only 54% protein — indicating that there is a significant amount of gum added to improve texture and mouthfeel, something not required by Nuzest.
Additionally, Vega chocolate protein powder includes xanthan gum, which is thought to contribute to gastrointestinal discomfort. In comparison, Nuzest Clean Lean Protein provides a higher protein concentration and fewer calories and uses a natural sweetener derived from the West African Katemfe fruit.
In conclusion, when comparing Vega chocolate protein powder and Nuzest Clean Lean Protein, Nuzest’s product emerges as the superior supplement. While other plant-based protein powders may appear comparable, Nuzest offers a clean, high-quality product that is sure to satisfy your protein needs without fillers or unnecessary ingredients.
Further Reading:
EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS): Re-evaluation of xanthan gum (E 415) as a food additive.
Hertzler SR, Lieblein-Boff JC, Weiler M, Allgeier C.: Plant Proteins: Assessing Their Nutritional Quality and Effects on Health and Physical Function.
Lanou AJ, Svenson B.: Reduced cancer risk in vegetarians: an analysis of recent reports.
Mayo Clinic: Are you getting too much protein?
Nutrients: Mung Bean Protein Supplement Improves Muscular Strength in Healthy, Underactive Vegetarian Adults
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.