I don’t know about you, but I’m one of those people who gets in a smoothie-rut. I’ll drink the same combination of blended ingredients for two or three weeks straight before I get bored with it and move onto something new. Until recently, my favorite combination has been a mix of chia seeds and hemp hearts for some hearty plant-based protein, but I ran out of my usual ingredients last week so I forced myself to try something new: pea protein powder!
As part of my ongoing partnership with USA Pulses/Pulse Canada to celebrate the United Nations declaring 2016 the International Year of Pulses, I was sent a complimentary sample of pea protein powder try earlier this year… and I’m embarrassed to say it’s been sitting untouched in my pantry for nearly 3 months. I am such a wimp when it comes to trying new things!
However, I’m glad I finally got around to it because pulses are such a sustainable protein source, which also makes them more affordable than other pricey protein powders. The jar I used from Source Naturals is less than $10 a jar (according to Amazon) for 25 servings! I also like that the only ingredient in this jar is 100% pure pea protein powder– no fillers or zero-calorie sweeteners. (And you know how I feel about zero-calorie sweeteners.)
Just two tablespoons of pea protein powder contains 14 grams of easily digestible protein, and the neutral flavor blends completely unnoticed into any shake. I do find the texture a bit chalky, so I think this protein powder works best in chocolate shakes, because for some reason it blends in better with cocoa powder than in a fruit-only smoothie. (Or maybe that’s just me.) I also love that pea protein is allergy-friendly, so it’s perfect for anyone needing to avoid eggs, dairy, soy, and nuts.
Naturally-sweetened with fruit and paired with magnesium-rich cacao powder, this smoothie packs a nutritional punch that’s perfect for any time of the day. I hope it might help you get out of any smoothie-rut you’re in, or just inspires you to try using pulses for protein this week! (They’re perfect for anyone who abstains from meat on Friday during Lent, too.)
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Chocolate Pea Protein Shake (Vegan)
Serves 1
Ingredients:
3/4 cup water
1 frozen banana
1 soft Medjool date, pitted (optional, for sweetness)
2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (alcohol-free, if desired)
2 tablespoons pea protein powder
1 cup ice cubes
Directions:
Combine the water, banana, date (if using), cacao powder, vanilla, and protein powder in a high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth. Add in the ice and blend again until the smoothie is nice thick, with a milkshake-like texture. Serve immediately.
Chocolate Pea Protein Shake (Vegan)
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 soft Medjool date , pitted (optional, for sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (alcohol-free, if desired)
- 2 tablespoons pea protein powder
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Combine the water, banana, date, if using, cacao powder, vanilla, and protein powder in a high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth. Add in the ice and blend again until the smoothie is nice thick, with a milkshake-like texture. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Per Serving: Calories: 247, Fat: 2g, Carbohydrates: 51g, Fiber: 8g, Protein: 13g
After you make this shake, be sure to sign up to take the Pulse Pledge and enjoy one serving of pulses (like beans, lentils, and dried peas) each week! I’ve already taken the pledge myself, and plan on working with chickpea flour next… I can’t wait!
Reader Feedback: Have you tried pea protein before?
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This post is sponsored as part of my ongoing partnership with USA Pulses and Pulse Canada. I’m an Ambassador for the International Year of Pulses and am proud to help spread the word about these sustainable, affordable, and nutritious super foods!
Oh i haven’t tried it but might give it a go – I am recovering from adrenal fatigue which recommend 40g protein in morning but i can’t seem to manage that but maybe some added protein and hemp in my smoothies may get me a little closer!
Kezia – I found this awesome infographic the other day (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/88453580159723443/)
which might give you some more ideas too, I add pumpkin seeds, peanut or almond butter, hemp seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds and sometimes protein powder to my smoothies. Other ingredients are banana, ice, water, spirulina, chlorella, kale and cacao, so you might need a big(ish) smoothie but a great way to get started for the day 🙂
I am in the same boat…WHEY protein powder would be a good choice actually. It’s higher in protein than most vegan protein powders. Consider adding nuts, seeds, and more healthy fats for adrenal fatigue.
I’ve been trying to experiment with various bean and lentil flours to add to my breads and whatnot. However it is really intimidating since information is hard to come by. I’ve tried sprouting beans and lentils first, then dehydrating and then running it in my dry grain container for my vitamix to create flours. (U can just buy them if u don’t want to do that though). But regardless, I’m trying to figure out how to fill my family up on a budget. I’ve heard u can substitute I think 25 to 30 percent of your flour with whatever bean flour to make bread. But if you are looking for ideas to post about in terms of pulses, I am currently seeking guidance on this particular subject and kind of feel in the dark about it.
Ps. I tried to rate ur recipe 5 stars but I pushed 4 by accident. Can’t edit my comment after its posted. …
You can never go wrong with a chocolate shake post-workout! I LOVE pea protein!
How much pea protein powder to you use in your shake?
Hello sounds great I will try
Question what is the calories in it ?
Thanks
Have not tried this recipe so I can’t rate it.
My integrative doctor suggested I add protein shakes to my regimen. I’ve experimented quite a bit over the past year and have come up w/several recipes, all using the pea protein powder she suggested. I always add raw eggs to my protein shakes as well for an additional source of protein and nutrients, plus it gives my shakes a thickness and frothiness which I like.
However, I just can’t get excited about protein shakes like everybody else seems to. Oh, they taste good and are a powerhouse of goodness but … as a meal replacement, they just don’t satisfy and, as a snack, well, I’d honestly just go without or opt for another alternative. I know many use them as a post-workout option but it just doesn’t do it for me.
What am I missing? Anyone else have this same experience? I continue to peruse recipes online for variations but my repertoire of shake recipes is quite substantial. I LOVE the detoxinsta website and am here almost daily … I’m not giving up just yet!
I’m not a protein shake person either. I’ve tried various protein powders in the past and I’m just not crazy about them. I also prefer using whole foods anyway, so I’m not bothered about not doing protein shakes. I juice and I love smoothies, though. I just don’t see a need to have protein shakes when there are so many food options out there. I’m a vegetarian and generally eat whole foods, and I’ve found that to be just fine for me.
Thanks Edna! Nice to know I’m not alone on this issue!
Hey, protein powders in any form should never, ever be used as a meal replacement. It’s mostly used either to fulfill your daily requirement of protein or if you work out a lot and you’re in need of faster healing. Don’t ever replacement it, and eat natural protein abundantly.
Do you worry about sugar content?
No, I never worry about sugar content from fresh fruit.
I’m always looking for quick ways to get protein. And delicious ways too!
Can’t wait to try! Also looking forward to recipes with chickpea flour….thanks for what you do!
I just ordered some of this protein powder! Thank you for sharing! I’ve been wanting a dairy free source of protein for my son but don’t like all the additives in other powders. I’m excited to try this one. I also just read your post on why you don’t use stevia. I have always wondered about stevia and how good of alternative it is. It definitely still makes me crave sweet things so I’m going to try to cut back a little and see how I do. 🙂
i drink pea protein every morning, but, don’t enjoy itat all. i will definitely be trying out this recipe. Thanks!
A quick question: In food combining, does pea protein count as a starch? That’s what my instincts say, but my instincts are wrong about 50% of the time. Now onto my general thoughts… I read this article when it posted and although I found it interesting, I had very little interest in trying it because, well, it’s pea protein. But on Friday I went to the doctor and was informed that my thyroid is all out of wack, and my doctor told me that pea protein is what my body needs to help rebuild itself. So thank goodness for this recipe, because it’s delicious! I’ve had it twice in the last three days, and would have had it more than that but I ran out of frozen bananas. I did slice up two last night and stuck them in the freezer, so this is definitely what I will be having for dinner tonight. I might even go crazy and try adding some sunflower seed butter! I did read somewhere that you can add the powder to soups to give them a boost, which is very exciting to me since I prefer hot food to cold, but the only flavor that I was able to get on Friday was vanilla so will hold off on that for the present time. I would definitely welcome any additional recipes that you come up with, and a big thank you for this one!
Never used pea protein. Have thought about it but am so stuck on hemp protein! Maybe next time 😉
Have you tried using hemp in this particular shake?
I have never used pea protein. Seems great!
http://bethsblueprint.com/home-page/
Hi Megan, I first want to thank you. Your website and cookbook inspired me to change how I eat. I love all your recipes. As a result, I do not catch as many colds or flu bugs. I feel great and without trying have lost around 8 to 10 pounds. I just pre-ordered your new cookbook!
My question is regarding smoothies. I use chia, flax seed, cacoa, and hemp along with kale, spinach, blueberries, etc. Do you recommend Maca? Any other items you suggest? I am looking to buy the pea powder, but just thought I would see what else you suggest. Thank you so much!
Hi – I’ve read that pea protein is not complete, missing 2 amino acids. Any recommendations on what to add to the smoothie to make it complete? I’m dairy free, for now. Thanks!
I tried to make it sans date and found it to be really gross so I added 2 tblsp organic peanut butter and then it was more palatable and more peanut butter cup tasting. Also the ice didn’t thicken it how I would like so I added 3 tlbsp chia seeds. Didn’t let it sit but it would probably make a ok pudding if I had. I mean it’s still kind of chalky but not too bad for a health drink.
The pea protein share recipe was pretty good but like most other commenters I needed to tweak it to suit my taste. Check out the Facebook page of Pulse Canada which has many recipes for using various kinds of beans, peas and lentils…. most recipes have nutritional info and calories
Really enjoyed it, thank you.
I bought a bag of pea protein, and didn’t know exactly what to mix with it. I followed this recipe, and the finished product was simply delicious!! I’ll definitely be making this again!
Hi Megan, just tried it this morning for after the gym. I used milk instead of water, though, as I’m not vegan. Loved it. Beats spending big bucks on oversugared protein bars. Thanks!
Cheers, Mirko
If you like it chocolatey, this is the recipe for you:)
It was good though and you couldn’t taste the protein powder!
Love this recipe my kids and I have it 2-3 times a week.
Yes, but the point of using pea protien is because it’s plant based not animal. Same with soy. If you need more protien add more powder or add other protien ingredients. I usually put three tablespoons of pea protien rather than two and use almond milk instead of water. Just some thoughts. And I really love the taste.