What Are The Best Protein Powders?

With so many protein powder brands on the market it can be very confusing and overwhelming. When I first started my own wellness journey two years ago, I began researching the differences. What I found was that even the brands sold in health stores could be full of additives, mixing agents (lecithins), flavourings or “bulked up” with nut powders, resulting in high fat or sugar content. Or quite simply they did not taste nice. Combined with often unattractive packaging, protein powder just did not seem that appealing.

That’s when the idea of Pure Blend Company was born. Our goal is to source the best and purest protein available and combine it with the goodness of wholesome raw superfoods, such as acai berry, matcha, raw cacao and maca. We wanted to move away from the idea that protein powder was for men or for “working out” and create a brand that would be very approachable to all, especially women. I found that another reason why whey protein had a bad reputation, particularly amongst women was that it made them bloated or gave them digestive issues.

We have a completely vegan range with white hemp protein, but what we tell people who avoid whey is that the whey protein itself is not the issue. It’s actually the way it’s been processed and what’s been added into most commercial products. Typically whey protein is made from a by-product in cheese making, the cloudy yellow liquid that is left when milk solids are separated out. This liquid is processed at high temperatures to create whey protein concentrate or isolate. Due to this production method the final product contains cheese-derived peptides and enzymes that sometimes cause digestive issues. In addition, these products typically do not taste that nice, hence flavourings are added to cover the taste. Our whey protein is produced via two-stage cold temperature filtration, which removes the fat and lactose but keeps all the amino acids unaltered. Not only does this lead to a pure protein that is mild on the digestive system, but it also tastes very creamy and clean.

There are so many different ways to include protein powder in your life- it does not have to be a “protein shake” after a workout! I personally love adding it to my morning smoothie bowls or oats as it gives me energy for the day. You could also add it to yogurt for a quick, delicious snack or mix it into pancake batter or any raw or baked treats. Here are two of my favourite recipes that are super simple and quick to make:

Berry oats with caramelized banana and coconut yoghurt
Ingredients
½ cup oats
1 cup nut milk
1tbsp each chia & ground flax seeds
1 banana cut lengthwise
1 1/2tbsp Pure Blend Co Acai, Blueberry & Camu Camu Whey (or vegan) blend
1 heaped tbsp coconut yoghurt
handful of fresh berries
1 square dark chocolate (optional)

Method
Combine oats, chia & flax with the nut milk and heat until cooked through.

In the meantime, fry the banana in a little coconut oil.

Once off the heat, stir in the protein powder.

Top with the banana, fresh berries, coconut yoghurt and a little chopped chocolate and devour!

The most delicious “breakfast smoothie”
Ingredients
1 cup nut milk
2tbsp Pure Blend Co Maca & Vanilla Whey blend
1tbsp smooth peanut butter
½ tsp cinnamon
1tbsp oats
½ banana (or frozen banana)
couple of pecan nuts or 1 date (optional)
few ice cubes (unless using frozen banana)

Method
Blend and enjoy!