Sunday, 14 November 2010 15:06 Written by Cameron Gabriel

All protein powders are not created equal. Trust me, I’ve tried them all. Whey protein powder is out of the question, not just because it isn’t vegan, but because it is foul. All of the very worst things about milk – pesticides, herbicides, hormones, antibiotics – concentrated into a powder. If you are vegetarian, I would seriously rethink this stuff. It is easy to be lured in by it since it has a higher amount of protein per serving, but at what cost? You feed the dairy industry and stomp on your own health at the same time.

Moving on to soy protein. Soy powder is also pretty high in protein content, but also high in phytoestrogens, so its good not to eat it too often. Additionally, it can be difficult to digest, leaving you with a windy backside. So no soy protein. Or “Yo no soy”, as I like to say when I’m feeling multicultural. If you simply must have it, you can mitigate the side effects somewhat with fermented soy protein, just try and stay away from isolates, they’re bad.

Hemp protein, while packed with Omega 3’s and 6’s, is not as high in protein, and doesn’t taste that great. Hazelnut/Brazil nut protein is killer, but expensive. Pea protein rivals whey in protein content, but is often made as an isolate, and has an “acquired taste”. All of these protein powders are great in a smoothie, but if you are looking for something you can slam in a cup and chug you have to look elsewhere.

Rainbow Light to the rescue. Rainbow Light’s Vanilla Protein Energizer gives you 30 grams of rice protein in 2 medium sized scoops, and is packed full of herbs, herbal extracts and vegetable powders (kale, spinach, dandelion, beet). It also contains organic spirulina, is high in fiber, low in fat and flavored with stevia powder to keep the sugar calories down. It dissolves easily, and tastes good. Give it a shot, you won’t be disappointed.