Are plant-based proteins different from their animal-based counterparts? And why do we at SimplyProtein™ primarily use pea and/or soy protein? We’re dishing on our vegetarian and vegan-friendly proteins, and why we love them soy much. Won’t you read it, pretty pea-se?
We’re not here to turn our noses up at any form of protein. We LOVE protein, and we support our community enjoying protein in any form they find nourishing.
We do, however, have our own preferences for protein sources, settled on after years of rigorous research. (You think you eat a lot of snacks? You should meet our R&D team.)
But before we dish on our precious pea and soy protein, let’s dial it back a bit and go over the basics.
What’s protein and where does it come from?
Protein: You’ve heard of it, you know you need it (but maybe not 100% sure why). At its core, protein is a macronutrient made of chains of amino acids: Small organic molecules that link together like beads on a string. There are 20 different amino acids, and the sequence they form determines the shape and function of each protein. Out of these 20, nine are “essential” amino acids, which means your body can’t make them, so you need to get them through food.
Proteins are vital because they literally build and repair tissues in your body; everything from muscles, hair, nails, skin, and even blood rely on them. They’re also behind the scenes as enzymes, hormones, and antibodies, orchestrating everything from metabolism and digestion to immune defense. So, they’re kind of a big deal.
In short, protein isn’t just about bulking up, it’s about giving your body the raw materials to function, repair, and thrive (or chill on the couch, you do you!).
When people think of protein, they often jump straight to animal sources like beef, chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy. These are considered “complete proteins” because they contain all nine essential amino acids in the right proportions for humans. (Don’t know what a complete protein is? Learn more about them here).
But guess what? Plants have protein too, ya know. Sources like legumes (lentils, beans, peas), soy, quinoa, nuts, seeds, and whole grains provide plenty of amino acids. Some plant sources are incomplete on their own, but when eaten in combination (for example, rice and beans together), they can deliver the full spectrum of essential amino acids your body needs.
Plant versus animal proteins: The ultimate showdown
Animal versus plant protein: Same same, but very different. Both give your body the amino acids (a.k.a. the building blocks of protein) it needs. The big difference? Animal proteins (think meat, eggs, dairy) usually come as a “complete package,” meaning they naturally contain all nine essential amino acids your body can’t make on its own. Plant proteins (peas, soy, beans, grains, nuts, seeds) don’t always check every box in one go, some are either missing one or a couple essential amino acids or have varying digestibility levels of the protein. But mixing and matching plant proteins easily fills the gaps. (It’s a real “teamwork makes the dream work” mentality around these parts.)
And then there’s the “side effects”. Animal protein can tag along with extra cholesterol and saturated fat. Plant protein? Depending on the source, it usually brings fibre, antioxidants, and a lighter footprint on the planet. Translation: Both fuel your body, but plants tend to multitask a little harder.
The bountiful benefits of plant protein
Plant protein isn’t just a stand-in for meat, it’s a powerhouse in its own right. Here’s why people are loading up on peas, soy, and other plant-based bounties:
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Some find plant protein to be easier on the gut. Many plant proteins are gentler to digest, leaving you fuelled without the food coma.
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Plants are overachievers. They don’t show up empty handed to the party; consumed in their original sources, they usually bring along added nutrients like fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants.
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Plant-based proteins are heart-happy. Typically lower in saturated fat and cholesterol compared to animal proteins, plant protein supports better heart health (and that’s not just us flexing).
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Plant proteins = planet points. Growing peas and soy often uses fewer resources and produces fewer emissions than raising livestock, so your protein habit can come with a lighter eco-footprint. (Go you!)
- It’s like, totally versatile. Plant protein opens up a whole new world of possibilities for people trying to avoid animal protein.
In plant protein we trust
At SimplyProtein™, we had options. We could’ve gone the animal route, but honestly, peas and soy won our hearts (and tastebuds). Why?
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Everyone’s invited. Plant protein is naturally vegetarian and vegan-friendly, so no matter your diet, you can snack with us.
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Cruelty-free fuel. No animals involved means you can power your day without compromise.
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Light on the planet. Growing peas and soy takes fewer resources than raising animals, which means a lower environmental footprint. (Snacking that’s more sustainable? Yes, please!)
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Business-smart, too. More and more people are reaching for plant-based products, and we’re here for it. By keeping our protein plant-powered, we can serve a growing community that’s looking for better-for-you and better-for-the-planet options.
In short, plants check every box: nutrition, inclusivity, sustainability. And that’s why they’re the foundation of every SimplyProtein snack.
Why pea and soy specifically?
Not all plant proteins are created equal, so we went shopping around the plant kingdom, and pea and soy came out on top. Here’s why:
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Complete coverage, Baby. Soy is one of the few plant proteins that’s “complete,” meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids your body can’t make on its own. Translation: it does the heavy lifting, no gaps. While pea protein is not complete, it plays well with others, and combines to create a complete protein.
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Small, but mighty. Pea protein is rich in branched-chain amino acids (the MVPs for muscle support and recovery), making it a favourite for active lifestyles.
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Allergy-smart. Pea and soy protein is naturally dairy- and gluten-free, making it a safe bet for sensitive snackers.
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Sustainable sidekicks. Peas and soy require fewer natural resources to grow, helping shrink the footprint of your daily protein fix.
- Our pea and soy proteins are non-GMO. (All natural, Baby!)
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Versatile and tasty. They blend smoothly into bars, chips, and shakes, so you get all the benefits without the chalky, “health food” vibe.
In short, pea and soy are the dream team: complete, clean, and kind to people, animals, and the planet.
Eating plant protein? Mind your Ps and Qs
Plant protein is a powerhouse, but like any diet choice, it comes with a few tips and tricks worth knowing:
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Mix it up. Not all plant proteins are “complete” on their own (soy being the exception). Pairing sources, like grains and legumes, helps cover all nine essential amino acids with ease.
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Watch your portions. Just because it’s plant-based doesn’t mean you need unlimited scoops. Balance is key, whether your protein is from peas, soy, or lentils.
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Check your labels. Some plant protein products sneak in added sugars, fillers, or artificial extras. Look for clean labels. (Hint: like ours.)
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B12 awareness. This nutrient is easier to get from animal products, so if you’re fully plant-based, consider fortified foods or supplements.
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Listen to your body. Everyone digests protein differently. If one source doesn’t sit right, try another. Plants give you a delicious variety of options.
Plant protein is a smart, sustainable choice. Just keep variety, balance, and label-reading on your radar, and you’ll be set. Still feeling overwhelmed? We’ll make it easy for you: Shop all our tasty plant protein-packed snacks right here.
