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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
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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.
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?Â
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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!Â
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
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!
Really enjoyed it, thank you.
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
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.
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!
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!
I have never used pea protein. Seems great!
http://bethsblueprint.com/home-page/
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?
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!