Rice Protein Powder - What's it Actually Good For?

Rice protein powder is a relatively unknown protein supplement outside of the vegan community. Despite its lack of popularity, rice protein offers many great benefits that might make it a good addition to your daily diet. To give you a better idea of what rice protein powder is and how you can utilize it most effectively to supplement your nutritional needs, we've outlined some of its pros and cons. Here's the scoop:

Pros for Rice Protein Powder

o Rice protein powder is a natural protein source with natural fiber. It is derived from brown rice and carries all of the essential amino acids.

o Rice protein powder is also hypoallergenic, meaning that it causes fewer allergic reactions than other protein powders, like egg and whey. It is also free of soy, milk, yeast, wheat, and other allergens that often cause allergic reactions.

o The body utilizes rice protein powder more efficiently than soy. However, both rice protein and soy protein are priced similarly.

o Rice protein powder is vegan friendly. No animal products or byproducts are included in rice protein powder. Most soy protein powders also share in this distinction.

o The natural flavor of rice protein powder is sweet and mild. This makes it easy to blend with water, juice, and other mixers to create a great-tasting protein drink.

o Rice protein powder is available in all of the major protein powder flavors (i.e. vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry). While we haven't seen it in some of the more exotic flavors, the day may come soon as rice protein gains popularity whey protein powder.

Cons for Rice Protein Powder:

o Rice protein powder is not as effective for building muscle as whey protein and many of the other animal-based protein powders on the market.

o Few companies manufacture rice protein powder, and very few rice protein snack options are available, such as pre-packaged rice protein bars and drinks.

o Compared to comparably priced whey protein powders, rice protein powders generally provide less protein per serving. Hence, less value for your money.

However, rice protein is a great option for many, especially vegans, those who are lactose intolerant, and those who are allergic to soy. Even if other protein powders are a viable option for you, you might just want to try rice protein powder for the taste!