Proteins

In the Proteins category, we have gathered plant protein in powder form in two versions: pure hemp protein from hemp seeds and a vegan protein blend from four sources in three flavors. They differ in the amount of protein per serving, composition, and preparation method. Below we explain how to read these differences from the label.

Plant-based Protein: Hemp and Vegan Blend

BIO hemp protein from the brand Kombinat Konopny contains one ingredient: powdered hemp protein from hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa). The package weighs 200 g, and the manufacturer recommends a daily serving of 10-20 g. There are no sweeteners or flavors here.

Complete Plant-based Protein from Solve Labs is a blend of pea, yeast, rice, and pumpkin protein. The package weighs 500 g, and a serving is one scoop of 35 g dissolved in 250 ml of water or plant-based drink. There are three flavors to choose from: vanilla, salted caramel, and pumpkin spice.

How much protein is in a serving

When comparing the two powders, look at the grams of protein per serving, not the weight of the package. BIO hemp protein has 55 g of protein in 100 g of product, so a 10 g serving provides 5.5 g of protein and 40 kcal.

A serving of Complete Plant-based Protein, which is 35 g of powder, provides 22 g of protein, 3 g of fat, and 2.4 g of carbohydrates. The difference arises from the composition. Hemp protein is made from seeds and retains some of their fat and fiber, while in the Solve Labs blend, protein constitutes a larger part of the serving.

What is in the composition besides protein

In 100 g of BIO hemp protein, there are 13 g of fat, including 9.75 g of polyunsaturated fatty acids, 5 g of fiber, and 0.7 g of sugars. The manufacturer also lists magnesium, iron, zinc, and vitamins E and C, which come from hemp seeds.

The Solve Labs blend has a longer list of ingredients. In addition to the four proteins, it contains sweeteners erythritol and steviol glycosides, sunflower lecithin, guar gum, salt, and flavoring. The manufacturer also added extracts from the fruiting bodies of four mushrooms: lion’s mane, cordyceps, polypore, and yellow reishi.

The last addition is a complex of digestive enzymes DigeZyme. The manufacturer lists alpha-amylase, protease, lipase, cellulase, and lactase in it. If you prefer a short ingredient list without sweeteners, you are closer to hemp protein.

Taste and preparation

BIO hemp protein has no flavor additives, so treat it as an ingredient in your meal. The manufacturer suggests adding it to smoothies, yogurt, and baked goods. A serving of 10-20 g is easy to mix into whatever you are preparing.

Complete Plant-based Protein is prepared like a classic shake: one scoop of 35 g in 250 ml of water or plant-based drink. The vanilla variant contains ground bourbon vanilla, and all three flavors are sweetened with erythritol and steviol glycosides, without added sugar.

What to pay attention to on the label

Check the allergen information. Solve Labs indicates that the blend may contain gluten-containing grains, peanuts, and other nuts, as well as sesame seeds. This is a warning about possible traces, important for allergies.

Also check for whom the product is intended. Complete Plant-based Protein is not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and individuals under 18 years of age. The manufacturer informs that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect, which is related to the erythritol in the composition.

Finally, the daily serving: 10-20 g for hemp protein and one scoop for the Solve Labs blend. We describe how to read the nutritional value table and NRV in the post how to read a dietary supplement label. You can find other products in the Supplements category.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between hemp protein and the vegan blend?

BIO hemp protein has one ingredient, powdered protein from hemp seeds, and 55 g of protein in 100 g. The Solve Labs blend combines pea, yeast, rice, and pumpkin protein with sweeteners, flavoring, mushroom extracts, and enzymes, and its 35 g serving provides 22 g of protein.

Are the proteins in this category vegan?

Complete Plant-based Protein is described by the manufacturer as vegan protein, and the protein sources are pea, yeast, rice, and pumpkin. BIO hemp protein contains only powdered hemp protein, which is a plant-based raw material. The blend has a longer list of ingredients with sweeteners and flavoring, while hemp protein has only one item.

How much hemp protein should I add to a smoothie?

The manufacturer recommends a daily serving of 10-20 g. A 10 g serving provides 5.5 g of protein and 40 kcal, so it is easy to calculate how much protein you are adding to your meal. The protein has no flavor additives, so the manufacturer suggests mixing it into smoothies, yogurt, and baked goods. Do not exceed the serving stated on the package.

Does the Solve Labs blend contain lactose?

The ingredient list does not include milk or lactose, and all four proteins in the blend are plant-based. However, it does contain lactase, one of the enzymes in the DigeZyme complex, which is an enzyme, not a milk sugar. The manufacturer also targets the blend to individuals who avoid milk proteins.

Why are mushroom extracts included in the protein?

This is part of the Solve Labs recipe: extracts from the fruiting bodies of lion’s mane, cordyceps, polypore, and yellow reishi. They were added alongside the four proteins, the DigeZyme digestive enzyme complex, and sweeteners. However, when choosing a powder, the protein per serving, sweetness, and flavor are more important.