Let’s chat protein powder, shall we? Protein powder doesn’t have to be just for body builders. One of the great things about protein is that it can help keep you satisfied for longer, so adding a protein element to some carbs (like oatmeal), help them to last even longer. There is a crazy variety of protein powders out there from whey to pea! 
Even vegans can find a protein powder to use.
Types:
Soy: Pretty self-explanatory. Soy protein is pretty high in protein and lactose-free, so a good choice for vegetarians,vegans, and lactose intolerant people. Due to it’s nature, it actually works very well in baked goods, and you can cook it into oats without it curdling. Downside is it can have a somewhat strong taste. Contains approximately 20 grams of protein per oz *
Whey: Whey protein is made from the whey left over from cheesemaking. It is very easily digestible (unless you are lactose intolerant) and mixes really well into smoothies and shakes. Contains about 25 grams of protein per oz *. While whey is really good in general, it will make baked goods a little on the tough side. It will also curdle in hot things like oatmeal.
Egg: Made from dehydrated egg whites. Or really it is just dehydrated egg whites, although you will also see it sold in flavored form. Naturally fat free and quite tasteless. Great to mix into things. It can also give a little lift to baked goods, but more as an add in, rather than flour replacement. Average of 20 grams of protein per oz.
Hemp: Approximately 20 gram of protein per oz. * Hemp can be pretty clumpy depending on the brand.
Rice: Brown rice protein is gluten free, soy free and vegan. It is made using an ezymatic process, and keeps all of the natural proteins in whole grain brown rice. Pretty cool! It contains approximately 24 grams of protein per oz. * Brown rice powder is great for baking because you can sub it for flour easily. In foods like smoothies, it can have a starchy taste and has a bit of a gritty texture if you use a lot.
Pea: Who knew that you could get protein from peas? Pea protein powder comes from yellow peas. It has a very good protein profile like whey of 25 grams per oz * Very strong taste, however.
Of course, there are also blended proteins that combine many of the veggie powders to give a more complete protein profile.
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Other than in shakes, you can mix protein powders into pretty much anything. With the brown rice and soy – you can sub half of the flour with the protein and see quite good results. We like this better than using whey. Whey protein is a bit heavier and makes baked goods chewier, although if you leave out any egg, that helps.
Here are some recipes we have done with protein powders:
Banana Chocolate protein cake bars
* Note with all protein powders, various fillers and flavors can change the amounts of protein and calories per serving. Try to look for those that give you the most protein for the calories, as those have less fillers are more straight protein. Avoid meal replacement proteins, as those are engineered to be higher in calories and can have a lot of added sugar and fat.
Hi Lori! Good info. Especially since I am too lazy to do that research myself. I especially liked the review about adding/substituting the powder in baking. Might try that in my next batch of scones.
And how did I miss the recipe for the chocolate oatmeal bars? Copied that off for the next time I get the urge to bake…maybe tomorrow?
.-= debby´s last blog ..Gratuitous “Noah” Shots =-.
Ok, Lori, going to have to save those links for those goodies!!!! YUM! I am a protein gal myself so always like the recipes since I am no cook!
I have not had trouble mixing my whey protein into my oatmeal. I actually use 2 kinds of protein powder – a whey/casein mix and one that is 100% whey isolate. I put a scoop of each in my oatmeal. I cook the oatmeal in the microwave first & then add in the protein powders, spices & such. If I have frozen fruit in it, I put that in first during the microwave cycle. I know there are different types of whey proteins so maybe my whey isolate works OK vs. another kind.
You are the cook so I need you to tell me! 🙂
.-= Jody – Fit at 52´s last blog ..10 Things That Make Me Happy =-.
I have wondered about the different protien powders. Thanks for the info and the recipes. What is the recipe you use for your waffles?
.-= Desiree´s last blog ..Merry Christmas! =-.
I use this recipe for my waffles/pancakes:
http://findingradiance.com/recipes/breakfast/protein-pancakes/
I don’t always put protein powder in these, but I do sometimes. The protein in this recipe comes from the egg and cottage cheese 😀
Now here’s my weird question: Where do you buy your protein powder? Is it in, gasp, grocrey stores? I am in small-town America, with a Super WalMart, a GNC in the mini-mall, and grocery stores. I have always tended to stay away from GNC. I do get to a real city every once in awhile, but I don’t know where to go to buy it.
Thank you for your educational post. I have been thinking about adding protein powder for awhile now, as I need to up my protein just a bit.
.-= Jo´s last blog ..Bookstore-Me & DS-Tomorrow! =-.
I don’t know if Walmart carries protein powder, but I assume they would? We have found it at Target on occasion. We will purchase online if there is some kind (like the brown rice) that we want and can’t find in the store. GNC has a billion different kinds for sure, along with the meal replacement ones. I would look for coupons or sales before purchasing there, though, as it can be spendy.
Thanks, Lori. Will look around.
.-= Jo´s last blog ..Bookstore-Me & DS-Tomorrow! =-.
Those Loribars look awesome!! Maybe I’ll make them for this week… Definitely need to pick up some more soy powder for baking. You’re right, the whey is chewy, or what I’ve been calling “spongey.” Great post Lori!!
.-= Susan´s last blog ..Winner Winner Chicken Dinner =-.
That was a very informative post! I have been looking for a protein powder and I wasn’t sure what kind to get – it’s my first time stopping by and you have a great website! I look forward to coming back! 🙂
.-= Nicole´s last blog ..Pancakes and Saturdays =-.