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Best Plant Protein: How to Identify It?

January 29, 2024
Mejor proteina vegetal

In the quest for a well-balanced plant-based diet, learning to identify high-quality proteins and understanding how to read product labels is essential. Below, we will explore key points to identify high-quality plant proteins in products.

What Determines the quality of vegetable protein?

Vegetable proteins are those derived from plant-based foods such as legumes, soy, tofu, etc. These foods not only provide proteins but also contribute fiber, minerals, and vitamins. One currently highlighted option is pea protein, known for being rich in essential amino acids and environmentally sustainable, making it a standout quality plant protein. But… how can we know if a protein is of high quality?

The quality of a protein source can be determined through three characteristics:

  • The amount of essential amino acids in the protein: it should be a complete protein that provides all 9 essential amino acids.
  • Digestibility: it’s crucial that these amino acids can be absorbed by our bodies to the greatest extent possible.
  • The amount of protein in the food.

How to Identify the best vegetable protein on Labels?

Once you can identify a high-quality plant protein, the next step is to learn how to find quality products in the market. Here are some useful tips that can simplify the process:

Reliable Suppliers

Choose reliable suppliers and brands specializing in vegan or vegetarian products. Look for certifications and seals supporting the quality of their products. Some recognized entities in Europe include The Vegetarian Society (UK), European Vegetarian Union (Europe), The Vegan Society (UK), and, of course, the international V-Label.. If you seek pure ingredients like pea flour, consider looking for seals such as  World Wildlife Gund (WWF), the European Union Organic Agriculture seal, or Consell Català de la Producció Ecològica (CCPAE) nationally, to ensure that foods have been produced most ecologically if this is an important factor for you.

Market Options

Explore different options in the market; don’t settle for the first one you find. Consider both local and online stores. Stores specializing in vegan products often offer a variety of plant proteins, including pea protein, which might be harder to find in other types of establishments.

Consider Sustainable Brands

Support brands committed to sustainable practices. Sustainability is not only good for the environment but also tends to indicate a high-quality approach to production.

According to the European Commission (EC), there were more than 200 active environmental labels in the European Union and over 450 worldwide in 2020. Such variety might confuse consumers when making purchases. The Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge highlights the European Ecolabel, but other recognized labels include AENOR Environmental Mark and the B Corp seal.

With these points in mind, you will be better prepared to make conscious choices when buying plant protein products.

The art of reading product labels to identify high-quality vegetable protein products gives us the ability to make informed decisions in our food choices for a balanced diet. By understanding what plant protein is and how to identify it on labels, we have explored essential guidelines when seeking quality products, emphasizing the importance of reliable suppliers and sustainable options.