Want to Know More About Pea Protein Snacks? Here’s Your 2023 Guide

If you’re curious about pea protein (especially on-the-go snacks), then keep reading because we’re discussing that and more!

Plant based food items and plant focused diets seem to be getting more popular each year, and once you learn some of the benefits of adding plants to your diet, it’s easy to see why. Nutrition experts and doctors have recommended for decades that people add more fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to their diets to stay fuller longer, lose weight, and keep the body healthy. Sometimes it’s difficult to get the recommended serving sizes into your system when our schedules are hectic, but there’s no better way to reach your health and weight loss goals.

If you’re thinking about adding more plants to your diet, and would like the added benefit of additional protein, you may want to consider pea protein. If you haven’t heard of pea protein, or want to know more about how to include it in your routine, keep reading because we’re going to cover:

• What pea protein is
• The benefits of pea protein
• Our top pea protein snacks

What is pea protein + why should you be interested?

Pea protein could be right for your diet

Pea protein is a popular supplement among all types of people, not just vegans and vegetarians! Image courtesy of Food Navigator.

There are lots of protein powder supplements on the market, made from both animal and plant sources. While your first instinct might be to reach for a protein powder from an animal source, keep in mind that you don’t have to be a vegetarian or vegan to try out a plant based protein. Adding more plant sources into your diet is a great idea, and there are plenty of options when it comes to choosing a powder. Some of the most popular plant protein sources include:

• Soy
• Hemp
• Brown rice
• Quinoa
• Peas

Pea protein powder is made from isolating the protein from yellow peas, which produces a fine powder. You can easily add this powder into your favorite smoothie, drink, or even when you cook or bake. This plant based protein is a great choice for those who want to increase their protein intake during the day, as well as their vegetable intake. High-quality pea protein has around 15 grams of protein in about two scoops (this can vary between brands), as well as a low amount of calories, carbs, and fat. It is easy for people to digest, and does not typically have a strong odor or taste.

Pea protein offers users all nine essential amino acids that the body needs and must get from food. This type of plant powder also has a decent amount of iron and is a great source of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), if you’re interested in building more muscle. Adding a pea protein powder product to your daily routine is a great way to enhance your healthy diet, and ensure you’re getting everything your body needs to keep physically active and reach your fitness or weight loss goals. 

If this is something that you’re interested in, it’s easier than you think to find a pea plant protein source that works for you, especially if you’re looking for healthy snacks (more on that later!).

The top benefits of pea protein

Expect to see results when you add pea protein to your diet!

Pea protein has some amazing benefits, other than increasing your protein intake in an efficient and low calorie way. When you include this type of supplement into your routine, you can expect to:

• Stay fuller. One of the biggest struggles for many people trying to lose weight is battling hunger pangs. Typically when you’re on a weight loss journey, you’re cutting calories and increasing your physical activity. But if you’re not eating the right type of foods that keep you full, you may find yourself tempted to snack on unhealthy items. When you include pea protein in your day, you can expect it to help you stay fuller longer, so you don’t have to worry about eating too many calories, or feel depleted because you’re hungry. 
• Build muscle mass. Including more protein in your diet is a great way to build muscle, especially if you’re including strength training into your regular exercise routine. Protein and resistance exercise is a great way to ensure your muscles are getting the protein they need to repair themselves and increase your strength.
• Good for your heart. Pea protein is full of nutrients, including iron, fiber, and vitamin B6, but because peas belong to the legume family, they contain very little fat and sugar. This is great news for your heart! This type of plant protein can work to reduce your cholesterol levels and inflammation throughout the body, which is a great way to reduce your chances of developing heart disease or diabetes.
• Adds more plants to your diet. Adding more plants to your diet is a great idea, and it may even help you live longer. Studies show that people who incorporate plants (especially legumes) tend to live longer lives. When you add pea protein to your healthy diet, you’re increasing your plant intake, which is a great way to ensure you’re keeping your body in good shape for years to come. 

Our favorite pea protein snacks

Pick up these pea protein snacks and start enjoying the benefits!

Pea protein snacks can keep you full on-the-go. Image courtesy of Diet Direct.

You typically find pea plant protein in a powder form, and there are all kinds of brands out there to try. It’s important to keep in mind that pea protein is meant to be a supplement to the protein you’re already getting in your diet. Some great ways to get protein throughout your day (besides in powder form) are incorporating foods that contain plant-based protein.

However, if you’re looking for a pea protein snack to get you to your next meal, consider these delicious options.

WonderSlim Pea Protein Chips

Once you try these chips, you may never go back to traditional potato chips. Image courtesy of Diet Direct. 

Do you love the crisp, yummy texture of potato chips but want to avoid the salt, fat, and carbs that come with a pack? Then you’re going to love WonderSlim’s Pea Protein Chips that are sure to satisfy your chip cravings. These delightful crisps contain 10g of pea protein and 10-11 net carbs per bag, which is definitely going to keep you fuller longer. This snack bag only contains 120-130 calories, and is ideal to take with you on-the-go when you know you’ll need a healthy snack.

If you think that these chips won’t have the same flavor as traditional potato chips, there’s no need to worry. These flavors are as mouth watering as any other potato chip, and come in Salt & Vinegar, Cool Ranch, and Hickory BBQ. Not only are they a healthy way to snack, they’re delicious too.

WonderSlim Plant Protein Meal Replacement Shake

Get your pea protein in the form of a shake! Image courtesy of Diet Direct.

Another great way to fill up on pea protein is with the WonderSlim Plant Protein Meal Replacement Shake. With 15 grams of pea protein, 100 calories, and 24 vitamins and minerals, you’re going to love the taste of these shakes. Available in four flavors, these plant-based meal replacement shakes have 1 gram of sugar or less, and just 4 net carbs, making them perfect for those following the keto diet as well as those looking for satisfying shakes that contain no dairy or soy.

Pea protein snacks you can make at home

Did you know there are also great ways to make pea protein snacks in your own kitchen? That’s right, with a few simple ingredients, you can put together a delicious satisfying snack that’s packed full of plant based protein.

Pumpkin muffins

• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup water (or almond milk)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup cassava flour 
• ½ cup pea protein powder 
• ¼ cup monk fruit sweetener (or granulated sugar)
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

When you’re craving something savory and satisfying, and that gives you all the autumnal vibes, there’s nothing better than pumpkin spice muffins. Start by heating up the oven to 350 degrees, and line a muffin pan with muffin papers. Then mix together the eggs, pumpkin, vanilla, and water, and add the flour, pea protein, sugar, spices, and baking soda. Evenly distribute the batter into your muffin cups and place in the oven to cook for around 24 minutes. Remove and allow to cool on a rack. 

Protein cookies 

• ⅓ cup butter
• ⅓ cup coconut sugar 
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup blanched almond flour 
• ¼ cup pea protein powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup chocolate chips

Sometimes you just crave something sweet, and who can say no to chocolate chip cookies? This version is much healthier, and contains filling pea plant protein. Just heat the oven to 350, and combine the butter and sugar. Add the egg and vanilla and continue to mix. Then incorporate the flour, pea protein, baking soda, and salt. Fold in the chocolate chips and mix. Scoop a tablespoon of dough at a time onto a cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool and enjoy!

It’s easy to incorporate pea protein snacks into your routine

If you want a great supplement that could help with your weight loss goals, help you build muscle, and keep you healthy, it’s worth looking into pea plant protein. And with all kinds of snacking options, you’ll never get bored!