Enter pea protein, made from yellow split peas, which is showing up in everything from the usual suspects where we once found soy isolate—energy drinks, bars, and meal-replacement shakes—to the unexpected, including cereals, salad dressings, veggie burgers, pasta, and even popcorn. Why is pea protein suddenly the next “it” ingredient? For starters, pea protein solves a problem in today’s natural foods industry, where many people either can’t or don’t want to eat meat, dairy, or gluten—all missing from the vegan protein. It’s also well digested by most people, says Ashley Koff, an integrative dietitian in Washington, D.C. “Also, unlike soy, it’s unlikely to be chemically isolated or genetically modified, though it’s still smart to check,” she adds. Pea protein is also rich in some, but not all essential amino acids. MORE: The New “Egg” Vegans Are Obsessed With Right Now Before you start loading up on pea protein and the products that contain it, Koff says there are a few important things to keep in mind. Peas, like most foods, can be an allergy trigger, too. “It could also cause issues for people with gout, or for those who aren’t eating a lot of other sources of protein, because pea protein isn’t a complete protein,” she says. What’s more, pea protein doesn’t contain essential fatty acids like seafood and nuts, which are crucial for optimal health and which the body can’t produce on its own. “It isn’t smart to look to just one ingredient or food source for protein—or any nutrient for that matter,” says Koff. Then, there’s the issue of how much protein we really need—a debate among nutritionists who argue whether Americans are overconsuming the macronutrient, especially in wake of popular conception that protein is the ticket to weight loss and everlasting satiety. Our take: Your body needs protein and it will make you feel more full, but just because a product like cereal or popcorn has some pea protein sprinkled over it doesn’t turn it into a fat-burning powerhouse and certainly doesn’t morph an unhealthy snack into a terrific one. The bottom line: Go ahead and look for this new ingredient on the labels of your favorite packaged foods or add a serving of pea protein powder to your go-to morning smoothie—just don’t think of it as the new be-all and end-all. We do think, however, it’s a heck of a load better than soy isolate. Sorry, soy.
