Rice Protein Powder: What is the best option?
The best rice protein powder is a plant based protein source that is more suitable to vegans and vegetarians over the traditional whey alternative.In this article, we go into more detail about the best rice protein powder, the benefits, how it compares to other options on the market and more frequently asked questions about these plant proteins.
Is Rice Protein Powder Good for You?
Brown rice protein powder has many additional health benefits. Like other protein supplements, rice protein can aid in weight loss and maintenance, while also helping avoid blood sugar spikes. Brown rice protein powder is packed with antioxidants and high in B-vitamins and fiber.
Rice protein can be just as effective as whey, and help to deliver:
- Muscle Building
- Better Endurance
- Higher Power Output
- Better Post Workout Recovery
- Strength Boosts
- Reduction in Hunger
- Fat Loss
If you’re following a vegetarian or vegan diet, and are looking for a plant-based protein powder to help either with your general health or improve your muscle mass while weight lifting this is the article for you.
We’ll be answering some of the most frequently asked questions regarding rice protein, the benefits, and our pick for the best option on the market.
Contents
- 1 Is Rice Protein Powder Good for You?
- 2 Rice Protein Powder Benefits
- 3 What is the Best Rice Protein Powder?
- 4 Is Rice Protein Powder Better than Whey?
- 5 What is the Healthiest Protein Powder?
- 6 What is rice protein powder?
Rice Protein Powder Benefits
Like other protein supplements, rice protein can aid in weight loss and maintenance, and help avoid blood sugar spikes. Rice protein is packed with antioxidants and high in B-vitamins and fiber. Brown rice protein has even been shown in some cases to enhance liver, heart, and kidney function and help regulate cholesterol.
Below, we look at some of the main benefits associated with rice protein powder and how it can help you compared to some of the other options out there on the market.
Easy to Digest
Rice protein is an excellent option if you’re looking for a protein source which does not cause gastric discomfort such as bloating, cramping or general gas.
Dairy based proteins on the other hand are notorious for causing issues like this. Research journals such as Food Chemistry claim that rice protein delivers more than 90% digestibility and high bioavailability.
This makes it more effective than other vegetarian and vegan options on the market such as soy protein and pea protein.
Hypo-Allergenic
As Rice Protein contains no soy, dairy, wheat, and in some cases is non GMO, non irradiated, banned substance tested and synthetic additive free – it’s great for those who have allergies.
You shouldn’t have any problems supplementing protein powders which are rice-based. Unless you have a specific allergy to rice, if so you have to ask yourself, why you are reading an article about sprouted brown rice being used as rice protein powders.
Vegan Friendly
Rice Protein Powders are 100% vegan and vegetarian friendly. If you are looking for a vegan protein powder that doesn’t stir up any allergies and that is easy to digest, rice protein is always a good option.
If you’re a vegan athlete who’s looking to improve muscle mass and strength gains with high quality protein in a more convenient way than just eating lentils, chickpeas, peas and more in high quantities – a vegan protein powder could be just what you need.
You’ll get in those extra grams of protein to grow at a much faster rate. It’s the best choice for vegetarians and vegans.
Excellent Amino Acid Profile
Rice protein is a great source of the main amino acids needed to help boost muscle mass and muscle growth.
When mixed with a well rounded vegan diet, the amino acid profile of rice protein can supply a great amount of leucine – which is incredibly effective for building muscle.
With rice protein forms such as Oryzatein, the branched chain amino acids profiles can be absorbed in some cases even faster than what you would get in standard whey proteins which makes it a great vegan alternative to some of the mainstream protein powders out there.
Normalize Blood Sugar
With it’s high protein content, rice protein can help reduce insulin spikes that are often associated with meals that contain high levels of carbohydrates.
When you’re eating a high level of carbohydrates, consuming a rice protein can help slow down the overall absorption of the foods. The main way this can help you is by cutting down on the dreaded brain fog and exhaustion that you sometimes feel after eating a big meal.
Bottom Line: Rice Protein Benefits
Rice protein contains a range of different benefits that range from being easy to digest, easy to take for people with allergies, vegan and vegetarian friendly, containing an excellent amino acid profile and can actually contribute towards healthy blood sugar.
The protein per these products can help improve your physique, aid in recovery from a workout and can help fat loss via being a healthier alternative to some other meals taken after a workout.
What is the Best Rice Protein Powder?
There are plenty of options when it comes to rice protein powders, but which is the best rice protein powder for you?
To find out, we did some heavy research in the market, to find the cleanest, most efficient, and tasty rice protein powders for you to use to help build your body with a plant based vegan protein powder.
We we’re looking for protein powders that were:
- Plant Based (Rice)
- Vegan
- GMP Certified
- GMO Free / Non GMO
- Synthetic Additive Free
- Soy Free
- Gluten Free
- Banned Substance Tested
- Non Irradiated
We didn’t want anything that could potential cause side effects through artificial ingredients. We wanted something that has a high protein count, good amino acids, high quality and ideal for overall muscle growth.
Here’s what we found…
Our #1: Performance Lab SPORT Protein
Performance Lab SPORT Protein, is not just a high quality protein, it is the high quality brown rice protein powder.
It currently retails at the price of $59.00 for one month’s supply, but for the amount of nutritional support it delivers – it is worth it for the price.
Official Website: PerformanceLab.com
Let’s start with the formula…
Aside from the fact that Performance Lab is a vegan protein which is better for digestion than whey protein supplements – and meeting all the criteria in the section above, Performance Lab Protein uses Oryzatein – which is a brown rice grain protein, which gives whey a serious run for its money.
Why does Oryzatein beat whey? Because it’s been clinically shown to be just as effective as whey when it comes to building lean muscle mass. What’s more the Leucine amino acid, which is incredibly necessary for muscle building is absorbed 30% from Oryzatein than it is with whey.
To push the absorption rate even further, Performance Lab SPORT Protein contains probiotic bacillus coagulans which helps you absorb even more of this plant based protein powder.
Not only that, there’s also an added 50 mg of Himalayan Pink salt in every serving. This is great for giving your body an additional supply of sodium to help restore electrolytes post workout.
Nutrition Facts:
For those who can’t see the label – here’s a more general breakdown:
- One serving: 2 scoops (30 g)
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 1.2 g
- Sodium: 23 mg
- Carbohydrate: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
It is absolutely clean and mean with 20 grams of protein per serving. There’s next to no carbohydrates in here which also makes suitable protein shakes for people on a keto diet.
However, if you do actually want carbohydrates with it – Performance Lab have a ‘Carb’ product that you can combine in the same shaker with the protein for maximum nutrition.
Why does Oryzatein actually matter?
It’s essentially the Rolls Royce of rice protein powder made from whole grain brown rice. Here’s a quick rundown on why you should like it:
- It’s completely USDA organic and sourced from the top organic rice farms.
- There’s also minimum processing required to get it ready for consumption, just organic enzymes on a low heat will do it.
- Works as a complete protein (unlike other rice proteins)
- Builds muscle as effectively as whey
- 30% Faster than whey for leucine absorption – and much faster in general than casein protein.
- Enhanced with the probiotic Bacillus Coagulans which may help overall protein intake absorption.
What about the flavor?
It’s chocolate – and it’s amazing.
Taste can be important to some people when it comes to protein shakes – and we did say we were looking for the best possible option on the market.
Performance Lab Protein does taste exceptional with all natural flavorings of organic cocoa, vanilla bean, cinnamon, yacon root, monk fruit and stevia to make a thick and rich natural chocolate flavor.
Why is this vegan protein different to the other options out there on the market?
Performance Lab Protein is one of the better rice protein powders option as it doesn’t fall into the some of the risky areas that other protein supplements do.
For example:
It’s made from USDA organic rice – Other protein supplement companies may get their protein sources from dairy, soy or other questionable origins which can risk the cleanliness of the product.
Rice protein requires very little processing – Whey, casein and other bigger proteins require aggressive amounts of processing before they are fit for human consumption.
All the coloring and flavorings are completely natural – Other post workout shakes may use artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners to make up for what they cannot deliver naturally.
Where can you buy Performance Lab SPORT Protein?
The only place you can buy Performance Lab SPORT Protein is at PerformanceLab.com for $59.00.
It currently ships worldwide, and there are discounts on multibox purchases. If you’re on a serious muscle-building phase and decide you need a 3 month supply, you can get a 4th tub absolutely free.
This brings the total value down on each tub to around $39.83 – and the shipping is absolutely free.
Bottom Line: Performance Lab SPORT Protein is #1
Containing 20 grams of protein per serving, being non GMO, and working just as well as whey (and in some cases even faster when it comes to leucine absorption) Performance Lab Protein is in our opinion, the best rice protein that you can purchase.
The amount of protein in here is good – and it’s an aggressively clean formula. Not only that, the product itself tastes great. It’s a reliable, vegan high protein which delivers a lot per serving.
To get the best deal, see the full product page over at the official site below:
Is Rice Protein Powder Better than Whey?
Protein powders made from brown rice have been around for a while, but they are generally considered inferior to whey protein for building muscle. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Although rice protein contains all of the essential amino acids, some argue they are too low in leucine to be a complete protein.
However, with cutting edge options like Oryzatein, not only is rice protein just as capable as whey in terms of leucine, that amino acid also absorbs 30% faster than whey into your body.
And that’s not all – below, we’ll walk you through all the differences between Whey and Rice Protein to see for yourself which option is the more effective for muscle growth – and in general.
Rice Protein Powder VS Whey Protein Powder
There are numerous reasons why utilizing rice protein can offer you more benefits to whey. Below, we look at the main reasons why you should make the switch to a rice protein product.
As our example, we’ll use Performance Lab SPORT Protein’s profile and how it compares to a typical whey source.
Let’s start at the source of the protein…
Whey comes from cows, and given the amount of scandals of animal well-being in the dairy industry, there’s a chance that the protein from the whey could have unknown origins and questionable cleanliness and quality from the cows they come from.
Whereas the rice used for Performance Lab protein comes from organic rice farms – exceedingly clean.
How aggressively are these proteins processed?
Whey requires extensive processing to get it to a level that is fit for human consumption. Essentially, everything from the dairy industry does. Even cow milk has to go through numerous forms of processing before it is ready for you to use.
Again, rice protein contains very little processing. All that’s needed is for the rice to be treated with natural enzymes at a low heat to get it to a suitable level of consumption.
Are numerous sweeteners involved to mask the taste?
With whey? Definitely. Many report unflavored whey to deliver a somewhat cheesy taste when it is not treated with additives, flavors and sweeteners to take away any hint that you’re drinking some form of cheese.
Rice protein doesn’t need much done to it. In Performance Lab SPORT Protein, it is naturally flavored with organic cocoa, vanilla bean and Ceylon cinnamon, the sweeteners are also yacon root, monk fruit and stevia leaf extract.
No overpowering flavored are needed due to the natural neutral taste of the rice protein.
How long does each protein take to absorb and start working?
The leucine in whey which is the amino acid that supports muscle-building, typically takes around 85 minutes to get fully absorbed into your body.
However, the Oryzatein Rice Protein leucine in Performance Lab Protein can do that in 67 minutes – which is nearly 30% faster absorption than whey. It’s the more efficient protein here.
Will either of these give me gas?
Whey is notorious for causing gas, gastrointestinal distress and general stomach pains. Especially if you are lactose intolerant, or have any weaknesses to dairy.
Rice protein on the other hand is much easier to absorb and more natural. The Performance Lab SPORT protein is also vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and non-GMO.
What is the Healthiest Protein Powder?
There are numerous forms of protein powder out there which are plan based protein and healthier sources than the typical whey options. We’re talking about plant proteins.
Below, we look at the main options that are alternatives to the traditional whey, but still offer the same benefits as plant based protein sources.
Brown Rice Protein Powder
Sprouted brown rice protein powder is by far our favorite form of protein. It’s the only option when it comes to plant based protein sources which can go toe-to-toe with whey while still having all the benefits of being a vegan option.
Not only are forms of rice protein like Oryzatein actually delivering faster leucine (muscle building blocks amino acids) absorption than whey based proteins – you don’t get the drawbacks of a dairy based protein supplement.
That means you can still get the same amount of protein without having to face issues like lactose intolerance, or dairy related issues such as gastrointestinal distress, gas and stomach cramps.
Rice Protein VS Pea Protein Powder
Pea protein shakes are a close second to brown rice protein powder. The main reason being is that pea protein isn’t as digestible or as bioavailable as rice protein.
The yield on it is still good, and it is a complete protein, but it can’t all be utilized to the same extent as rice protein.
That said there is still plenty of research out there which shows pea protein to help build muscle mass, as well as keeping you full and satisfied. There’s also some evidence to show that it can help heart health by supporting lower blood pressure and reducing cholesterol.
The main drawback that we would say with it, is not only does this protein source not digest as easily as rice protein – but it can also be high in sodium. If you’re watching your salt / sodium intake – you may need to do your research into your protein intake options before settling on pea as a source.
Rice Protein VS Hemp Protein Powder
Hemp protein powder is another runner up to brown rice protein. It’s got a great amino acid profile, it’s a complete protein, and like rice, it requires very little processing to be turned into a protein powder.
The only thing we would say is that it’s protein content is far less than that of pea or soy based protein. There’s also a risk factor with hemp based protein causing digestive problems. If you have an allergy to hemp, or generally have a weak stomach – you may not get pleasant results when using hemp protein.
Typically sprouted brown rice protein is a better plant based option.
Aside from that it’s a great source of fiber, and for the high quality option always look for cold pressed hemp.
Rice Protein VS Soy Protein Powder
Again, soy is a complete protein, but it is at the bottom of our list when it comes to plant based proteins. Although it’s amino acid profile can help contribute to muscle protein synthesis – it may not be as effective as even whey for helping build muscle.
Although it’s not as effective as whey, soy based protein can definitely be a cleaner option, offering health beenfits such as supporting to reduce cholesterol.
The main drawback with this protein source is that it does not support muscle protein synthesis as well as other options in our list. There are even some individuals who are intolerant to soy, which is another issue in itself.
Aside from these drawbacks, it’s still an excellent source of protein for any vegetarians or vegans looking to give their building blocks of muscle more support.
Bottom Line: Rice Protein is the most effective
Being far easier to absorb and digest, rice protein is arguably the most effective form of protein intake when it comes to plant based protein powders on the market.
What is rice protein powder?
Rice protein powder is typically made by grinding up rice grains and treating them with an enzyme that separates the starch (carbohydrate) from the protein at a low heat. Rice protein is considered a medium-digesting protein.
However in some cases such as Oryzatein, the protein is actually faster to digest and absorb than whey, up to 30% faster. It’s good for building muscle, it digests easily, and is gluten free and and allergen free.
As an added bonus, turning to rice protein powder is actually better for the environment too as opposed to whey based protein powder, as there are fewer carbon emissions and require far fewer natural resources to maintain.
It’s a good option, supplying your body with numerous essential amino acids without the need of animal based protein sources.
Can rice protein powder cause bloating?
Consuming rice protein supplements usually does not result in bloating, cramping, or any other gastric discomfort (people can‘t say the same about whey). Rice protein, according to research in Food Chemistry, can be easier to digest than whey.
Especially if you are using rice protein sources like Performance Lab. The Oryzatein is incredibly easy for your body to digest and nourish your system, without causing problems with your stomach.
How is rice protein powder made?
Rice protein powder is made by grinding up rice grains and then treating the rice with an enzyme that separates the starches (carbohydrate) from the protein at a low heat. Rice protein is considered a medium-digesting protein between whey and casein.
As you can see, there is very little processing required to make that protein powder, making rice one of the cleanest protein sources for your body.
Does brown rice protein powder have any side effects?
Brown rice protein powder has not been linked to causing any side effects. However if you have any allergies to white rice, brown rice or any form of rice for that matter you should not use rice based protein sources.
If you do not have any allergies to it, you should not have a problem using a rice based protein intake.
What is brown rice protein powder good for?
Foods that are high in protein content like brown rice protein powder help create a thermic effect where your body creates heat and burns more calories for hours after eating it. Lean protein options such as protein extracted from brown rice helps us to effectively manage weight loss and lose unwanted fat, as well as build desired muscle post workout.
Where to buy Rice Protein Powder?
There are numerous places that sell brown rice protein powder both in stores and online. However, the best place that we can recommend would be to look around online.
Not a lot of health stores stock a significant amount of rice protein options on their shelves, you’re more likely to find the best options for you on the internet.
To get the protein that we recommend: Performance Lab SPORT Protein, you can simply visit their website and order it direct. They do not sell via Amazon, GNC, RiteAid or any of the other third party supplement vendors.
For finding out more about Performance Lab SPORT Protein, visit the link below: