Best Protein Powder for Kids: Top Plant-Based Protein Shakes
Choosing best protein powder for kids is about more than just plant-based ingredients. Taste, nutritional profile, and convenience matter.
Our focused exploration presents the top plant-based protein shakes that excel in these categories, providing the essential details you need to make an informed choice without overwhelming you with jargon or unnecessary detail.
Key Takeaways
- Plant-based proteins are not just a trend; they’re linked to reduced risk of diseases, better digestive health, and environmental sustainability.
- Creating a killer shake from protein powder for kids involves choosing the right base, boosting protein with a variety of sources, and jazzing it up with flavorful, nutrient-dense ingredients.
- Plant-based protein shakes for kids can be both convenient and nutritious, ensuring kids get the necessary protein and other nutrients in a tasty, easy-to-consume way.
Discovering the Power of Plant-Based Protein
Plant-based protein holds undeniable potency. In 2020, a whopping 28% of Americans were consuming more plant-based protein than the previous year. And it’s not just about following a trend. Consuming plant-based proteins is associated with increased longevity and decreased morbidity. They can contribute to reducing the risk of:
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- various cancers
- obesity
- stroke
- type 2 diabetes
Moreover, producing plant-based proteins fosters environmental sustainability. Some companies have even committed to planting a tree for every order of their plant-based protein powder. They have a high fiber content for a healthier gut environment and regular digestive function.
Almond and Buckwheat Based Best Protein Powder for Kids
Celebrate the nutritional power of plants with our Plant-Based Complete Nutrition Toddler Drink. Crafted from over 90% whole plant ingredients like buckwheat, almond, and tapioca, each serving is a powerhouse of protein, vitamins, and minerals tailored for your toddler’s growth and well-being.
Enriched with Omega-3 DHA and essential nutrients, our formula is meticulously designed to foster healthy development during those crucial toddler years.
It stands as a genuine, deliciously plant-powered alternative to traditional dairy and soy options, ensuring your little one avoids any “nasties” like corn syrup solids, artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, palm oil, or GMOs.
Crafting the Perfect Plant-Based Protein Shake
Let’s delve into how to create the ideal protein shake, especially tailored for kids. The key to a nutritious and tasty protein shake lies in selecting top-notch ingredients that provide high-quality protein and essential macronutrients.
Opting for non-GMO, organic, and gluten-free components can significantly elevate the nutritional content and quality of the shakes.
Incorporating these shakes into a child’s diet can promote a well-rounded nutritional profile and support their daily needs for calories and protein.
Whether as a swift breakfast option, a substitute for a meal, or a nourishing snack, crafting a kid-friendly protein shake can be a convenient and effective way to supplement their diet.
This makes protein powder for kids an excellent choice for those seeking nutritious meal replacement solutions.
Choosing the Right Base
Choosing the right base for your child’s shake is essential. Various plant-based milks bring unique textures and nutritional benefits. For instance, oat milk provides a foamy texture, while cashew milk adds creaminess, essential for a smooth shake experience. Yet, these milks often have lower protein levels.
It’s important to note that the protein content among plant-based milks varies widely. Besides protein, options like oat and hemp milks enrich shakes with extra nutrients such as fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, boosting the overall nutritional value of the shake.
This consideration is key in formulating a nutritious and appealing shake with protein powder for kids, enhancing their diet beyond just protein.
Adding Flavor and Nutrients
Infusing your plant-based shake with flavor and nutrients can be an enjoyable and imaginative task. You can use natural sweeteners and ingredients like:
- frozen bananas
- organic coconut sugar
- cacao powder
- nut butters
to enhance flavor and nutritional value.
In addition to transforming your shake into a treat, these additions also provide essential nutrients. Some examples include:
- Avocados
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Plant-based oils
These ingredients are sources of healthy fats vital for hormone production, nutrient absorption, and overall bodily functions.
Boosting Protein Content
The primary objective when creating the perfect protein shake is to enhance the protein content. Incorporating various plant-based protein sources like:
- seitan
- tofu
- beans
- lentils
Achieving muscle growth can help you with this.
Plant-based milk such as pea and soy can be used as a base for protein shakes, potentially offering between 6 to 20 grams of protein per cup depending on the brand.
To achieve optimal nutrition, include sources of healthy fats and carbohydrates in addition to protein in your shakes, like with nuts and seeds which also offer fiber and healthy fats.
Best Protein Powder For Kids: A Comprehensive Review
Having gained insight into plant-based proteins and the process of crafting the perfect plant-based protein shake, let’s embark on a detailed review of the top 5 protein shakes currently available on the market.
These shakes offer a range of plant-based protein sources, flavors, and nutritional benefits.
Nonetheless, not every store-purchased plant-based protein shake is of the same quality. Some may contain undesirable added sugars or sweeteners.
Therefore, it’s crucial to investigate each product’s nutritional profile before choosing the best protein powder for your and your kids needs.
Vega One All-In-One Shake
Kicking off our list is the Vega One All-In-One Shake. This product is USDA Organic, non-GMO certified, vegan, and gluten-free, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions.
The shake includes organic greens like kale and spinach, along with a full spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals, offering up to 50% DV of 12 essential nutrients. Plus, users have praised its great taste and variety of flavors.
Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder is the next item on the list. It is a popular choice for those seeking plant based protein powders options. This product is USDA Organic certified, ensuring that it meets strict organic standards.
This protein powder offers 21 grams of protein per 150 calorie serving, made from a blend of pea, brown rice, and chia proteins. Consumers often praise Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder for its delicious taste and smooth texture, making it a favorite choice among many.
KOS Organic Plant-Based Protein
Another great option is the KOS Organic Plant-Based Protein. It is a high-quality product to consider. It contains a unique blend of organic proteins, including:
- Pea protein
- Flaxseed protein
- Quinoa protein
- Pumpkin seed protein
- Chia seed protein
This USDA organic certified product is devoid of:
- hormones
- antibiotics
- pesticides
- artificial sweeteners
- colors
- GMOs
making it a clean and wholesome choice. Plus, users are guaranteed satisfaction with a full refund within 30 days if the product does not meet expectations.
Sunwarrior Warrior Blend
Sunwarrior Warrior Blend makes it to our top five as the best vegan protein powder with its combination of organic pea protein, organic hemp seed protein, and organic goji berry protein. This vegan protein powder is free from common allergens and dietary no-no’s such as:
- soy
- gluten
- dairy
- GMOs
- artificial ingredients
ensuring compatibility with a range of health-conscious diets. Plus, its smooth texture and variety of flavors make it a popular choice among users.
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein
The last product to mention is the Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein. It’s definitely worth considering. This product includes a rich blend of 14 plant-based protein sources, providing 22 grams of protein per serving.
Apart from vanilla protein, this organic powder is enriched with vitamins A, D, E, and K, contributing to overall health without any added sugars. Consumers report that Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein supports muscle recovery and is easy to digest, minimizing heaviness or bloating.
Meeting Your Plant-based Protein Needs: Tips for Success
While plant-based protein shakes provide an excellent supplement to your daily protein consumption, diversifying the plant-based protein sources in your routine meals is also vital. A well-planned plant-based diet can provide all necessary nutrients, including adequate protein.
Nonetheless, it’s worth mentioning that many vegans may find it challenging to consume sufficient protein, emphasizing the need for strategic meal planning.
The average daily protein requirement falls between 0.4 to 0.73 grams per pound of body weight, with variances depending on physical activity levels.
Meal Planning Strategies
People on plant-based can meet their protein requirements by planning meals that blend various protein-dense plant foods, like pairing grains with legumes or nuts with vegetables.
High-protein vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and artichokes can be incorporated into meals to boost protein intake.
For snacks and shakes, Ezekiel bread made from sprouted whole grains and legumes and mycoprotein from meat substitutes can provide high levels of protein.
Tracking protein intake is advised for plant-based diet to ensure they meet their daily requirements.
Balancing Macronutrients
Grasping the function of macronutrients is fundamental to meet nutritional needs in a plant-based diet. A diverse variety of plant-based foods is essential to easily meet macronutrient requirements for vegetarians and vegans.
Carbohydrates are crucial for energy and should be sourced from:
- Whole grains
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Legumes
in a vegan diet. Healthy fats from nuts and nut butters, along with protein sources, are a necessary component of a vegan meal plan.
Analyzing the macros ratio is helpful to ensure that the percentage of calories from proteins, fats, and carbs aligns with individual dietary goals.
Plant-based Protein Powder Shakes For Kids
Now, we shouldn’t neglect the nutritional needs of our little ones. Else Nutrition offers a plant-powered complete nutrition shake for kids.
It’s a convenient and nutritious option for busy families who want to ensure their kids are getting all the nutrients they need while following a plant-based diet.
Being easy to prepare and available in kid-friendly flavors, these shakes simplify the task of getting your children to relish them. So, with a bit of planning and the right products, it’s entirely possible to meet your children’s protein needs with plant-based protein shakes.
Summary
To wrap up, plant-based proteins provide a wealth of benefits, offering a sustainable and healthful alternative to animal-based proteins. From pea protein to brown rice protein, and even hemp protein, the variety of plant-based proteins ensures that you can find one that suits your dietary needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK for kids to use protein powder?
Yes, it can be okay for kids to use protein powder, particularly if they have dietary restrictions or increased nutritional needs that make it challenging to get enough protein from their diet alone.
However, it’s essential to choose protein powders carefully, focusing on those that are free from added sugars, artificial flavors, and unnecessary additives.
Almond and buckwheat proteins are good plant-based options, as they are naturally derived and can be easier to digest for kids.
Always consult with a healthcare provider or a dietitian before adding protein powder to a child’s diet to ensure it’s suitable and safe for their specific needs.
What kind of protein is best for kids?
The best kinds of protein for kids include those that are easily digestible and come from whole food sources. Almond protein is a great option due to its balance of essential amino acids and additional nutrients like magnesium and vitamin E.
Buckwheat protein is another excellent choice, particularly because it’s not only rich in protein but also in fiber and antioxidants, supporting overall health.
Both these plant-based proteins can be beneficial for kids, especially if they’re integrated into a balanced diet that includes a variety of protein sources.
What happens if child doesn’t get enough protein?
Protein is essential for growth and development in children, so a lack of adequate protein intake can lead to several health issues. These can include stunted growth, weakened immune system, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
Protein is crucial for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and supporting overall growth and bone health.
Ensuring a child receives enough protein through their diet or supplements like almond or buckwheat protein powders, under guidance from a healthcare professional, can help avoid these potential deficiencies.
The content and advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice for specific medical conditions. Always consult a pediatrician to understand the individual needs of your child. The article expresses solely the views of the article editor.