Changing habits can seem Whey too daunting … get it? But in all seriousness, when it comes to swapping dairy for plant-based protein powder, we know some of you may be reluctant to try something new. After all, why change to a new protein powder flavour when you like your current one? With many people making a switch to dairy free diets and with whey often being more expensive than vegan alternatives, we’ve listed our top reasons why you should look to try Faba bean protein (fava bean) and potentially make the full switch…
What is Faba or Fava bean, you ask?
Not content with the one name, these super beans are referred to by many different names. Faba beans are also known as fava beans, bell beans, English beans or the more common broad beans, and are part of the pea and bean family. The extraction process to make protein is simple; the protein is obtained from the bean to make faba protein.
Faba bean protein is incredibly high-protein and gives unflavoured whey protein a run for its money. In fact, faba beans have the SAME protein content as whey isolate – a whopping 90%. Granted, it is not a complete protein; but in a balanced western diet, this isn’t necessary. If you’re aiming to consume protein powder solely as your main protein source, you should also try Pulsin Unflavoured Soya Protein, Pulsin Unflavoured Rice Protein or Pulsin Unflavoured Hemp Protein. With so many protein supplements available, you’re sure to find the right one for you!
Are there any environmental benifits of Faba beans?
For those of you who are sustainability-savvy, Pulsin’s faba bean protein powder is your new best friend. Studies have shown that faba beans have the lowest CO2 emissions of all legumes and pulses, even lower than our friend the yellow pea (used to make our pea proteins).
Not only are they just high in protein content, but these high protein levels also make it much easier and more efficient to extract the protein into a consumable powder than with whey protein supplements. As a result, the overall environmental impact of producing fava protein is lower than whey – with around an 80-90% lower carbon footprint!
Protein and carbon footprints aren’t the only things going for this amazing legume. Faba bean protein is incredibly nutritious, including a range of different macronutrients and amino acids in every scoop. On top of this, it’s hypoallergenic, naturally gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan friendly. Removing lactose and gluten also helps ease digestion and bloating, a common side effect for those intolerant to whey or lactose products.
We know what you’re thinking, you’re worried about it tasting … what’s the word? Grainy? Don’t worry. Faba is said to have practically no beany flavour or grainy texture, unlike pea or rice protein. This is why we often recommend faba protein to those who want a neutral flavoured protein (who find pea too strong for example) or as the closest vegan protein powder alternative to whey. As it is so neutral, it is perfect for adding to plant-based yoghurts, protein pancakes and more! It also makes for a great flavoured vanilla protein powder. Our Vanilla Faba Bean is the perfect protein powder to add to any sweet treat such as your protein shakes, smoothies or baking.
It is the perfect plant-based protein powder to up your protein intake or to support your fitness and health goals.
Top 12 Faba bean protein questions:
What are the top Fava bean protein powder benefits?
Faba Protein Powder is the perfect substitute for whey protein. It contains the same protein content, has a lower environmental impact, has little to no taste, and is hypoallergenic with gluten-free properties. Coupled with its versatility when it comes to the kitchen, adding protein to your meals never seemed so easy!
What is Faba bean protein?
Faba bean protein comes from the seeds of the fruits of the Vicia faba plant. The protein is extracted from the seeds, also known as the broad beans.
Are Faba beans and Fava beans the same?
Yes! Faba beans (most commonly known as broad beans) are from the flowering plant Vicia faba and are known under several different names, including fava bean, bell bean, English bean and more!
Is Faba bean protein low fodmap?
Faba beans are high in oligosaccharides, which are essentially carbohydrate sugars. This means they have a high FODMAP. Therefore, if you’re on a low FODMAP diet, you should avoid faba beans.
What is Faba bean protein powder isolate?
Isolates, in regards to protein powders, have higher protein quantities than concentrates. The process to extract a more protein-heavy result takes an increased amount of energy, water and chemicals in the process. However, both Faba bean protein isolate and faba bean protein concentrate are both less impactful to the environment than extracting protein from cow’s milk, like whey protein.
What are the benefits of Faba bean?
Faba beans are nutritious, containing a number of amino acids and macronutrients. They’re vegan, allergen-free, dairy-free and gluten-free! As well as being versatile in the cooking sense and high in protein.
Is Faba bean a plant-based protein powder?
Yes. Fresh fava beans come from the legumes family and are a 100% plant-based protein source.
Is Faba bean a complete protein?
Faba beans are not a complete protein. They are around 85% – 90% protein and are packed full of amino acids, perfect for muscle growth.
What protein powders are gluten-free?
All of our protein powders are gluten-free, including pea, rice, hemp, soy and faba! Our protein bars are gluten-free too, if you fancy a quick protein snack without the hassle of making a shake or adding to a meal!
What protein powders are lactose-free?
Most of our protein powders are lactose-free. All plant-based powders including pea, rice, hemp, soy and faba are lactose-free. The same goes for our protein bars. Avoid our Whey Protein range to avoid lactose!
Faba bean protein vs pea protein under direct comparison:
The CO2 emissions of faba bean protein vs protein from yellow peas were the same. However, faba is said to have a less beany flavour than pea, with lower sodium content and a superior texture when it comes to adding the protein powders to meals and shakes.
Is Faba bean environmentally friendly?
Absolutely! Compared to other legumes and plant-based protein powders, faba protein has one of the lowest carbon footprints. In comparison to whey, faba has an 80-90% lower carbon footprint, whilst maintaining the same protein content of 90%.
