In putting together this blog I read a lot of other sites and blogs and watch a lot of videos. Some I repost directly but others are interesting as part of learning about something and worth reading but I don’t want to/can’t get permission to feature so I plan to just write a very basic overview of the topic and let you look at some the sources I have used. This is the first.

Plant protein and supplements

These sites I found investigating and looking to buy plant protein. The sites I highlight below on the topic mainly help you to unpack the issues around plant-based products rather than go into the issues around production of whey based supplements, suffice to say the debate on issues relating to planetary warming and livestock production are well rehearsed elsewhere. I would rather, at this point, enable people who want to incorporate plant-based solutions in their diet to any degree to do so in the most sustainable and effective way possible. This said I have included a note on this from my point of view.

There are many varieties of plant-based protein from different sources that are good for different purposes and at different prices. I personally prefer plant based protein to the whey based variety, partly because scientists say we must reduce the area under livestock production in the world but because where the raw materials come from is often unclear so may come from sources that both British farmers and environmentalists agree are very unsustainable. That said there is some debate about some plant proteins and their origins. Sugar content in many products is also an issue. Meanwhile there is a dizzying array of products to choose from. What follows is a list of websites that I used in my research and may help you unpack some of the issues for yourselves.

My takeaway from all this is that if you want to use plant based protein there is no problem nutrition wise but consider – choosing an organically a/o sustainably sourced product made from an appropriate blend of plants – focussed on your specific need – but also – one that is otherwise healthy so low in sugar etc. The same goes for whey products too. Sustainable products of both varieties are more expensive. But I’ve put some of my sources below so read up and make up your own mind.

Useful Sites

http://www.endurancesportsnutritionist.co.uk/plant-protein-vegan. A sensible general overview of the topic from a non-vegan blog

http://www.runnersworld.com/nutrition-weight-loss/a20864694/vegan-protein-powders

http://www.veganook.com/blog/best-vegan-protein-powder/ – a vegan perspective and general overview

https://nutrivegans.com/pages/supplements-vegan-athletes – a good overview

http://www.healthline.com/nutrition/soy-protein-good-or-bad – a general overview.

https://proteinpowder.com/knowledgebase/is-soy-protein-powder-easy-to-digest/ – a discussion of dietary concerns.

https://www.idealraw.com/blog/plant-based-nutrition/soy-protein-isolate-alternatives/ – a fairly intense and perhaps extreme challenge to the use of soya isolate mainly due to production method and sources but also promotes a non-soya brand.

http://www.drinkwholesome.com/plant-based-protein-powder-vs-whey/ – pro plant

http://www.foodunfolded.com/article/sustainable-protein-powders-whey-vs-plant-based

Reviews and purchase

http://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-vegan-protein-powder-review – not all organic

http://www.myvegan.com – ethical commitment but not all products organic

http://www.planetorganic.com/collections/vegan-protein-powder

http://www.theorganicproteincompany.co.uk/products/organic-whey-protein

http://www.theorganicproteincompany.co.uk/products