Pea Protein
Pea protein is extracted from yellow split peas and is the dominant plant protein on the market. It is high in BCAAs (especially leucine) and arginine, but limited in methionine. That is why it is almost always blended with rice protein to create a complete amino profile.
Why It Matters
Pea protein delivers a similar leucine content to whey at a similar price, which makes it the best vegan option for muscle building. The downsides are texture (chalkier than whey) and a faintly earthy flavor that requires more aggressive sweetening or flavoring to mask.
How to Spot It on a Label
Pea protein isolate should appear as the first ingredient. Most pea-only formulas add a 'methionine boost' or are blended with rice protein to fix the amino gap. Watch out for blends that bury small amounts of pea behind cheaper fillers like maltodextrin.
Examples from real products
Related Terms
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