15% off £35

Code:BONUS15
OffersBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutlet2 for £60 Mix & MatchShort Dated2 for £5 Mix & MatchBuy more save 10%Vitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllHair, Skin & NailsCollagen & SilicaMuscle Support & Joint PainDigestive HealthMagnesiumFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthPerimenopauseMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicBetterYouWeledaBioglanGrass & Co.Nature's WayNatures AidBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletShort Dated3 for £15 Mix & Match3 for 2 Mix & MatchDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkChristmas Food & GiftsFood & Drink Shop AllDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstitutesMushroom DrinksHot ChocolateTeasSuperfood TeasMatcha & Green TeaHerbal TeaPeppermint TeaSleep & RelaxationSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSyrupsSpreadsPateDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksCoconut WaterKombuchaCBD DrinksSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksProtein ShakesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood BlendsSupergreensMoringa PowderSpirulinaMaca PowderFlaxseedBaobabChia SeedsGoji BerriesGut HealthSnacksShop all SnacksSweet SnacksSavoury SnacksLow Calorie SnacksChocolateCrisps & ChipsCrackers & CrispbreadsBiscuits & CookiesSnack BarsFlapjacksLiquoricePopcornVegan FoodShop all Vegan FoodMeat-Free AlternativesDairy Free DrinksEgg SubstitutesVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsGravy, Broths & StockBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsTinned FoodsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy, Broths & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking IngredientsBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy Free DrinksShop all Dairy Free DrinksOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadeHuelHeath & HeatherPukkaTwiningsNakdMeridianPerfectTedBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeSave up to 1/2 PriceOutletShort Dated2 for £5 Mix & MatchBuy more save 10%Gluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeSugar FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeFish FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinWhey ProteinClear ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneElectrolytesEnergy GelsSports CollagenCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutCaffeine Free Pre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutPost WorkoutKetoAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentOptimum NutritionPrecision EngineeredUSNGrenadeApplied NutritionMyproteinHolland & BarrettHuelPhDNakdSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & Match2 for £60 Mix & Match2 for £25 Mix & MatchShort DatedBetter than 1/2 priceOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreePalm Oil FreeMilk FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeNew inBeautyGiftsNatural Beauty Shop AllSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautyFace CareShop all Face CareCleanser & TonerFace MoisturiserFace Oil & SerumFace WashFace Exfoliators & ScrubsFace MasksHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesFeminine CareShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsIncontinence SupportAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaSukinQ+ATrilogyChilds FarmBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceOutletAlcohol FreeParfum FreeGluten FreePalm Oil FreeDairy FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeNew inChristmasCBDShop all CBDCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesCBD Food & DrinkCBD BeautyGrass & Co.Cannaray CBDCBDfxTRIPfourfiveHolistic HerbHolland & BarrettReakiroLove HempBody & Mind BotanicalsBuy one get one 1/2 priceOutletSave up to 1/2 PriceDairy FreeAlcohol FreeGluten FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsSlimming TabletsWeight Management Shakes Shop all Weight Management Shakes Meal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkHealthier CookingLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeasExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsHolland & BarrettGrenadeHeath & HeatherPhDUSNPrecision EngineeredOptimum NutritionTrekBouncePulsinBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price2 for £12 Mix & Match2 for £25 Mix & MatchShort Dated3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBetter than 1/2 priceGluten FreeSugar FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeNew inHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessEnergyJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthHair Skin & NailsStress AnxietySleep & RelaxationHolland & BarrettVitabioticsNaturtintWeledaSolgarOptimum NutritionDr OrganicBetterYouApplied NutritionNew NordicBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & Match2 for £60 Mix & MatchOutlet2 for £12 Mix & Match3 for £15 Mix & MatchShort DatedDairy FreeGluten FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeNew inMedicines and HealthcareVeganShop for your WellnessGut HealthImmunityEnergySkincareWomen's HealthMenstrual HealthMenopauseJoints, Bones & MusclesHair, Skin & NailsSleep & RelaxationFood & DietChildren's HealthStress ReliefHealthy HeartLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesWomen's HealthPeriods & Cycle HealthMenopauseImmunityGut HealthFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast

Explore related topics

What is pea protein powder?

Pea Protein
Discover the wonderful world of pea protein, the nutrient-rich vegan protein source. Learn the benefits of including pea protein in your diet, plus any side effects.

Summary

1What is pea protein powder?

Pea protein powder is a plant-based source of protein made from (you guessed it) peas! Derived from yellow peas specifically, pea protein is known...

2Is pea protein powder suitable for everyone?

Generally speaking, pea protein powder is pretty well tolerated and has little to no reported side effects. However as high levels of protein could...

3Where to buy pea protein from

Fancy giving pea protein a go but you’re not sure where to get it from? Holland & Barrett stock a range of pea protein powder, such as Pulsin Pea...

Explore related topics

Fast becoming one of the most popular plant-based sources of protein, pea protein powder is an ideal vegan alternative for someone looking to supplement their protein intake, alongside a healthy diet and exercise.

But what is pea protein exactly? Is pea protein better than whey protein?

And, if so, what are the benefits of pea protein powder compared to other types of protein powders? 

If these are the sorts of questions you want answers to, you’re in the right place. Learn everything you need to know about pea protein isolate from our detailed guide.

What is pea protein powder?

Pea protein powder is a plant-based source of protein made from (you guessed it) peas!
pea-protien-cover
Derived from yellow peas specifically, pea protein is known for its high protein content, and is often used by individuals looking to increase their protein intake.

Pea protein powder is a great alternative for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, as it provides a complete amino acid profile similar to animal-based proteins. 

Many people incorporate pea protein powder into their post-workout shakes or smoothies, as it helps support muscle recovery and growth.

Is pea protein powder good for you?

Yes, pea protein powder is good for you and actually contains a variety of health benefits – but more on that later!

To give more of an idea of the nutritional value of protein powder, the table below highlights the nutritional information of pea protein powder:

One scoop of pea protein powder contents (32g):1
Calories 113Kcal
Total fat 0.5g
Saturated fat0.3g
Cholesterol5.1mg
Sodium50mg
Potassium160mg
Total carbohydrates1g
Protein25g

Is pea protein better than whey protein?

Well, it depends.
pea-protein-powder
It could be argued that pea protein is better than whey protein regarding certain factors like allergies, as whey protein often contains lactose and glucose whereas pea protein, and other dairy-free protein powders, do not. 

Pea protein is also completely vegan, meaning this could be a more popular choice for vegetarians and vegans.

In terms of protein content, both contain a similar amount but whey protein does tend to offer a few more grams per serving.

8 pea protein benefits

1. It has all the essential amino acids

Even though it’s made from plants, pea protein does contain all nine of the essential amino acids (histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine) that our bodies can’t make on their own. 

Although it’s worth noting that it is pretty low in methionine.2
 

2. It's vegan

If you’re on a vegan diet, good news! Pea protein is vegan, so you can get your ‘ve-gains’ without having to consume animal products!
 

3. It’s naturally hypoallergenic

In a similar vein, pea protein is naturally hypoallergenic in comparison to a lot of other protein powders like soy and whey varieties. 

It also doesn’t contain any gluten making it a good source of protein in a gluten-free diet.
 

4. It’s easier to digest

Another benefit of pea protein is that it is easier for the stomach to digest. 

This is because the stomach breaks it down into small particles in vitro, in contrast to casein proteins which dissolve.3

It could also be argued that due to its hypoallergenic properties, pea protein powder could be easier to digest for people with sensitive stomachs or dietary requirements.
 

5. It could help to burn fat and tone muscle

Pea protein, unlike other forms of protein, releases the ghrelin hormone which normally increases appetite, but it also brings about the release of growth hormones which help to break down fat tissue and build and tone muscle at the same time.4,5
 

6. It’s a good source of iron

Another nutritional benefit of pea protein powder is that it is rich in iron. 

An average serving of protein powder contains roughly between 25% to 30% of the daily recommended intake of iron for adults.6
 

7. It helps to keep you full

Within the health and fitness industry, it’s no secret that protein is the most filling macronutrient compared to carbohydrates and fat.

One study in particular highlighted that consuming just 20g of pea protein powder half an hour before eating pizza lowered the average amount of calories that were consumed by approximately 12%.8
 

8. It could have a positive effect on heart health

Pea protein has also been studied in relation to heart health. 

Specifically, animal studies have explored how it can reduce cholesterol levels by increasing the uptake of cholesterol into the cells while also reducing the production level of fats.9,10
 

How much pea protein powder should you have?

Each serving of pea protein powder is roughly 30g, and it can be consumed up to three times a day if under an intensive training schedule.11
pea-protein-powder-scoop

9 uses of pea protein powder

Fortunately, pea protein powder, like many other types of protein, can be used in a variety of different ways other than a pea protein shake.

Pea protein powder can also be used in baking recipes as a substitute for traditional flour, adding a boost of protein to various dishes. 

Here are some creative uses of pea protein (where you only have to add a scoop to the recipe) that you could try:

Does pea protein make you gain weight?

Most foods or drinks when overconsumed can make you gain weight – especially if it means you’re in a calorie surplus. 

However, pea protein is comparatively lower in calories than some other forms of protein, such as whey protein, so it may actually be a good choice if you’re looking to lose weight.

Additionally, we previously highlighted how it can actually help to build muscle and burn fat, so it’s important to remember that it may make the number on the scales go up, but that could be because muscle weighs more than fat.

Is pea protein powder bad for your kidneys?

Any type of high protein diet isn’t recommended for people with pre-existing kidney issues. However, there is no evidence to suggest that protein could cause kidney damage in people with healthy kidneys.12,13

Are there any side effects to pea protein powder?

Pea protein is actually one of the lowest risk protein powders since it’s allergen-free, but that doesn’t mean to say that it couldn’t cause some side effects in individuals. 

For example, some people may experience mild digestive upset, but this is far less common compared to other forms of protein.

Is pea protein powder suitable for everyone?

Generally speaking, pea protein powder is pretty well tolerated and has little to no reported side effects. 

However as high levels of protein could cause issues for people with kidney problems, it’s best to seek the advice of your GP before trying pea protein. 

Some people may also have dietary requirements which mean they cannot tolerate high levels of protein, such as Phenylketonuria14. Always check with your GP before beginning to take any kind of supplements. 

Pea protein can also be relatively high in sodium, with products containing around 110-390mg per serving – so people on a sodium restricted diet should be mindful of their intake.

Where to buy pea protein from

Fancy giving pea protein a go but you’re not sure where to get it from? 

Holland & Barrett stock a range of pea protein powder, such as Pulsin Pea Protein. 

Nowadays, pea protein is a lot easier to get your hands on as there is plenty of vegan alternatives on the market. 

There may be limited choice at a supermarket, but most health food shops should stock a range of protein powders, including pea protein.

The final say

Pea protein is a great plant-based alternative to whey protein whether you’re vegan or not.

And as well as being a high-quality source of protein, it also comes with a range of other benefits from being allergen-free to being rich in iron. 

For more information on vegan protein powders, our informative guide has you covered.

Related Articles