Page 16 - Today's Dietitian (March 2020)

PLANT

PROTEIN

POWDERS

T

By GINGER HULTIN, MS, RDN, CSO

There are many types of protein powders lining the Driving the Trend
shelves in grocery, drug, and health food stores. Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDE, FAND, a spokesperson
They’re sold in different flavors, formulations, and for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and
nutrient profiles, and their protein can come from a author of My Indian Table: Quick & Tasty Vegetarian
variety of sources, such as collagen, whey, egg, casein, Recipes, has noticed the growing trend in plant-
and even beef. But while these animal-based pro- based protein powders and mentions some of the
tein powders remain popular, an extensive number reasons why consumers are interested in these
of plant-based options, often labeled as vegetarian products. “I see plant-based protein powders along
or vegan, are commanding more shelf space in an with all things plant based trending. There are a
already crowded category. variety of reasons for this—health, the environment,
Plant-based protein powders currently trending sustainability, animal cruelty/compassion, ethics,
include pea, hemp, soy, algae, and brown rice variet- and religion. Plant-based foods and products are
ies; pumpkin, sunflower, and chia seed–based prod- here to stay.”
ucts; the more exotic sancha inchi; and blends of According to Fortune Business Insights, glob-
plant sources for those desiring a more varied nutri- ally, the plant-based supplements market, under
ent profile. But are these plant-based protein powders which protein powders fall, was $4.16 billion in
necessary? Are they safe? And how should dietitians 2017, with expected growth to $7.38 billion by 2025.
counsel clients on what to buy? This article explores Industry insight analysts suggest the driving factors
the different types of plant-based protein powders on include the continued growth of the vegan diet trend,
the market, their safety considerations, and how to demand for sustainability, and the high nutritional
educate clients who want to purchase them. value of plant-based foods. 1

16 TODAY’S DIETITIAN • MARCH 2020