Finding the right plant-based protein powder can be a challenge, as the market offers so many different options. We’ll compare two leading brands: Ritual protein powder and Healthy Truth protein powder, so you can make an informed purchase decision.
When we think about protein, we tend to think of it coming from animal sources. We may imagine a bodybuilder downing a protein shake or eating some steak and eggs. However, you can get completely healthy proteins from plant sources as well, and in some cases, it can even be healthier for you. For example, pea protein has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
One frequently raised question is whether plant protein is adequate for strength training, an area where animal protein is typically considered superior. A study comparing whey protein to pea protein actually showed that the pea protein group gained slightly more muscle mass. It’s worth noting that the study was performed on people who were new to resistance training. Nonetheless, the research supports the idea that plant protein can compete with animal protein for such purposes.
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Plant protein is also a good source of fiber, which promotes a healthy gut microbiome, assists with digestion and satiety, and contributes to a feeling of fullness that can help with weight loss.
Much like animal-based protein powders, there are plenty of plant-based protein powder options available. We looked at two popular choices: Ritual protein powder and Healthy Truth protein powder, to help you decide which is better for you.
Ritual protein powder vs Healthy Truth protein powder:
Ritual protein powder
Ritual is a company that originally set out to craft the perfect multivitamin for women by using the highest quality ingredients. The company has expanded its product line to include other items, including protein powder.
“I founded Ritual with the belief that better health begins with better ingredients,” said CEO and founder Katerina Schneider. “With us, you’ll know where ingredients come from and why they’re there. Some call it obsessiveness, we call it traceability.”
Ritual offers three different powders, a standard formula, one tailored for people over 50, and another designed for pregnant and postpartum women. Ritual protein powder is sweetened with fermented sugarcane, monk fruit, and handcrafted vanilla instead of sugar. The protein itself is derived from organic pea protein that includes a complete amino acid profile. The yellow peas used in the products are non-GMO, regeneratively farmed, and grown in the USA. Moreover, the products are tested for heavy metals, microbes, and over 250 banned substances. All of the protein powders are priced at $40.
Ritual protein powder vs Healthy Truth protein powder:
Healthy Truth protein powder
Healthy Truth is a company that goes above and beyond the usual plant-based options with an extensive product line that features dried fruit, raw sprouted nuts and seeds, and energy squares. You can also find raw superfood powders, an anti-inflammatory ‘Golden Milk’ latte mix containing turmeric, as well as high-quality plant protein powders.
“We use no preservatives, no fillers, no chemicals,” Bruce Namenson, founder and CCO at Healthy Truth said. “They’re all 100 percent whole food products.”
Healthy Truth’s protein powder is a blend of three different plant proteins: pea, rice, and Sacha Inchi, which is a plant with nutritious seeds with reported benefits such as weight loss, better cholesterol levels, and improved gut health. These protein sources are combined to create a high-quality amino acid profile.
Unlike the average protein powder, Healthy Truth’s powder includes a prebiotic and adaptogenic blend. It contains Ashwagandha root, an adaptogen that research shows may relieve stress as well as improve energy and cognition; Macha, another adaptogen with many reported benefits, including better endurance and weight loss; and inulin, a prebiotic fiber that may be beneficial for gut health.
Healthy Truth offers an unflavored protein powder as well as a Cacao protein powder sweetened with monk fruit. You can buy both flavors for $49.99 for a one-time purchase or $44.99 if you sign up for a subscription.
Ritual protein powder vs Healthy Truth protein powder:
Which is better?
Both companies offer high-quality plant protein powders that would make a welcome addition to a health-conscious person’s diet. However, Healthy Truth’s protein powder comes out on top due to the quality of its ingredients. It combines a larger variety of plant protein sources and includes additional adaptogens and prebiotics to help digest the protein and contribute to overall wellness. While Ritual protein powder is slightly cheaper at $40, the small increase in price for Healthy Truth is worth it for the number of healthy ingredients you get in return.
Incorporating plant-based foods or switching to a plant-based diet may offer many health benefits. Research shows that it may aid weight loss, improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. On top of that, it’s generally a more cost-effective option.
If you’re interested in exploring how plant-based foods may improve your health, or are curious to see if this kind of diet might work for you, it’s always advisable to consult with a doctor or a nutritionist to ensure that you’re meeting your nutritional needs.
Further Reading:
Washington Post: Plant-based foods may reduce prostate cancer progression, study says
Sports Illustrated: Pea Protein vs Whey: Which One is Right for You?
Miami Herald: How switching to a plant-based diet one day a week can boost your health, help planet
Eating Well: Plant-Based vs. Vegan: What’s the Difference?
Harvard Health: What is a plant-based diet and why should you try it?
USA News: Healthy Dining is Healthy for the Planet, Too
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
