What is pea and fava bean protein?
Pea and fava bean protein is a plant-based protein source derived from pulses, extracted from yellow peas and fava beans (also known as broad beans). Both provide a favourable amino acid profile and are naturally lactose-free, making them a plant-based alternative to animal protein powders such as whey.
The protein is extracted from the legumes and dried into a fine powder. Peas and fava beans both belong to the legume family, the same family as lentils and beans. A practical advantage is their flavour and texture: pea and fava bean protein is fairly neutral in flavour and blends to a smooth texture, whilst some other plant-based protein powders feel slightly grainier.
By way of comparison, here is an overview of the key characteristics of both sources:
| Characteristic | Pea protein | Fava bean protein |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Yellow pea (legume) | Fava bean (legume) |
| Plant-based | Yes | Yes |
| Lactose | Lactose-free | Lactose-free |
| Amino acids | All essential, rich in lysine | All essential, rich in lysine |
| Flavour | Neutral | Neutral |
What is the amino acid profile of peas and fava beans?
Pea and fava bean proteins contain all nine essential amino acids: the building blocks that your body cannot produce on its own and which you must therefore obtain from your diet. As pulses, they are naturally rich in lysine, whilst the content of sulphur-containing amino acids (such as methionine) is somewhat lower, as is the case with most plant-based proteins.
That’s why variety is key. If you follow a plant-based diet, you can combine protein sources throughout the day. Legumes paired with grains, nuts or seeds, for example, complement each other to provide a broad amino acid profile. In our Vegan Protein, we therefore combine fava beans and peas, so that you get a comprehensive range of essential amino acids in a single powder.
The essential amino acids also include the three branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and valine), which are naturally present in legume protein. So it’s not about a single ‘best’ source, but about a profile that suits a plant-based diet and which you can complete with a varied diet.
What does protein do for your body?
Protein is one of the body’s basic building blocks. According to recognised European nutrition claims, protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass. Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass. In addition, protein contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
These functions apply to protein as a nutrient, whether it comes from a plant-based or animal source. What differs is the context in which it fits: pea and fava bean protein is a handy way to supplement your daily protein intake without dairy. How much protein you need each day depends on your weight and activity level. We’ll look at this in more detail in our article on how much protein you need each day.
Who is vegan pea and fava bean protein suitable for?
Pea and fava bean protein is suitable for anyone looking for a plant-based, lactose-free source of protein. This includes people who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, those who prefer to avoid dairy, and athletes who want to supplement their protein intake without animal products.
As the powder is lactose-free, it’s also an option if you avoid dairy for other reasons. Please note: peas and fava beans are pulses, so if you know you have a pulse allergy, it’s wise to read the label or consult your GP. Are you curious about the bigger picture when it comes to incorporating protein powder into your routine? Read about the benefits of protein powder.
How do you use pea and fava bean protein?
You can simply mix pea and fava bean protein with water or a plant-based drink in a shaker, or stir it into a smoothie, yoghurt substitute or porridge. Thanks to its neutral flavour, the powder is easy to incorporate without overpowering a dish.
A standard serving is one scoop, which you can take at any time of day that suits you, for example after exercise or at breakfast. As the flavour is neutral, you can also stir the powder into savoury dishes or mix it into pancake batter, porridge or protein bars. A few practical uses:
- Shake with water or a plant-based drink
- Stir into a smoothie with fruit and oats
- Stir into dairy-free yoghurt or quark
- Incorporate into pancakes, porridge or protein bars
For inspiration, check out our high-protein smoothie recipes. Would you like to know why we chose organic and which powders we make? You can read all about it in ‘Organic protein powder: the choice behind Ekopura’.
Frequently asked questions
Are pea and fava bean proteins complete proteins?
Peas and fava beans contain all nine essential amino acids, although the methionine content is slightly lower than in animal protein. In a varied plant-based diet, you can easily supplement this with other protein sources such as grains, nuts and seeds.
What is the difference between fava bean protein and pea protein?
Fava bean protein and pea protein are both legume-derived, plant-based and lactose-free, with a similar amino acid profile and a naturally neutral flavour. There’s no meaningful difference in quality between the two, which is why we combine both in our Vegan Protein for a broader amino acid range.
How is pea and fava bean protein different from whey?
Whey is a protein derived from milk and therefore contains lactose; pea and fava bean protein is plant-based and lactose-free. For those who avoid dairy, a plant-based powder is therefore a logical choice. You can read more about whey in ‘Why whey protein and what it does’.
Is fava bean protein the same as broad bean protein?
Yes. The fava bean is the broad bean, so fava protein and broad bean protein are the same thing. The name ‘fava’ comes from the plant’s botanical name.
Can you consume pea and fava bean protein every day?
Pea and fava bean protein is simply food, not medicine, and fits into a daily diet as a source of protein. How much protein is right for you depends on your overall diet, your weight and how active you are.
Is Ekopura’s Vegan Protein organic?
The pure, unflavoured version of our Vegan Protein is certified organic. The flavoured versions are formulated with a ‘clean label’, free from unnecessary additives. Each product page lists exactly what’s in it.
Our vegan protein powders
We’ve chosen peas and fava beans as the base for our Vegan Protein, which has a neutral flavour and a smooth texture. You’ll find the unflavoured organic version and the flavoured varieties in our vegan protein range, with the full list of ingredients on each page.
