Nutrabay Wellness Plant Protein Review – Tried 2 Flavors

Is it just athletes and bodybuilders, or is everybody incorporating protein everywhere? From protein bars to protein coffee, from protein spreads to protein bread- we’re all for convenient ways to up our protein intake.

To no one’s surprise, consuming more protein as a vegetarian is quite challenging as the lean protein sources are limited. Of course, this is all the more challenging for vegans. We recently came across not one but two nutritious fixes- plant-based supplements. Rich Chocolate and Gourmet Chocolate were the two variants we ordered for our Nutrabay Wellness Plant Protein review.

How are these sweetened? Let’s find out. 

Here’s all you need to know about the vegan protein supplements we reviewed.

During our Nutrabay Wellness Plant Protein with Superfoods review, we gauged the protein content per serve, key protein sources, mixability, consistency, taste, and price as compared to other vegan (pea) proteins in the market.

1. Nutrition Quotient

Protein per serve

A scoop (30-35 grams) must offer anywhere between 21-25 grams of protein, regardless of a vegetarian or vegan protein supplement. Nutrabay offers…

Protein source & Main Ingredients

Does the brand use a combination of vegan protein sources or is it just one ingredient? What about the processing, is the protein an isolate? Have the carbohydrates and fats been processed out, is this a lean source of protein?

Amino Acids

Amino acids are crucial for the efficient assimilation of protein. Any protein blend must have the nine essential amino acids that human bodies cannot naturally produce. What did we find after scanning the nutrition label?

2. Mixability

Water and a scoop of protein, how seamlessly did it come together? Was turning the powder into a shake an intense arm workout? 

Was there any residue left at the bottom? Were lumps formed or was it a smooth beverage?

3. Taste

Gourmet chocolate and rich chocolate- do these make for decadent protein-rich shakes? Does the chocolate flavor seem artificial or industrial? What about the sweetness?

Could regular consumers of protein powders spot the differences between whey and vegan proteins? 

Aftertastes, mouthfeel? How was our experience with Nutrabay?

4. Other Parameters

Under this bracket, we compared the price, packaging, and shelf life to other commercially available brands of vegan protein supplements.

Also read- Benefits of a high protein diet | Best Protein Bars in India

A breakdown of the ingredients used in the protein powder and what they help with – 

What is pea protein, and how is it derived? (1)

Pea protein is a high-quality protein and a great source of iron. In addition to muscle repair and growth, it also aids weight loss and heart health. 

Yellow peas are mechanically processed. First, they are dried and ground, then soaked in saline solution to eliminate starch and fiber. 

This can then be processed at high temperatures or thermo-coagulated, resulting in an isolate. The isolate holds 85-90% protein.

Malt extract is a soluble fiber that promotes gut-friendly bacteria and enhances digestive health.

Cocoa powder adds a palatable flavor without overloading the beverage with calories.

Di-calcium phosphate helps boost levels of calcium and phosphorus. It is usually added to supplements and promotes healthy teeth and bones.

Protease, a digestive enzyme, is crucial for assisting the body break down proteins into single amino acids. Protease reacts with protein, and the water breaks the bond, helping in easier assimilation.

Cellulase plays a key role in helping human bodies digest plant fiber.

Lactase primarily aids the digestion of lactose which is present in dairy items like milk, cheese, etc. It is due to lactase that one does not bloat/experience uncomfortable symptoms after consuming dairy.

Amylase is a special protein in saliva that helps digest carbohydrates by converting starch into sugar.

The primary function of lipase is to help the body digest fats. 

Common salt solution is essential for the processing of peas. 

Flaxseeds promote better digestive health and are known to lower bad cholesterol levels.

Spirulina is a superfood in the true sense. It contains a range of vitamins and minerals like E, C, B6 that help strengthen immunity and produce disease-fighting white blood cells.

Brown rice is a commendable source of dietary fiber and magnesium.

INS 960 is also known as stevia, a natural, zero-calorie sweetener. 

Protein powders contain stabilizers and emulsifiers to provide a longer shelf life at room temperature. (Gourmet chocolate)

INS 955 aka sucralose. This is an artificial sweetener that is not broken down by the body, thus making it non-caloric. (Rich chocolate)

What is protein isolate?

Protein isolate is a type of protein powder that undergoes more processing than concentrate and has a minimal carbohydrate and fat content.

Pea protein and bioavailability

The primary difference between them is that whey protein is superior when it comes to the essential amino acid profile and (slightly higher) bioavailability, while pea protein is more environmentally sustainable and higher in iron.

We ordered the half kilogram tubs of both variants for our review. 

As recommended by the brand, we added 220-250 ml of water followed by a heaping scoop (approximately 34 grams) and blitzed the mix.

The following section discusses key differences in ingredients, nutrition, consistency, aroma, and taste if any. 

Price & Packaging

The 500-gram variant is offered in a compact container. The measuring scoop was placed inside the container. Priced at Rs 1499/-, this has a shelf life of 18 months.

Main Ingredients

Pea protein isolate (legume protein), malt extract, cocoa powder, di-calcium phosphate, common salt, vitamins minerals blend, enzymes blend (protease, cellulase, lactase, amylase, lipase), flaxseed extract, spirulina dried powder, brown rice powder, moringa extract, stabilizer (INS 407, 415), emulsifier (INS 322 (I), anti-caking agent (INS 551), and sweetener (INS 960). 

Mixability

As mentioned above, we prepared the protein shake using our Orpat immersion blender. In under 30 seconds, the components came together seamlessly with no lumps whatsoever. 

Aroma, Consistency, & Taste

As a powder and after mixing in water, Nutrabay Wellness Plant Protein in Gourmet Chocolate had an inviting chocolate aroma. The resultant shake had a consistency that was relatively thicker than a whey protein shake but thinner than a regular milkshake. This goes without saying as we prepared the shake in water. It must be noted that the protein shake left a pretty prominent coating on the sides of the glass. 

Just like the glass, this coated the palate and had a grainy mouthfeel. 

Taste-wise, the sweetness was fairly low. It featured a decent chocolate flavor paired with the typical protein shake taste- slightly beany and earthy. In addition to these, there was a super subtle bitter aftertaste.

Price & Packaging

The packaging is just like the first variant. This 500-gram tub holds 14 servings, where 34 grams is the serving size. This comes with a scoop inside and has a shelf life of 18 months. It is priced at Rs 1299/-.

Main Ingredients

The ingredients used in both Nutrabay Wellness Plant Protein supplements are almost identical, except for the sweetener used.

While Gourmet Chocolate contains INS 960 (stevia), Rich Chocolate is sweetened using INS 955 aka sucralose. This is an artificial sweetener that is NOT broken down by the body, thus making it non-caloric. 

Mixability

With the same water and protein powder ratio, we used the same method of preparation. There were no lumps formed and we had a protein shake with an even, smooth consistency. Both variants developed a bold, chocolate brown hue post-mixing.

Aroma, Consistency, & Taste

The aroma was more or less like Gourmet Chocolate, no major differences here. 

However, this variant was relatively thinner, and more flowy than the first we tried. The innate grainy mouthfeel of vegan proteins was also felt. This was fairly sweeter than Gourmet Chocolate and was on the lines of milk chocolate-like sweetness but extremely mild. 

Here are some interesting FAQs on Nutrabay Wellness Plant Protein with Superfoods.

That’s a wrap on Mishry’s Nutrabay Wellness Plant Protein review. Decent packaging, fair pricing, and commendable nutrition and ingredient labels- this is the supplement for anyone looking to up their protein intake, build muscle, or improve overall health markers.

Have you tried vegan protein supplements before? How was your experience?