In-Depth Review Of Alpino’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Protein

Peanut proteins have been widely used in various food products due to their nutritional value and health benefits. Alpino, an Indian brand, has gained popularity in the Indian market with its range of peanut-based products, including peanut butter, protein powders, peanut cookies, and muesli. They recently launched the Alpino Supernatural Peanut Protein in Dark Chocolate flavor.

This plant-based peanut protein is rich in BCAAs and naturally sweetened. In our thorough review, we analyze its nutritional profile, ingredients, taste, consistency, and price to determine if it can be a great alternative to other protein powders. Let’s find out!

Alpino Supernatural Peanut Protein – Quick Glance

Quick summary of the product details: 

Our Review Factors

What is our focus while reviewing Alpino Peanut Protein? This review examined Alpino’s Peanut Butter – key protein sources, protein per serve, mixability, taste, consistency, and price. 

The following segment contains more details on our review factors: 

1. Nutri Quotient 

When we examine the nutri quotient we are looking at the following aspects: 

Protein Per Serve

• Regardless of whether it’s vegetarian or vegan, a scoop (30-35 grams) of protein powder should provide between 21 and 25 grams of protein. How much protein does per serve of this peanut protein contain? 

Key Protein Sources

• What are the main sources of protein here? Is it an isolate or concentrate or whole peanut protein? What is the fat and carbohydrate content? Does it qualify as a lean protein source? 

Amino Acid Profile

• Amino acids are said to be the building blocks of protein. Essentially any protein powder should contain all the nine essential amino acids. In order to maximize the benefits of any protein powder, it is important to pay attention to the amino acid profile. There are 20 amino acids that are required for the body to grow and function properly.
• Out of them, 9 are considered to be essential – these are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. What did we find after scanning the nutrition label of Alpino Peanut Protein?

Protein Isolate vs Protein Concentrate? Protein isolate is highly processed and has a higher protein content. On the other hand, Protein concentrate is less processed and has a higher fat and carb content. 

2. Overall Experience 

• Mixability: How seamlessly does the protein powder mix/blend together? Was the final drink devoid of clumps and residue? Did the protein powder completely dissolve for a smooth consistency?
• Taste: Does the protein powder have a pleasant taste? Is the sweetness well balanced? Any artificial or industrial aftertaste observed. 

3. Additional Aspects 

Information on the price, packaging and shelf life were noted here. 

Related Read: Nutrabay Wellness Plant Protein Review – Tried 2 Flavors!

Alpino Supernatural Peanut Protein  – Detailed Review

Peanuts typically contain 10-30% protein. Peanut protein has higher digestibility, reaching over 90%, making it easier for the human body to absorb. Furthermore, peanut proteins do not have the strong flavor seen in soy proteins, making them easier to include in a larger range of culinary products. 

As a result, peanut protein has significant potential as a functional ingredient for application in the food industry. Moreover, it also serves as a feasible alternative to animal proteins.

Price & Packaging 

A 36 gm pack of Alpino Supernatural Peanut Protein retails at a cost of Rs. 125. This is a single serve pouch pack that is purple in color. The shelf life of this peanut protein is 24 months.

Main Ingredients 

The main ingredients are: Peanut Protein isolate, Cocoa powder, Medium chain triglycerides (Extracted from coconut), Monk fruit extract, Natural chocolate flavor, Sunflower lecithin, and Xanthan gum (naturally extracted). 

Here is a breakdown of the major ingredients used in this protein powder and the role they play: 

Peanut Protein Isolate

This is the primary protein source added in this protein powder. Extracted from peanuts, this is a high protein plant-based alternative to traditional protein sources like whey and soy. 

Peanuts contain around 24% to 36% crude protein by dry weight. It also contains 8 essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, linolenic acid, and additional health-promoting components including vitamins, procyanidins, flavonoids, and resveratrol.  

Medium Chain Triglycerides (extracted from coconut)

Also known as MCTs, this ingredient is extracted from coconuts and makes for a valuable addition to protein shakes. Why MCTs? Simply put, MCTs provide a quick energy boost and are easy to digest. Additionally, it also helps enhance physical performance and lends a smooth texture to shakes. 

Monk Fruit Extract 

Monk fruit is a small, round fruit that can be found in southern China. The compounds responsible for its extreme sweetness are known as mogrosides. It is approximately 250 times sweeter than table sugar, but has no calories and hence does not raise blood sugar levels. It is added to protein shakes due to the following reasons: 

• Acts as a natural sweetener
• It has zero calories 
• Helps in blood sugar management 

Sunflower Lecithin

This ingredient is most commonly seen in most of the protein powders available today. Sunflower Lecithin is a natural emulsifier that improves solubility in protein powders. Furthermore, it allows protein powders to dissolve smoothly, reducing clumping and providing a pleasant drinking experience. 

Xanthan Gum

The primary function of adding Xanthan gum to protein powders is to improve their texture. It thickens and ‘viscosifies’ protein shakes. This results in a smooth, pleasing texture.

Cocoa powder and natural chocolate flavor are elements that help enhance the flavor of the protein powder and make it more palatable. 

Per 36 gram, the following is the nutritional overview: 

Per 36gm, the Amino Acid profile is as follows:  

• EAAs (Essential Amino Acids) – 9381.12
• NEAAs (Non-Essential Amino Acids) – 9712.8
• SEAAs (Semi Essential Amino Acids) – 5292

All proteins contain amino acids. However, different protein sources contain varying amounts and types of amino acids. Here is a breakdown on the Amino Acid comparison of pea protein vs peanut protein: 

• Pea protein and peanut protein are said to be good sources of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). The level of leucine, isoleucine, and valine in both these proteins is almost at par, though pea protein generally has slightly higher levels.
• The Lysine content is higher in pea protein compared to peanut protein. 
• Both of them have a good amount of arginine and glutamic acid.

All in all, pea protein is great for those seeking a complete plant-based protein whereas peanut protein is good for immune and muscle function.

How Did We Review This? 

We tested this peanut protein powder with water

• We added 1 scoop of this with 250-300 ml water.
• Then with the help of a blender we allowed it to mix for 45 seconds. 

Mishry’s Experience 

Consistency & Mixability

This protein powder exhibits excellent mixability and consistency. It seamlessly blends with water, thereby resulting in a smooth beverage free from lumps. Unlike other protein powders that tend to settle at the bottom, this product mixes well. 

Taste 

Taste-wise, the chocolate flavor was well-defined and delivered a pleasant and enjoyable experience. While the peanut flavor was present, it was not loud. Sweetened using monk fruit extract, the overall sweetness level was balanced. 

The best thing about this peanut protein is that it does not have a grainy mouthfeel. Additionally, it does not give off any unpleasant aftertaste. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Here are some interesting FAQs on Alpino Supernatural Peanut Protein:

Final Words

That’s a wrap on Alpino Supernatural Peanut Protein Dark Chocolate review. Overall, Alpino peanut protein offers a promising option for those seeking a plant-based protein supplement. Its decent amino acid profile, clean ingredients, pleasant taste and good solubility, are the attributes we appreciate. Sweetened using monk fruit extract, it is free from refined sugar. 

Have you tried peanut protein before? How was your experience?