Boo review: Free Soul Protein powder.
If like us, you have found it hard to locate a protein powder that's both vegan and tasty- we hear you! We too have tried a fair few, including our most recent find, Free Soul Vanilla Protein Powder. Based on our enjoyment of the Free Soul Green Powder, we decided to try their Vanilla protein powder. We chose vanilla given its a neutral flavour that can be paired with other ingredients.
What did we make of Free Soul Protein Powder?
To be totally frank, we initially felt the powder possessed a playdough-like smell- has anyone else noticed this with protein powders in general? Anyway, we anticipated that this would influence the taste but were relieved to find that it didn't! In fact, the taste is pretty neutral, which means you could make it fruity, chocolatey or even make an ice cold Coffee frappe!
Experimenting with flavour
We experimented a lot by adding different ingredients ranging from a simple vanilla milkshake -oat milk with just a dash of extra vanilla- to more experimental ingredients including frozen fruits of the forest, frozen mango, a shot of coffee, as well as the smoothie staple: banana and peanut butter which was of course, delicious.
Consistency
The consistency of the Free Soul Vanilla powder is very good- the powder mixes well with liquid- even water- dissolving completely, leaving no trace of lumps. Other powders we've tried haven't been as soluble.
What didn't work?
We experimented by adding the Free Soul protein powder to hot coffee by adding a tablespoon to a fresh brew. This did not work at all. In fact, the powder clearly didn't like heat, and the aforementioned scent of playdough became notably more pungent when mixed with the coffee. The powder coagulated, and even with rigorous stirring, the powder remained visibly lumpy. Conclusion: don't mix the Free Soul protein powder with hot drinks*!
Disclaimer: we could have mixed the powder and then added the hot coffee, which might have mitigated more of the lumps. However, we maintain from a flavour perspective, that coffee and Free Soul protein powder aren't a happy marriage.
Recipe: this was by far our favourite flavour combo- you're welcome!
-1 cup Coconut water
-1/2 cup oat milk
-6 frozen cherries
-6 frozen blueberries
-2 x 30 grams of Free Soul Protein Powder
Combine all the ingredients in your blender, wizz and thank us later!
Health factors
Most people buying protein powders will be doing so for their health and most likely to assist in their active lifestyle. Crudely speaking, adults require 0.75 grams of protein, per 1kg of weight per day, but this can vary depending on lifestyle factors and body type.
What are proteins?
Proteins are complex molecular structures containing amnio acids and are so much more than muscle building material. Complete proteins will contain vitamins and minerals required by the body for good overall health.
The body makes some proteins itself, while the rest we acquire through food. One of the best sources of vegan protein is tofu. Tofu contains all 9 amino acids, meaning tofu is a "complete" protein. Other plant based proteins include hemp, chia and most nuts.
The protein within the Free Soul protein powder is derived from pea isolate and white hemp powder.
The micros
Let's talk about the micronutrients of Free Soul protein powder. In addition to the protein, Free Soul protein powder also includes a number of other beneficial nutrients required by the body. These include, adaptogenic Peruvian Maca and ginseng- both known to help with stress and the former with hormal balance especially in women. Guarana which contains twice as much caffieine as coffee is also excellent for blood circulation. Vitamins B1, B3, B6 and B12 are also present, great for slow release energy. As well as essential minerals including iron, calcium, magnesium (our hero), flaxseed (excellent source of vegan omega 3 and lesser, omega 6) and L-Cartinite, an amino acid that can break down fats and use for energy- ideal for those working out and trying to build muscle.
Each =30 gram serving of protein powder, offers 20 grams of protein. You can have up to 2 servings per smoothie, which would be 40 grams of protein.
What we didn't like:
The addition of the sweetener, Free Soul use Steviol aka Stevia, and emulsifier- sunflower lecithin. Both of these additives are being studied for their negative impacts on human health, specifically the lining of the gut.
Price:
£24.99 for 600 grams excluding postage - if you had 2 scoops a day a 500 gram bag would only last 10 days making it £2.49 per smoothie- bit spenny! The packing says there are 20 servings per 600 grams however therefore each smoothie would be £1.24.