Pea Protein Raw

What's the difference between Pea Protein Raw Unflavoured and Pea Protein Chocolate?

Both use the same 85% pea protein isolate. Differences are in scoop composition and use case. Raw Unflavoured delivers 30g protein per scoop (37.74g) — no flavouring means more pea protein per scoop, plus 10mg iron (52.6% RDA) becomes meaningful at the higher serving size. Chocolate delivers 25g protein per scoop (39.32g) — the flavouring (cocoa, vanilla, sea salt, stevia) takes up some of the scoop volume. Choose Raw Unflavoured if you want maximum protein per scoop, want to add it to cooking or baking, or prefer no added flavour. Choose Chocolate for a ready-to-drink palatable shake.

Why is this version higher in iron?

Pea protein isolate naturally contains iron — it's in the pea, not added. At the 37.572g serving (Raw), this delivers 10mg iron (52.6% RDA), which is meaningful enough to claim "high in iron" on packaging. At the smaller serving in the Chocolate version, the iron is proportionally lower and falls below the labelling threshold. The iron is naturally present in both products; only the Raw version delivers enough per serving to be a useful daily contribution.

How does this compare to Complete Protein and Essential Protein?

Pea Protein is single-source pea isolate — 85% protein content, PDCAAS approximately 0.9. Complete Protein and Essential Protein combine pea with yeast protein, reaching PDCAAS 1.0 (the maximum protein quality score) because the yeast closes the small methionine gap that pea alone has. For most adults, the difference between PDCAAS 0.9 and 1.0 is academic. Choose Pea Protein Raw for single-source simplicity, higher protein per scoop (30g), iron content, and cooking flexibility. Choose Complete or Essential for technically more complete amino profile, lower iron (relevant for men), and Essential's additional daily multinutrient stack.

Can I use this in cooking and baking?

Yes — that's a primary use case. Raw Unflavoured Pea Protein has no added flavours, sweeteners, or colours, making it compatible with both sweet and savoury applications. Common uses: mix into porridge or oatmeal, blend into smoothies with fruit and plant milk, stir into yogurts, bake into protein-enriched bread or muffins, add to soups, stews, and sauces for protein enrichment. Note on heat: high-heat baking (above 80°C) can degrade some heat-sensitive amino acids over extended exposure — cooking applications below this threshold preserve protein content best. For high-heat baking, the protein still cooks safely and provides amino acid content, but absolute bioavailability is slightly reduced.

Why is the protein per scoop so much higher than Chocolate (30g vs 25g)?

Same protein source, different scoop composition. The Raw Unflavoured scoop contains 37.572g of 85% pea protein isolate (delivering 30g protein). The Chocolate scoop contains 27.572g of the same pea isolate plus flavouring ingredients (cocoa, vanilla, sea salt, stevia) — delivering 25g protein. The flavouring takes up roughly 10g of the scoop volume. Same pea protein, less of it per scoop in Chocolate due to flavour bulk.

Is pea protein really comparable to whey protein?

Yes — and the research has converged on this in the last decade. Whey is faster-absorbing and slightly higher in leucine, which gave it an edge in older studies. Pea protein at 30g per serving delivers 2503mg of leucine — above the MPS-trigger threshold — and performs comparably to whey for muscle protein synthesis and recovery in head-to-head trials. For most adults choosing between them, the decision is about dietary preference, lactose tolerance, and environmental impact, not nutritional performance.

What does the Digestive Enzyme Blend actually do?

It addresses the GI challenges most plant proteins cause. Alpha Galactosidase breaks down the legume oligosaccharides that cause bloating and gas. Acid Protease and Neutral Protease support protein digestion. Phytase breaks down phytic acid that would otherwise bind minerals like iron and zinc. Glucoamylase and Fungal Alpha Amylase support starch breakdown. Together, the six enzymes mean Pea Protein digests comfortably even for adults who have abandoned plant proteins because of GI issues.

How much protein do I actually need per day?

Sedentary adults need 0.8–1.0g per kg body weight; active adults need 1.2–1.5g per kg; athletes and adults over 50 need 1.5–2.0g per kg. A 70kg active adult needs about 105g of protein daily. One serving of Pea Protein Raw contributes 30g — about 28% of that target. The rest comes from food. Most adults underestimate their protein needs and chronically under-eat protein, particularly vegetarians and adults eating mixed diets without a deliberate protein focus.

I have hereditary haemochromatosis — can I take this?

No. The 10mg iron per serving from natural pea content makes this product inappropriate for adults with hereditary haemochromatosis, other iron-overload conditions, or elevated ferritin on blood work. Choose Pea Protein Chocolate or Complete Protein instead — both have lower iron content. Adults with iron-overload conditions should also avoid the Women's Multivitamin & Minerals (which contains added iron) and review iron content in all supplements with their physician.

How should I store the product once opened?

Store in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. Use a dry scoop each time to avoid moisture exposure (which causes clumping and potential microbial growth). Properly stored, the product remains at full quality through the printed expiry date. Refrigeration isn't necessary but doesn't hurt.