Why Protein?

Fuel your body with clean energy with our plant-based protein powder, packed full of protein and high quality ingredients. They blend silky smooth so you can simply add it to your favourite milk, water or smoothies. 

Why Protein?

Protein is a macronutrient that is essential for your body and good health. It provides your body with energy (around 4 calories per gram) and is vital for many processes such as building, repairing and maintaining the body's structures when part of a healthy, varied diet.

Your body needs protein in order to stay healthy and work the way it should. Protein is also a critical part of the process that fuels your body and carries oxygen throughout your body in your blood. Put simply, protein is an essential macronutrient, essential for us to carry out our day to day lives.

For vegetarians and vegans, it can be difficult to get enough protein in your diet which can lead to health issues.  The Nutrition Foundation here in New Zealand recommends the following daily intake of protein:  

As you get older, you can start to lose muscle mass and you may need more protein as you get older. Other factors may also impact the amount of protein you may require for example physical activity or pregnancy. 

Protein's role in the body

Making up around 15% of our total body weight, protein is found in our skin, hair, nails, cartilage, bones, muscles and organs. It's also used to make important hormones, enzymes and antibodies and plays a role in transporting oxygen and other substances around the body. There are, in fact, over 10,000 types of protein found in the body. 

The building blocks of protein

Amino acids are tiny molecules which are basically the 'building blocks' of proteins. When we eat protein through our diet, it is then digested and broken down into amino acids which are then used for energy or for purposes like growth and repair of muscle tissue, regulation of hormones, brain and immune function, and a number of other bodily reactions. Consuming protein also helps to keep us satiated, meaning we stay fuller for longer. 

Essential and non-essential amino acids

There are 20 different amino acids that we need for our body to function properly, nine of which we can only get through food, called ‘essential amino acids’. While our body naturally makes the other 11 ‘non-essential’ amino acids, times of high stress or illness can mean that our body requires more to keep up with demand. When we’re not getting enough protein in the diet, this can result in muscle loss, a poor immune system, and skin, hair and nail problems.

Complete protein sources

Complete sources of protein which include all nine essential amino acids can be found in fish, eggs, chicken, red meat, cheese, milk, buckwheat and quinoa. For vegetarians, vegans or those who might not be getting enough complete protein in their diet, pea and hemp protein are fantastic options as they include all nine essential amino acids, including branched chain amino acids for muscle growth and repair, and additionally provides a good source of iron.

Why pea and hemp protein powder?

There are many different types of protein supplements available on the market and all offer different benefits. At Two Islands, we wanted to focus on natural, vegan-friendly protein supplements as an alternative to animal protein sources like fish, eggs and chicken. As well as being a high-quality protein, our protein powders are also a good source of iron and can aid muscle growth and repair when part of a healthy, varied diet. Hemp protein is also a great source of additional minerals including phosphorus and magnesium.

One of the biggest benefits of a pea and hemp protein powder versus whey protein powder for example is that it is naturally vegan, dairy-free and does not contain any of the top eight food allergens – peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, cow’s milk, wheat or soy. Because of this, they are considered to be easier on the digestive system. 

Learn more about the different types of protein in our guide to choosing the best protein for you. 

Do vegans need protein powder?

Going vegan means giving up protein sources such as chicken, fish, dairy and eggs. Vegan-friendly protein powders like Two Islands Pea Protein Powders are a great way to supplement a vegan diet but there are plenty of other protein-rich food options to help you reach your recommended daily allowance of protein.

Protein-rich plant foods include tempeh (31 grams of protein in one cup), lentils (18 grams per cup) and hemp seeds (11 grams in three tablespoons). Another popular source is peanut butter which provides 8 grams of protein in two tablespoons.

Whilst vegans can get enough protein without the need for supplements, they are a great way for people on the go, or those who work out a lot, to boost their protein intake by adding vegan-friendly protein powder to shakes or smoothies so it’s always a good idea to have some on hand.

Two Islands Pea Protein Powder is one of the best natural vegan protein powders available in New Zealand. Available in three flavours, find out more about the benefits of pea protein powder. If you'd like an added boost to your protein, Protein & Organic Greens is your protein shake meets multivitamin, with pea and hemp protein plus probiotcs and greens powders to supercharge your day. 

What is the best tasting protein powder?

One of the biggest drawbacks of any protein powder is the ‘chalky’ or ‘gritty’ texture which can often make it difficult to consume. We've formulated our protein powders to be smooth (no one likes grit!) and sweet enough that you can drink just with water after a workout or as a snack to get you through the afternoon (because not every meal has to be a party).  Or you can add Two Islands protein powders to your smoothie, stirred into yoghurt or enjoyed with your favourite milk. They blend beautifully to provide a truly nourishing experience. Here's what our fans have to say about Two Islands protein: 

“I love the vanilla protein. Blends to a smooth consistency with a not overly sweet vanilla flavour. It’s a staple in my pantry & I’m obsessed!”- Emily

“Chocolate is great, the best Pea Protein I’ve had!”-Clare S.

“Salted Caramel is lovely, especially with PB, almond milk and banana!” – Olivia M 

If you’re unsure of which flavour to choose, why not try our Protein Sachets which you can select as a mix of flavours or pick your go-to favourite. These single-serve sachets are a great way to try our delicious pea protein powder for the first time.