Ah, plain protein powder. Imagine being in the aisle of the supermarket, surrounded by chocolate dreams and berry blasts. And there, unflavored protein powder, sitting, the plain Jane brick of nutrition. There’s an element of magic in its simplicity. Let’s try to unravel this mysterious box together.
Unflavored protein powder is just what it says on the tin: pure protein. No frills, no fuss. Just the basics. Just the basics. It’s a blank slate, just waiting for you to add your own culinary creativity. If you want to be spartan and just stir the powder into water, that’s fine. Done.
Its versatility is its beauty. Imagine this: You can sneak it in soups, sauces and smoothies. Heck, you can even add it to pancake batter. It’s a nutritional chameleon. It’s like a breath fresh air for anyone who is tired of sugar or flavors. This neutrality has a certain appeal–a welcome respite from a flavor rollercoaster which doesn’t know how to stop.
Have you ever spooned in heaps and heaps of sugary fluffy to mask the chemical aftertaste of flavored protein? You could just as easily add a candy and call it good. With unflavored powder you can avoid this flavor battle. You want it to taste tropical? Add mangoes, coconut milk and a splash. Channeling your inner Popeye? My friend, spinach and peanut butter. The culinary world is vast.
Even the stomach is pleased. Some flavored powders contain unknown ingredients, which can make your stomach feel like it is doing the cha cha cha while you would rather read a book. By choosing plain powder, you can avoid unnecessary additives and other fillers. You’ll get a high-five from your stomach, I promise.
You’re probably thinking: “I know what you are thinking.” Doesn’t “unflavored” mean that it tastes like cardboard? Fair point! Not everyone will like this powder. Imagine a blank piece of paper. Where would the masterpiece start without it? You can be as creative as you want with that neutrality.
Ed, my cousin, was adamantly against protein powders, until he discovered the unflavored variety. Fitness enthusiast who is always changing his routine. The flavors available were not his cup of tea. He can now add protein to almost any meal he eats, from his porridges to his post-workout drinks.
You can often save more money by choosing unflavored products. Lesser process, lesser price. Simple logic, right? The price of fancy flavors is high. Unflavored is sitting smugly on the shelf, knowing that you are saving. Perhaps even enough to have another cheat meal – wink,wink.
There’s also the allergen-taming aspect of things. Soy? Lactose? Artificial sweeteners? Like ghosts in a haunted home, they’re everywhere. This option will make it less likely that you will stir them up. More protein, less ghost-busting. Who needs an excuse to call the health police again?
Give unflavored a try when you are staring at the protein powder aisle, or Googling for the best options. You can think of it as the underdog who might show you some moves on the dance floor if given the opportunity. You’ll thank your body and perhaps even your wallet later.
