Vegan protein powder comes with a range of health benefits beyond muscle building and recovery. The best vegan protein powder may help support digestive health and weight management as it reduces inflammation. We’ll compare two leading brands: a GNC vegan protein powder called GNC AMP and Nuzest Clean Lean Protein, so that you can make an informed purchase decision.
When there are protein gaps in your diet, introducing protein supplementation is a simple way to help restore balanced nutrition. Athletes often use protein supplements to exceed their daily recommended protein intake and effectively build lean muscle mass and strength. While many people believe that the health benefits of protein supplementation are limited to muscle building, research indicates that quality protein supplements may also aid in digestive support, weight management, and inflammation reduction. Read on for a comparison between two leading vegan protein supplements: a GNC vegan protein powder called GNC AMP and Nuzest Clean Lean Protein.
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GNC vegan protein powder vs. Nuzest Clean Lean Protein:
Protein content
Both GNC AMP and Nuzest Clean Lean Protein offer substantial amounts of protein. GNC AMP Plant Isolate Protein provides 25 grams of protein per serving, while Nuzest Clean Lean Protein offers 20 grams.
There are many different varieties of vegan protein supplementation, most commonly derived from soy, beans, and peas. GNC AMP Plant Isolate Protein contains fava bean protein isolate, which has a sweet, earthy flavor and contains all the essential amino acids needed for muscle growth and maintenance. Fava bean protein isolate also contains vicine and covicine, compounds that may have anti-inflammatory effects.
GNC’s formula also uses brown rice protein, one of the more popular vegan proteins known for its high protein content and dietary fiber that may promote a healthy gut microbiome, regulate metabolism, and curb snack cravings between meals to help with weight management. However, this protein does contain higher amounts of lectins, a type of anti-nutrient common in plant-based proteins that may cause gastrointestinal issues, as well as higher amounts of tannins that may interfere with nutrient absorption.
On the other hand, Nuzest Clean Lean Protein uses pea protein isolate, the most popular form of vegan protein supplement. This protein is created from the extraction of amino acids and protein in yellow peas and has comparable outcomes on body mass as the popular whey protein. Pea protein contains compounds such as phenolics and flavonoids that may have anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, it is known as a low-calorie, low-fat, and low-carbohydrate protein source that may support weight management.
Nuzest uses a water-based isolation process without the use of chemicals when extracting the protein from the peas, resulting in a protein source that has 0% lectin, a fluffier texture, and a milder taste. Although GNC’s product contains slightly more protein per serving, Nuzest uses a high-quality version of one of the most protein-packed vegan proteins available, granting it the advantage.
GNC vegan protein powder vs. Nuzest Clean Lean Protein:
Added ingredients
Many protein supplements contain added ingredients to mask the naturally gritty texture and bland flavor commonly associated with plant-based proteins. However, these additives, including emulsifiers and sugar alternatives, may lead to digestive discomfort. GNC’s product, in addition to the protein, contains inulin, a prebiotic high in fiber that may promote gut health. That said, the product also contains artificial flavoring, as well as xanthan gum and guar gum, two emulsifiers that may cause gastrointestinal pain. To create a more palatable protein, they add acesulfame potassium and sucralose, two sweeteners that may disrupt your gut microbiome and metabolism, potentially resulting in hindered digestion, weight gain, and stomach discomfort.
In contrast, the only ingredients present in Nuzest Clean Lean Protein are pea protein isolate, natural vanilla flavoring, and thaumatin, an extract from a West African fruit that adds a natural, zero-calorie sweetness to the protein. If you are looking for a healthier, cleaner product that doesn’t risk negative side effects, Nuzest’s protein powder is the way to go.
GNC vegan protein powder vs. Nuzest Clean Lean Protein:
Price
You can purchase 28 servings of GNC vegan protein powder for $40.49. In comparison, Nuzest Clean Lean Protein costs $35.96 for 20 servings. That makes GNC’s product 20% cheaper per serving, making it the better choice for the cost-conscious consumer.
GNC vegan protein powder vs. Nuzest Clean Lean Protein:
Reviews
GNC’s vegan protein powder has 76 total reviews, with 49% being 5-star rated. The 5-star reviews mention that the powder has a great taste and is suitable for those with lactose intolerance. However, 17% of the total ratings are 1-star, resulting in an average product rating of 3.7 stars. The negative reviews state that the product has an unpleasant taste and a chalky texture that doesn’t mix well in liquid. Some report that the powder is too artificial tasting.
In contrast, Nuzest’s product has a total of 1,569 reviews; 88% of these reviews are 5-star ratings, with no 1-star reviews present. Some consumers mention the product has a grainy texture while still rating it two or three stars. Many of the 5-star reviews praise Nuzest’s product as the best plant-based protein they have tried. Overall, Nuzest has a higher number of ratings altogether and a much higher percentage of top ratings, giving it the edge over GNC’s product.
GNC vegan protein powder vs. Nuzest Clean Lean Protein:
Final results
In a head-to-head comparison, Nuzest Clean Lean Protein outperforms GNC AMP Plant Isolate Protein for its cleaner formula and use of high-quality pea protein isolates. Nuzest offers a product with high-quality protein content and greater researched health benefits. While GNC offers a product with more protein at a slightly cheaper price point, Nuzest Clean Lean Protein has an ultra-clean ingredient list and superior nutrition. Whether your health goal is to fill gaps in your diet, build muscle, or lose weight, the appropriate protein powder can help you achieve the results you desire.
Further Reading for Additional Reference:
Johns Hopkins: 5 Protein-Packed Foods for Healthy, Meatless Meals
UCLA Health: Is plant-based protein good for you? Here’s what you need to know
Oxford Academic: Protein, weight management, and satiety
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
