The Secret To Successfully Cooking With Protein Powder

Protein powder has become a go-to ingredient for gym rats and health-focused home cooks who prioritize hitting their macros with every meal. Some even add protein powder to their morning coffee. But there's only so much protein you can pack into a latte before it becomes undrinkably thick or gritty, which is why it's natural to wonder if you can get more protein in your morning muffin or even your spaghetti dinner. And the answer is yes, you can absolutely cook with protein powder. The secret is knowing which protein powder to choose.

For beginners, plant-based protein powders like pea, soy, or rice are typically the easiest and most reliable options for cooking. Their major advantage is moisture retention. This property helps maintain the tenderness of the baked good while preventing dryness, which is a common problem when using protein powders. Moreover, plant powders have binding properties that mimic gluten, thus giving bread and pastries a more desirable structure and elasticity. 

Small changes in flavor or texture can make a big difference in how much you enjoy your food. Choosing a plant-based protein powder with a neutral flavor is a smart move that will allow it to pair well with a wide variety of dishes, both sweet and savory. When choosing a powder for cooking, keep an eye out for added sweeteners that might clash with your recipe. As you might guess, avoid powders that have strong vanilla or chocolate flavors when making a savory dish. For plant-based options, pea protein is often recommended for its mild taste and good moisture retention, but soy and rice proteins also work well, depending on your preference.

A great way to start adding protein to your cooking is with oatmeal. Oatmeal is considered one of the best choices for mixing in protein powder. This is thanks to it being a flexible and high-fiber food that is easy to customize with many different nutritious ingredients like chia seeds and berries. Additionally, since oatmeal is already hot, the protein will change shape as it mixes in. Although the protein is being destroyed in a sense, the amino acids stay intact and maintain their full nutritional value. 

Starting your "fitness culinary era" with a plant-based protein powder can save you from many common cooking challenges and the frustration that comes with them. Regardless of whether you are looking for ways to upgrade your protein shake or simply conducting cooking experiments, plant-based powders are a forgiving and reliable option.