Product Reviews: Protein Powders

I've been toying with the idea that a protein powder drink for breakfast would be the easiest way for me to get a good breakfast in. I am often in a rush and don't have a lot of time for breakfast and this is easy for me. When I do get in the protein shakes, I feel better and often do lose a little weight just from this change up. So being allergic to dairy and avoiding all things soy, I've been trying different powders. Here are a few reviews (in order of date of purchase):

Nature's Way Alive! PEA Protein Shake (Vanilla):
http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Way-Alive-Protein-Vanilla/dp/B000OP5ZHE/ref=cm_cr-mr-title
This protein powder was grainy and left everything to be desired when it came to taste. Whoever thought Peas and vanilla went together should get their head examined. This stuff turned my stomach to smell it, but since I was trying to be a good sport, I still tried to make various shakes and it was awful each time. The only thing that it kind of tasted better or even kind of palatable was when I tried to adjust it to make it a savory drink. I've commented on Amazon's website with my exact recipes. One great thing though is that the company has great customer service. I called and let them know what a bad experience I had and asked them if I can get a different product and they sent me daily vitamins that have similar benefits. I am loving the vitamins.


Peaceful Planet Organic Inca Meal Sprouted Rice Protein(Peruvian Vanilla):
http://www.amazon.com/Inca-Meal-12-6-oz-Powder/dp/B003LAQXAM/ref=cm_cr-mr-title
This one has a good texture as far as protein powders go. It has a good but very distinct flavor because there are other ingredients in it to make it a complete meal. It is sweetened with stevia for those concerned about artificial sweeteners. This powder is very thick (on account of the chia seeds I believe) and gets thicker the longer it has been mixed, so you want to drink it immediately after making it.

MLO Vegan Brown Rice Protein Powder:
http://www.amazon.com/Rice-Protein-High-Fiber-24oz/dp/B000GX86BQ
This is terribly grainy.The flavor is neutral, and of course tastes like rice. I have a whole canister, so I am going to figure out what to do with it. Pancakes did NOT work. I am glad it is non-dairy, but it is not very palatable.

Sunwarrior Raw Vegan Protein Rice Powder (Vanilla):
http://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Protein-Powder-Vanilla-Flavor/dp/B0039DAUKA/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1337707180&sr=1-2
This powder is grainier than Peaceful Planet, but is much smoother than MLO. So it is tolerable, as long as you know you are drinking protein powder. The flavor is good too. I tried it in a fruit smoothie without sugar to see if the stevia would sweeten it enough and it sure did. If you do not like very sweet powders, I would avoid this one. I like this one and am seriously considering buying this product. (I e-mailed the company and requested samples to try since Sunwarrior is crazy expensive.)