DIY Superfood Protein Powder – Vegan Friendly + Gluten & Sugar Free

The Pres and I usually start our day with a smoothie in a jar and I regularly add a few scoops of protein powder to keep us going until lunchtime. Once I started to run low I was considering which powder to buy next.

Most protein powders are full of synthetic ingredients and weird additives, which really don’t go hand in hand with the way I try to eat, so I looked into the raw/vegan alternatives. I liked what I saw until I saw the price - $70 for a kilo, not unreasonable, but it got me thinking about making my own. I have most of the ingredients on hand anyway, and it’s great to know exactly what’s going into it.

Yes, to initially buy the ingredients it is costly, but if you already use or are starting to incorporate superfoods into your diet, then it’s a no brainer. After crunching the numbers (having a bean counter for a boyfriend really does have its perks) it works out to only $42 per kilo! Not only that, but the ingredients have multitudes of other uses, so you will definitely get your money’s worth.

Check out my recipe and the nutritional info of each of the ingredients, but feel free to play around with the quantities and other superfoods you may have on hand:

Spirulina 

• 70% Protein & all essential amino acids
• More than double the protein of meat
• Same amount of vitamin B12 as raw liver to increase energy

Chia Seeds 

I have previously raved about the benefits of chia here, but here’s a few more stats:

• 8 x more omega 3 than salmon
• 3 x more iron than spinach
• 5 x more calcium than milk
• High in protein, calcium & magnesium

Maca Powder 

I will be doing another post on Maca in the coming weeks, but in the meantime:

• Increases strength
• High in protein
• Boosts mood
• Promotes healthier hair and skin
• Balances hormones & is known as a “natural Viagra”

Raw Cacao Powder 

• Natural stimulant for slow release energy
• Packed with flavonoids that help prevent heart disease
• Helps assist the brain with learning and memory
• It’s chocolate in its purest form. You had me at chocolate.

Hemp Powder 

Please note currently it is illegal to sell Hemp Seeds for human consumption in Australia, even though it comes from a different plant than marijuana. Hemp seeds are sold for external use only in Australia.

• A single serve contains 100% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of magnesium
• 240% RDI Manganese
• 50% RDI Protein
• 45% RDI Zinc
• High in Omega 3 & Omega 6

Linseed/Flax 

• High in Omega 3 fatty acids to lower cholesterol, decrease inflammation, relieve PMS symptoms, decrease allergic responses, decrease water retention and improve skin

Shake it up and add a scoop to your smoothie. Enjoy!

Note - I have been buying these ingredients for a long time and have done my research to get the best value for money. Online is the way to go, and after comparing all of the sites that ship to Australia, Forest Superfoods is by far the best value, with free express delivery when you spend over $70. Check them out - forestsuperfoods.com.au.