Rice protein is a much-mentioned topic for people looking for protein sources that are vegetarian. Unlike whey powder, made from dairy, and soy, which can causes digestive problems for some, rice protein is often more easily digested, and shares with the soy the advantage of being completely vegan. Some people on gluten free diets use rice protein powder since it is free of gluten, and others cite the main advantage is that it is less expensive than whey protein powder.

You may be used to thinking of rice as a carbohydrate, but like many other grains, it does have amino acids that make up proteins. In special processes, brown rice is treated with enzymes that cause separation between carbs and proteins. These enzymes are considered vegan and the processing of rice in this manner is considered a “raw food” technique. The result is usually made into rice protein powder, which may be flavored or not, and can be added to a variety of foods.

There are fans and detractors of rice protein based on taste alone. Some find the taste bitter, and others complain that it is unpleasantly chalky. Not everyone finds the taste off-putting though, and if you don’t care for the taste, there are plenty of ways to disguise it. If rice protein is added to smoothies or baked goods for instance, you’re unlikely to notice any taste from it.

There’s been some discussion of the nutritional value of rice protein, and whether it is a good protein substitute, and on its own may engender any health problems or issues. Main appeal is that most people digest this protein very well, with very few allergic reactions to it. It is not a complete protein, (unless other proteins are added to the power), and is low in the essential amino acid isoleucine. Amount of protein grams per serving, usually a generous scoop, varies from about 20-30 grams.

One study, which may suggest the benefits of this protein is a 2008 research project conducted by the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center. The study is based on rats, so it can’t yet be extrapolated to human populations. Weanling rats fed mostly rice protein diets were more likely to have a higher insulin sensitivity rate, which lowers overall risk for heat disease. The study’s conclusion is that there may be great benefit to deriving some protein from either rice or soy proteins, as opposed to those in meats, dairy and eggs.

If you’re interested in trying protein powder made from rice, you’ll find a number of companies that manufacture the product, and you can usually find this powder in local health or natural foods stores. You might want to do some searching on the Internet to read independent customer reviews (like those offered on Amazon) to see which brands have the most favorable reviews. If you really don’t care for the taste of the powder, but still want to add it to your diet, think about exploring its benefits in baked goods or flavorful smoothies. This can really help mask both taste and any unpleasant mouth feel.