TB12 Plant-Based Protein powder is a new protein to me that I got to try recently. (Disclosure: I received a bag of it for free in exchange for review.) I tried the vanilla flavor, it also comes in chocolate.

This protein powder has one of the shortest ingredient lists I’ve seen on a protein powder supplement. The protein is supplied from peas, the sweetness is provided from monk fruit. Peas for protein supplements are a lot more ubiquitous these days, but it wasn’t that long ago that it seemed completely bizarre to hear about it. I only use plant-based protein powders and let me tell you, pea proteins have come A LONG WAY from the first iterations I tried about a decade ago.

Peas are actually high in protein on their own, so I guess you could eat a big bowl of peas, but most people probably wouldn’t find that all that desirable… especially if you’re trying to get 24g of protein, which each serving of TB12 contains. (You’d need to eat about 3 cups of peas for that!) Peas are rich in the amino acids lysine and arginine. Lysine helps build collagen in the body and can help conditions like hypertension, anxiety and other conditions. [Source] Arginine helps the body build protein, and it can also help with hypertension, as well as angina and serves as a vasodilator. [Source]

In addition to 24g of protein, there are 0g of sugars, 2g fat, 1g fiber in a 1 scoop serving of TB12 Plant Protein. There are also just 3g of carbohydrate, for those who follow low-carb or keto plans. I like plant proteins that are free of any dairy derivatives like whey or casein (which this is), but pea-based proteins are also good for those who want to avoid soy or nuts. Plus peas are more environmentally friendly than animal-based proteins, since they improve the soil when growing and don’t account for as many greenhouse gas emissions.

I mentioned that pea proteins have improved a lot over the past several years, and I found this one to be tasty. I tried it in a shaker cup with some unsweetened almond milk and blended into smoothies with different fruits/greens. All of the options were good, but I definitely prefer my protein powders blended into a smoothie.

My husband tried it as well, his take wasn’t as positive as mine. He usually uses a whey protein powder and he found the TB12 to have more texture to it than his usual choice. He specified very clearly, “I wouldn’t call it gritty, but there is a texture.” He also said the flavor was “different”, “not terrible”. I’m not sure that was a super positive endorsement, but it wasn’t completely negative either.

I didn’t realize it at first, but TB12 is Tom Brady’s organization. It’s a program that is focused on helping people of all ages and skill levels reach their optimal performance. There is a book, The TB12 Method: How to Achieve a Lifetime of Sustained Peak Performance, that I have not read but I’m thinking I may put my name on the list for it at the library. I mean, Tom Brady is always talked about in the media like he’s an ancient senior citizen, but he’s my age and seems to be doing pretty well. (Okay, he’s old for an NFL quarterback. Plus it’s his job to be in good shape, so it’s not really fair for an average person to compare anything about their life to his… but the book has good reviews and it seems like something anyone could glean some kind of info from.)

They also have a lot of information on the TB12 website for furthering knowledge. There are courses for parents of athletes, coaches, fitness professionals. They even offer a marathon training plan. I downloaded the plan and it looks like a pretty sound plan, including not just running distances/schedules, but also strength training and pliability exercises.

It costs $40 per bag or you can subscribe for the monthly price of $36. If you’d like to try it, you can use the discount code PBP10 for 10% off (that knocks $4 off, so you can get it for the subscription price).

My Favorite Smoothies!

A couple of my favorite blends I made:

Blueberry Beet Smoothie

• 1/2 c. chopped beet (get frozen or pre-cut to make it easier!)
• 1 peeled clementine
• 1/2 c. blueberries
• 1 scoop TB12 vanilla plant-based protein powder
• water or almond milk
• some ice cubes, depending on how thick you want to make it

Sweet Potato Smoothie

• 1/2 c. pre-cooked sweet potato*
• 1/2 banana (frozen is nice!)
• several shakes of pumpkin pie spice
• 1 scoop TB12 vanilla plant-based protein powder
• water or almond milk
• some ice cubes, depending on how thick you want to make it

*(roasted, steamed, however you want. Cook it another time and keep it on hand for snacks or smoothies.)