Protein-rich dried yellow peas is the number one food trend in 2017. Does anyone want a pea pizza?

Last modified on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 04.07 EDT

Since crickets are still a bit hard to sell, food manufacturers have been working hard to come up with new alternative sustainable sources of protein to get us out of meat. Now the food company hopes that we can give Peas a chance. Pea protein extracted from dried and ground yellow peas has been on the list of food trends in 2017. This may be because it crosses many other trends-high-protein diets, plant-based diets, and those that avoid meat, gluten, and gluten. Dairy products.

You can buy pea milk instead of milk or soy milk; people who go to the gym can choose pea protein powder instead of whey shakes. You can buy high-protein pizzas made with pea flour, pea protein sauce, and protein bars made with these things. Some gyms add it to pancakes and smoothies. According to Mintel, the number of products containing pea protein increased by 195% between 2013 and 2016.

At the end of last year, the American company Beyond Meat launched a burger made from pea protein, which claimed that "looks, cooks and tastes like fresh ground beef"-the pink "bleeding" inside is caused by beetroot. It also uses pea protein to produce "chicken" strips and "beef" minced meat (meat manufacturers have also noticed-Tyson Foods, the largest meat processor in the United States, bought a 5% stake in the company).

Protein made from peas is more sustainable than animal protein, but nutritionists suggest that it cannot provide the same nutrients as animal protein (other qualities that make peas healthy in their entire state, such as fiber, are also removed during processing). "Protein is made up of building blocks called amino acids, which are essential to our body," said Susan Short, spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association. "Animal protein contains the complete mix of amino acids we need. Plant protein provides some, so when using pea protein as a substitute, people should make sure that their entire diet is not based on it." She said that a balanced diet includes Other forms of plant-based protein, such as beans, lentils, soy products, and nut butters, should meet your needs. "The key message is the blended plant protein."

That, don't be fooled, you need extra protein in the form of pea protein powder and additives-more than enough for most of us.