Which foods contain pea protein for a healthy, plant-based diet?

December 13, 2025 •

4 min read

The market for plant-based protein is projected to grow significantly, with pea protein leading the charge as a versatile ingredient. While whole peas are an obvious source, many processed and specialty foods contain pea protein to boost their nutritional value.

Quick Summary

Derived from yellow split peas, pea protein is an ingredient in many natural and processed foods. It is widely used in plant-based meat alternatives, protein powders, and snacks.

Key Points

Meat Alternatives: Found in popular brands like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods for burgers, sausages, and ground meat alternatives.
Supplements: A primary ingredient in many vegan protein powders, meal replacement shakes, and protein bars for muscle growth and recovery.
Dairy-Free Products: Included in milk alternatives (e.g., Ripple) and some ice creams to boost protein content and add creaminess.
Savoury Snacks: Present in high-protein chips, puffs, and other savory snacks for added crunch and nutritional value.
Baking: Used as a binding agent or flour substitute in gluten-free baking mixes, muffins, and other baked goods.
Soups & Sauces: Can be found in processed soups, sauces, and gluten-free foods as a thickener or emulsifier.
Whole Foods: Available in its natural form in whole peas, split peas, and homemade items like pea hummus.

Understanding the Rise of Pea Protein

Once a niche product, pea protein has become a staple in modern nutrition, driven by the growth of plant-based diets and the search for hypoallergenic protein options. Extracted from yellow split peas, this versatile protein source has a neutral flavor and texture that makes it easy to incorporate into a wide range of food products.

Natural Sources of Pea Protein

While most people encounter pea protein as a refined ingredient, it begins as a whole food. The most direct and natural sources are:

Whole and Split Peas: These are the foundational source of pea protein. Both fresh and frozen green peas, as well as dried yellow or green split peas used in soups, stews, and side dishes, contain the natural protein.
Pea Flour: A gluten-free flour made from ground dried peas, which can be used in baking or as a thickening agent in sauces.
Hummus and Dips: Although traditionally made from chickpeas, modern variations of hummus and other savory dips may include a base of split peas for a different flavor and texture profile, as seen in many contemporary recipes.
Fritters and Patties: Homemade or commercially prepared patties, such as those made from a combination of lentils and split peas, can be a great way to consume pea protein in a whole-food form.

Processed Foods with Added Pea Protein

Beyond its whole-food state, pea protein is processed into concentrates and isolates for use as a functional ingredient. It is a common component in many products, especially those aimed at the vegan or allergen-friendly market.

Plant-Based Meat and Dairy Alternatives

As a replacement for animal protein, pea protein's fibrous structure and binding properties make it ideal for mimicking the texture of meat.

Burgers and Ground Meat: Popular brands, most famously Beyond Meat, use pea protein as a core ingredient to replicate the taste and texture of beef in their plant-based burgers, meatballs, and ground products.
Sausages and Deli Slices: To achieve a firm, meaty consistency, many plant-based sausages and deli slices rely on pea protein as a binder and protein source.
Milk Alternatives: Some dairy-free milk products, like Ripple, use pea protein to create a creamy texture and to boost the protein content to be comparable with dairy milk.
Yogurt and Ice Cream: Pea protein can be found in non-dairy yogurts and plant-based frozen desserts to improve creaminess and provide a protein boost.

Protein Powders and Supplements

Pea protein powder is one of the most popular vegan protein supplements due to its complete amino acid profile and easy digestibility.

Protein Shakes: A common use is in post-workout shakes or meal replacement smoothies, where the powder is mixed with water, milk, or juice.
Protein Bars: Many energy and protein bars are formulated with pea protein to provide a convenient, on-the-go snack.

Snacks, Baked Goods, and Gluten-Free Foods

The use of pea protein extends to many other processed items, where it serves various functions beyond just adding protein.

Crisps and Chips: Some high-protein, savory snack chips and puffs use pea protein for both a nutritional boost and a crunchy texture.
Baking Mixes: Gluten-free and 'high protein' baking mixes for muffins, waffles, and pancakes often include pea protein as a flour component.
Soups and Sauces: As a thickening or stabilizing agent, pea protein can be added to processed soups and sauces.

How to Identify Pea Protein in Products

For those monitoring their intake or avoiding peas due to allergies, checking food labels is crucial. Look for the following terms in the ingredients list:

Pea protein
Pea protein isolate
Pea protein concentrate
Vegetable protein
Pea flour

If you have a known allergy, be aware that pea protein is also used as a filler or binder in products where it might not be expected, such as some pre-made potato products or even certain lollies.

Comparison: Pea Protein vs. Other Plant Proteins


Feature	Pea Protein	Soy Protein	Brown Rice Protein
Complete Amino Profile	Yes	Yes	No (low in lysine)
Hypoallergenic	Yes	No (a common allergen)	Yes
Taste/Texture	Mild, earthy taste; slightly gritty texture	Stronger, often described as beany; smoother texture	Neutral, sometimes chalky; gritty texture
Digestion	Easily digestible	Generally well-digested, but can cause issues for those sensitive to soy	Easy to digest
Cost	Mid-range	Low-cost	Higher cost

Conclusion: Versatility and Accessibility

Pea protein has cemented its place as a powerhouse ingredient in the modern food industry. From its natural source in whole and split peas to its refined form in a multitude of processed products, it offers a sustainable and hypoallergenic protein option for a diverse range of dietary needs. Its widespread use in plant-based meat alternatives, protein supplements, and even everyday snacks makes it more accessible than ever before. Whether you are actively seeking it out for its nutritional benefits or simply enjoying a modern plant-based meal, pea protein is a prominent and important part of our evolving food landscape. Read more about the benefits of pea protein on Healthline

Frequently Asked Questions

The best natural sources include fresh green peas, dried yellow or green split peas, and pea shoots. Whole-food recipes like split pea hummus or fritters are also great options.

Yes, processed meat products, such as some sausages and sliced meats, sometimes use pea protein as a filler or binding agent.

To identify pea protein, check the ingredients list for 'pea protein,' 'pea protein isolate,' 'pea protein concentrate,' or sometimes the more generic 'vegetable protein'.

Yes, pea protein is considered a high-quality, complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce on its own.

Pea protein is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, soy, and gluten. This makes it a popular hypoallergenic option for many consumers.

Alternatives to pea protein include other plant-based proteins like soy protein, brown rice protein, and hemp protein, as well as whole-food sources like lentils and chickpeas.

Brands like Beyond Meat utilize pea protein to provide a meaty texture and high protein content in their plant-based burgers, sausages, and other products.

Pea protein is generally well-tolerated. For some, whole peas can cause bloating, but the refined protein powder is low in fiber and less likely to cause this. Some products can be high in sodium, which should be checked on the label.