Price: $47.60 per 1.35 lb bag (cheaper with subscription)
Flavors: Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate (chocolate or unflavored), Plant-based Protein (chocolate)
Protein: 22 grams per serving (whey and plant-based chocolate); 25 grams per serving (whey unflavored)
Calories: Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate – 120 calories for chocolate, 100 calories for unflavored; Plant-based Protein – 130 calories
Vegan: Yes, the plant protein version
Availability: Online
How Obtained: Company samples
RBR Advertiser: No
Realand Nutrition: Passion for Sustainable Agriculture and Outdoor Adventure
I had never known of Realand Nutrition until their media rep reached out to see if I’d be interested in trying the product. Since I’m always looking for quality and healthy post-ride protein options, Realand sounded like a good choice. The company describes itself as a nutrition brand born out of dual passions for sustainable agriculture and outdoor adventure. As a testament to sustainability, their packaging is made from post-consumer recycled materials.
The company offers three versions of their protein products, and I selected two of them – Recovery Plant-Based Protein and Whey Protein Isolate, both in chocolate flavor. The recovery mixes are low in calories and include:
Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate – Chocolate
22g of protein and 120 calories per serving (two scoops)
Features organic ingredients and only nine total ingredients (grass-fed whey protein isolate, cane sugar, organic cocoa, organic natural flavors, cellulose gum, salt, cornstarch, sunflower lecithin, Stevia)
Sourced from grass-fed cows that roam free
Plant-Based Protein – Chocolate
22g of protein and 130 calories per serving (two scoops)
Fava bean-based protein is innovative and new to the market, offering superior taste and texture to other plant-based options without the gritty, earthy texture
Fava beans require less land and water than soy, pea, and rice cropsÂ
Only seven ingredients, including fava protein isolate, cane sugar, organic cocoa, organic natural flavors, salt, cornstarch, and Stevia.
Nutritional information for Realand’s Plant Protein flavor (left), and Whey Protein Isolate – chocolate (right).
I chose not to test the unflavored grass-fed whey protein isolate. I didn’t want to have the added calories by adding it to something with flavor.
Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate – Unflavored
25g of protein and 100 calories per serving (two scoops)
Only two ingredients: grass-fed whey protein isolate (the highest-quality whey variation) and sunflower lecithin (a natural ingredient to help the whey mix and emulsify and an alternative to more processed ingredients)
Easy to digest, even for those people with lactose sensitivitiesÂ
All three products are made in the USA, GMO-free, FDA registered, and sourced from ethical and sustainable farms and ranchers.
Excellent Taste and Smooth Texture
The two protein mixes I tested were low in sugar, smooth, and not gritty, mixing easily with water or almond milk, and were very tasty. Other ways to enjoy Realand include tossing it in a blender with almond milk and a frozen banana or adding it to your favorite smoothie.Â
Of the two, I prefer the plant-based protein version because it’s vegan and does not contain any animal products. I’m not vegan, but I prefer to reduce as many animal products from my diet as possible.
Fava bean protein isolate gives this mix a smooth taste and texture. Its fast absorption and 22 grams of protein per serving make it the perfect choice for muscle recovery. According to the company, the fava bean protein is also rich in amino acids and BCAAs, is gluten-free, and has a low risk of allergens.
As for the whey protein isolates, the company states that theirs undergoes a more refined processing method, which removes the majority of fat and lactose and retains the higher protein content. It’s also easier to digest and faster to absorb – the perfect combo for a post-workout recovery.Â
Bottom Line
Realand’s protein power comes in a 1.35-pound resealable bag, containing 17 servings (each serving is equivalent to two scoops). Realand protein mix is priced affordably at $47.60 per bag, or $2.80 per serving.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
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