Rice Protein: Plant-Based Protein, Amino Acids and Chocolate Nutrition
Brown rice protein provides a convenient plant-based alternative to dairy-derived protein powders. It is suitable for vegans and can help active adults increase their protein intake without using whey, casein or other milk proteins.
Nutrition A2Z Chocolate Rice Plant Protein combines brown rice protein with chicory-root fibre, cocoa, green tea and guarana. Each 25 g serving provides 16.9 g of protein, 2.7 g of dietary fibre and only 0.15 g of sugar.
What is brown rice protein?
Brown rice protein is produced by separating and concentrating the protein naturally found within brown rice—Oryza sativa.
Although rice is normally associated with carbohydrate, it also contains protein. Processing removes much of the starch, producing a concentrated protein powder that can be added conveniently to drinks and foods.
Each 25 g serving of Nutrition A2Z Rice Plant Protein provides 16.9 g of protein.
Why does the body need protein?
Protein consists of amino acids that the body uses to build and maintain tissues.
Protein contributes to:
• The growth of muscle mass
• The maintenance of muscle mass
• The maintenance of normal bones
These functions are relevant to athletes, active adults and older people—not only bodybuilders.
A protein powder can help someone meet their daily requirements, but it should complement a varied diet containing whole-food protein sources.
Rice protein and amino acids
The body uses amino acids for many normal processes. Nine are known as essential amino acids because the body cannot produce sufficient amounts and must obtain them through food.
Brown rice protein naturally supplies essential amino acids, including the branched-chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine.
Like other individual plant proteins, rice protein has its own amino-acid profile. It provides useful amounts of methionine but is naturally lower in lysine than pea protein.
This is why eating a varied selection of plant proteins is valuable. Rice, peas, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds and soya each contribute a different amino-acid balance.
Pea and rice proteins can complement one another particularly well: pea protein is relatively rich in lysine, while rice protein provides more methionine. They do not have to be consumed in the same meal, provided the overall diet is varied and supplies sufficient protein.
Can rice protein support muscle growth?
Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass. Rice protein can therefore support a resistance-training programme by helping provide the protein and amino acids needed as part of the body’s normal recovery and adaptation processes.
Muscle development still requires:
• Progressive resistance training
• Adequate total protein intake
• Sufficient calories
• Regular sleep
• Rest and recovery
• Long-term consistency
A protein shake alone cannot create muscle. It is a convenient nutritional tool that supports a suitable training and eating plan.
Is rice protein useful after exercise?
Exercise—particularly resistance training—creates an increased demand for dietary protein.
A rice-protein shake can be consumed after training because it provides a measured serving that is quick and simple to prepare. However, there is no need to panic about consuming it immediately after the final exercise.
Total daily protein intake and a consistent distribution of protein across meals are more important than a very narrow post-workout window.
Rice protein may also be used at breakfast, between meals or whenever additional protein is needed.
How does rice protein compare with whey?
Whey is a milk-derived protein with a naturally high leucine content and rapid digestion. Brown rice protein is plant-derived and provides an alternative for vegans and people who prefer not to use milk-based powders.
The two proteins have different amino-acid profiles, tastes and textures. Neither choice automatically produces muscle growth without training and adequate total nutrition.
The best option depends on dietary preferences, tolerance and how the product fits into someone’s daily eating routine.
What does each serving provide?
One 25 g serving provides:
• 16.9 g of protein
• 2.7 g of dietary fibre
• 88 kcal
• 0.9 g of fat
• 1.57 g of carbohydrate
• 0.15 g of sugar
• 0.01 g of salt
The product is high in protein and high in dietary fibre while remaining low in sugar.
Why is chicory-root fibre included?
Chicory root—Cichorium intybus—is naturally rich in inulin and related fibres.
Dietary fibre forms part of a balanced diet and supports normal bowel function when accompanied by adequate fluid intake. Each serving provides 2.7 g of fibre.
People who are not used to fibre-rich foods may prefer to introduce the product gradually, because a rapid increase in fibre can sometimes cause temporary wind, bloating or digestive discomfort.
What does cocoa contribute?
Cocoa powder—Theobroma cacao—provides the product’s familiar chocolate character and naturally contains a range of plant compounds.
Cocoa is included primarily for flavour and to complement the brown rice protein. The chocolate taste is sweetened using steviol glycosides rather than relying on a large quantity of sugar.
The finished powder contains only 0.15 g of sugar per serving.
Why are green tea and guarana included?
Green tea—Camellia sinensis—is made from the leaves of the tea plant and naturally contains plant polyphenols and caffeine.
Guarana—Paullinia cupana—is a South American plant whose seeds also naturally contain caffeine.
These botanical ingredients complement the formula, but the product should not be presented as a treatment for tiredness, obesity or any medical condition.
Because both ingredients may provide naturally occurring caffeine, people who are sensitive to caffeine should avoid taking the product close to bedtime. Caffeine intake from coffee, tea, energy drinks, pre-workout products and other supplements should also be considered.
Children, pregnant women, breastfeeding women and people advised to restrict caffeine should seek professional advice before use.
Why is Stevia used?
Steviol glycosides are purified sweet-tasting compounds obtained from Stevia rebaudiana.
They provide sweetness in small amounts and help create a chocolate-flavoured shake without using ordinary sugar as the main sweetening ingredient.
Who may find rice protein useful?
Chocolate Rice Plant Protein may suit:
• Vegans and vegetarians
• People avoiding milk-derived protein powders
• Active adults and gym users
• People increasing their dietary protein intake
• Older adults seeking to maintain muscle mass alongside appropriate exercise
• Anyone wanting a chocolate-flavoured plant protein
• People looking for a high-protein, high-fibre shake
The product should not replace every whole-food protein source. A balanced diet remains important for vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and other essential nutrients.
How to use Rice Plant Protein
Stir two level scoops—approximately 25 g—into half a large glass of water, fruit juice, rice milk, almond milk or another drink of your choice.
Stir or shake thoroughly, then add more liquid until the preferred consistency is reached.
It can also be:
• Blended with berries or banana
• Added to a smoothie
• Mixed into porridge
• Sprinkled onto cereal
• Combined with plant-based yoghurt
• Used in suitable high-protein recipes
The final nutritional values will vary according to the food or drink added.
Product highlights
• 16.9 g of protein per serving
• 2.7 g of dietary fibre per serving
• High in protein
• High in dietary fibre
• Suitable for vegans
• Brown rice protein
• Chocolate flavour
• Only 0.15 g of sugar per serving
• Chicory-root fibre
• Cocoa, green tea and guarana
• Sweetened with steviol glycosides
• 20 servings
• 500 g tub
• Blended and packed in the United Kingdom
Nutrition per 25 g serving
• Energy: 367 kJ/88 kcal
• Fat: 0.9 g
• Of which saturates: 0.35 g
• Carbohydrate: 1.57 g
• Of which sugars: 0.15 g
• Fibre: 2.7 g
• Protein: 16.9 g
• Salt: 0.01 g
Ingredients
Brown Rice (Oryza sativa) Protein Powder, Fibre (Chicory Root—Cichorium intybus—Extract), Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) Powder, flavouring, stabiliser: Xanthan Gum; sweetener: Steviol Glycosides; Green Tea Leaf Extract (Camellia sinensis), Guarana Seed (Paullinia cupana) Extract (water extracted).
Allergy advice
Manufactured in a facility that handles cereals, egg, fish, milk, nuts, soya, mustard, seeds and products derived from crustaceans.
Important information
Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the stated recommended intake.
The formula contains green tea and guarana, which may provide naturally occurring caffeine. Avoid combining it with excessive amounts of other caffeine-containing products.
Anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, receiving medical supervision or living with a medical condition should consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. For best quality, consume within three months of opening.