Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein Review – Pros & Cons

Plant-based diets are surging in popularity today. As a result, numerous plant-based protein supplements have flooded the market, designed to support vegans and plant-based individuals who live active lifestyles. 

However, for a plant-based protein to prove effective, it must contain a precise combination of high-quality ingredients to match the amino acid profile and overall quality of whey and other animal-based options. That’s why thorough research is essential before purchasing. That’s where we come in to help!

We’re taking a closer look at one specific plant-based option called Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein. Does this protein powder deliver the right ingredients and dosages? What benefits can it offer? Is it worth the investment? In this Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein review, we’ll answer all those questions and more so you can determine if this supplement deserves a place in your routine.

Let’s dive in!

About Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein

Performance Inspired (PI) Nutrition is a supplement company founded by Mark Wahlberg and Tom Dowd, with the mission of creating all-natural products that cater to various needs. They’ve since developed a comprehensive range of products including multiple protein options, such as whey protein, diet and energy protein, protein water, and more.

With their Plant-Based Protein, PI Nutrition sought to create the ultimate supplement for active, vegetarian individuals. Beyond delivering 20g of plant protein per serving, it incorporates probiotics, digestive enzymes, and fiber to optimize digestion and absorption—plus tart cherry for enhanced recovery support. 

Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein positions itself as THE comprehensive protein supplement for plant-based dieters. 

Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein Benefits

With consistent use, Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein is designed to:

• Boost exercise recovery
• Assist in increasing muscle mass and strength
• Aid in weight management
• Make it easier to reach protein needs

Boost Exercise Recovery

Through its combination of plant-based protein and tart cherry, Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein promotes faster exercise recovery so you can return stronger and quicker. 

Strength and Muscle

Like most protein supplements, Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein aims to help users build muscle and gain strength when paired with resistance training. 

Weight Management

The fiber and protein in Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein may support weight management by enhancing satiety and optimizing digestion. 

Meet Protein Requirements

Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein helps active individuals meet their protein needs through a convenient shake format delivering 20g per scoop. 

But does Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein truly deliver as a high-quality plant-based protein? Let’s examine the formula!

Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein Ingredients

The core protein blend in Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein features pea protein and brown rice protein. 

The Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein formula also includes:

• Tart Cherry Powder (200mg)
• Lactospore Bacillus Coagulans 6 billion cfu/g (175mg)
• Bromelain/Protease (100mg)
• Papain (50mg)
• Amylase (50mg)
• Cellulase (50mg)

Additional ingredients include:

• Inulin
• Oat Bran
• Kale Powder, Spinach Powder, Broccoli Powder
• Alfalfa Protein Powder

Pea Protein

The primary protein source in Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein is pea protein, which is excellent since this protein boasts substantial scientific backing. Pea protein ranks among the richest sources of essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) among all plant-based proteins, while offering superior digestibility and bioavailability. The only notable concern is its limited methionine content. 

Research demonstrates that pea protein supports muscle strength and recovery comparably to whey protein options, like The Protein Works Whey Protein 80. It also provides benefits for enhancing satiety, regulating blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol, and promoting healthier blood pressure. 

Brown Rice Protein

Brown rice protein is also included, which offers solid essential amino acids and BCAAs content, though not quite matching whey protein or other animal sources. However, it contains high methionine levels, which effectively balances pea protein’s methionine deficiency. 

Brown rice protein complements pea protein exceptionally well. 

Tart Cherry Powder

Next is tart cherry powder, typically derived from Montmorency tart cherries. Tart cherries are rich in numerous phytochemicals, including phenolics and flavonoids. They provide significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, helping combat exercise-induced oxidative stress. 

Evidence shows tart cherry reduces inflammatory blood markers and oxidative stress while decreasing pain and accelerating muscular and strength recovery following exercise. 

LactoSpore

LactoSpore is a trademarked form of Bacillus coagulans, a beneficial probiotic strain. It occurs naturally in the digestive tract and supports digestion, nutrient absorption, and plays important roles in metabolism, immune health, and brain function. Probiotic supplementation increases healthy bacteria populations in the digestive tract, delivering these key benefits. 

Research confirms that LactoSpore successfully colonizes human intestines and promotes digestive health, potentially supporting weight loss and improved metabolic profiles alongside a calorie-restricted diet. 

Digestive Enzymes

Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein contains multiple digestive enzymes, including bromelain, protease, papain, amylase, and cellulase. 

Bromelain, protease, and papain all facilitate protein digestion, which proves particularly valuable for this supplement since active individuals consume more protein than average. 

Amylase aids carbohydrate digestion, while cellulase helps break down cellulose from plant foods, making both enzymes highly relevant for this plant-based product. 

Essentially, these digestive enzymes maximize ingredient utilization by enhancing their digestion, absorption, and bioavailability. Who wouldn’t want that benefit?

Other Ingredients

Finally, we’ll examine some additional ingredients, including inulin, oat bran, and various vegetable powders. 

Inulin and oat bran deliver valuable fiber, supporting overall gut health, increasing satiety, and providing numerous additional health benefits. 

The formula also features powders from broccoli, spinach, kale, and alfalfa, which may offer further health benefits through their vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, although the exact quantities of each ingredient remain unclear. 

Does Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein Work?

Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein clearly presents itself as a high-quality protein supplement that extends well beyond basic protein supplementation through its comprehensive ingredient profile. 

With 20 grams of premium plant protein per serving, it should effectively support recovery and strength and muscle gains. 

The tart cherry addition further enhances recovery support. 

PI Nutrition exceeded expectations by incorporating fiber, digestive enzymes, and probiotics, all promoting enhanced digestion and absorption while supporting overall health and wellness. However, the probiotic count is relatively low, and the digestive enzyme doses should be listed in active units for clarity on actual potency.

Overall, Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein transcends typical plant-based protein supplements, functioning as a comprehensive health and wellness supplement for active individuals. 

Claims vs. Reality

While this product can support recovery and muscle and strength gains, don’t expect miraculous results. You must still train consistently and intensely, and keep in mind that 20g may be insufficient for everyone, potentially requiring 1.5 to 2 scoops to meet your protein requirements. 

Evidence suggests that LactoSpore, digestive enzymes, and fiber can assist with weight management, especially when combined with adequate protein intake, but don’t expect dramatic weight loss. You may lose a few extra pounds when pairing this with a calorie-restricted diet and exercise program. 

Who is Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein Best For?

Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein serves as an excellent protein choice for vegetarians, vegans, or other plant-based individuals pursuing active lifestyles.

Use it post-workout or between meals for an additional protein boost. You could also blend it with other ingredients, such as fruit and healthy fats, for a complete meal. 

Is Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein Safe?

Side effects should be minimal, but some possible ones include:

• Upset stomach, bloating, nausea, constipation, and other digestive symptoms
• Allergic reactions (rare)

Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein is gluten-free, lactose-free, and soy-free. Additionally, it contains no sugar alcohols and is free from artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors. 

Finally, it contains no banned ingredients and is manufactured in a cGMP-certified facility. 

Where to Buy Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein

You can purchase Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein on the official PI Nutrition website at this link.

Each container of Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein provides approximately 18 servings. One container typically costs $39.99 but Performance Inspired Plant-Based Protein is currently on sale for $34.99. Choose from either Vanilla Bean or Chocolate Delight flavors. 

At $1.94 per serving, this represents a moderately expensive plant-based protein, though nothing excessive, particularly given the ingredient quality. Plant-based proteins typically cost more than whey and other forms since they’re relatively newer and generally more expensive to produce.