Ingredient Spotlight: Yellow Pea Protein

Product: Happy Viking Protein - Green Colada

1. Structure

The structure and chemical composition of yellow pea protein or pea protein isolates are dependent on:

the cultivar (type of cultivated plant selected for particular traits)
the growth conditions
how the protein is extracted

2. Source

Yellow Split Peas (Pisum sativum L.). The peas are dried out and isolated into protein rich powder.

3. Benefits

Increases feelings of being “full”.
Supports muscle growth.

4. Mechanism of Action

Higher protein content than hemp and soy protein.
Higher essential amino acids percentage than hemp and soy protein.
Clinical studies show comparable support for weight gain during resistance training with pea protein isolates and whey isolates.
Lowers blood glucose at a similar rate to whey protein after a meal.
Aggregates in the stomach which raises satiety (the feeling of being full).

5. Concerns

Methionine content is below the recommended allowance.
If this (yellow pea protein) is your sole source of protein, you will develop a deficiency.

References

(1)Happy viking. Happy Viking. https://drinkhappyviking.com/pages/ingredients?srsltid=AfmBOoqd1iUByhto3j8w1YAs2tM4aZ-VotQEfTStYIr7tCEjmQ9khmER (accessed 2026-06-23).

(2)Asen, N. D.; Aluko, R. E.; Martynenko, A.; Utioh, A.; Bhowmik, P. Yellow Field Pea Protein (Pisum Sativum L.): Extraction Technologies, Functionalities, and Applications. Foods 2023, 12 (21), 3978. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12213978.

(3)Stilling, K. Health Benefits of Pea Protein Isolate: A Comparative Review. SURG Journal 2020, 12 (1). https://doi.org/10.21083/surg.v12i1.6111.

(4)Cui, L.; Bandillo, N.; Wang, Y.; Ohm, J.-B.; Chen, B.; Rao, J. Functionality and Structure of Yellow Pea Protein Isolate as Affected by Cultivars and Extraction pH. Food Hydrocolloids 2020, 108, 106008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2020.106008.

Disclaimer

I am not a medical doctor, I am not a nutritionist, I am not a personal trainer, I am not a physical therapist. I have a PhD in Chemistry, I use this ingredient/product, and I like showing my work.