Why Protein Bites
The two factors us mortals normally use to evaluate the quality or “binge-worthiness” of what we eat are taste and function. We want to eat food that not only satisfies our palate, but also provides the functional benefits that enable us to perform at our best.
When we first took a seat to choose the ingredients for our protein bites, we had a lot of options. In fact, the first versions of these bites did not have added protein at all, we experimented with ingredients including our own granola, Medjool dates, and rose water. After playing around with these recipes for years, it dawned on us that for Ladera to make a true impact in the world, we can’t just stop at simply making tasty snacks.
Following the footsteps of our granola, we decided to pair flavor and functional benefits. Within the addictive salty snacks arena, the playground of our bites, we saw white space – very limited functional benefits. All these salty snacks – chips, popcorn, pretzels, crackers – mostly consist of simple carbohydrates with limited functional benefits beyond immediate satisfaction and satiation. These snacks in moderation aren’t terrible, but their addictive flavor makes moderation difficult and subsequently contributes to lethargy and obesity. In the States, over 40% of all adults are now considered obese. Some blame the food, some blame the people. Perhaps it is Ladera to blame for not coming to the rescue faster!
Our bites pair amazing (addictive) flavor with the functional benefits of chia seeds, buckwheat, and the star of the show, our pea protein crisps. Sometimes it’s those small steps in life, like snacking on a better snack, that can inspire a world of change. Or maybe it’s just a protein bite, time can be our judge : )
Why Pea Protein?
Protein is one of the essential building blocks of the human body, one of the “building blocks of life.” Protein is essential fuel for all our body’s mechanical processes. It helps regulate brain activity, organ function, and your muscle contractions. You may have heard that ~60% of your lean body mass is water, did you know that ~20% of your lean body mass is protein?
Simply put, proteins are made of chains of amino acids. The different sequences and compositions of amino acids dictate the different properties and characteristics of proteins. Us humans can make or convert energy into some of these amino acids ourselves, what we call “nonessential amino acids.” The other amino acids are called essential amino acids which we need to acquire through our diet.
We decided to use pea protein in our bites because, as a legume, pea protein contains all 9 essential amino acids necessary for our body to function. Pea protein is made by grinding yellow peas into a fine powder and removing the starch and fiber. It’s simple, plant based, and complete.
Pea protein is clean – something you can feel good about. It doesn’t have issues around animal welfare, emissions, or intense processing like the animal counterparts. It’s healthier, neutral in flavor, and just better all around, so why not go pea?
