NutriBiotic Plain Rice Protein Powder, 3 Lb

UPDATE November 2019: I added another star because I realized I’ve been using this for a year and a half now, and will continue to buy it. I did have one bad tub a year ago, and it seems that it was just a bad batch because others had similar issues at the time. But I’ve not had a bad one since then. It’s definitely high quality rice protein, and still the only protein that doesn’t upset my stomach. It dissolves fairly well, though it does leave a bit of a froth. I have seen some improvement in that area, so it seems like they’re always trying to improve on this product, which is encouraging. Best brown rice protein I’ve tried so far.

UPDATE: Whatever the issue with the previous container has now been eliminated, and all the rest of my purchases have been to the quality of the first I bought. I added an extra star. It’s still rice protein and is thus bland, but if you have food sensitivities and allergies that cause limitations in your ability to consume protein, this stuff works. I’ve not had any reactions to it and I’ve noticed improvements in my muscle tone since I started taking it.
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There appears to have been some change in the process for this protein powder, and not for the better. This WAS one of the better rice proteins I’ve tried. The previous tub I consumed (which I just finished) had the typical, slightly sweet taste of brown rice protein, and a fine tan powder that dissolved easily–much better than other rice protein powders I’ve tried, which were really gritty. I typically drink this straight with water once per day with breakfast, like it was medicine, because that’s essentially what it is for me.

But this tub tastes like old white rice that’s been sitting in stale water, and has a bitter aftertaste. At first I questioned whether or not it was bad, but then recognized the taste as comparable to when I was eating rice porridge in the middle of nowhere Asia that was made from old rice and boiled water–though even that didn’t have the bitterness that this new tub has. It seems to be rid of its bit of graininess, which was barely present before, and my guess is that whatever change was made it was to get rid of the grit. But I’ll take the little bit of grit if it means getting rid of the new flavor, which isn’t great.

I’ll finish this tub because it’s one of the few protein powders I can eat and at $36 (which was higher than I previously paid), it’s too expensive to toss. But I may give some other powders a try if they don’t fix the flavor. I would have otherwise given it a five star rating and signed up for the Amazon subscription. Pure rice protein is great for people like me who need extra protein without the allergens, and this was was doing so well. Bummer!

So, if you mix this product with water in a blender cup, this shake is a bit gritty and plain, just like it says on the label; however, I use it when I make bread, muffins, pancakes or any other baking product that I want to boost the protein content. This product only has 1gm of sugar per scoop, which is perfect. I can add sweetness with fruit, honey, sugar or splenda. It hasn’t affected the recipes I’ve made, just make sure you blend it well with the liquids in your recipe. I make delicious complete meal shakes using this product with fruit and 1 tsp of flax, chia seeds or nut butters. You can always add flavor with a few drops of vanilla, a tad bit of cinnamon or even some cocoa powder. This product is not sweet at all, so if you just need protein, this is perfect. Additionally, this product is a protein isolate, which is a fancy way of saying this is all protein, no fat, and 2 gm of carbs; if you are looking for micronutrients (vitamin and minerals) this is not the right product for you. You should look at their Spectrum Shake which is also very excellent. When I make a shake I use 1cup of almond milk, a scoop of plain protein, a scoop of the spectrum protein, 1/2 c of berries or 1/2 banana and 1 tsp of flax or chia seeds and blend it well in a blender-it yields a delicious and complete meal. My daughter likes chocolate shakes so I skip the berries, use 1 c almond milk, 1/2 scoop of plain protein, 1/2 scoop of spectrum shake, add a 1/2 Tb of cocoa and 1 packet of splend and give her a 1/2 banana or some other fruit on the side and voila, a protein packed complete breakfast! Very filling. Highly recommended, and very versatile. I will always have some on hand in my kitchen. One more thing…the 3lb container has 90 servings/scoops which is awesome. I did find it a bit cheaper at a different website, but this is not a bad price either (see […] My daughter is 9 years old and loves all the shakes and baked goods I make, she’s never complained that they’re gritty or have a weird flavor, especially when mixed with a blender. God Bless!