Plant protein

Also known as pea protein, rice protein, soy protein, vegan protein.

Last reviewed October 9, 2026 · Jump to references

What is Plant protein?

In plain words

Plant protein comes from foods such as peas, rice, and soy. Your body breaks it down into amino acids, the building blocks used to maintain muscle and other tissues. Researchers study it for muscle maintenance with aging, exercise recovery, and heart health. Its nutritional quality varies by source, and some sources can cause allergic reactions.

Technical definition

Plant proteins are plant-derived polypeptides used as dietary protein ingredients, including proteins isolated or concentrated from peas, rice, and soy. Digestive enzymes hydrolyze them into peptides and amino acids that are absorbed and used for protein synthesis and other metabolic processes; they do not act through a single molecular receptor. They are generally regulated as foods or dietary supplements, depending on the product and jurisdiction, rather than as approved drugs.

Educational information only. This page does not provide medical advice or determine whether a supplement is appropriate for you. Review supplements with a qualified healthcare professional, especially if you take medication, are pregnant, have surgery scheduled, or have a chronic medical condition.

Evidence by use

Each use is rated on its own. There is no single overall effectiveness score.