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There's a New Line of Caffeinated Protein Drinks. Here's What a Dietitian Has To Say.
Beyond Immerse + Energy packs 20 grams of protein and 160 milligrams of caffeine per serving — but is that a good thing?
If you follow a plant-based diet, then you're probably familiar with Beyond, one of the leading companies in the space. It's best known for its plant-based meat. However, the brand expanded into the beverage category earlier this year with the launch of its sparkling protein drink line, Beyond Immerse — and now, it's making a caffeinated version.
Protein in an energy drink? Yes, you read that right — energy drinks are hopping on the protein-maxxing trend too.
“Energy shouldn’t mean choosing between a boost and good nutrition,” Ethan Brown, founder and CEO of Beyond Meat, says in a press release. “Beyond Immerse Energy brings caffeine from coffee beans together with plant protein, fiber, antioxidants and electrolytes in one refreshing drink.”
What is Beyond Immerse Protein + Energy?
Beyond Immerse Energy is a new sparkling energy drink that combines plant protein, fiber, antioxidants, electrolytes and caffeine sourced from coffee beans and guarana extract.
The drinks contain 20 grams of protein per serving alongside five grams of fiber and 160 milligrams of caffeine and don't contain sugar alcohols or GMOs. They're currently available in Watermelon Strawberry and Cherry Berry flavors.
The new drink is a bit different from the brand's existing functional protein beverage lineup, Beyond Immerse, which contains 20 grams of protein per serving and no caffeine. The original line is also expanding with three new flavors: Watermelon Strawberry (available now), Limoncello Ginger and Yuzu Grapefruit (to come in the near future). The three new varieties are additions to the existing lineup of Cherry Berry, Peach Mango and Strawberry Lemonade, bringing the Beyond Immerse line to a total of six flavors.
What does a registered dietitians think of Beyond Immerse Protein + Energy?
Although I don't mind the concept, since I'm always looking to increase my protein intake and energy levels, I'm not a professional — so I asked a registered dietitian for her thoughts on this one. Here's what she had to say.
“The use of pea protein is a good source and has a pretty high protein quality,” says Toby Amidor. “However, guarana extract, which is a central nervous system stimulant and antioxidant, largely driven by its high caffeine content, is something I never recommend to consumers. The seeds have significantly higher amounts of caffeine compared to coffee beans.”
It also raises the question as to whether having a protein energy drink is actually necessary or warranted? According to Amidor, most Americans are already consuming enough protein. The only demographics showing protein gaps are adolescent females aged 14 to 18, older adult females aged 70 and over, males aged 9 to 13 and older men aged 71 and older.
“This beverage is not the answer to closing the protein gaps for these populations,” she says. “In addition, we certainly don't need a 20-gram protein and five-gram fiber drink in lieu of eating a well-balanced meal or snack using animal or plant-based products to get sufficient protein, fiber and antioxidants. And caffeine can come from a morning cup of Joe.”
Instead of drinking Beyond Immerse Protein + Energy for ingredients like vitamin A or guarana, Amidor suggests focusing on the basics: fruits and vegetables, which contain plenty of naturally occurring fiber and antioxidants.
“According to the FDA, only 10% of Americans meet their daily recommended amount of vegetables while 15% meet their daily recommended amount of fruits,” she says.
Where can you buy Beyond Immerse Protein + Energy?
Still interested in trying these caffeinated protein drinks? The new Beyond Immerse Protein + Energy line will be available exclusively at www.BeyondPlantProtein.com for $45.99 for a 12-pack.
Beyond Immerse Protein + Energy
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