I’ve been using various different GNC protein powders for the past couple of months and the Soy Protein 95 has quickly become one of my favorites.
There are 130 calories per serving which makes it a lower calorie option post run or in between meals. It isn’t supposed to be used for weight reduction, so while I found it to be a good snack in between meals, it is not meant to replace a meal.
There is no wheat, gluten, or dairy in the powder. It is also yeast free for those of you who have a problem with yeast.
I found it to be easier to mix than other protein powders, though I still think the best method for mixing is shaking it in a container or using a blender. I REALLY enjoyed turning this into a dessert *milk shake* by mixing it with Vanilla Soy Milk.
Each serving contains 25 grams of protein.
The container retails for $19.99 and has 12 scoops making each scoop roughly $1.66. If you are looking for a reasonably priced protein powder this is a good option.
I can’t stress enough the difference I have seen between drinking a protein shake post run and not drinking one. I recover faster and am ready for my next workout. This morning I decided to start unpacking immediately post run instead of worrying about my refueling. As a result I’ve been sluggish all day and HIGHLY doubt I will be motivated to go for run #2.
What is your experience with protein shakes? Do you think they make a difference? Have you tried any of the GNC protein powders?
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Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Runner, dreamer, marathoner x24, mommy of 3, Women's Running Magazine cover model, published writer, Saucony contributing blogger, running coach, and lover of all things running. I Run This Body. 
I’ve been drinking protein shakes post-run and I have noticed a huge difference. I don’t have any soreness at all, even after my long runs and I feel pretty good for the rest of the day.
Natalie T. recently posted..Not a great week…
I’ve begun to drink more protein shakes because of your posts, mainly only after my longer runs (8+ miles), though I did have one tonight after track workout.
I don’t know how much of a whole foods diet you eat in general, but have you done any research on how protein powders are processed? I’ve been using a brown rice protein, probably similar to the Vega powder you mentioned. It’s less than 60 cents for a double serving, which is 112 calories and 22 grams of protein (Jarrow brand from Vitacost). They do not use any chemicals in processing it. Another good one is Sun Warrior Raw vegan protein. It’s $40 on Amazon, 16 grams of protein for 85 cents each, so comparable to the soy protein above, but less processed. I do some whey protein as well (in a shake that I like) or a concentrated soy milk that I’ve tried.
My understanding of soy protein powder (specifically soy protein isolate) is that it is high-heat processed. The denaturing of the soy in order to turn it into protein can be quite damaging to the body and has been thought to raise unhealthy cholesterol. Consumer Reports did a study on the dangers of certain protein powders in 2010.
Just got back from track workout and can’t find any of my links
But it’s just food for thought. You can do further research if it interests you.
Brenna Kater, Oceanskater recently posted..Marathon Training, Week 6
Hello, you dont mention anything re tast??? Are they good?
The Sun Warrior tastes better, but they are not as smooth as whey protein. I’m just as likely to put them in baked goods as I am a smoothie. The rice protein is good in a smoothie alongside greek yogurt or some almond milk and a little cacao powder, or you can just get chocolate flavor! The Sun Warrior is sweetened with stevia, so use as unsweetened milk with it.
I’ll add that I got a free sample of Vega and really liked that.
Brenna Kater, Oceanskater recently posted..ING Hartford Marathon Race Recap: Trample On for the Kids!
Please don’t use Soy Protein Powder – soy causes hormonal issues if eaten frequently and can be linked to so many health issues. Use RIce / Pea protein instead. To answer your quesiton, I have a protein shake every day after my morning runs. Can’t live without them!
BTW – I use Arbonne Protein Powder.
I’m pretty positive that several countries in Europe are requiring warning labels for foods that contain high levels of soy due to the dangers their studies have found. I was reading that breast cancer rates in the US are significantly higher than those across the pond and they’re linking soy as the cause.
hmmm….hadn’t heard that! Thank you for sharing – if you find an article can you send it my way – I’d be interested in reading more about it
Ive used arbonne protein too! VERY tasty!! You would probably like plant fusion, too:)
I drink Vega protein powder twice a day, I do the performance powder after my run and mid day I do the Vega energizing. I can’t live without them, I have many people who complain that the protein powders make them gain weight. For me my body loves and looks forward to my protein shake, I have better runs and work outs.
I love to get in a protein shake right after a run, and sometimes another one later in the day. I don’t really eat meat and don’t do dairy at all, so it has become a big source of protein for me. I’ve never tried the gnc protein. My favorite is plant fusion because it is vegan and soy free. I have thyroid issues and don’t go near soy products. But, I love the idea of a protein shake as a recovery drink – my favorite!
CONGRATS on the new house and getting moved in! What a beautiful area to be. Glad you are enjoying it:)
Katie @ msfitrunner recently posted..In Review, Big Races and No Excuses
Katie – does the soy mess with your thyroid? Obviously I am totally not a nutritionist
I feel in the dark – I drink soy milk all the time 
I’ll have to check out plant fusion!
My endo would say otherwise (which is why I don’t go to him anymore;-)), but I’ve read enough and know from experience that soy will wreak havoc on my thyroid, and I don’t need that. I already have thyroid issues (hashimotos/under active), but have read that too much can be harmful to a healthy thyroid/immune system. I am nowhere near a nutritionist either, I just stay away from soy. I just have an issue with the processed soy – tofu, tempeh, all that stuff. But, soy milk and the soy protein together makes me nervous – have you tried unsweetened almond milk? It’s awesome, especially the vanilla, with the plant fusion, very tasty:) Something to think about!
Yes, soy wreaks havoc on thyroid and other hormones. I also use almond milk – unsweetened – and it makes your smoothies so smooth and creamy. I will have to try the Plant Fusion.
Thanks!
Wanda Moncrief recently posted..Thankful Thursday!
OMG. I thought that was my wrist in your first picture. I have the exact same tattoo – same wrist, same placement, same size, same everything. Awesome!
Jessica recently posted..on fundraising.
Good article, very useful for me，thank you~
Soy protein isolate good for health，I think，Good article, very useful for me，thank you~