One of the biggest frustrations I routinely hear about is the process of choosing a protein powder. Why? There are just so freaking many of them to choose from. In the interest of making our lives easier, I figured it was time to start reviewing what looks like the best options on paper to see how they taste.
To kick off this series of protein powder reviews, we have Radix Nutrition. If you haven’t heard of them, this is the brand that loves science, iterates constantly, and stops at nothing to be the best. The brand aims to ‘help improve your health through nutrition’ – no complaints here! The tests they’ve done on their protein powders prove that it’s the most bioavailable in the world. IN THE WORLD.
That’s no small feat. Essentially it means if you’re looking for the highest quality protein, nutritionally, you can’t go wrong with Radix.
Before I dive into the taste test and nutritional benefits of these plant-based protein powders, let’s address the enormous elephant in the room.
What is DIAAS Complex 1.30?
Forgive yourself for not immediately knowing what this means – almost nobody does. DIAAS stands for Digestible Indispensible Amino Acid Score, hence DIAAS. It’s the most reputable scale for measuring protein quality based on how nutritionally complete and digestible the amino acids (building blocks of proteins) are.
The Food & Agriculture Society has determined that a score of 1.0 represents the ideal amount of digestible amino acids to meet the human body’s requirements. When I say ‘digestible’ I mean the amount that is actually absorbed and used by the body. When we eat, we don’t often get every skerrick of nutrients from our food – some always leave the body as waste for a variety of reasons too long to detail here. Just know that everything we eat has a different digestibility score of sorts (whether we know how to measure it precisely or not!).
What makes protein powders from Radix Nutrition so compelling, is that their DIAAS score is 1.30. That means their protein provides 30% more high-quality, digestible protein than what we need. This means you can be more than satisfied that if the packet says 25g of protein, your body will absorb every last gram.
A score of 1.30 makes this protein powder from Radix up to 18% more bioavailable than pure pea protein isolate. And it eclipses non-plant-based proteins too, exceeding the DIAAS for the average whey protein isolate too, a protein powder most gym goers and bodybuilders swear is the absolute best – well, not anymore.
Want to read more about DIAAS? Check out the much longer explanation at Radix Nutrition.
Why Should a Hiker Add Protein Powder To Their Diet?
I could write an entire article on this question alone, but put simply, protein is the building block of our muscles. It’s essential for muscle repair, growth, energy, and even immune system support.
The other benefit of protein powder on the trail is that it’s super light to carry, is nutrient-dense (gram for gram), and will help ensure your body recovers well after each day of strenuous activity. For people who struggle to get in enough calories, there are also protein powders out there with high-calorie counts so not only will you get boosted recovery, but boosted energy too.
When considering which protein powder is best for the trail, consider the nutrients you need (protein alone, protein plus carbohydrates, or protein plus additional supplements), how well it dissolves in your shaker (some do better with a blender), and how good it tastes lukewarm (cold water isn’t guaranteed out there!).
Radix Nutrition Plant-Based Protein Powder Taste Test
The Radix Nutrition range of plant-based protein powders comes in eight flavours. I’ve tested five of them here for your benefit. If you’ve tasted any of the other three, please pipe up in the comments, and we can add your thoughts to the mix!
Flavours: Chocolate, vanilla, coconut, blueberry, banana, mango, strawberry, unflavoured.
Protein: 25g per serve
BCAAs: 4.8g
Essential amino acids: 10.9
Single-serve weight: 34-36g
Price per serve: $4.50
Price per 100g: $13.24
Price per gram of protein: $0.13
Price: $67.50 for 15 sachets or $69.90 for a 1kg bag (roughly 28 serves per kg)
Radix Chocolate Plant-Based Protein Powder
Protein/Fat/Carbohydrate/Energy: 25g / 2.9g / 3.8g / 145.8 calories
Sodium: 229mg
BCAAs: 4.8g
EAAs: 10.2g
Leucine: 2.1g
Sugars: 0.1g
Ingredients: Plant Protein DIAAS Complex 1.30 (89%) [Yellow Pea Protein Isolate, Brown Rice Protein Isolate]*, Natural Chocolate Flavour, Organic Raw Cacao (3%), Sweetener (Monk Fruit Extract), Vegetable Gum (Guar Gum), Pink Himalayan Salt.
*Phenylketonurics: contains Phenylalanine
May contain: Traces of milk, soy, coconut, tree nuts
Aroma
This smelt distinctly nutting with a very mild hint of chocolate, though it was hard to tell if I was actually smelling the chocolate or I was convincing myself that I was because I knew it was a chocolate flavour. Either way, it’s borderline whether you can tell it’s chocolate from the aroma.
Texture
The texture of the mixture is quite gritty, even after extended shaking in a shaker bottle. However, it looks a lot grittier than it actually feels when you drink it. There is a lot of residue left on the side of the glass. This isn’t a concern and is very common with plant-based protein powders that use pea or rice protein (this one uses both!).
The grains are just fibre residues. You can add more water to your bottle or mug after you’ve finished the protein powder drink and swish it around to collect them and drink, but you’ll have consumed the bulk of the protein so it’s not essential. Overall the consistency is quite smooth with small grains peppered throughout.
Taste
The chocolate flavour plant-based Radix protein powder tastes very milky and creamy with only a hint of chocolate. I experienced most of the promised chocolate flavour in the aftertaste. It’s got a very nice taste, but I’m not sure that I’d rush to call it chocolate. Because of the nutty flavour, it doesn’t feel like I’m having dessert and while it’s not sweet, it’s not noticeably not sweet. I’d swear it had milk in it and am really impressed at how creamy and full it tastes when it’s only been mixed with water. It’s not remotely watery like most protein powders I’ve had previously.
Flavour – 4/5
Didn’t deliver on the chocolate flavour so I had to deduct a point. Otherwise, very tasty!
Radix Coconut Plant-Based Protein Powder
Protein/Fat/Carbohydrate/Energy: 25g / 3.7g / 4.6g / 155.35 calories
Sodium: 210mg
BCAAs: 4.8g
EAAs: 10.2g
Leucine: 2.1g
Sugars: 0.4g
Ingredients: Plant Protein DIAAS Complex 1.30 (89%) [Yellow Pea Protein Isolate, Brown Rice Protein Isolate]*, Organic Coconut Milk (6%) (Coconut), Natural Coconut Flavour, Sweetener (Monk Fruit Extract), Vegetable Gum (Guar Gum).
*Phenylketonurics: contains Phenylalanine
May contain: Traces of milk, soy, coconut, tree nuts
Aroma
The coconut protein had an overwhelmingly sweet coconut smell. It was almost like coconut shampoo in that it didn’t smell fully natural, but it was definitely coconut.
Texture
This drink was full-bodied, creamy, and very thick. It has coconut milk in it, which explains the creaminess (could have sworn it was going to be cream though). The liquid isn’t grainy at all and is very smooth. It’s quite frothy, like the foamy part at the top of a milkshake.
Taste
This one is very sweet and creamy. Almost like a custard in sweetness. Again the flavour is stronger and more pronounced in the aftertaste. Interestingly it smells like coconut more than it tastes like coconut and is more like a concentrated cream.
Flavour – 3.5/5
It tasted more mild, milky, and creamy than it did of coconut. If you don’t like milk, chances are pretty high that this isn’t the flavour choice for you.
Radix Blueberry Plant-Based Protein Powder
Protein/Fat/Carbohydrate/Energy: 25g / 2.8g / 3.0g / 141 calories
Sodium: 208mg
BCAAs: 4.8g
EAAs: 10.9g
Leucine: 2.1g
Sugars: 1.2g
Ingredients: Plant Protein DIAAS Complex 1.30 (89%) [Yellow Pea Protein Isolate, Brown Rice Protein Isolate]*, Blueberry (6%), Natural Blueberry Flavouring (4%), Sweetener (Monk Fruit Extract), Thickener (Guar Gum).
*Phenylketonurics: contains Phenylalanine
May contain: Traces of milk, soy, coconut, tree nuts
Aroma
This one smells strongly of blueberry lollies. It’s extremely enticing and prompted an ‘ooft that’s a beautiful smell’ reaction from my partner. You can tell it’s going to be sweet!
Texture
The blueberry plant-based protein powder mix is the smoothest consistency so far. It’s not thick, not runny, not foamy. The viscosity is beautifully balanced and it goes down very easily.
Taste
This one has the most distinct aroma and taste so far and it matches the promised flavour perfectly. It mostly tastes like a natural blueberry smoothie, although there’s an ever-so-slight artificial tinge to it. This might be coming from the 4% natural blueberry flavouring (distinct from the 6% real blueberries) or the addition of monk fruit.
Despite this, it’s bloody good and while I normally avoid anything with the slightest tinge of artificial, this I’d make an exception for, and I emphasize that it’s a very slight tinge. The full-bodied blueberry aftertaste is divine. Note that this one is the sweetest of the flavours tested, and despite only having 1.2g of sugar, it’s quite noticeable. Sweet tooths - this is the flavour for you!
Flavour – 4.5/5
I was so close to giving this a 5/5 but I had to deduct half a point due to that ever so slight artificial tinge.
Radix Banana Plant-Based Protein Powder
Protein/Fat/Carbohydrate/Energy: 25g / 2.8g / 3.1g / 141 calories
Sodium: 208mg
BCAAs: 4.8g
EAAs: 10.2g
Leucine: 2.1g
Sugars: 0.3g
Ingredients: Plant Protein DIAAS Complex 1.30 (89%) [Yellow Pea Protein Isolate, Brown Rice Protein Isolate]*, Natural Banana Flavour, Sweetener (Monk Fruit Extract), Vegetable Gum (Guar Gum), Freeze Dried Banana Powder.
*Phenylketonurics: contains Phenylalanine
May contain: Traces of milk, soy, coconut, tree nuts
Aroma
This smells beautifully of real banana. Imagine a plate of very ripe banana cut into slices – that’s the smell.
Texture
Oh, this one is smooth. The viscosity is close in thickness to the coconut flavour. However, there are tiny lumps throughout that are quite noticeable when drinking.
These will most likely be eliminated if shaken for longer however each of these got a solid minute of agitation before drinking and this one still had little lumps. So comparatively it seems more prone to clumping together than the other flavours.
Taste
It tastes exceptionally close to a real banana smoothie. I’m really impressed with the lack of confectionary banana-lolly taste which is extremely common in banana-flavoured products. It tastes quite sweet.
Only the blueberry flavour was sweeter, which is interesting because technically the coconut has more sugar than this banana one. The aftertaste is a natural banana with a hint of nuttiness.
Flavour – 4.5/5
Excellent. Half a point was deducted for the little lumps in the mixture.
Radix Vanilla Plant-Based Protein Powder
Protein/Fat/Carbohydrate/Energy: 25g / 2.8g / 3.1g / 141 calories
Sodium: 208mg
BCAAs: 4.8g
EAAs: 10.2g
Leucine: 2.1g
Sugars: 0.3g
Ingredients: Plant Protein DIAAS Complex 1.30 (91%) [Yellow Pea Protein Isolate, Brown Rice Protein Isolate]*, Natural Vanilla Flavour, Sweetener (Monk Fruit Extract), Vegetable Gum (Guar Gum), Pink Himalayan Salt.
*Phenylketonurics: contains Phenylalanine
May contain: Traces of milk, soy, coconut, tree nuts
Aroma
This one smells like pure vanilla essence. If I’d had a bottle under my nose I wouldn’t have been surprised. It’s delicious.
Texture
This one was slightly lumpier than the banana, but again, I’m wary that this could be eliminated with more shaking before drinking. It was slightly grainy but mostly smooth to drink though so the visible lumps weren’t really a problem.
The mix isn’t the smoothest, or the thickest or the thinnest. Middle of the pack and overall, very vanilla (ha!).
Taste
This was the most watery of the flavours sampled. It’s very mild and I couldn’t actually detect a flavour while I was drinking. I found it a bit bland. I got the vanilla flavour in the aftertaste.
While I found this akin to drinking a watery glass of milk my partner, who is a big vanilla fan, loved it. It’s quite a neutral flavour so if you’re just looking for a quick non-descript hit of protein, or want to mix this with something else like berries to give it your own flavour, it’s the perfect choice.
Flavour – 3/5
It’s always tough to score flavour when testers have wildly opposing opinions. The only fair way to judge this was to place it smack-bang in the middle. While I didn’t taste vanilla, it still tasted good, went down easy, and I’d have it again.
FAQs Radix Plant Protein Powder
Are these good for hiking?
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more nutritious protein powder to take with you on the trail. In saying that, they definitely taste better cold than warm, so I'd advocate making these first thing in the morning or last thing at night for optimal enjoyment.
Where Can You Get Radix Nutrition Protein Powders?
Radix Nutrition products are stocked all over the place, from big box stores like BCF to smaller local camping and outdoor stores. Some will stock the full range of their meals, but finding the protein powders can be a harder ask. I get mine from the Radix Nutrition website. Chuck in ‘HIKE10’ at the checkout and you’ll score a 10% discount.
Do I need a shaker bottle for Radix protein powders?
Absolutely. I’ve tried shaking these up in a standard drink bottle and the result is less than appealing. Radix have their own protein shaker which retails for $49.99. This is pretty hefty for a shaker bottle but it’s insulated, has the mixing grid built in, and frankly, just feels bloody nice. I reserve mine for at home use though because it’s heavy. For the trail you’ll be fine with a drink bottle AND an agitator or mixer ball.
What is phenylalanine?
Eagle-eyed readers of the ingredients list will have noted mention of ‘phenylalanine’. It’s an essential amino acid found in protein sources and artificial sweeteners like aspartame. It's necessary for the body's normal functioning.
The reason it’s mentioned is that some people have a rare genetic condition called ‘Phenylketonuria’ which means their body can’t metabolise it and it builds up to toxic levels. For everyone else, it’s perfectly safe – and required!
What type of protein is used in the Radix plant-based protein powders?
These plant-based protein powders by Radix Nutrition use yellow pea protein isolate and brown rice protein isolate.
What are EEAs?
Essential amino acids (EAAs) are the building blocks of protein your body can’t make on its own. You’ve got to get them from food or supplements and they help your muscles grow.
What are BCAAs?
Branched-chain amino Acids (BCAAs) are a trio of EAAs – leucine, isoleucine, and valine – that help with muscle recovery and reduce fatigue.
What is leucine?
Leucine is a branched-chain amino acid that triggers muscle building and repair. If you’ve got a tough hike ahead, you want to make sure that you’re getting plenty of this to help you perform at your best day after day.
How is Radix pronounced?
The question of how the brand 'Radix' is actually pronounced comes up in every discussion I have about this brand. And people care. The 'Rad-ICKS' camp is particularly feisty, but after seeking confirmation from the friendly crew behind the name, I can confirm it's actually 'RAID-ix'. Can we put the debate to rest now?
Disclaimer
I reached out to the team at Radix Nutrition to ask for samples of these meals & they kindly sent me a bunch to test. I protect my ability to provide you with my honest opinion because I value my integrity far more than a free breakfast. I'll never accept payment for reviews, or free products on the contingency that I say what a brand wants.
I've also included affiliate links and discount codes in this article, which means that if you click through and buy something from Radix Nutrition after using my discount code 'HIKE10', you'll receive 10% off and I'll get a little kickback too. This helps me justify the countless hours I spend preparing useful content for you guys and every little bit helps!
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