Last Updated On September 14, 2023
Welcome health-conscious readers, gym-goers, and busy parents.
Are you wondering if you can microwave protein powder? Well, you're not alone! Many people have been asking the same question, especially those who prefer to make protein shakes in a hurry.
Generally, it is totally safe to pop your protein powder in the microwave. Nutritional value will remain the same.
To avoid any confusion, keep reading to find out if you can microwave every protein powder type and how to do it right!
Can Protein Powder Be Microwaved? (All Types Examined)
Yes, protein powder can be microwaved without any adverse effects. Nutrients won't be lost, nor any change in its molecular structure will happen.
Since there are many different protein powders on the market, let's go through the most popular types and see if there is any difference in microwave usage.
1. Whey
Ladies and gentlemen, please give a big round of applause for his majesty - whey!
In all seriousness, we are all aware that whey protein powder has an almost mythological reputation in the fitness world.
The bottom line is that such a legendary status is justified because, along with creatine and BCAAs, whey is truly the best supplement you can take.[1]
There is no reason to worry that the microwave will take any of its fantastic features.
How is whey obtained? From milk during the cheesemaking process. Do you boil milk, melt cheese, and so on? The answer is yes. Just as you can expose all those foods to high heat without losing nutrients, so can whey.
The same applies to other protein powders from animal sources, such as eggs and casein.
2. Vegan
Vegetables and fruits are way more thermosensitive than chicken, beef, pork (meat in general), eggs, and milk, so it is reasonable to wonder whether you should avoid the microwave when consuming vegan proteins.
However, there is a significant difference between raw vegetables and those products.
Protein isolation gives us a concentrated protein source, so there is no difference between heating whey and plant-based protein powders.
3. Pea Protein
Pea protein is my favorite vegan protein powder, and it is even suitable for the low-FODMAP diet since it is easy to digest.[2]
4. Pumpkin Protein
High-quality protein is just one plus, while pumpkin seed powder offers many other health benefits and is, therefore, a recommended option.[3]
5. Soy Protein
There's no cholesterol in soy protein, which makes it a perfect option for those with high blood cholesterol levels.
6. Rice Protein
Rice protein is a vegan protein isolate containing less protein than most other vegan proteins and has a somewhat strange taste; still, it has a good amount of potassium and magnesium.
Can You Microwave Protein Powder With Water?
Yes, you can microwave protein powder with water. My advice is to avoid using max microwave power.
It is better to turn it up to 50% of max power to avoid ending up with something of a gelatinous texture or a cake instead of a delicious drink.
What Happens If You Microwave Protein Powder?
Basically, nothing happens if you microwave protein powder - it heats up. And I'm not even joking. It can change the consistency.
Nothing else, good or bad, will happen. So if you need to heat protein powder, turn on your microwave immediately.
Does Heat Destroy Protein Powder?
The short answer is no - heat does not destroy protein powder.
In order to better explain why heat does not destroy protein, we have to go back to basic biology and chemistry.
Protein molecules are made of amino acids linked together to form a polypeptide chain.[4]
When we ingest protein, the body breaks it down into amino acids before metabolizing it since amino acid bioavailability is great.
All that heat can do is the same - to break down protein into amino acids. Since it is a process that will undoubtedly happen, there is nothing wrong when the proteins denature - nutritional value is still the same.
This is certainly not the case with minerals and vitamins, which is why vegetables should not be cooked for too long.
Can You Microwave Protein Powder Foods?
Yes, you can microwave protein powder foods and cook with it. And that makes much more sense than heating a protein shake alone. Y
ou can take advantage of many recipes to improve your cooking and baking menu.
Protein Cupcake
You have endless possibilities when you decide to make protein cupcakes. Whey or another protein powder is indispensable, and you can add or remove all other ingredients according to your taste.
I like mixing nuts, chocolate, vanilla extract, and many other ingredients into baked goods, including the same amount of egg whites and whole eggs.
Once you mix everything together in the blender, including at least one scoop of protein, just put it in the microwave, and voila!
Protein Oatmeal
Protein oatmeal, canned tuna with nuts, and an omelet are three things I recommend to my clients for breakfast. Those three will give you the necessary nutrients to start the day.
Personally, I like protein oatmeal with cold coconut and almond milk, but if you want your oatmeal warm, use the microwave.
For example, add protein powder, oat flakes or other cereal, dark chocolate, almonds, hazelnuts, fruit, and water or another liquid to the bowl.
Protein Brownie
You can put whatever you want in the protein brownie, similar to the cupcake and other baked goods. Buying a ready-made brownie mix is an option that will speed up the whole process.
Such mixes usually contain many unhealthy additions, so making it yourself and adding more protein is healthier.
Bake it and eat it as a pre-workout snack that won’t burden your stomach. Avoid using flour and sugar.
Microwaving Protein Powder Questions
You can warm up an organic protein shake since there is no difference between organic and regular protein shakes in terms of protein structure.
Yes, protein powder can be used hot. You can also consume it as part of hot chocolate or coffee; just be careful not to burn your mouth.
Heat may dissolve protein, but that won’t affect it at all. It is a real food, so heating has no influence on protein shake - it is still healthy.
Protein starts to break down at roughly 105°F, and that's when a process called denaturing begins, without affecting its nutritional value.
So, Is It Bad to Microwave It?
You can heat the protein powder however you like. Nonetheless, the microwave is a much better idea than the stove, especially pre-heated, because the stove can turn it into something like mud.
In any case, you will not lose any benefits of protein powder's nutritional value.
So, keep up the good work, stay active, and keep on exploring all the ways you can incorporate protein powder into your diet.
With a bit of creativity, you'll be well on your way to achieving your fitness goals and living your healthiest life.
References:
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/7/735
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22466-low-fodmap-diet
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pumpkin-powder
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564343/
