Everything You Need To Know About Pea Milk

Whether you’ve been vegan for years or you’re simply thinking about upping your plant intake, switching out dairy milk for a plant-based substitute is not only better for you and the environment, but also tastes delicious too. 

What is pea milk?

First things first – is pea milk green? 

In a word, no. It’s a similar creamy colour to most other plant-based milk and this is because it's made from yellow split-peas rather than the green garden peas that have a semi-permanent residence in our freezers at home. In fact, whilst we’re dispelling rumours, it doesn’t taste like peas either – we have it on good authority that pea milk tastes more like dairy milk than other plant alternatives if that’s a convincing factor for you.  

Unlike nut-based milk, where the nuts are soaked and blended, pea milk is made by grinding the yellow split-peas into a flour, where the protein is separated from the starch and fibre. The protein (around 7g per 8oz.) is then added to water, usually along with some vanilla extract or another natural sweetener. 

Wanting to know more about how other plant-based milks are made? Then read our post; How Is Vegan Milk Made? 

Pea milk nutrition

Legumes offer a great range of health benefits, and the same is true of pea milk, which is:

• A good source of plant-based protein
• Full of nutrients – iron, calcium and potassium
• Rich in vitamins A and D
• Low calorie, yet still rich and creamy
• Available unsweetened,  which is low in carbohydrates and sugars

Want to know more about legumes and why we think they’re so great? Then read this post next.

Brands to look out for

Here are some great pea milk options to pick up from the shelves, and pea milk recipes to try at home:

First up is Mighty Pea with an extensive range of six pea milk products – from original, unsweetened and barista-style to an iced latte and two M.lkshakes. We know that looks aren’t everything, but we love their colourful packaging, too.

Photo credits: Mighty Pea

We think Sproud’s chocolate pea milk is an all-round winner if you’re after something even more unusual. 

Photo credits: Sproud

Another company to keep an eye on is Qwrkee – we already had cravings for their probiotic puffs, but now their pea M’lk has firmly been added to our shopping lists, too.

Pea milk recipe 

If you love making your own plant-based milk, or it’s something you fancied giving a go, here is a simple pea milk recipe to try:

• We Are So Vegan’s recipe calls for yellow split-peas, sunflower oil, vanilla extract, Medjool dates and water, and is surprisingly simple

Why not use your new pea milk as a base to a delicious plant-based milkshake? Try adding some bananas, oats and maple syrup for a refreshing and healthy treat.