There’s a lot to avoid when you’re pregnant: deli meats, alcohol, too much caffeine, sushi—the list goes on. But luckily, organic pea protein, the main ingredient in Mama Love Chocolate Protein, doesn’t make an appearance on that no-no list.

Pea protein is made from dried, ground yellow peas, and it contains key branched-chain amino acids, specifically leucine, isoleucine, and valine, that the body needs to make strong, healthy muscles and other tissue.

Protein is essential for your growing baby, as it affects everything from healthy brain development to her weight at birth. That’s why it’s important for mamas to eat plenty of protein-rich foods from conception to delivery, and beyond. Pregnant women should aim for 70 to 100 grams of protein per day (1), depending on trimester and activity level.

While it’s always a good idea to run any new foods or supplements by your health care practitioners before diving in, we can confidently say Mama Love Chocolate Protein is great for pregnant moms who want to increase their daily protein intake.

A shake or smoothie made with one serving of Mama Love Chocolate Protein (45 grams by weight, or about 1/3 cup) provides 19 grams of plant-based protein. It’s sugar-free, allergen-free, and preservative-free, and all our ingredients have been third-party verified for quality and purity—so you can rest easier knowing that you’re doing something healthy for you and your new little one.

Sources:

1. Elango, Rajavel, and Ronald O Ball. “Protein and Amino Acid Requirements during Pregnancy.” Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.)vol. 7,4 839S-44S. 15 Jul. 2016, doi:10.3945/an.115.011817