Plant based protein powders are pretty fascinating things. For one thing, many people don't fully appreciate what they're capable of and they tend to go largely unnoticed. But the truth is that plant based protein powders are incredibly valuable nutritional tools – particularly for the vegans and vegetarians out there. Perhaps one of the most surprising things people notice when shopping for plant based protein powders is that they are occasionally available in “unflavored” varieties. What's the point of that? What are the benefits of unflavored plant protein powders? All of the Good, None of the Bad One of the primary reasons to opt for unflavored plant proteins over any flavored varieties is that those flavorings oft come from... unsavory sources. Of course, there are the artificial flavors which are produced by adding a rich bouquet of chemicals to a product in order to achieve of certain flavor. But the reality is that “natural flavors” are not always any better. These can come from any number of sources – both plant and animals. According to the watchdog organization Eat Well Group (EWG), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor – and therefore does not test – any flavoring for safety. Considering the widespread use of these additive, this is a major concern. Interestingly, many plant protein powders naturally have their own flavors – even if they are very subtle. Pea protein, for example, has a slightly savory taste similar to what you might expect from pea soup. Rice protein, though, is very lightly sweet. This allows for these proteins to be used in a number of applications, without the need for any unstudied flavorings. The Good Stuff So if unflavored plant proteins let you have just the good parts of the plant without any potentially harmful additives, what exactly are those good parts? It depends on the plant your protein comes from. Each individual plant has its own unique nutritional profile and contains specialized phytochemicals that offer specific benefits. Peas, for example, contain powerful antioxidants that can reduce the risk of some cancers and support eye health. Of course, plant protein powders have been treated to concentrate the protein naturally found in the plant but – if it's done right – this process should not completely remove these other nutrients. Plant base proteins also tend to be higher in healthy fats, lower in saturated fats and higher in fiber than their animal based counterparts. Versatility It should also be noted that, because they are unflavored, these protein powders can be used in a number of sometimes surprising ways. Plant protein powders are particularly well-suited for baking and cooking because they tend to retain moisture better than whey or casein, allowing you to create nutrient-rich, delicious recipes. These powders could even be used to thicken soups and sauces without having a strong impact on the flavor while also delivering a boost of protein to the dish. Read More: Best Protein Powder for Vegans How Raw Vegan Protein Powder Can Help Your Workouts Amazing Vegan Protein Smoothie Recipe for Flawless Skin