While we often say “protein” as it comes in one variety that does it all, that’s simply not true.
Protein actually comes in two varieties. There are incomplete proteins, and there are complete proteins.
So, is protein cookie dough a complete protein?
Today, we’re going to break down protein cookie dough to see which category it falls into, and then we’ll talk about the difference between complete protein vs. incomplete protein.
What are Amino Acids? Understanding Protein
To understand the difference between protein variants, you have to understand what a protein actually is.
A protein is useful for your body because it’s made of amino acids. Those are the building blocks that your body uses to make repairs to your organs and muscles.
There are 9 core amino acids, and then there are 11 other standard amino acids that help out, but they’re not quite as important as the 9 core amino acids.
Every protein source has a different makeup of amino acids. Not only is there a difference between something obvious like beef and beans, but there are also differences between solid protein options such as fish and chicken. Some differences are minor, and others are big differences you need to consider.
What is a Complete Protein?
A complete protein has all 9 core amino acids in it. This doesn’t mean that the protein has all 20, but the amino acids that are really important are all present.
You usually get complete proteins from meat and animal products such as dairy.
What is an Incomplete Protein?
An incomplete protein does not have all 9 core amino acids. It might only be missing one, or it might lack several must-have amino acids, but it doesn’t make a difference.
Incomplete proteins are largely found in beans, legumes, and other protein sources that are typically used as alternatives to animal products.
What Are FUUL Protein Cookie Dough Bites?
FUUL has 15g of complete protein per serving. This is because we chose to use whey protein isolates and milk protein isolates.
Milk is a complete protein, and whey is the liquid that gets left behind when you curdle milk to make cheese. It’s a complete protein, too. This makes our cookie dough bites an excellent part of your morning routine.
Why Having a Complete Protein is Important
Why is all this important? Is the difference between a complete protein and an incomplete protein something that actually impacts you?
Here are some differences to consider and the benefits of complete protein.
1. Efficiency
The main reason you want to focus on eating complete proteins is efficiency. The core proteins are essential, and you need all 9 of them. It is far more efficient to sit down and eat a chicken breast than it is to eat 4 different incomplete proteins to try to get every amino acid you need.
This is even more important when you’re serious about your gains. You’ll be eating more than 3 times a day. It’s not uncommon for bodybuilders to eat three or four times as much as the average person. Well, it takes time and a lot of persistence to eat massive amounts of legumes and similar foods, so you’ll want to eat more protein snacks.
2. Ensured Nutrition
You have to really know your food to mix and match incomplete proteins if you want to perfectly balance out your protein intake. Not only do you have to find different incomplete proteins to get all the right amino acids in one meal, but you also have to balance each one out to make sure you’re getting sufficient amounts of everything.
That’s a lot of work, and it’s easy to mess up. When you do miss out on certain amino acids, you see the consequences when it comes to your gains, muscle repairs, and general wellness.
Our protein cookie dough is made of ingredients that provide you with everything you need, so you know you’re getting nutrients in sufficient amounts.
Is Incomplete Protein Still Good?
So far, we’ve dodged incomplete proteins a bit, but they’re actually great options for your diet.
Being “complete” just means that a protein has the 9 most important amino acids in it. They typically lack a few of the other proteins.
By eating incomplete proteins with your complete protein throughout the day, you ensure that you’re getting the whole range of amino acids. Since they’re all tied to different functions within the body, striking the right balance is a crucial part of overall wellness.
FUUL Protein Cookie Dough is the Complete Protein with Something Extra
Getting complete protein is important, but protein isn’t the only thing your body needs. So, eating something like FUUL protein cookie dough bites is a great idea for balanced wellness.
FUUL has 15g of protein derived from whey protein isolate and milk protein isolates. These are both complete proteins, and they provide the benefits we’ve highlighted here. They also help keep you full, energize you, repair your muscles and organs, and more.
However, FUUL also has 37 grams of carbs. Carbs are important for your body. They give you energy, support good brain activity, and support many of your body’s vital functions.
Fat is another thing that your body needs. It’s an energy reserve for when you run out of carbs, and it is essential for hormone production and nutrient absorption. While it often causes the marketing side of the fitness world to turn up its nose, it’s not optional in your diet.
This combo of essential macros doesn’t just ensure that you get all the protein you need for a snack. It ensures you’re getting a balanced set of nutrients at snack time, and that supports your entire body.
Try FUUL Today
FUUL gives you an easy, balanced way to get the protein your body needs while supporting an active, fitness-focused lifestyle.
With delicious birthday cake and chocolate chip flavors, FUUL’s protein cookie dough bites deliver complete macros in a convenient, on-the-go package.
If you want a snack that fuels your goals without sacrificing taste, FUUL is the perfect choice.
Contact us today to get your FUUL protein cookie dough!