The plant protein that’s been in our breakfast bowls for years
Breakfast in our house is usually a happy kind of chaos. Four little (and not so little) people, a blender going, and a big bowl of something colourful in front of me. And more often than not, there’s a scoop of Vivo Life protein in it.
I’ve tried a lot of protein powders over the years. Many were chalky, full of things I couldn’t pronounce, or left me feeling heavy. Vivo Life is the one I keep coming back to.
So here’s my honest guide: the Vivo Life pieces I use, why protein matters so much for women, and who I think it suits best.
Click through my link to Vivo Life and a pop-up will say “Glowing Healthy sent you 15% off, redeem your reward here”. Tap Redeem to get your code, then add it in your cart.
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Jump to: Protein and performance · My favourites · Questions
Why I trust Vivo Life
Vivo Life is a UK brand making plant-based protein and supplements. Its Clean Protein gives you 21g of complete plant protein per serving, from fermented pea, brown rice and pumpkin seed.[1]
It’s made in the UK, certified vegan and gluten free, and Vivo Life says it’s third party lab tested for purity.[1] For me, that peace of mind matters just as much as the taste.
💖 Simple ingredients. Vivo Life says Clean Protein has no fillers, no artificial flavours and no seed oils.[1]
💖 Complete protein. A blend of fermented pea, brown rice and pumpkin seed for a complete amino acid profile.[1]
💖 Naturally rich. Vivo Life says it’s naturally high in iron and zinc.[1]
💖 Flavours we love. Vanilla and Chocolate Brownie, plus an unflavoured option for cooking and baking.[1]
The Vivo Life pieces we use
Here’s everything from Vivo Life I recommend on Glowing Healthy. Tap any product to go straight to it.
Protein and performance
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My Vivo Life favourites
Clean Protein: my breakfast staple
This is the one I use most. A scoop goes into my morning smoothie bowl with frozen banana, berries and a spoon of nut butter, and it’s also lovely blended into homemade banana ice cream for the children.
It blends smoothly without that chalky texture, which is exactly why it’s stayed in our cupboard for so long.
To get my 15% off, click through any Clean Protein button on this page. When the pop-up says “Glowing Healthy sent you 15% off, redeem your reward here”, tap Redeem, then add your code in the cart.
“I absolutely love Vivo Life protein. It blends so well and tastes amazing in my breakfast smoothie bowls or homemade banana ice cream.” - Georgie x
Protein Bars: for busy days
These are my handbag hero. Vivo Life says each bar has 16g of plant protein, with real ingredients and no added sugar or artificial sweeteners.[2] The cacao and orange flavour is my favourite.
I shop these at Healf, which stocks the Vivo Life bars and creatine.
“It tastes like a treat, but I know it’s full of real ingredients and gives me a good hit of plant protein. It’s that perfect mix of indulgent and nourishing.” - Georgie x
Creatine: a simple daily scoop
Creatine is one of the most researched supplements in sport.[5] Vivo Life’s is micronised for easy mixing and third party tested, and one tub gives you 84 servings.[8]
I stir mine into water or a smoothie after a workout. It’s unflavoured, so it disappears into whatever you’re drinking.
“I love having this post-workout, knowing it’s totally clean and plant-based.” - Georgie x
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Who I think it’s brilliant for
💖 You’re plant-based and want an easy, tasty way to top up protein.
💖 You train regularly and want protein to fit around your workouts.
💖 You’re busy and need a quick breakfast or snack that still feels nourishing.
💖 You can’t tolerate dairy and want a dairy-free alternative to whey.[1]
A couple of useful notes
💖 Food comes first. I like to keep real food at the centre of my meals, and a scoop of protein is an easy top-up on busy days.
💖 Pregnancy and health conditions. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or take medication, please check with your GP before adding supplements like creatine.
💖 Allergies. Always read the full ingredients list on the product page before you buy.
Why protein matters for women
Protein is one of the building blocks of our bodies. It’s needed for growth and repair, and for keeping our muscles healthy.[4] As women get older, keeping hold of our muscle becomes even more important for strength, balance and feeling good in our bodies.
Food always comes first, and I love getting protein from beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, seeds and wholegrains. The NHS says a well-planned vegan diet can give you the nutrients you need, with protein from foods like pulses, soya and nuts.[3] But on busy mornings, a good protein powder is an easy way to top up.
Plant protein that holds its own
A large review of 49 trials found that protein supplements helped to increase muscle size and strength when combined with resistance training.[6] And what about plant versus whey? In a 12-week study, young men on a high-protein plant-based diet built similar muscle mass and strength to those on a protein-matched diet including animal protein, when both did resistance training.[7] It’s lovely to know plant protein can more than hold its own.
Your questions, answered
Do I buy from Glowing Healthy?
No. Clean Protein links to Vivo Life’s own site, and the bars and creatine link to Healf. Every Shop button on this page takes you straight there.
Is there a discount?
Yes. Click through my link to Vivo Life and a pop-up will say “Glowing Healthy sent you 15% off, redeem your reward here”. Tap Redeem, copy your code and add it in your cart for 15% off. The bars and creatine are on Healf, where you’ll see Healf’s own prices.
Which flavour should I start with?
Vanilla is the most versatile for smoothies and baking. Chocolate Brownie is gorgeous in a bowl.[1]
Is it suitable for children?
Children usually get enough protein from food. Please speak to your GP or a registered dietitian before giving protein powders to children.
Is it dairy free?
Yes. Vivo Life Clean Protein is plant-based and dairy-free.[1]
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Sources:
[1] Vivo Life, Clean Protein product page.
[2] Vivo Life, Plant Protein Bars product page.
[3] NHS, The vegan diet.
[4] British Nutrition Foundation, Protein.
[5] Kreider RB et al., Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, ISSN position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine.
[6] Morton RW et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, Protein supplementation and resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength.
[7] Hevia-Larraín V et al., Sports Medicine, High-protein plant-based diet versus a protein-matched omnivorous diet to support resistance training adaptations.
[8] Vivo Life, Creatine product page.
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