PlantLove™ Tempeh

PlantLove™ PlantLove™ Tempeh

  • Whole food
  • Checked
  • Grade B
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The short answer

PlantLove™ Tempeh by PlantLove™ has 176 kcal, 2 g carbs, 20.8 g protein and 7.3 g fat per serving (Per 85 g serving).

Calories176kcal
Carbs2g
Protein20.8g
Fat7.3g
About it

PlantLove™ Tempeh is a fermented soy product known for its high protein content and unique nutty flavor. With 20.8g of protein per serving (85g), it is an excellent choice for endurance athletes seeking plant-based protein sources. The low carbohydrate content (2g per serving) makes it suitable for those managing carb intake. Tempeh can be consumed before or after workouts, but its high fiber content (9.1g per serving) might slow gastric emptying, making it less ideal immediately pre-race. Its versatility in recipes allows it to be paired with other nutrient-rich foods, enhancing overall meal quality.

  • High protein content
  • Low carbohydrate option
  • Versatile in recipes

On the label per serving, Per 85 g serving

Energy736 kJ
Calories176 kcal
Carbs2.0 g
Sugar0.0 g
Fibre9.1 g
Protein20.8 g
Fat7.3 g
Saturated fat1.2 g
Sodium8 mg

The numbers that matter on a training day

Carb density2.4%Carbs as a share of the food's weight: how hard it is on the gut at pace.
Glucose to fructose—Glucose with fructose lifts how much carb the gut can take in an hour.
Sodium per 100 kcal5 mgSalt for the energy it carries; sweat loses 300 to 600 mg an hour.
Energy density8.7 kJ/gEnergy you carry per gram, when grams in the pocket matter.
Servings for 60 g an hour30How many an hour for a 60 g carb baseline.
Glycaemic profileWith only 2g of carbs per serving, PlantLove™ Tempeh has a negligible impact on blood sugar levels, making it a low-GI food.

How we read foods ›

For endurance who it suits

Endurance verdict

PlantLove™ Tempeh is a strong protein source for plant-based diets, but its high fiber and low carb content make it unsuitable for immediate pre-race or during-race consumption. It shines as a recovery or daily training food, providing essential amino acids for muscle repair.

Who it is for

PlantLove™ Tempeh is ideal for vegan endurance athletes and those looking to increase their protein intake without relying on animal products. It's particularly suitable for athletes who need to manage their carbohydrate intake while maintaining muscle mass. The high fiber content also supports digestive health, making it a good choice for athletes focused on overall wellness.

Best sessions

Best suited for recovery meals or as a protein source in daily training diets. Its high fiber content may not be ideal for immediate pre-race consumption.

Pros
  • High protein content supports muscle repair
  • Low carbohydrate content for controlled intake
  • High in dietary fiber for digestive health
  • Versatile ingredient for various recipes
Cons
  • High fiber may slow gastric emptying
  • Low sodium content not suitable for sweat replacement
  • Not ideal for immediate pre-race consumption
Watch out for
  • High fiber may cause GI distress if consumed pre-race
  • Low sodium content may not meet electrolyte needs

Fuelling science in short

During a session

No, due to high fiber content which may slow gastric emptying and cause GI distress during exercise.

Glycaemic profile

With only 2g of carbs per serving, PlantLove™ Tempeh has a negligible impact on blood sugar levels, making it a low-GI food.

Electrolytes

Contains only 8mg of sodium per serving, insufficient for replacing sweat losses during endurance activities.

Carb breakdown
Total carbs
2 g
Hourly capacity
60

Race day before, during and after

Suits it for
  • BeforeDO NOT USE
  • DuringDO NOT USE
  • AfterUSE
  • Carb loadDO NOT USE
  • Every dayUSE

PlantLove™ Tempeh's high fiber content makes it unsuitable for pre-race or during-race fueling due to potential GI distress and slow gastric emptying. However, its high protein content is beneficial for recovery, especially when combined with carbohydrates to replenish glycogen stores. It is a versatile protein source for everyday training diets.

NOT RECOMMENDED for pre-race use because high fiber content can slow gastric emptying and potentially cause GI distress.

Pair it with
  • Pair with rice for balanced carb intake
  • Combine with leafy greens for added micronutrients
  • Use in stir-fries to enhance flavor absorption

For practitioners the evidence

Evidence grade: B — Supported by nutrient analysis and general dietary guidelines, but lacks specific endurance-focused studies.

In a carb load

PlantLove™ Tempeh, with 2g of carbs per serving (85g), is not suitable for carb-loading. Its carb density is low at 3g per 100g, and it lacks the necessary carbohydrate content to contribute meaningfully to a 600-840g/day carb-loading target. A 70kg athlete would require impractically large quantities to meet carb-loading needs, making it unsuitable for this purpose.

Digestion and absorption

Tempeh's high fiber content (9.1g per serving) slows gastric emptying, making it less ideal for pre-race consumption. The protein is digested via brush-border peptidases in the small intestine, providing a steady release of amino acids. The low carbohydrate content means minimal impact on blood glucose levels, with negligible use of SGLT1 or GLUT5 transporters.

Recovery

PlantLove™ Tempeh provides 20.8g of protein per serving, supporting muscle protein synthesis post-exercise. However, it lacks carbohydrates needed for optimal glycogen resynthesis (target 1.0-1.2g/kg/h in the first 4h post-exercise). It should be paired with a carbohydrate source for effective recovery.

Downsides

High fiber content can cause GI distress if consumed close to exercise. Low sodium content may not meet electrolyte needs during prolonged exercise. The lack of carbohydrates makes it unsuitable for immediate pre-race or during-race consumption, and it may not provide sufficient energy for high-intensity efforts.

Don't use it when
  • Do not use within 90 minutes of race start due to high fiber content and potential GI distress.
  • Do not rely on tempeh alone for electrolyte replacement during endurance events.
  • Do not use as a primary carbohydrate source for carb-loading due to low carb content.
Clinical risks
  • High fiber content can slow gastric emptying, increasing risk of GI distress if consumed pre-race.
  • Low sodium content may lead to inadequate electrolyte replacement during endurance events.
  • Lack of carbohydrates makes it unsuitable for glycogen replenishment post-exercise without additional carb sources.
  • Soy content may trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.

Questions about PlantLove™ Tempeh

How many carbs are in PlantLove™ Tempeh by PlantLove™?

2 g of carbs per serving (Per 85 g serving), with 176 kcal and 20.8 g protein.

Can I eat PlantLove™ Tempeh before a race?

It's not recommended due to its high fiber content, which can slow gastric emptying and cause GI distress.

How should I incorporate tempeh into my diet?

Use it in stir-fries, salads, or as a protein source in meals. Marinate to enhance flavor.

Is PlantLove™ Tempeh suitable for recovery meals?

Yes, it provides high-quality protein for muscle repair. Pair with carbs to aid glycogen replenishment.

Does tempeh contain allergens?

Yes, it contains soy, which is a common allergen. Check for individual allergies before consumption.

Is tempeh high in sodium?

No, it contains only 8mg of sodium per serving, which is low compared to typical sweat losses.

Can tempeh be used in hot weather training?

Yes, but ensure adequate hydration and sodium intake due to its low sodium content.

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