A lot of people ask me about vegan protein powders. Especially if they struggle to get protein via their food. Because eating enough protein can feel hard when you have a low appetite or sensitive digestion. What most people don’t realize is that what you add to the protein matters just as much as the protein itself. Two of the most common add-ins are chia seeds and flaxseed. They are not the same. And they don’t behave the same in the body. Chia seeds slow things down. When soaked properly, chia forms a gel. That gel slows digestion, steadies blood sugar, and helps a protein shake actually last. Chia works best for people who feel hungry again too quickly, crash after shakes, or are using a protein drink as a stand-in for a meal. It’s grounding. It’s sustaining. It needs to be hydrated first or it can feel heavy. Flaxseed keeps things moving. Flax is lighter. It doesn’t gel the way chia does, and it passes through the gut more quickly. Ground flax can support elimination, reduce that weighed-down feeling, and work better for people who already feel sluggish or bloated. It’s supportive without being filling. It must be ground to be useful, and it should be fresh. Chia is for steadiness. Flax is for movement. Neither is better. One is just more appropriate depending on what your body needs right now. If protein shakes feel too heavy, flax is often the better choice. If protein shakes don’t hold you, chia may be the missing piece. And no, you don’t need to use both at the same time. More is not more when digestion is involved. Protein powders can be helpful. Seeds can be helpful. But only when they’re used with the proper intention, not as a workaround for listening to your body.