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Best Vegan Protein Powders
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Product Purity
Many people will not bother ever reading the label on a product, while others are forced too because of intolerance that they have. Either way, the ingredients of vegan protein powders is vitally important. But, it may not be necessary to focus on everyone (as that is a bit excessive). Instead, focus on ingredients such as protein, vitamins and minerals, fiber, sugar, and sodium. Clearly, protein is the main point of this type of product (hence the name) but each brand may have differing amounts. Then, there are vitamins and minerals which are essential nutrients for the human body that help in boosting the immune system and shoring up bones.
Fiber, which also has health benefits, is important for your body, as well, due to its ability to help control your sugar levels and lower your cholesterol. But, there can be some ingredients to be wary of such as sodium and sugar. Excess sodium can increase your blood pressure are create an unnecessary burden on your heart. Meanwhile, too much sugar can also raise your blood pressure and eventually lead to type 2 diabetes.
Effectiveness
The main reason people want to drink protein powders, whether plant-based or animal-based, is the effectiveness that they have on their bodies. While many may think animal-based protein holds distinct advantages, and while this guide is not meant to debate which one is superior, plant-based protein powders can hold their own and also offer many advantages to your body. This includes boosting your metabolism and energy throughout the day. Because of the fiber that is in plant-based powders, hence why fiber is so important, it takes a while for your body to digest what it is consuming. Once your body becomes accustomed to this, it will then be better at burning the extra fat that you are trying to dispose of.
Also, when exercising, vegan protein powders can also help you build your muscles and help you recover when you are finished working out for the day. Lastly, this type of powder also has the advantage of easy digestion (which is key for a lot of people). Overall, ensure that the brand you are getting excels in effectiveness because that is truly the whole purpose.
Flavors
Alright, so let’s get this out of the way right now, vegan protein powders are not meant to be the tastiest product in the world. Still, it is nice when you are provided with a variety of flavors to choose from. For instance, if you do not like vanilla, giving you the option for mixed berry, or chocolate, or even an unsweetened flavor. Now, of course, this is also important to note. When you see a vanilla-flavored protein powder, do not expect that it is going to taste like a vanilla milkshake from your local ice cream shop. Remember, these are supposed to be healthy and even though healthy does not automatically signify it tastes bad, they will not resemble the taste of what you are envisioning in your mind.
But, because these can also be mixed with other smoothies and such, you may actually want a specific flavor. So, determine what flavor would go best with your favorite smoothie and decide from there. No matter, variety is the spice of life and you can never have too many options.
Taste
When it comes to food and drinks, taste and texture truly are everything, are not they? If something does not taste good or you do not prefer the texture, do you really want to consume it? The answer to this should be a resounding no. But, it gets tricky with products such as protein powders. Just because they do not taste amazing, they offer too many benefits to toss to the side. However, you still would like the taste to be tolerable and the texture to be decent (at the very least).
It has already been mentioned that protein powders are not meant to be super-tasty. Though, you should still be able to stomach it. This is where customer feedback and reviews come in handy as you can get a decent grasp of the flavor. Watch out for brands that are very sweet and those that are bland. Truly, it is all about your preferences. As far as texture, most will be gritty and chalky. This is hard to avoid but again, some will be more potent than others.
Top 10 Picks
1. Vega Sport
Vega has yet another top branded protein powder and this one is their Sport version. As opposed to their All-in-One, their Sport Protein Powder provides more proteins but can also be very messy when you are mixing it.
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A protein blend, which consists of 30 grams, from peas, pumpkin seeds, organic sunflower seeds, and alfalfa is included in this mix. Also, it boasts six full grams of amino acids.
As it is a plant-based protein, it is certified by Vegan Action to be made without the use of animal ingredients. As such, it is free from honey, eggs, dairy, and gluten.
Effectiveness
This is not only ideal for pre-workouts but also post-workouts and everyday intake. It aids in faster fatigue recovery and will also help build your muscles. Thus, making you feel stronger as a result.
Flavors
The choice is yours from either mocha, chocolate, berry, or vanilla, in terms of flavor options.
Taste
As for the taste, this will always vary from person to person, this powder seems to have a somewhat-endearing flavor. Some will think otherwise as, after all, everyone’s taste buds are not the same.
2. Olly Plant Based
The All-in-One Protein Powder from Vega is exactly what it says it is, an all-in-one powder. It provides everything you would expect from a protein of its caliber including excellent nutrition, a 50 percent daily intake of vitamins and minerals, and a 25 percent intake of fiber.
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This includes 18 grams of premium protein from flaxseed and peas. In addition, this mixture includes some sweeteners, which may be preferable for some people and not others. The sweetness comes from cane sugar, coconut juice powder, and stevia. This powder is also packed with vitamins from 12 fruits and vegetables. This powder is produced in a factory that also processes soy and dairy. This may not be a great choice for those with specific allergies.
Effectiveness
Not only does this protein powder provide you with the nutrition your body needs to boost your energy and health, but it also will crave your sugar cravings late at night.
Flavors
While there isn’t a giant selection of flavors available, the basics are offered. This powder is available in Pure Chocolate, Velvet Vanilla, Salted Caramel, or Strawberry.
Taste
Most users agree that the flavor is great. In addition, not uncommonly for a protein powder, the texture is a bit gritty and chalky.
3. Optimum Nutrition Gold
One of the best aspects of this protein powder is the fact that there is no stevia and no artificial sweeteners included. In addition, it is free from major allergens including gluten, soy, and dairy.
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There are 13 whole food ingredients in this blend and they include organic pea protein, organic pumpkin seed protein, and organic hemp seed protein. In addition, each serving provides four grams of sugar, three grams of fiber, 18 grams of protein, and 150 calories.
Effectiveness
Because there are no artificial sweeteners or stevia (which is very sweet in its own right), some users report a reduction of their headaches and nauseated feeling from other protein powders. Reviewers agree that this shake is filling and something they actually look forward to drinking.
If you suffer from celiac disease (which means you can’t digest gluten), are lactose intolerant or are allergic to soy, you are covered with this powder as it is free from any ingredients associated with these.
Flavors
There really is a flavor for everyone as you can select from vanilla, chocolate, and mixed berry.
Taste
Various users have negatively commented on the texture, but several have raved about the flavor, in general. This is rather uncommon for this type of drink and even if you do not prefer the taste, you can mix it with your favorite shake.
4. San Rawfusion
Some users will prefer whey because of the protein intake it provides. However, SAN’s RawFusion Protein Powder manages to create an amino acid profile that mimics what you would find in whey.
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Indeed, due to its unique blend of pea protein isolate, artichoke protein concentrate, and sprouted brown rice protein it mimics the amino acid profile you would find in whey. Past this, the sunflower oil matrix is rich in essential fatty acids.
Effectiveness
If you are looking for a solution for your much-needed protein and nutrition, this is an ideal choice as it is extremely high in both.
Much like the other entries on this list, this is a vegan protein that is non-GMO, free of any gluten, and also free from soy. Thus, making it ideal for a wide range of people around the globe.
Flavors
This powder has a wide range of flavors and most of them are very distinct. For example, this includes vanilla bean, banana nut, chocolate strawberry, natural chocolate, peanut chocolate fudge, and unflavored.
Taste
Again, the taste will vary but many users agree that this is a very sweet powder. If this is your personal preference, then you will be very satisfied with the flavor.
For whatever reason, and this is a small blimp to point out, the actual container only holds around a half or a third of the powder (very misleading). Besides this, its protein intake is off the charts and its flavor will appeal to those who prefer sweetness.
5. Plantfusion
Speaking of protein powders that will not be for everyone, here is the blend from PlantFusion. Why so? Given the high amount of sodium, 390 milligrams, this is not ideal for people who need to cut back on this element.
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Despite the fact that it is high in sodium content, there are 21 grams of plant-based protein that are provided by this formula. In addition, each serving is around 120 calories.
As you have come to expect from plant-based protein powders, this is free of all major allergens that people suffer through. Including intolerance to rice, gluten, eggs, dairy, soy, nuts, and fish.
Effectiveness
If you are stressed out on a daily basis or never seem to have an appetite, put this in your system and be amazed by the difference that follows. Even more so, it will improve your energy throughout the day.
Flavors
PlantFusion provides its consumers with an excellent range of flavor options which includes naturally unflavored, vanilla bean, chocolate raspberry, cookies n’ crème, and chocolate.
Taste
Most agree that the taste is fairly bland and as such, mixes with other smoothies pretty well (not an overbearing flavor). Of course, there are others who complain it is too sweet.
Perhaps the biggest obstacle present here is sodium. Granted your body can withstand it and your doctor has not ordered you to cut back, this is an ideal protein powder to help boost your energy and enhance your appetite.
6. Garden of Life Raw Organic
Includes essential ingredients that make protein powders healthy, check. Will help boost your energy, check. Can be taken by people with common allergies, check. Is flavorful, well there is that. About the only aspect that prevents this from climbing up is the taste.
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There are over 40 superfoods included which consists of organic grass juices and various fruits and vegetables. Likewise, this is packed with 21 vitamins and minerals and delivers 20 grams of protein and six grams of fiber.
Being organic and a plant-based protein, it is free from gluten, dairy, and soy. Also, it is Informed-Choice Certified and non-GMO.
Effectiveness
After you have concluded a long workout, this meal replacement is as ideal as they come. Simply drink this and it will assist in boosting your energy back up and even build lean muscle.
Flavors
Garden of Life provides four different and distinct flavors to choose from. They include vanilla chai, vanilla, lightly sweet and chocolate.
Taste
Protein powders can’t be expected to taste like smoothies and milkshakes that you receive from an ice cream shop. But, they still must be tolerable. Users agree that this specific protein drink is pretty sad in terms of taste.
7. KOS Organic
This plant-based protein is full of natural ingredients that are easy to digest. The powder is easy to dissolve and the general consensus is that the two flavors are easy to blend with your favorite ingredients.
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This plant-based organic powder brings you a big dose of digestive enzymes and healthy fibers. The five non-GMO proteins that are present in their blends include peas, flax seeds, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds.
This powder is dairy, gluten, soy, and nut-free. Each serving (2 scoops) provides you with 20g of protein and only 170 calories.
Effectiveness
All of these amazing ingredients blend together to provide you with a great natural energy boost. Reviewers say that it keeps them going strong through their workouts. Also, it will keep you feeling satisfied for two to three hours.
Flavors
This powder is only available in two basic flavors, chocolate, and vanilla. While this is a bit boring, it allows you to blend it with your choice of ingredients. Many reviewers blend it with banana, peanut butter, and a liquid, such as milk (regular, almond, soy, coconut, you name it) or water.
Taste
For the most part, the taste hasn’t been noted as an issue. It is sweetened with coconut sugar, which doesn’t make it overpoweringly sweet. One downside for some people is that the mix is a bit thick, although it hasn’t been described as grainy.
8. Vega Greens
Vega has produced yet another exceptional protein powder and this time, it is their Protein & Greens. As opposed to some of the others, this is a very thick shake and if you prefer smoother shakes then you will need to dilute it with plenty of water.
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There is no sugar in this formula and overall, the blend of spinach powder, organic kale powder, and broccoli account for 20 grams of protein. For one serving, expect around 110 to 120 calories.
Effectiveness
As there are only 15 amino acids, with 20 being required by the body for protein synthesis, this is technically not a “complete” protein source. Notwithstanding this, it is still an ideal way to add protein to your diet.
This verified blend of ingredients does not include anything that would affect people suffering from celiac disease. In addition, it is non-GMO verified.
Flavors
With flavors that include vanilla, tropical, natural, coconut almond, chocolate, and berry, there should be enough variety to appeal to everyone.
Taste
Users have typically back and forth over the flavor of this powder. However, more noteworthy is how thick it is. It can be diluted with water to make it smoother but remember, this will also diminish the overall flavor.
9. Veggie Elite
While the Veggie Elite Protein Powder has a high amount of sodium and does include stevia (which has a potent flavor and may not be for everyone), it remains a suitable choice for most due to its health advantages and the addition of all essential amino acids.
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Overall, the Veggie Elite Performance Protein has a great combination of protein and essential amino acids. However, it has a high content of sodium which could prove problematic for some people.
As have the protein powders that have preceded this on the list, this is naturally free from any ingredients pertaining to gluten, milk, soy, or animal. Plus, it is cholesterol-free for those who have issues with that.
Effectiveness
The addition of essential amino acids comes into play when you are digesting the protein and also when your muscles are recovering from a hard day at the office or at the gym.
Flavors
Even though there are only two flavors available, which may not seem like a lot, it is nice that you are provided the option for either vanilla or chocolate.
Taste
There is no masking the undeniable flavor of stevia, which is a very sweet flavor that almost resembles the flavor of Sweet ‘N Low. For those who are trying to avoid sweet protein powders, this may not be for you.
10. Tone It up
As opposed to other protein powders that are bogged down with countless ingredients, Tone It Up Organic Plant Based Protein only used coconut powder, cocoa powder, pumpkin powder, and organic pea powder. Plus, they did not add sugar which could be important for some.
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The aforementioned three ingredients that are included in this blend account for 20 grams of protein and eight grams of fiber for each serving. More so, no sugar has been added.
Effectiveness
Overall, if you are looking for a great way to add protein in your diet (which is one of the main benefits of this product in the first place) then this is the way to do so.
This powder has been certified by the USDA for being naturally organic and it is also free from any gluten, casein, whey, or lactose.
Flavors
Tone It up Organic made several flavors including vanilla, chocolate, and coconut, which they have labeled as “natural” flavors. However, they mention some great smoothie recipes that this can be used in conjunction with.
Taste
To be honest, the coconut and vanilla generic taste can actually be a benefit. But, within the three main ingredients, the peas tend to stick out the most. However, with the exclusion of sweeteners, this is ideal for mixing with your favorite smoothie.
Sources
- , How to Bake with Plant-Based Protein Powders, Recipe Blog
- , 7 Vegan Protein Powders to Keep Your Plant-Based Diet Going Strong, Buying Guide
- , The 15 Best Vegan Protein Powders, Health Guide