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Best Vegan Protein Powders
Review and Buyers Guide
Edited by: Isabel Stewart , Last updated: December 15, 2020
The infamous and almighty protein. A staple macronutrient in every healthy diet yet is surrounded by a dark mist of mythical stories when concerning the vegan diet.
Despite what many may believe, there are many natural plant-based sources of protein from a variety of delicious beans and legumes to a mixture of nuts and soy-based foods like tofu and tempeh.
When provided with the correct knowledge, the options available are quite abundant, and knowing how to combine foods like rice and beans to obtain a complete amino acid profile throughout the day will settle any debate regarding “complete protein” pretty quickly.
When provided with the correct knowledge, the options available are quite abundant, and knowing how to combine foods like rice and beans to obtain a complete amino acid profile throughout the day will settle any debate regarding “complete protein” pretty quickly.
But when it comes to easy consumption after a workout or quick and speedy protein boost, a vegan protein shake/powder ends up being a perfect complementary product to support a healthy balanced diet. The right vegan protein powder can help any vegan hit their required protein intake quickly and efficiently without consuming meat or dairy.

Best vegan protein powders at a glance:
- Editors Choice: Optimum Nutrition Organic protein powder
- Best vegan protein powder for weight loss: Nuzest Clean Lean Protein
- Best soy free vegan protein powder: Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein
- Best chocolate flavor vegan protein powder: KOS Organic Plant Based Protein Powder
- Best vegan protein powder for sensitive stomachs: Garden Of Life Raw Organic Protein
- Best tasting vegan protein powder: Yuve Vegan Protein Powder
- Best vegan protein powder for women: Tone it up Vegan Protein Powder
- Best vegan vanilla protein powder: Sunwarrior Vanilla Protein Blend
- Best fitness focussed vegan protein powder: Vega Sport Premium Vanilla Protein Powder
- Best Vegan Protein Powders
- Best vegan protein powders at a glance:
- Top Vegan protein powders Reviewed (2021 updated)
- 1. Optimum Nutrition Organic protein powder – Editor's Choice
- 2. Nuzest Clean Lean Protein – Best Vegan protein powder for weight loss
- 3. Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein – Best Soy-free vegan protein powder
- 4. KOS Organic Plant Based Protein Powder – Best Chocolate flavor vegan protein powder
- 5. Garden Of Life Raw Organic Protein – Best For sensitive stomachs
- 6. Yuve Vegan Protein Powder – Best Tasting Vegan Protein Powder
- 7. Tone It Up Vegan Protein Powder – Best Vegan Protein powder for women
- 8. Sunwarrior VanillaProtein Blend – Best Vegan Vanilla Protein powder
- 9. Vega Sport Premium Vanilla Protein Powder – Best Fitness focussed vegan protein powder
- Vegan Protein Powder Buyers Guide
- Primary sources of protein for Vegan protein powders
- Frequently asked questions
- Want to get more out of your vegan diet?
Top Vegan protein powders Reviewed (2021 updated)
1. Optimum Nutrition Organic protein powder – Editor’s Choice
The optimum nutrition plant-based protein is one of our top picks for vegan protein powders due to its quality organic ingredients and its attention to detail with added minerals and vitamins.
It boasts a hefty 24 grams of organic protein per serving, which is on the higher end of our top picks, second only second to the vega sport premium. This protein serving is great for any athletes or vegans doing intensive exercise. It contains no soy, and the primary protein sources come from a unique blend of pea, brown rice, and sacha inchi protein, which together provide you with all essential amino acids.
The optimum nutrition plant-based protein scores one of the highest marks from us for essential added ingredients. Each serving comes with 100% of your RDA of vitamin C, 2 grams of fiber, and has a high vitamin b12 amount per serving. There is also an additional 4gs of added BCAA’s to ensure all essential amino acids are hit to a significant level. Great for all vegans trying to obtain all the crucial minerals and vitamins that can sometimes be lacking when on a vegan diet.
Why we love it
things to be aware of
2. Nuzest Clean Lean Protein – Best Vegan protein powder for weight loss
Nuzest clean, lean protein has the best plant protein to calorie ratio out of all our top picks. With 19 grams of protein and only 90 calories per serving, it’s the perfect vegetable protein powder for vegans trying to cut fat and maintain muscle. It’s also beneficial for anyone trying to keep extra calories to a minimum while just adding a protein boost to their plant-based diet.
It also boasts a full essential amino acid profile with a high amount of lysine. Lysine is a wonderful addition to a vegan protein powder since it’s one of the amino acids vegans struggle to get from plant proteins.
The Nuzest clean, lean protein has one of the smallest ingredients lists for a flavored protein powder with only five ingredients altogether. This minimal ingredient list is brilliant for those who are cautious or selective with the things they put into their bodies.
Why we love it
things to be aware of
3. Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein – Best Soy-free vegan protein powder
The Orgain organic protein powder is one of our top picks due to its unique blend of protein sources mainly coming from peas, brown rice, and chia seeds. Each serving will provide you with around 21 grams of protein, which is great for those making their journey to a stronger and healthier version of themselves. The amount of protein per serving is not the highest out of our top picks, but it is excellent for the average fitness enthusiast.
For hardcore athletes who push their muscles to the extreme, the Vega Sport Premium protein powder may be a better choice since it packs 30 grams of protein per serving.
Orgain organic comes with 6 grams of fiber and 150 calories per serving is on the higher end in comparison to our other top picks, which is great for anyone trying to pack on some mass but if your main goal is to lose weight or stay lean with minimal extra calories, then the Nuzest clean lean may be a better option.
Why we love it
things to be aware of
4. KOS Organic Plant Based Protein Powder – Best Chocolate flavor vegan protein powder
From the get-go, we were impressed by the Kos plant-based protein’s packaging and branding, which gave the impression of a premium quality plant protein powder. We were thrilled to find that the contents inside matched the outer appearance with a protein powder that mixed well and tasted delicious.
It comes with a reasonably high amount of plant-based protein per serving at 20 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber with a unique blend that contains all essential amino acids that we cant naturally produce ourselves. The primary plant proteins that make up the kos organic plant protein powder use a blend of pea, flaxseed, quinoa, pumpkin seed, and chia seed. A great thing about this product is that all ingredients are organic and easy on the stomach so great for those with intolerances or digestive sensitivities.
Kos Organic protein powder is free from gluten, soy, dairy, and carrageenan, which is excellent for those looking for a nutritionally clean vegan protein powder. Unlike some other brands, they have added their own “digestive blend,” using enzymes that aid with digestion and nutrient absorption. This overall maximizes the overall value gained from the protein powder.
Why we love it
things to be aware of
5. Garden Of Life Raw Organic Protein – Best For sensitive stomachs
Garden of life raw stands out thanks to its delicious yet unique formula. It is made with a blend of organic ingredients with the main three sources: pea protein sprouted brown rice protein and amaranth sprout. Contains probiotics at 3billion CFU and 4g added BCAA’s to ensure a healthy balance of all essential amino acids that we can’t produce ourselves.
Garden of Life Raw comes with a large 22 grams of plant proteins per serving and 1-3 grams of fiber at only 110 calories. What makes it stand out is 80% of the caloric content is protein, which is brilliant for those trying to keep unnecessary calories low while focussing strictly on additional protein.
The overall smoothness is average in comparison to our other top picks. It doesn’t score the highest marks but is acceptable if blended well. Some users made a note of a chalky texture and taste, so we advise you to mix your shakes for longer to overcome any possible chalky consistencies.
Why we love it
things to be aware of
6. Yuve Vegan Protein Powder – Best Tasting Vegan Protein Powder
The Yuve vegan protein powder with its Award-winning flavor comes with a variety of unique blends to make a protein powder that works surprisingly well at supporting some of the deficiencies that are known to occur on a vegan diet.
It comes with a protein blend based on peas and brown rice, which is free from soy, which is great for anyone with intolerances. There are 15 grams of protein per serving, which is on the lower end of our top picks, so not the best choice for an athlete trying to pack on mass. Still, Yuve stands out by having an impressive amount of minerals and vitamins added to their product, which includes but isn’t limited to 8 grams of fiber, a healthy amount of vitamin c, b12, vitamin d, iron, and iodine.
All the additional minerals are essential nutrients needed on a vegan diet making this excellent for overall health maintenance. The carbohydrate to protein ratio is one of the highest out of our top picks. With 13grams of carbs to every 15 grams of protein per scoop, this is a fantastic option as a mini-meal substitute used to support a balanced plant-based diet.
Why we love it
things to be aware of
7. Tone It Up Vegan Protein Powder – Best Vegan Protein powder for women
The tone it up plant-based protein powder is in a unique position since its made for women by women, so care has been taken to fit the needs of women in regards to protein intake.
On average, the daily recommended amount of protein for women is slightly less than for men, and this product fits that nicely with a moderate amount of 15g per serving without unnecessary extras keeping the calories low, which helps with weight loss and staying trim.
The main sources of protein in this formula are pea protein and pumpkin seed protein, which provides a healthy dose of complete protein per serving, making this a great addition to a well balanced plant-based diet.
Tone it up is free from soy, gluten, dairy and contains no artificial flavors or sweeteners making this a brilliant option for maintaining a clean food intake and at only 90 calories per serving it provides one of the lowest-calorie amounts per scoop out of all our top picks making this great for the average vegan female on their journey to a healthier stronger body.
Why we love it
things to be aware of
8. Sunwarrior VanillaProtein Blend – Best Vegan Vanilla Protein powder
Another top contender close to taking the top spot for overall best vegan protein powder. The sun warrior brand does many things right from protein and nutritional content to value its hard to beat.
It comes with 18 grams of protein per serving with a unique blend made from organic plant based ingredients including pea protein, organic hemp seed protein, organic goji berries in either vanilla bean or chocolate flavor.
Each serving has a complete amino acid profile meaning all the essential amino acids that we cant naturally create ourselves are covered under this one product delivering complete protein with each serving. The added BCAA’s ensure that all amino acids are provided in sufficient amounts making this an exceptional choice for the active fitness enthusiast or athlete who wants to ensure optimum muscle growth and efficient muscle repair.
Why we love it
things to be aware of
9. Vega Sport Premium Vanilla Protein Powder – Best Fitness focussed vegan protein powder
Vega sport premium provides the highest protein per serving out of all our top picks at 30 grams of protein, making this perfect for the hardcore gym-goer or vegan athlete.
The formula contains all essential amino acids by using a unique blend of pea protein, pumpkin seed protein, sunflower seed protein, and alfalfa protein powder. Plus, with an added 5 grams of BCAA’s you can be confident you’re getting a comprehensive range of amino-acids with each protein shake you make.
The BCAA’s will also help with obtaining a significant amount of the essential amino acid Lysine, which is known to be low in most plant-based diets.
One of the unique attributes of the vega sport premium is the added probiotics, which will aid in digestion and help maintain a balanced gut. The probiotics help your body better utilize the nutrients in the protein powder and help with more efficient absorption.
It comes with 160 calories per serving so at the higher end of the scale, which works for individuals that need the calories to either boost their workout or for optimal recovery post-workout.
Why we love it
things to be aware of
Vegan Protein Powder Buyers Guide

What do we look for in a quality vegan protein powder?
An excellent way for any vegan to overcome any potential deficiencies in their plant-based diet and to hit sufficient levels for optimal muscle growth is to use a high-quality plant-based vegan protein powder. There are some key things that we look for when reviewing and deciding how good a protein powder is. Only the products that scored highly in each of our review categories made it onto our top picks.
How much protein do you get per serving?
Pay close attention to the amount of protein you are getting per serving. An excellent average range to aim for is around 20 grams of protein per serving. Some companies may state that you get a high amount of servings per bottle, but if the serving size is only 10-15 grams of protein then your product will not last as long as you would have intended and the value for money will have decreased since you will need more servings to hit an optimal amount per serving. 25-30g per serving is in the higher range.
This is great for athletes or very active individuals. 20 grams of protein per serving is brilliant for the vegan who has a very balanced diet with high protein foods but once an additional daily boost to either make sure protein levels are an optimal range for muscle recovery or to ensure there is a wide enough range of amino acids in your diet.
What is the source of protein?
As vegans, we want to avoid any protein derived from meat or dairy, which will mainly be whey protein. The main four protein sources we look for are soy, pea, hemp, and rice protein.
For those without food intolerances, a soy protein bar or protein blend using a mix of the four is a great choice. Great for providing a varied amino acid profile to your diet, allowing you to reap the benefits of each one.
If you have a sensitive digestive system, it is better to choose a hypoallergenic protein source such as pea or rice protein. Picking a formula with minimal ingredients will allow you to monitor exactly what you are consuming and can prevent any potential allergic reactions.
Calories per serving
The importance of calories in your protein shake will depend on your goals. For those trying to bulk, you should look for a clean plant protein powder with a high protein and calories per serving ranging from 150-200.
For those trying to lose weight or maintain current body composition while retaining muscle a lower calorie per serving with a high overall protein ratio is the best option. A protein amount per serving of 20-25 grams with a calorie amount of 80-100 per serving is a good range.
When analyzing calories, make sure the bulk of the caloric content comes from the protein. Look out for a high caloric content that has come from added sugars or unnecessary filler ingredients.
Taste
It is well known that some lower quality plant protein powders have the potential to taste pretty bad like a unique blend of chalk and salty dust, but many on the market do taste absolutely delicious. The job is trying to find the right ones.
We only picked the vegan protein powders that scored high for taste since this is essential to a pleasant protein shake, especially after a workout. Vegan protein powders usually come either unflavoured for mixing in things like cereal or a fruit smoothie where you want a protein boost while still retaining the fruit flavor. Or they come with a choice of flavors with the usual favorites chocolate vanilla and strawberry. Vanilla and chocolate flavor are usually the best since they tend to taste the most natural and require the least additional ingredients to obtain their flavor. The flavored variety is great for making vegan milkshakes, vegan waffles, or just as a delicious shake mixed with nut milk after training.
Mixability
If you have purchased a low-quality protein shake before, you will likely have experienced the frustration of a powder that doesn’t mix well, resulting in unwanted clumps of protein.
A key factor for all of our top picks is efficient mixability. A smooth vegan powder that can mix well with water, juice, or your favorite choice of nut milk is essential.
Yeast, Corn, Soy, and Gluten-free and other additives?
For those with a sensitive digestive system, it is essential to avoid yeast corn gluten and sometimes soy. We recommend choosing a rice or pea protein powder since they are hypoallergenic and are the easiest to digest.
The best vegan protein powders will have minimal additives. What we are looking for is a small and clean ingredients list. Some companies may add extra ingredients to make their protein appear unique. It is important to ensure any added ingredients provide an ultimate benefit and aren’t just empty calories.
An exception to this rule is if the company adds natural ingredients that boost the nutritional value of the product.
Organic and Non-GMO
It is paramount any product chosen uses organic ingredients and non-GMO to ensure a minimal amount of chemicals in your shake. This will allow your body to make the most of the nutrients contained within the protein shake.
Be aware the if a product is Non-GMO but doesn’t state organic, it still may contain vegetables that had pesticides or herbicides used on them, so always look for the organic label in the ingredients.

Vegan friendly?
Always lookout for a vegan label on the product to ensure that the supplement is vegan-friendly. You want to avoid protein powders derived from whey or casein, which both come from dairy.
If there is no vegan label or certification on your vegan protein powders packaging, then there is a high chance the protein powder will contain whey. Always read the label and nutrition info to avoid any mishaps.
Value
How many servings do you get per bottle? What is the cost per serving?And how many grams of plant proteins are you getting for the price?
Always compare serving amounts to the overall cost of the product and other similar products to make sure you are getting the best value for money.
The second thing to pay attention to is whether the company provides a return or guarantee with the purchase. When a company offers a way for you to return your product if you are not satisfied, it instills confidence in your purchase and the brand.
Primary sources of protein for Vegan protein powders
Most vegan protein powders will be created with a unique blend of 4 lactose-free protein sources with a few extra vitamins and minerals thrown in to create their own unique vegan protein blends.
The main four are:

Soy beans
- Soy beans will make up the bulk of a lot of vegan protein powders since it contains a high ratio of protein in comparison to other macronutrients and boasts a complete amino acid profile, meaning soy doesn’t need to be combined with much else to create a so-called “complete protein.”
- Soy beans are high in plant-based protein and naturally cholesterol-free, which is excellent for vegans.
The downside to soy products is that some people are allergic/sensitive to it or may simply want to avoid it, so a pea protein source may be a better alternative.

Peas
- Peas contain all of the essential amino acids that our bodies can’t create independently
- are high in iron
- are easily digested making them a great protein source for those with allergies or sensitive digestive systems
- Peas are reasonably high in sodium, so if sodium is a nutritional concern of yours then rice or hemp protein powder may be a better alternative
Peas are an overall wonder protein source but are overall low in methionine, which is one of the essential amino acids we cant create ourselves. To compensate for the small amounts of methionine in pea protein, they can be combined with brown rice protein since it is high in methionine.

Brown rice
- Hypoallergenic meaning it doesn’t contain any of the typical things that cause people to have allergic reactions.
- Easily digested
- Helps to regulate cholesterol
The main downside to rice protein is that it is low in lysine, which is a vital amino acid. A solution to the low lysine content is to either buy a protein shake with a blend of peas, hemp, or soya. The other option is to make sure as part of your balanced diet to add in plant-based foods high in lysine such as quinoa, tempeh, black beans, and lentils.

Hemp
- Contains all 9 essential amino acids
- Good source of fiber
- Good for heart health
- High in unsaturated fats and the important omega 3 (create a link)
- High in omega 6
- High in many minerals and vitamins
Blending for smooth protein shakes
For those who want to make the smoothest protein shakes without the powdery lumps in the quickest time possible check our top 5 blenders for protein shakes to find a quality blender for the perfect protein shake.
For more in-depth information on vegan protein and amino acid profiles, check out our detailed vegan protein guide to help you master protein on a vegan diet.
Frequently asked questions
Want to get more out of your vegan diet?
Why not try out some of our delicious vegan recipes, high in plant protein, to boost your essential amino acid intake and bring balance back to your diet!
- Incredible tofu and broccoli stir fry noodles
- Delicious vegan falafel recipe
- Amazing vegan chicken wings recipe
- Tantalizing vegan bean curry
To learn everything you need to know about protein on a vegan diet check out our free, informative guide on plant-based protein.