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Best Vegan Protein Powders

Review and Buyers Guide

Edited by: Isabel Stewart , Last updated: December 15, 2020

EDITOR’S CHOICE
Optimum Nutrition

100% organic plant protein

High protein content
Complete amino acid profile
BEST VEGAN PROTEIN POWDER FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Nuzest

Clean lean protein

Premium pea protein
Low carb and high protein
BEST SOY FREE VEGAN PROTEIN POWDER
Orgain

Organic protein powder

Clean vegan organic protein
21 grams of protein per serving

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:

Top Vegan protein powders Reviewed (2021 updated)

1. Optimum Nutrition Organic protein powder Editor’s Choice

FEATURES:

Number of servings: 19

Serving size: 24g of protein

Calories per serving: 140

Free-from: Free of Artificial Colors, Flavors & Sweeteners

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REVIEW SCORE:
97/100

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.

It sits in the mid to high range for calories at 140-150 due to its high protein and nutrient content. Great for athletes and active individuals
One of the best value for money plant-based protein powders with one of the lowest costs per gram of protein so great for those trying to make the most of their money.

The three main flavors are plant berry, plant chocolate, plant vanilla.
The overall consensus on flavor tends to fall into the average range, with it being very dependant on your tastebuds. Some users love the flavors while others have issues with the sweetness of the stevia. We found the plant vanilla option hit the best middle ground between sweet and subtle taste and went well with almond milk.

The Optimum Nutrition vegan protein powder is by far our top pick for organic plant-based protein powder. Its high protein content per serving, plus its carefully selected essential minerals and vitamins crucial to a vegan diet, make this a perfect organic option for any fit vegans on their journey to becoming healthier and stronger.

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Why we love it
High protein content per serving
Complete Amino Acid Profile
Organic and Non GMO
things to be aware of
Stevia may be too sweet for some

2. Nuzest Clean Lean Protein Best Vegan protein powder for weight loss

FEATURES:

Number of servings: 20

Serving size: 19g Protein

Calories per serving: 100

Free-from: Diary, Gluten, GMO, Soy, Gums, Lectins free

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REVIEW SCORE:
94/100

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.

The only source of plant protein is a pea protein isolate extracted from European golden peas. The other four ingredients are predominantly used in their “rich chocolate” flavor, which we have to admit is quite tasty, but as some users have mentioned, it may be an acquired taste. We recommend mixing with your favorite nut milk for the best results.

Nuzest clean, lean is one of the more pricey vegan protein options, but the high protein plus low-calorie content with minimal extra ingredients make it one of the best protein powders if your focus is on adding clean protein to your diet without the unnecessary extras that some other brands may have.

Overall our top vegan protein powder for muscle maintenance and weight loss.

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Why we love it
Premium Pea Protein
Low Carb and High Protein
Full amino profile including Lysine
things to be aware of
Premium price tag

3. Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Best Soy-free vegan protein powder

FEATURES:

Number of servings: 20

Serving size: 21g of protein

Calories per serving: 150

Free-from:Dairy free, Gluten free, Lactose free, Soy free

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REVIEW SCORE:
93/100

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.

With the self-claimed description of “naturally smooth and delicious,” we have to admit their claims hold some weight. It comes with two core flavors: creamy chocolate fudge, and vanilla bean. We found both of them pretty tasty, but some users have reported the sweetness being a bit strong for their tastebuds due to the organic stevia. 

Orgain organic is one of the cleanest vegan, organic protein powders out there free from the majority of allergens makes this great for those who have sensitive stomachs or intolerances. The high-calorie content with a reasonable balance of healthy protein carbs and fats makes this also a suitable mini-meal replacement when in a rush or on the go. The excellent choice of protein sources free from soy and all organic makes this our top pick for a soy-free vegan protein powder.

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Why we love it
Cleanest vegan organic protein powder
21g of protein per serving
Can be taken as a mini meal replacement
things to be aware of
Some may find the organic stevia makes this very sweet

4. KOS Organic Plant Based Protein Powder Best Chocolate flavor vegan protein powder

FEATURES:

Number of servings: 30

Serving size: 20g of Protein

Calories per serving: 170

Free-from:Gluten free, Soy free, Dairy free

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REVIEW SCORE:
93/100

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.

Each serving is around 160-170 kcal (dependant on flavor chosen), which is at the higher caloric end out of our top picks. The larger amount of calories makes it great for those trying to pack on some mass or trying to use as a mini-meal replacement, but for those focused on weight loss, the Nuzest Clean Lean protein or Garden of Life Raw may be better alternatives. 

The Kos Organic protein powder comes with two main flavors, chocolate, and vanilla. Some protein shakes can have a chalky texture and overbearingly sweet taste, but the Kos flavors seemed to hit the right balance of flavor with a smooth consistency when blended with either milk or water. The two flavors are created with a base of organic Himalayan pink salt, coconut milk, monk fruit, and stevia. The main difference related to ingredients is the use of Peruvian cacao in the chocolate flavor and organic vanilla in the vanilla flavor.

Overall the kos organic is our top chocolate flavored vegan protein powder thanks to hitting an excellent balance between protein amount per serving, digestibility, taste, mixability, and value plus a 90-day refund guarantee. It is also great for those with sensitive stomachs since there are minimal additives and all organic ingredients.

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Why we love it
Completely organic with minimal additives
Great for those with intolerances or digestive sensitivities
Nice blend of pea, flaxseed, quinoa, pumpkin seed, and chia seed
things to be aware of
High calorie content may not suit those looking to lose weight

5. Garden Of Life Raw Organic Protein Best For sensitive stomachs

FEATURES:

Number of servings: 20

Serving size:22g Protein

Calories per serving110

Free-from: Gluten free, Sugar free, Dairy free, Soy free

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REVIEW SCORE:
93/100

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.

Garden of life raw comes with a selection of 4 flavors, which is more than most protein brands. They offer vanilla, chocolate, vanilla chai, and unflavoured. Some users felt there was a bit too much stevia in the flavored options, so if your tastebuds are sensitive to sweet flavors, the unflavoured option may be the best choice.

All ingredients in Garden of Life’s plant protein shake are processed at low temperatures and without fillers. The low temperatures help to preserve the nutrients and prevent amino acid breakdown. This careful formula processing with additional BCAA’s makes Garden of Life raw one of the best quality vegan protein powders on the market.

The high protein, low caloric content and healthy probiotics makes this great for vegans with sensitive stomachs. It is also great for the everyday fitness enthusiast who has a focus on staying lean and keeping their stomach flat.

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Why we love it
Contains Probiotics – great for those with sensitive stomachs
Helps muscle recovery
Ingredients processed at low temperatures, preserving nutrients and preventing amino acid breakdown
things to be aware of
Some may not like the texture

6. Yuve Vegan Protein Powder Best Tasting Vegan Protein Powder

FEATURES:

Number of servings: 12

Serving size: 15g Protein

Calories per serving: 110

Free-from: Gluten free, Dairy free, Soy free, Lactose free

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REVIEW SCORE:
92/100

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.

Free from soy, gluten, dairy and contains no artificial flavors or sweeteners, making this a brilliant option for maintaining a clean plant-based diet. 110 calories per serving, which sits in the low to mid-range out of our top picks, which makes it great for those trying to lose weight or avoid unnecessary extra calories.

Slightly on the higher end for the cost of protein per gram, so if only protein is your focus, then the vega sport premium or the optimum nutrition are better options. Still, if your focus is on protein with a balance of many important minerals and vitamins for vegans, then the Yuve shake is a good option. 

They also give a percentage of profits to the Autism Hope Alliance, which is an added value bonus in our eyes and for those that may have second thoughts after using the product. Plus, they give a 60-day money-back guarantee no questions asked, which shows they have confidence in their product.

They have their own “premium flavor blend,” which we usually would be skeptical of, but Yuve has backed up their flavors by being ranked as the “Best tasting vanilla vegan protein shake” by PETA.

The balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, plus the award-winning taste, makes this our number one choice for most tasty vegan protein powder.

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Why we love it
Great as a mini meal replacement
Excellent carbohydrate to protein ratio
Delicious flavor
things to be aware of
Slightly higher cost per gram of protein

7. Tone It Up Vegan Protein Powder Best Vegan Protein powder for women

FEATURES:

Number of servings: 28

Serving size: 15g protein

Calories per serving:100

Free-from: Gluten free, Vegan, Sugar free, Kosher, and Non-GMO

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REVIEW SCORE:
94/100

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.

We found the vanilla flavor was quite tasty in comparison to some other protein brands, and the mixability sat in the average range. Some users found they had to blend the powder for longer to ensure a smooth texture as a final result.

The value per gram of protein is at the higher end of our top protein powder picks so if the price is your main priority then the garden of life raw maybe a better alternative while still keeping calories low, but you can’t argue with the users with the majority of user reviews giving 4.5 and above the tone it up brand appears to be doing something right.


Overall the tone it up vegan protein powder is one of the best protein powder options for the everyday vegan female focussed on taking their nutrition to the next level.

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Why we love it
Excellent plant protein source
Low in calories
Great for sensitive stomachs
things to be aware of
Serving sizes are not very big

8. Sunwarrior VanillaProtein Blend Best Vegan Vanilla Protein powder

FEATURES:

Number of servings: 30

Serving size: 27g protein

Calories per serving: 100

Free-from: Soy, dairy, GMO’s, sugar and gluten

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REVIEW SCORE:
96/100
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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.

For every 18 gram serving of sun warrior protein, there are only 100 calories, which falls into the lower range for calorie amounts, making this a good option for those on a strict diet.

With 30 servings in each container, you can increase serving size to 1.5 scoops giving you around 27g per serving, which is an excellent option for any vegans trying to build mass while still trying to retain good value for money.

Overall the sun warrior protein powder hits a healthy balance between value, protein content, simple ingredients, and flavor. It can blend well in shakes smoothies or your morning oats with the vanilla bean flavor being quite delicious, making this our top pick for vegan vanilla protein powder.

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Why we love it
Fantastic vanilla flavor
High protein serving
Certified organic ingredients
things to be aware of
slightly expensive per gram of protein

9. Vega Sport Premium Vanilla Protein Powder Best Fitness focussed vegan protein powder

FEATURES:

Number of servings: 19

Serving size: 30g protein

Calories per serving: 160

Free-from: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Keto-Friendly, No artificial flavors or preservatives

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REVIEW SCORE:
90/100

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.

Vega sport comes with five different flavors: Vanilla, peanut butter, chocolate, Mocha, and Berry. We found the chocolate and vanilla more to our liking with the berry flavor working well in a fruit smoothie if added in small amounts. Some users found the taste of the pea protein powder to be a bit strong. We recommend adding sweetened nut milk or bananas to your protein shake to help with the flavor.

The mixability for the Vega Sport scores around average from us, but some users have had issues with the thickness and clumping. We advise blending for a bit longer than normal to create a better consistency. Adding a larger amount of water or milk than usual is also an easy way to enhance mixability.

Overall with the highest amount of plant protein powder per serving, the highest amount of added BCAA’s, its clean ingredient list, and high-calorie content, this is the perfect option for any vegan fitness enthusiast/athlete or for any individual trying to put on mass. Being one of the few plant protein brands that have added probiotics to their blend, the vega sport premium definitely stands out as a quality product and is a brilliant choice for those who are serious about their nutrition and fitness.

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Why we love it
Highest serving of protein
Delicious flavour
Excellent for vegan fitness enthusiasts
things to be aware of
Reasonably high in calories

Vegan Protein Powder Buyers Guide

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 LABEL

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 protein

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!

To learn everything you need to know about protein on a vegan diet check out our free, informative guide on plant-based protein.

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