If you don’t consume animal products, meeting your body’s protein needs can be tricky. These vegan protein powders have you covered.
For athletes and active adults who don’t eat animal products, getting adequate protein from diet alone can be challenging. A vegan protein powder may help.
Our dietitians have vetting and tried more than a dozen plant-based protein powders. Here are the ones they recommend.
Quick look at the best vegan protein powders Healthline’s picks of the best vegan protein powders
Protein type: plant-based blend Number of servings: 19 per container Serving size: 2 scoops (42 g) Nutrition stats per serving: (Vanilla) Calories: 160, Total carbs: 7 g, Added sugar: 0 g, Fat: 3 g, Protein: 30 g Price: $$$ Healthline's review Garden of Life Organic Plant-Based Protein Power is our pick for the best overall vegan protein powder thanks to its high quality ingredients and nutritional profile.
It includes protein derived from a variety of sources to help balance its amino acid profile, including peas, navy beans, lentils, garbanzo beans, and cranberry.
In addition to 30 g of protein per serving, the powder packs 2 g of fiber and is free from added sugars.
It’s certified organic and comes in two flavors (Vanilla and Chocolate) that work well mixed with water or any plant-based milk .
What’s more, this product is NSF Certified for Sport , which means it’s undergone third-party testing to ensure that it doesn’t contain unsafe levels of contaminants or substances that are banned by competitive sports organizations. It’s also Informed Choice certified .
But it’s worth noting that this product contains a few proprietary blends. Some people prefer to avoid proprietary blends because the exact amounts of the ingredients included in these blends aren’t disclosed.
Pros & cons NSF Certified for Sport Informed Choice certified certified gluten-free low in sugar contains proprietary blends comes in only two flavors sweetened with stevia, which may have an aftertaste NSF Certified for Sport Informed Choice certified certified gluten-free low in sugar contains proprietary blends comes in only two flavors sweetened with stevia, which may have an aftertaste Product details Certifications: USDA organic, non-GMO verified, NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Choice certified, certified gluten-free Available flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Certifications: USDA organic, non-GMO verified, NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Choice certified, certified gluten-free Available flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Protein type: pea Number of servings: 15 per container Serving size: 1 scoop (30 g) Nutrition stats per serving: Calories: 115, Total carbs: 3 g, Added sugar: 0 g, Fat: 2 g, Protein: 20 g Discount: Use code HEALTHLINE for 25% off Price: $$$ Healthline's review If you’re looking to lose weight or support lean body mass, Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ is worth considering.
Research shows that increasing protein intake may help reduce muscle loss related to aging and improve body composition, and pea protein specifically has been shown to help increase feelings of fullness .
Each 1-scoop (20-g) serving provides just 115 calories and 0 g of sugar, which is lower than many other products on our list. Each serving also contains 3 g of fiber, which can help increase fullness .
Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ is third-party tested, Informed Sport certified, and made from traceable ingredients, including organic pea protein sourced from peas grown in the United States.
What our tester says “While I like that this protein powder is personalized by age and third-party tested, I didn’t enjoy the taste and texture.
“I really wanted to like this shake, as it’s easier to store thanks to being in a bag rather than a tub. It also has a very smooth texture after being lightly shaken in a blender bottle.
“However, there’s a strange thickness to the powder that I found off-putting. While it’s naturally flavored, I found that the vanilla flavor tastes a bit artificial and was too overpowering.”
—Healthline Nutrition Editor Kelli McGrane, MS, RD
“While I like that this protein powder is personalized by age and third-party tested, I didn’t enjoy the taste and texture.
“I really wanted to like this shake, as it’s easier to store thanks to being in a bag rather than a tub. It also has a very smooth texture after being lightly shaken in a blender bottle.
“However, there’s a strange thickness to the powder that I found off-putting. While it’s naturally flavored, I found that the vanilla flavor tastes a bit artificial and was too overpowering.”
—Healthline Nutrition Editor Kelli McGrane, MS, RD
Pros & cons Informed Sport certified gluten-free major allergen-free sugar-free optional monthly subscription expensive available in only one flavor some complaints that it doesn't mix easily Informed Sport certified gluten-free major allergen-free sugar-free optional monthly subscription expensive available in only one flavor some complaints that it doesn't mix easily Product details Certifications: Informed Sport Certified, third-party tested Available flavors: Vanilla Returns: refund on first purchase within 30 days Shipping: free shipping Certifications: Informed Sport Certified, third-party tested Available flavors: Vanilla Returns: refund on first purchase within 30 days Shipping: free shipping
Protein type: pea, brown rice Number of servings: 20 per container Serving size: 1 scoop (37.7 g) Nutrition stats per serving : (Chocolate) Calories: 140, Total carbs: 10 g, Added sugar: 2 g, Fat: 3 g, Protein: 20 g Price: $$$ Healthline's review A high protein diet is important for building muscle, and research suggests that a plant-based diet can be just as effective as a meat-based diet in achieving this.
Momentous Essential Plant-Based Protein is made from a blend of pea and rice protein and provides a complete amino acid profile, including leucine — a branched-chain amino acid that plays an important role in building muscle .
Plus, it’s the only supplement on our list that contains ProHydrolase, an enzyme blend that can increase protein digestion and absorption and may help increase blood levels of amino acids like leucine when paired with protein powder.
Momentous Essential Plant-Based is gluten-free, NSF Certified for Sport, and Informed Sport certified.
What our tester says “I tried the chocolate flavor. It had a deep, creamy chocolate flavor, though there was a slight aftertaste that’s common with protein powders.
“I typically don’t love protein powders that come in bags. While easier for storage, I often find that the powder is messier. However, it really wasn’t that messy getting a scoop out of the bag.
“I was also pleasantly surprised by how quickly and easily the powder mixed using a shaker bottle. I didn’t have to shake that hard or for that long and ended up with a creamy consistency free of clumps.”
— Healthline nutrition editor Kelli McGrane , MS, RD
“I tried the chocolate flavor. It had a deep, creamy chocolate flavor, though there was a slight aftertaste that’s common with protein powders.
“I typically don’t love protein powders that come in bags. While easier for storage, I often find that the powder is messier. However, it really wasn’t that messy getting a scoop out of the bag.
“I was also pleasantly surprised by how quickly and easily the powder mixed using a shaker bottle. I didn’t have to shake that hard or for that long and ended up with a creamy consistency free of clumps.”
— Healthline nutrition editor Kelli McGrane , MS, RD
Pros & cons third-party tested gluten-free contains enzyme blend to increase protein absorption NSF Certified for Sport Informed Sport certified third-party tested gluten-free contains enzyme blend to increase protein absorption NSF Certified for Sport Informed Sport certified Product details Certifications: NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Sport Certified, non-GMO Available flavors: Vanilla Chai, Chocolate Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Certifications: NSF Certified for Sport, Informed Sport Certified, non-GMO Available flavors: Vanilla Chai, Chocolate Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Protein type: pea, rice Number of servings: 20 per container Serving size: 2 scoops Nutrition stats per serving: (Chocolate) Calories: 130, Total carbs: 5 g, Added sugar: 0 g, Fat: 3 g, Protein: 22 g Price: $$ Healthline's review Ora Organic Vegan Protein Powder is certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), so it’s a good option if you prefer to eat organic .
The powder boasts 21 g of protein and a variety of organic greens in each serving, making it easy to squeeze more micronutrients into your daily diet.
It also includes a proprietary blend of nutrient-rich foods and greens, including organic pea protein, rice protein, cranberry, blueberry, turmeric , pomegranate, and kale. But keep in mind that the specific amount of each ingredient in the blend is not listed.
Ora Organic products are tested by several third-party labs, including Eurofins and JK BioScience Analytical Laboratories.
What our tester says “Ora Organics is my favorite vanilla-flavored powder as it lacks the cloyingly-sweet, artificial vanilla flavor that many other powders have.
“I also appreciate that the powder mixes easily in a shaker bottle and actually feels refreshing to drink.
“I primarily use the powder in my overnight oats for a boost of protein in the morning, but it’s also delicious blended into a green smoothie with a frozen banana, strawberries, and a handful of spinach.”
—Healthline nutrition editor Kelli McGrane, MS, RD
“Ora Organics is my favorite vanilla-flavored powder as it lacks the cloyingly-sweet, artificial vanilla flavor that many other powders have.
“I also appreciate that the powder mixes easily in a shaker bottle and actually feels refreshing to drink.
“I primarily use the powder in my overnight oats for a boost of protein in the morning, but it’s also delicious blended into a green smoothie with a frozen banana, strawberries, and a handful of spinach.”
—Healthline nutrition editor Kelli McGrane, MS, RD
Pros & cons third-party tested certified organic certified vegan contains proprietary blends third-party tested certified organic certified vegan contains proprietary blends Product details Certifications: USDA organic, certified vegan, third-party tested for purity and potency Available flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Vanilla Chai, Unflavored Certifications: USDA organic, certified vegan, third-party tested for purity and potency Available flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Vanilla Chai, Unflavored
Protein type: pea, flaxseed, quinoa, pumpkin seed, chia seed Number of servings: 30 per container Serving size: 2 scoops Nutrition stats per serving: (Chocolate) Calories: 60, Total carbs: 9 g, Added sugar: 2 g, Fat: 6 g, Protein: 20 g Price: $$ Healthline's review KOS Organic Plant-Based Chocolate Protein Powder is our pick for the best tasting protein powder .
The powder has a smooth, chocolaty flavor thanks to ingredients like organic cacao, organic coconut milk, and monk fruit .
Each serving contains 20 g of protein and contains all nine essential amino acids, which are sourced from a blend of pea protein, flaxseed, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds.
Healthline testers found KOS Organic Plant-Based Chocolate Protein Powder to have a pleasant taste, though they did note that it’s definitely on the sweeter side.
The powder also has more than 9,000 reviews with 5 stars on Amazon. Customers rave about the smooth texture, delicious flavor, and lack of an artificial aftertaste.
While Chocolate is the crowd-favorite flavor, KOS offers its organic plant-based protein in several other flavors, including Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Blueberry Muffin, and Peanut Butter. There’s also an unflavored variety if you prefer an option that’s less sweet.
KOS doesn’t include any third-party testing information on its website.
Additionally, note that it contains inulin, a type of prebiotic fiber that can cause digestive issues for some people.
What our tester says “I was curious to try KOS as it has rave reviews for its flavor. I found that the chocolate powder lived up to the hype: It was rich and chocolaty without any lingering aftertaste.
“While it’s a bit clumpy when combined with just water in a shaker bottle, I found the texture to be pleasantly thick and creamy when blended into a smoothie.
“I really liked the flavor. However, I found that after a day or two of drinking KOS I regularly felt bloated and had slight pain from the pressure. The product does contain inulin, which can be tricky for some people, like myself, with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).”
—Healthline nutrition editor Kelli McGrane, MS, RD
“I was curious to try KOS as it has rave reviews for its flavor. I found that the chocolate powder lived up to the hype: It was rich and chocolaty without any lingering aftertaste.
“While it’s a bit clumpy when combined with just water in a shaker bottle, I found the texture to be pleasantly thick and creamy when blended into a smoothie.
“I really liked the flavor. However, I found that after a day or two of drinking KOS I regularly felt bloated and had slight pain from the pressure. The product does contain inulin, which can be tricky for some people, like myself, with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).”
—Healthline nutrition editor Kelli McGrane, MS, RD
Pros & cons great-tasting free from gluten, dairy, soy, and artificial sweeteners not third-party tested contains inulin, which could cause digestive issues for some great-tasting free from gluten, dairy, soy, and artificial sweeteners not third-party tested contains inulin, which could cause digestive issues for some Product details Certifications: USDA organic Available flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Chocolate Chip Mint, Peanut Butter, Blueberry Muffin, Salted Caramel Coffee, Unflavored Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Certifications: USDA organic Available flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Chocolate Chip Mint, Peanut Butter, Blueberry Muffin, Salted Caramel Coffee, Unflavored Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Protein type: pea, brown rice Number of servings: 11 per container Serving size: 4 scoops (315 g) Nutrition stats per serving: (Unflavored) Calories: 1,230, Total carbs: 248 g, Added sugar: 0 g, Fat: 4 g, Protein: 50 g Price: $$$ Healthline's review If you’re trying to gain weight, Naked Mass is one of the best options, with 1,230 calories and 50 g of protein sourced from peas and brown rice in each 4-scoop (315-g) serving.
The powder mixes easily, has a pleasant taste, and is free of artificial additives and preservatives.
Naked Nutrition products are third-party tested and manufactured in CGMP-certified facilities.
Additionally, all the flavors of this plant-based mass gainer are certified gluten-free, GMO-free, and soy-free.
Keep in mind that the flavored versions contain 35–37 g of added sugar per serving, which may exceed your recommended consumption of added sugar , depending on your calorie needs.
Pros & cons third-party tested certified gluten- and soy-free expensive flavored varieties very high in added sugar third-party tested certified gluten- and soy-free expensive flavored varieties very high in added sugar Product details Certifications: certified vegan, certified gluten-free, third-party tested Available flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Unflavored Returns: refunds within 30 days Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Certifications: certified vegan, certified gluten-free, third-party tested Available flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Unflavored Returns: refunds within 30 days Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Protein type: pea, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, alfalfa Number of servings: 20 per container Serving size: 1 scoop (41 g) Nutrition stats per serving: (Mocha) Calories: 170, Total carbs: 5 g, Added sugar: 0 g, Fat: 3.5 g, Protein: 30 g Price: $$$ Healthline's review For athletes looking to boost their post-workout protein intake, this Vega Sport protein powder is a great option because it’s also formulated with tart cherry extract, an ingredient that’s been studied for its ability to boost post-workout recovery.
One 2019 study looked at 20 athletes and found those who supplemented with tart cherry juice experienced faster recovery 24 to 48 hours after exercise. Another 2019 study evaluated the effect in females only and found similar results.
It features 30 g of protein per serving, which is made from a blend of plant-based sources like peas, pumpkin seeds , sunflower seeds, and alfalfa.
What’s more, the protein powder is non-GMO verified and NSF Certified for Sport, so it’s worth considering for competitive athletes.
Pros & cons NSF Certified for Sport vegan-friendly formulated to support exercise recovery mixed reviews on taste and ease of mixing NSF Certified for Sport vegan-friendly formulated to support exercise recovery mixed reviews on taste and ease of mixing Product details Certifications: non-GMO verified, NSF Certified for Sport Available flavors: Berry, Chocolate, Mocha, Peanut Butter, Vanilla Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Certifications: non-GMO verified, NSF Certified for Sport Available flavors: Berry, Chocolate, Mocha, Peanut Butter, Vanilla Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Protein type: customized blend Number of servings: 14 per container Serving size: 1 scoop (30 g) Nutrition stats per serving: varies based on your customized formula Price: $$$ Healthline's review Gainful is a company that provides personalized protein powders based on results from an online assessment.
Each powder provides 19 g to 27 g of protein per serving, and customers have the option of choosing whey, keto, and plant-based formulas, which are sourced from peas and rice.
The powders come unflavored with the option to add up to four plant-based flavor boosts per order.
Gainful manufactures its products in an FDA-compliant, CGMP certified facility.
Pros & cons personalized blend flavor boosts allow you to change flavors day to day access to a registered dietitian included with subscription expensive requires a subscription not third-party tested personalized blend flavor boosts allow you to change flavors day to day access to a registered dietitian included with subscription expensive requires a subscription not third-party tested Product details Available flavors: Strawberry Cream, Madagascar Vanilla, Rich Chocolate, Caffe Mocha, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Toast, Sea Salt Caramel Returns: no returns or refunds Shipping: free shipping over $60 Available flavors: Strawberry Cream, Madagascar Vanilla, Rich Chocolate, Caffe Mocha, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Toast, Sea Salt Caramel Returns: no returns or refunds Shipping: free shipping over $60
Protein type: pea, brown rice, almond, pumpkin seed, peanut Number of servings: 15 per container Serving size: 2 scoops Nutrition stats per serving: (Vanilla) Calories: 150, Total carbs: 10 g, Added sugar: 5 g, Fat: 3 g, Protein 20 g Price: $$ Healthline's review Orgain Simple Organic Plant Protein Powder is high in iron, an important mineral for people who menstruate. It’s estimated that more than 20% of women will experience iron deficiency during their reproductive years.
In addition to providing 35% of the Daily Value (DV) for iron, each 2-scoop (37-g) serving of the chocolate flavor provides 20 g of protein and 3 g of fiber.
Plus, this supplement is made from a blend of plant-based proteins, including pea protein and brown rice protein, both of which contain all of the essential amino acids that your body needs.
The powder is available in three flavors and makes a great addition to shakes, smoothies, and baked goods.
Orgain Simple Organic Plant Protein Powder is a good option for people who dislike the aftertaste of sugar substitutes like stevia, as its only sweetener is organic coconut sugar .
But this also makes it one of the highest in added sugar on our list, with 5 g of added sugar per serving.
According to Orgain’s website, the brand’s products are made in FDA-registered facilities that have been third-party certified, but the name of the testing organization is not disclosed.
What our tester says “I chose this protein powder because I was looking for something vegan without stevia or monk fruit extract, as I don’t like the taste of these sweeteners.
“This one is sweetened with coconut sugar and tastes super sweet to me (almost too sweet), but it does have a nice chocolate flavor and smells and tastes almost like hot chocolate.
“It blends well, too, and doesn’t have any chalkiness to it, even if you just mix it with water.”
—Healthline senior editor Chelsea Logan
“I chose this protein powder because I was looking for something vegan without stevia or monk fruit extract, as I don’t like the taste of these sweeteners.
“This one is sweetened with coconut sugar and tastes super sweet to me (almost too sweet), but it does have a nice chocolate flavor and smells and tastes almost like hot chocolate.
“It blends well, too, and doesn’t have any chalkiness to it, even if you just mix it with water.”
—Healthline senior editor Chelsea Logan
Pros & cons third-party tested provides 35% of the DV for iron certified organic, vegan, and gluten-free higher in carbs and added sugar than other options third-party tested provides 35% of the DV for iron certified organic, vegan, and gluten-free higher in carbs and added sugar than other options Product details Certifications: USDA organic, certified plant-based, third-party tested for purity and potency Available flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Peanut Butter Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Certifications: USDA organic, certified plant-based, third-party tested for purity and potency Available flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Peanut Butter Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Protein type: pea Number of servings: 15 per container Serving size: 2 scoops (4.3 tbsp) Nutrition stats per serving: (Unflavored) Calories: 120, Total carbs: 2 g, Added sugar: 0 g, Fat: 0.5 g, Protein: 27 g Price: $$$ Healthline's review For those seeking a simple plant-based protein powder made without artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors, this product from Naked Nutrition is worth a try.
It’s sourced exclusively from raw yellow peas and contains 27 g of protein per serving.
It’s also certified vegan and gluten-free and produced using environmentally friendly farming practices.
Plus, it’s certified by Informed Choice, a quality assurance program that tests sports supplements to ensure they’re free of impurities, contaminants, and banned substances.
However, while pea protein contains all nine essential amino acids, note that it is relatively low in methionine. Therefore, it’s best to enjoy this protein powder as part of a balanced diet alongside other protein-rich plant foods.
Pros & cons Informed Choice certified certified gluten-free and vegan free from artificial ingredients made exclusively with pea protein, which is slightly lower in methionine some complaints that the powder is difficult to mix Informed Choice certified certified gluten-free and vegan free from artificial ingredients made exclusively with pea protein, which is slightly lower in methionine some complaints that the powder is difficult to mix Product details Certifications: Informed Choice Certified, certified gluten-free Available flavors: Unflavored, Chocolate, Vanilla Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members Certifications: Informed Choice Certified, certified gluten-free Available flavors: Unflavored, Chocolate, Vanilla Returns: free returns for Prime members Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
Protein type: hemp Number of servings: 15 per container Serving size: 4 tbsp (30 g) Nutrition stats per serving: (Peak Protein) Calories: 110, Total carbs: 8 g, Added sugar: 0 g, Fat: 3 g, Protein: 15 g Price: $$ Healthline's review Sourced exclusively from organic hemp seed protein, this vegan-friendly Nutiva product can be a great addition to a plant-based diet.
In addition to providing all nine essential amino acids, hemp seed is also a good source of fiber and heart-healthy fats.
In fact, each serving contains 15 g protein, 6 g fiber, and 2 g polyunsaturated fats, along with a hearty dose of zinc, iron, and magnesium.
This product is also available in several sizes and varieties, including a Fiber Plus option that boasts 11 g of fiber and 11 g of protein per serving.
However, while this supplement is certified vegan and organic, it may not be third-party tested. If it is, Nutiva doesn’t provide any information about third-party testing on their website.
Pros & cons rich in fiber and healthy fats good source of minerals several options available with varying amounts of fiber and protein certified vegan and organic no information available about third-party testing limited flavors available rich in fiber and healthy fats good source of minerals several options available with varying amounts of fiber and protein certified vegan and organic no information available about third-party testing limited flavors available Product details Certifications: USDA organic, non-GMO verified, Whole30 approved, certified vegan Available flavors: vanilla Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout Certifications: USDA organic, non-GMO verified, Whole30 approved, certified vegan Available flavors: vanilla Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout The best vegan protein powders compared How we chose the best vegan protein powder Ingredient quality: The powders below contain high quality sources of plant-based protein. We also prioritized products that contain few or no artificial flavors, colors, and other additives. Low in added sugar: With the exception of one product, we included protein powders that contain 6 g or less of added sugar per serving. Amino acid profile: We selected plant-based protein powders that contain all nine of the essential amino acids your body needs.Expert-recommended: Every powder on our list was recommended and reviewed by registered dietitians.Price: We included options to suit a variety of budgets.Customer reviews: The products below have mostly positive online reviews. Brand quality: The powders below are produced by medically credible companies that follow ethical, legal, and industry best standards. They’re also manufactured in facilities that adhere to the current good manufacturing practices (CGMPs) established by the FDA.Testing: Many of the protein powders we selected have been tested by third-party labs to ensure quality, purity, and potency.Personal experience: We included several products that have been tested firsthand by our editors.How to choose the best vegan protein powder Below are several factors to consider when shopping for a vegan protein powder .
Dietary restrictions and preferences If you have any food allergies, restrictions, or intolerances, be sure to carefully read ingredient labels and consider opting for products that are certified vegan or allergen-free.
You may want to avoid products that contain high amounts of added sugars or artificial sweeteners , flavors, fillers, and preservatives. If you prefer to eat organic, look for products that are certified organic by the USDA.
Quality and safety Ideally, you should look for products that have undergone third-party testing by an organization, like NSF International or Informed Choice, to ensure that the contents of the powder match the label. These organizations also test for heavy metals and contaminants.
If you’re a competitive athlete, you’ll want to choose a product that’s NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Sport certified to avoid consuming substances that are banned by most competitive sports organizations.
Budget With so many protein powders available, you’re sure to find one that fits your budget. Remember to consider the number of servings per container when deciding what price you’re comfortable with.
Taste and flavor preferences Some vegan protein powders are available in a variety of flavors, while others are unflavored. Consider your preferences and how you plan to use your protein powder.
For example, if you prefer to combine your powder with milk or water, you may want to choose a flavored product. But if you plan on mixing the powder into smoothies or food items, an unflavored powder might be best.
It’s also worth reading through customer reviews to see what people have to say about the texture of the powder. For example, is it easy to blend in a shaker bottle, or do you need an electric blender to avoid clumps?
Goals Depending on your goals, some vegan protein powders may be better than others. For example, if you’re looking to lose weight, a low calorie powder may be ideal.
Alternatively, if you’re working to build muscle , a vegan protein powder that contains a blend of plant-based sources may be more effective than a single-source product.
Potential risks of vegan protein powders Vegan protein powders are generally well tolerated and aren’t known to have serious negative side effects. It’s worth noting, however, that plant-based protein powders may contain more heavy metals than other protein powders because plants take in heavy metals from the soil, air, and water. Research has found that the amounts of heavy metals found in protein powders aren’t large enough to cause any adverse effects at typical intakes of 1–3 servings per day.
Generally, it’s a good idea to opt for products that have been third-party tested for the presence of heavy metals and other contaminants.
Frequently asked questions Which vegan protein powder source is best? While more research is needed, some studies suggest that products containing a blend of plant-based proteins may have higher amounts of leucine and may be more effective for muscle building than single-source vegan protein powders.
While more research is needed, some studies suggest that products containing a blend of plant-based proteins may have higher amounts of leucine and may be more effective for muscle building than single-source vegan protein powders.
What is the best vegan protein shake? You can mix any vegan protein powder into liquid to form an easily drinkable shake. We recommend adding it to a blender or shaker cup with your desired liquid, like water or oat milk, to get a smooth consistency.
You can mix any vegan protein powder into liquid to form an easily drinkable shake. We recommend adding it to a blender or shaker cup with your desired liquid, like water or oat milk, to get a smooth consistency.
What is the best complete vegan protein? The best complete vegan protein sources contain not just protein but also amino acids, which are essential building blocks for protein. Some plant foods, like quinoa , contain both.
But you can easily create complete protein sources by combing some different plant foods, such as rice and beans.
Many of the protein powders contain both protein and amino acids. For example, our top choice, Garden of Life’s Organic Plant-Based Protein Power, blends peas, navy beans, lentils, garbanzo beans, and cranberry to provide protein and amino acids in one formula.
The best complete vegan protein sources contain not just protein but also amino acids, which are essential building blocks for protein. Some plant foods, like quinoa , contain both.
But you can easily create complete protein sources by combing some different plant foods, such as rice and beans.
Many of the protein powders contain both protein and amino acids. For example, our top choice, Garden of Life’s Organic Plant-Based Protein Power, blends peas, navy beans, lentils, garbanzo beans, and cranberry to provide protein and amino acids in one formula.
The bottom line Whether you follow a vegan lifestyle or simply prefer plant-based products, there are several vegan-friendly protein powders to choose from.
To narrow down your options, be sure to consider factors, such as the type of protein used, available flavors, nutritional profile, and cost.
You may also want to choose a product that’s free of fillers, preservatives, and artificial flavors or sweeteners.
Ideally, you should look for products that have undergone third-party testing, and competitive athletes should select protein powders that are certified safe for sport.
Regardless of which product you choose, be sure to talk with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplements to your wellness routine.
Healthline Reviews: KOS Organic Plant Protein