Disclaimer: Vegan protein powders are not a substitute for a wholesome vegan diet. If you need help planning a healthy plant-based diet, contact a licensed vegan nutritionist.
Vegan protein powder is a convenient way to optimize your macronutrient distribution. Rich in fiber and antioxidants, plant-based powders can help you meet your daily protein needs just as well as animal-based options.
Protein is crucial to good health and weight management. It is recommended to eat 0.36 grams of protein per pound (0.8 grams per kg) of body weight. For athletes, the daily requirement is even higher.
While you should get most of your protein from whole foods, vegan protein powder can support you in achieving your daily requirement. Especially if you are leading a busy life or working out a lot.
Compared to animal protein powders, there is a wide variety of vegan protein powders to choose from. From soy, pea, and rice protein to hemp, sunflower, pumpkin, and lupine powders – there is a protein source for every taste.
Plant Protein Vs. Whey Protein
Most protein powders on the market are made from casein and whey – proteins derived from cow’s milk. With plant-based protein supplements also growing in popularity, there is an ongoing debate between milk protein and plant protein.
While plant protein has more fiber and antioxidants, whey powder has generally more amino acids needed for muscle build and recovery. That being said, most plant powders, e.g. soy powder contain all the necessary amino acids anyway.
Compared to whey protein, plant-based protein powder usually scores better with tolerance. Several studies have shown a connection between dairy and acne which makes plant protein a safer choice for sensitive skin.
Whey protein usually includes lactose which may be associated with digestive issues and bloating. With lactose intolerance being highly common, plant powders are considered to be a much more stomach-friendly option for many people.
What To Look For In A Vegan Protein Powder?
When buying a vegan protein powder, make sure it includes all essential amino acids. For instance, pea protein is a great source of important branched-chain amino acids needed for building muscle.
You should also make sure your vegan protein powder is as natural and organic as possible. Avoid heavy metals, synthetic flavorings, and additives such as xanthan gum. If you have a sensitive stomach, you might also want to keep away from major allergens like gluten or soy.
Best Vegan Protein Powders 2024
Here are our favorite plant-based protein powders for 2024. Even if you have soy or gluten intolerance, do not worry, there is a powder on our list for you.
Best Overall Vegan Protein Powder
KOS Organic Chocolate and Peanutbutter Protein Powder
KOS award-winning vegan protein powder is a rich blend with peas, flax seeds, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds. It is also enriched with all the essential vitamins and minerals.
This powder has a great flavor made from organic cacao, Himalayan salt, coconut milk, stevia, and monk fruit. It is also great for weight loss. The plant-based fiber supports your digestion and leaves you feeling full for a longer time.
Nearly every ingredient in KOS vegan protein powder is certified organic and free of gluten, dairy, soy, hormones, artificial sweeteners, colors, lead, and GMOs.
Oh, and by the way. KOS powders come in 7 different variations: unsweetened, vanilla, chocolate, chocolate chip mint, chocolate peanut butter, blueberry muffin, and salted caramel coffee. Choose your favorite or mix it up.
Best Vegan Protein Powder For Weight Loss
When trying to lose weight, you need to look out for added sugars and additives. The perfect vegan protein powder for weight loss is low in carbs, low in calories, sugar-free, and gluten-free. And we found just the one.
Made from peas, Anthony’s vegan protein powder is perfect for weight loss. The gluten-free powder is unflavored and unsweetened, low in sodium, and non-GMO. It is also free from heavy metals, xanthan gum, artificial sweeteners, and colors.
Use it in a protein shake, blend it into a smoothie or add it to delicious vegan meals and snacks. One tablespoon of Anthony’s premium pea protein powder has 8 grams of protein and 35 calories.
Best Vegan Protein Powder For Muscle Gain
Sprout Living Epic Protein Powder
If your goal is to gain muscle, your vegan protein powder should contain branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). These acids help to stimulate the body to produce muscle protein and gain muscle weight.
Sprout Living Epic protein powder is a delicious superfood protein rich in BCAAs. It is creamy and smooth with a subtle, sweet aftertaste. Just add it into your post-workout shake or mix into an after-workout smoothie.
The protein powder uses vegan protein from five sources including yellow peas, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, Sacha Inchi, and cranberry seeds. The blend also aids in muscle recovery and boosted digestion.
Best Vegan Protein Powder To Mix With Smoothies
Aloha Organic Vanilla Protein Powder
Smoothies can get boring when made with unsweetened protein powder. To change up your routine, look for a flavored protein smoothie mix. Our favorite flavor is vanilla. It adds that little bit of sweetness to your day without many extra calories.
Aloha Vanilla Protein has a subtle vanilla taste and it goes best with smoothies. The organic vegan powder made out of pea protein, brown rice protein, pumpkin seed protein, and hemp seed protein. It also has MCT oil from coconut.
The powder is an excellent source of fiber and iron with only 3 g of sugar per serving. It is also gluten-free, soy-free, paleo and keto-friendly, and non-GMO. And the brown rice protein promotes natural collagen growth.
Best Vegan Protein Powder For Sensitive Stomach
Ora Organic Vanilla Protein Powder
For a sensitive stomach, you need a vegan protein powder that is low in sugar, includes probiotics, and has no artificial ingredients. With an upsetting stomach, your protein powder should be as clean as possible.
Ora protein powders are all organic, plant-based, and free from artificial stimulants. Made from natural vegan ingredients, the powder includes 20+ superfoods for added micronutrients, all essential amino acids, and digestive enzymes.
Ora protein powder is a great source of greens and fiber. It includes kale, spirulina, chlorella, wheatgrass juice, oat grass, broccoli, dulse, and sea kelp. All good for your stomach and easy to digest.
Best Vegan Protein Powder During Pregnancy
Alaya Naturals Organic Protein Powder
Pregnancy can mean nausea or lack of appetite, Protein powders may help to obtain a sufficient amount of protein every day. Still, the protein powder should be as clean as possible and free of caffeine.
Alaya Naturals vegan protein powder is a great way to nurture your body with clean and pure plant protein with nothing artificial added. It is organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, and ethically sourced.
This protein powder is a blend of certified organic pea, hemp, and sprouted brown rice proteins. Alaya also contains spirulina which helps to balance hemoglobin, removes toxins and free radicals from the body.
Add Alaya powder to your smoothies, baked cookies, or morning oatmeal for extra protein.
Best Unflavored Vegan Protein Powder
Sometimes there is a charm in simplicity. If you do not want a heavily flavored protein powder in your shake, check out Promix Premium Vegan Protein.
This vegan protein powder is unsweetened and unflavored. It is all-natural and made out of rice protein. The powder is also soy-free, corn-free, non-GMO, and made without any artificial additives.
Aiding in muscle build and weight loss, Promix is designed for professional athletes but is suitable for everyone. And the powder is enriched with vitamin B12 – something most of the vegan protein powders can’t beat.
Best Affordable Vegan Protein Powder
MyVegan Protein Blend by MyProtein
Some vegan protein powders are cheaper than others because some raw materials are just cheaper to grow. For example, pea protein is low-priced, hemp seed protein is on the more expensive side.
But we assure you. You won’t miss a thing if you choose the cheaper option. You can still find affordable vegan protein powders that are as natural, effective, and reliable as premium-priced ones.
MyVegan Protein Blend is a great affordable vegan protein powder that is free from artificial colors and flavors. It’s a mixture of pea and fava bean protein, containing nine essential amino acids.
This powder makes your daily protein intake convenient and helps you grow and maintain muscle. Just make a delicious shake or smoothie, add to baked goods or other everyday meals. Easier for the wallet, but no discount on quality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Protein Powders
Vegan protein powder is good for you and might be even better than powders containing whey. Plant-based protein is a cleaner alternative and is better for your digestion and skin.
The choice of vegan protein powders is diverse. There are vegan protein powders made out of soy, rice, pea, hemp, sunflower, pumpkin, lupine protein and so many more.
When trying to lose weight, you might look out for added sugars and other additives. The best vegan protein powder for weight loss usually requires low carbs, sugar-free and gluten-free tags. A good vegan option for weight loss is Anthony’s Premium Pea Protein.
The best vegan protein powder on the market has great reviews and is mentioned frequently. It has a great variety of flavors and clean ingredients. The best vegan protein powder is KOS Organic Protein Powder.
Vegan protein is better because our bodies can tolerate plant-based protein more easily. Vegan protein is usually cleaner and therefore is better for digestion and skin.
The healthiest vegan protein powder is a plant-based protein powder with no artificial additives. As well as unnecessary components, e.g. white sugar.
Vegan protein powder is less likely bad for your skin than animal-derived protein powder. Look for a clean ingredient list and prefer organic products to keep your body healthy.
Summary
By blending different vegan protein sources, vegetable protein powder makes a high-quality protein source that rich in vitamins, minerals, and well, protein. Compared to whey protein, plant proteins are also likely to be better for your skin and digestion.
As a vegan, you do not necessarily need additional protein powder if you plan your vegan diet thoughtfully. But since most of us do not have the time to do it, plant-based protein powders lend a helping hand to boost our protein intake.
The cruelty-free world of vegan protein powders is wide and colorful. Find your favorite and enjoy a delicious extra protein boost.
See also: Vegan vitamins, vegan multivitamins
