7 Best Vegan Protein Powders (In 2023)

Vegan protein powders have been widely available for several years. Yet, they have acquired a reputation for bad taste, poor mixability, and a generally unpleasant experience. Fortunately, a new generation of vegan protein powders is putting that all in the past. The best vegan protein powders now provide a great taste, excellent mixability, and quality nutrients that rival the best whey protein on the market.

In this article, we highlight the seven best vegan protein powders on the current market, separated by category. We’ll also delve into the benefits of switching to a vegan protein powder and what to look for when shopping for plant-based protein powders.

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7 Best Vegan Protein Powders

1. Overall Best Vegan Protein Powder: KOS Vegan Protein Powder
2. Best Vegan Protein Powder For Muscle Gain: Kaged Plantein
3. Best Organic Vegan Protein Powder: Orgain Organic Protein
4. Best Tasting Vegan Protein Powder: Swolverine Plant Protein
5. Best Unflavored Vegan Protein Powder: Naked Pea
6. Best Vegan Protein Powder For Weight Loss: Ritual Essential Protein
7. Best Vegan Protein Powder With Greens: Vega Protein and Greens

KOS Vegan Protein Powder combines a blend of five different types of plant-based protein to ensure that you get a full complement of amino acids. Those protein sources are Pea, Flax Seed, Quinoa, Pumpkin Seed & Chia Seeds.

Digestive enzymes such as amylase and protease are included to improve digestion. There is also a proprietary digestive enzyme blend called DigeSEB. DigeSEB helps digestion & assists the body in maximizing absorption.

You also get a dozen vitamins and minerals to ensure you are getting a complete nutritional profile.

There are 20 grams of protein in every serving of KOS Vegan Protein Powder, for a total energy count of 170 calories. It is available in the following flavors:

• Vanilla, chocolate

• Unflavored

• Blueberry muffin

• Salted caramel

• Peanut butter

• Chocolate chip mint

To create these flavors, KOS uses organic Peruvian cacao, Himalayan salt, organic coconut milk, stevia & monk fruit. Almost every ingredient is certified organic and free of gluten, dairy, soy, hormones, artificial sweeteners, colors, and GMOs.

KOS Vegan Protein Powder is not the best mixing vegan powder on the market, so you will probably want to use a blender to create your protein shake. However, the taste is very good across all flavors.

Pros

• +Blend of 5 types of vegan protein
• +Great tasting flavors
• +Digestive support

Cons

• –Doesn’t mix overly well

2. Best Vegan Protein Powder For Muscle Gain: Kaged Plantein

Kaged Plantein is a pea protein isolate powder that delivers 25 grams of protein per serving. You also get 4.5 grams of branched-chain amino acids and just a single gram of sugar.

Kaged Nutrition boldly claims that this is the best-tasting plant-based protein powder you will find, or they will give you your money back. They’ve used a blend of coconut MCT oil and organic quinoa to produce a smooth, creamy protein smoothie.

The pea protein isolate used in this product is 86% pure protein content. That is much higher than you usually get with a vegan protein powder. It also provides all nine essential amino acids.

Plantein also includes ingredient-optimized technology that increases the surface area of the protein. This significantly increases amino acid absorption and utilization.

Plantein comes in three flavors:

• Peanut Butter Cookie

• Banana Bread

• Cinnamon Roll

Reviews on the flavors are mixed, with some complaining that they are too sweet. Some people also mentioned a strong aftertaste from the Peanut Butter cookie flavor. This product is 3rd party tested for purity and potency and guaranteed to be banned substance free.

Pros

• +25 grams of pea isolate protein
• +4.5 grams bcaas
• +Creamy texture
• +3rd party tested
• +Ingredient-optimized technology to boost bioavailability

Cons

• –The taste may be too sweet for some people

Orgain Organic Protein combines 18 research-supported ingredients to deliver a complete nutrient profile. You get 21 grams of protein per serving, a blend of organic pea protein powder, chia seed, and brown rice protein.

There is no gluten, soy, lactose, or dairy, and the product is non-GMO. Orgain protein is also free of artificial flavors and preservatives.

Orgain has become very popular and enjoys high ratings on Amazon. That’s largely because it includes a range of superfoods, such as sprouted grains, sprouted seeds, and beans, and spices, including turmeric, ginger, and garlic.

Orgain provides one of the widest offerings of flavors on the vegan protein market. The range includes Creamy Chocolate Fudge, Chocolate Coconut, Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter, Vanilla Bean, Iced Coffee, Pumpkin Spice, Cookies and Cream, and Natural Unflavored.

The general reviewer consensus is that the flavors are tasty, they mix well, and they don’t have any nasty aftertaste. Some reviewers did, however, mention a chalky texture with some flavors, such as Vanilla Bean and Iced Coffee.

Pros

• +Blend of three types of organic plant-based protein
• +21 grams of protein per serving
• +18 research-backed ingredients
• +Wide range of flavors

Cons

• –Not 3rd party tested

Swolverine Plant Protein combines Pea Protein Isolate and Pumpkin Seed Protein to deliver 22 grams of protein with every 34-gram serving. Studies show that pea protein competes with whey in terms of its ability to stimulate protein synthesis.

Pumpkin seeds also provide a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids to provide anti-inflammatory benefits. In fact, you get an ideal 3:1 balance of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids in Swolverine Plant Protein.

You also get a 1-gram serving of inulin from chicory root with every serving of Swolverine. Inulin is a prebiotic fiber that improves digestive health and balances gut bacteria.

To further boost the nutritional firepower of this supplement, there is also a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including magnesium, phosphorous, iron, calcium, selenium, manganese, zinc, and copper.

Swolverine Plant Protein is available in Chocolate Cake and Salted Caramel flavors. They both taste amazing, with no aftertaste and great mixability.

Pros

• +22 grams of protein from peas and pumpkins
• +Rick in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
• +Great tasting
• +Mixes well

Cons

• –Expensive

5. Best Unflavored Vegan Protein Powder: Naked Pea

Naked Pea is a pared-back, minimalistic plant-based protein that delivers big in terms of nutrient value. You get 27 grams of protein, which is very high when discussing vegan protein powders.

That protein comes from yellow peas, which is one of the few plant-based protein sources that contains a complete amino acid profile.

The plain unflavored version is ideal when you want to add your vegan protein powder to other recipes. There are options for vanilla and chocolate versions as well, but, to be honest, they are not the best, as they both produce quite a strong aftertaste.

This product is 3rd party tested for banned substances, and Naked Nutrition undertakes in-house testing for heavy metals.

Pros

• +27 grams of protein per serving
• +3rd party tested
• +Complete amino acid profile from yellow peas
• +Unflavored is great for mixing into baked goods

Cons

• –Does not taste very good

Ritual Essentials was created in 2016 with a line of clean, science-backed supplements targeted toward women. They have recently added plant-based protein powders to their lineup. The company is dedicated to transparency, giving you the ability to trace every ingredient back to its source on its website.

There are three Ritual Essential Protein powder products:

All three versions provide 20 grams of protein, with the difference coming down to added ingredients. The Daily Shake 18+ adds 150 grams of choline, along with calcium, iron, sodium, and l-methionine (an essential amino acid needed for tissue repair). This product is designed to support lean muscle growth and exercise recovery.

With an average energy count of 115 calories, all three Ritual Essential vegan protein powders are effective weight-loss supplements.

The Daily Shake 50+ is intended for women in the 50+ age bracket and includes 370 mg of calcium to help support the maintenance of muscle mass. Daily Shake Pregnancy and Postpartum provides 250 mg of choline, along with 20 grams of protein, to support the increased nutrient demands during pregnancy and lactation.

The protein used here comes from organic yellow peas. They are sourced from a farm in Wisconsin that uses regenerative farming practices. Other ingredients are natural vanilla, sugarcane, monk fruit (for flavoring), salt, sunflower lecithin, organic coconut oil, and xanthan gum.

All Ritual Essentials protein powders are 3rd party tested for more than 250 substances banned in competitive sporting competitions.

Pros

• +Low calorie count
• +Uses organic yellow peas as its protein source
• +3rd party tested

Cons

• –Relatively expensive

Vega Protein and Greens set itself apart in the vegan protein market by including a range of greens that you don’t usually see in a protein powder.

These include alfalfa grass powder, kale, and broccoli. These ensure that you get a good dose of vitamins and minerals. For example, it provides 20% of your DV for Vitamin K.

In terms of protein, you get 20 grams of plant-based protein from a combination of peas and organic brown rice. There is no added sugar, with the flavoring coming from stevia leaf extract.

In fact, Vega Protein and Greens is certified Keto friendly. It’s got just 4 grams of carbs per serving and is gluten-free, containing no whey products. You will not find any artificial flavors or preservatives in this product.

Vega Proteins and Greens is available in 7 flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Berry, Salted Caramel, Coconut Almond, Tropical, or Plain Unsweetened. All flavors have good mixability, and the taste gets good marks across all flavors. None of them are other too sweet or too intense. The plain unsweetened version goes well with any baked goods.

Vega is known to 3rd party test some of its supplements but does not specifically state that their Proteins and Greens protein powder is part of that process.

They do, however, undertake stringent in-house testing. So, even though Vega proteins and Greens is made in a factory that also manufactures products containing milk, egg, and soy, you can be confident that this is a clean plant-based product.

Pros

• +Contains a range of greens
• +High in Vitamin K
• +20 grams of pea / brown rice protein
• +Mixes well

Cons

• –Unclear whether this product is 3rd party tested

What is Vegan Protein powder?

Vegan protein powder is a dietary supplement that provides a plant-based source of protein. It is designed for people following a vegan or plant-based diet who may have difficulty obtaining adequate protein from animal-based sources.

Vegan protein powder is made from a variety of plant-based protein sources, such as peas, soy, rice, and hemp, and is typically processed into a fine powder that can be easily added to shakes, smoothies, and other food and beverage items.

Vegan protein powder is a convenient and versatile way to increase your protein intake amount and can be useful for those who are looking to build muscle, recover from workouts, or support overall health. Some vegan protein powders also contain added vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to provide a well-rounded dietary supplement.

Benefits of Vegan Protein Powder:

People’s reasons for choosing a vegan protein powder are varied. Whether it’s for ethical, environmental, or health reasons, there is no denying that solid research supports the benefits of making the switch. Here are five of them.

1. Environmentally friendly

The production of animal-based protein sources, such as meat and dairy, significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and other environmental degradation. In comparison, plant-based protein sources, such as peas, soy, and rice, require fewer resources and generate fewer emissions to produce.¹

Additionally, many vegan protein powders are made from sustainably grown, non-GMO ingredients and are packaged in environmentally-friendly containers, which can further reduce their environmental impact.

It is also important to consider the production practices and sourcing methods of the vegan protein powder, as some companies may use unsustainable or environmentally-harmful practices. Choosing a vegan protein powder that is made from sustainably-sourced ingredients and produced using environmentally-friendly methods can further reduce its environmental impact.

2. Reduced risk of chronic diseases

Some studies have suggested that a plant-based diet, which includes vegan protein powders, may be associated with a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.

Studies have shown that plant-based diets are linked with a lower risk of heart disease. Additionally, plant-based protein sources, such as soy, peas, and nuts, have been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease.²

This may be partly because plant-based diets are typically higher in fiber, antioxidants, and other beneficial nutrients and lower in saturated fat and cholesterol than animal-based diets. Additionally, some plant-based protein sources, such as legumes, nuts, and seeds, contain beneficial phytochemicals that may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

It is important to consider the quality and composition of the vegan protein powder, as well as the rest of your diet, when evaluating its impact on chronic disease risk. Some vegan protein powders may contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or other ingredients that may not benefit your health, so it is important to choose a high-quality vegan protein powder with minimal added ingredients.

3. Increase lean muscle mass

Vegan protein powders can help increase lean muscle mass when combined with regular strength training and a balanced diet. Protein is a crucial nutrient for building and repairing muscle, and vegan protein powders can provide a convenient and plant-based source of protein to support muscle growth and recovery.³

To increase lean muscle mass, it is important to consume enough protein to support your muscle-building goals and to engage in regular strength training exercises. A balanced diet that includes a number of protein sources, such as nuts, legumes, and seeds, as well as other essential nutrients, is recommended to support optimal muscle growth and recovery.

In addition to consuming an adequate amount of quality protein, here are three other things you need to do to increase lean muscle mass:

1. Resistance Training: Resistance training, such as weightlifting or bodyweight exercises, is the most important factor in building muscle. It is necessary to stimulate muscle growth and promote lean muscle gains.

2. Adequate Calorie Intake: Consuming enough calories is important to support muscle growth and recovery. Try to consume a balanced diet that includes a sufficient amount of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to support your muscle-building goals.

3. Adequate Sleep: Sleep is important for muscle recovery and growth. Plan on getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night to support your muscle-building goals.

4. Complete gaps in nutrition

Vegan protein powders can help complete gaps in nutrition by providing a convenient and plant-based source of protein, as well as other essential vitamins and minerals. Some vegan protein powders are fortified with additional nutrients, such as iron, calcium, and vitamin B12, which can be more difficult to obtain from a plant-based diet.

For people following a vegan or plant-based diet, vegan protein powders can be a useful tool for ensuring adequate protein intake and supporting overall health. Some vegan protein powders are made from high-quality plant-based protein sources, such as peas, soy, or brown rice, which are good sources of essential amino acids and other nutrients.

5. Lower risk of allergens

Vegan protein powders can lower the risk of allergens by providing a plant-based alternative to animal-based protein sources, which are common allergens for many people. Some of the most commonly used forms of vegan protein powder, such as pea, soy, and rice protein, are considered hypoallergenic, which means there’s a smaller likelihood of causing an allergic reaction compared to animal-based protein sources.⁴

Some vegan protein powders are free from other common allergens, such as gluten, dairy, and nuts, which can further reduce the risk of allergens for individuals with food sensitivities.

It is important to consider the quality and composition of the vegan protein powder, as well as the presence of other allergens, when choosing a vegan protein powder to lower the risk of allergens. Reading the ingredients list and checking for certifications, such as non-GMO or gluten-free, can also help ensure that the vegan protein powder is free from common allergens.

Side Effects of vegan protein powder

Some common side effects of vegan protein powder include:

• Digestive Issues: Some people may experience digestive discomforts, such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea when consuming large amounts of vegan protein powder, especially if they are not used to consuming large amounts of plant-based protein.

• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to one or more of the ingredients in the vegan protein powder, such as soy, gluten, or nuts.

• Kidney Stress: High levels of protein, especially from supplements, can put stress on the kidneys and may not be recommended for people with kidney problems.

• Interactions with Medications: Some vegan protein powders may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, and may not be recommended for people taking these medications.

• Nutritional Deficiencies: Some vegan protein powders may not supply a complete profile of essential amino acids and other nutrients and may not be appropriate for those with specific dietary needs.

What to look for when buying vegan protein powder:

When buying vegan protein powder, there are a number of factors to consider to make sure you are choosing a high-quality product that meets your dietary needs and goals. Here are seven key things to look for when buying vegan protein powder:

1. Type

When buying vegan protein powder, it is important to consider the quality and composition of the protein source to ensure it meets your dietary needs and goals. Here are some types of protein to look for when buying vegan protein powder:

• Pea Protein: Pea protein is a complete plant-based protein source high in essential amino acids and easy to digest. It is a good choice for individuals sensitive to soy or dairy protein.

• Soy Protein: Soy protein is also a complete plant-based protein source high in essential amino acids and has been shown to support muscle growth and recovery.

• Brown Rice Protein: Brown rice protein is a protein source that is high in essential amino acids and is considered hypoallergenic. It is a good choice for individuals with food sensitivities or allergies.

• Hemp Protein: Hemp protein is a plant-based protein source that is high in essential amino acids and is also a good source of fiber, healthy fats, and other nutrients.

• Blends: Some vegan protein powders are made from a blend of different plant-based protein sources, such as pea, soy, and brown rice, to provide a complete profile of essential amino acids.

2. Taste

Taste is an important factor when buying a vegan protein powder because it can impact your overall enjoyment and likelihood of continuing to use the product. If the taste of the vegan protein powder is unpleasant or has an aftertaste, you’ll be less likely to use it regularly, which can impact its effectiveness and the benefits you receive.

The taste of the vegan protein powder can also impact your willingness to mix it into other foods and drinks, such as smoothies, oatmeal, or baked goods. A vegan protein powder with a good taste and mixability can make it easier to incorporate into your diet and help ensure you are getting the recommended amount of protein to support your health and wellness goals.

3. Use

It is important to consider your use and purpose for taking vegan protein powder when buying it because different vegan protein powders may have different benefits and characteristics that are best suited for different uses and purposes.

• Muscle Building and Recovery: If your primary goal is to support muscle building and recovery, you may want to look for a vegan protein powder that is high in essential amino acids and has a complete protein profile.

• Weight Management: If you are looking to support weight management, you may want to look for a vegan protein powder that is low in calories, carbohydrates, and fat and provides a high-quality source of protein.

• Allergen-Free: If you have food sensitivities or allergies, you may want to look for a vegan protein powder free from common allergens, such as dairy, gluten, and nuts.

• Convenience: If you are looking for a convenient way to increase your protein intake, you may want to find a vegan protein powder that is easy to mix and has a good taste and texture.

• Nutritional Deficiencies: If you have specific nutritional needs, such as low iron or calcium, you may want a vegan protein powder fortified with additional vitamins and minerals.

4. Protein Amount

When buying a vegan protein powder, it is important to consider the protein amount to ensure that you are getting enough protein to support your health and wellness goals. The recommended daily amount of protein varies based on age, sex, and physical activity level, so it is important to consider your individual needs when choosing a vegan protein powder.

Some vegan protein powders may not provide a high enough amount of protein per serving, so it is important to choose a vegan protein powder that provides a sufficient amount of protein per serving to meet your needs.

5. Testing/transparency

A company that tests its products and is transparent about its ingredients and manufacturing processes is more likely to produce a high-quality, safe product that meets your dietary needs and goals.

Testing and transparency can help ensure that the vegan protein powder contains the amount of protein and other nutrients listed on the label and that it is free from harmful contaminants, such as heavy metals or bacteria. It can also provide information about the source of the protein and other ingredients, which can impact the quality and safety of the product.

Transparency about the company’s manufacturing processes, such as whether they use non-GMO ingredients or follow organic farming practices, can provide valuable information about the environmental impact of the product and the values of the company.

6. Price

When buying a vegan protein powder, rather than just going for the cheapest product, it is important to consider the price in terms of the quality of ingredients, protein content, brand, serving size, and availability. These factors can impact the overall value and affordability of the product.

7. Reviews

Reading user reviews can also help you identify any potential issues or concerns with the product, such as side effects, allergen sensitivities, or ingredient quality. This information can help you decide about vegan protein powder and whether it is the right product.

Additionally, user reviews can provide information about the company’s customer service and shipping practices, impacting the overall customer experience.

Vegan Protein Powder FAQs

Are vegan protein powders good for you?

Vegan protein powders can be a good source of protein for individuals following a vegan diet, as they provide a plant-based alternative to animal-based protein sources. However, like any dietary supplement, it is important to consider the quality and composition of the vegan protein powder before incorporating it into your diet.

What is the best kind of vegan protein powder?

The best kind of vegan protein powder depends on individual factors such as personal taste, dietary restrictions, and health goals. Here are some of the most commonly used forms of vegan protein powder:

1. Pea protein: Pea protein is a high-quality plant-based protein that is easy to digest and contains a complete amino acid profile. It is a good choice for individuals who want a protein powder low in allergens and gentle on the digestive system.

2. Soy protein: Soy protein is another common form of vegan protein powder that is a complete protein source and contains all nine essential amino acids. However, some individuals may have a sensitivity to soy, so it is important to consider personal dietary restrictions before choosing this form of protein powder.

3. Rice protein: Rice protein is a plant-based protein powder that is easy to digest and hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for individuals with food sensitivities. Rice protein is a complete protein source, but it is lower in some essential amino acids compared to other forms of vegan protein powder.

4. Hemp protein: Hemp protein is a plant-based protein powder high in fiber and contains a complete amino acid profile. It is also a great source of essential fatty acids, making it a nutritious choice for individuals following a vegan diet.

Can you build muscle with vegan protein powder?

Yes, it is possible to build muscle with vegan protein powder. Vegan protein powders can provide a convenient and plant-based alternative to animal-based protein sources.

Vegan protein powders, when combined with regular strength training and a balanced diet, can help support muscle growth and recovery. It is important to choose a high-quality vegan protein powder that contains a complete amino acid profile, as this is necessary for optimal muscle recovery and growth.

Can you take vegan protein powder every day?

Yes, you can take vegan protein powder every day as part of a balanced diet. Vegan protein powder can be a convenient addition to your daily protein intake, which is an essential nutrient for building and repairing muscle, as well as supporting overall health.

Is plant-based protein better for you than animal proteins?

Whether plant-based protein is better for you than animal protein is a matter of personal preference and individual health needs. Both plant-based and animal-based protein sources have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, and the best decision for you will depend on your individual dietary needs and goals.

Plant-based protein sources, such as nuts, legumes, and seeds, are often lower in saturated fat and higher in fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients, compared to animal-based protein sources. Additionally, plant-based protein sources are a good choice for individuals who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint or who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet.

Animal-based protein sources, such as meat, dairy, and eggs, are typically higher in certain essential amino acids and vitamins, such as iron and vitamin B12, which can be more difficult to obtain from a plant-based diet. Animal-based protein sources are also typically more calorie-dense, which can be beneficial for individuals who are looking to build muscle or increase their overall calorie intake.

Summary

A top-quality vegan protein powder is low in saturated fat, high in fiber, and provides a complete amino acid profile. It also mixes well and tastes good. In this article, we’ve reviewed the seven best vegan protein powders available today and given research-backed evidence to support switching to vegan protein. Our best-rated vegan protein powder is KOS Vegan Protein Powder, which provides 20 grams of protein per serving from a blend of Pea, Flax Seed, Quinoa, Pumpkin Seed & Chia Seed.

If you’re interested in more vegan supplements, check out our articles on the best vegan protein bars and best vegan multivitamins.

References

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