Introduction
In this article, we will talk about vegan protein powders. Not only that we are going to offer you some great choices, reviewing them one by one, we will also explain why vegan protein powders are an excellent option for any fitness enthusiasts. We will also give you advice on how to choose the best one yourself, in case you don’t find our picks the right one for your needs. Let’s begin!
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1. Bob’s Red Mill Hemp Protein Powder—Quality Hemp Seed Protein
Hemp is one of the best plant-based proteins, and Bob’s Red Mill is one of the best you can find on Amazon.
A hemp is an excellent option as it is a complete protein (all nine amino acids are there). Furthermore, it is very easy to digest and dissolves very well. Additionally, hemp protein is rich in fiber, and we all know how that is important for gut health.
Each serving of Bob’s Red Mill has 14 grams of protein, all coming from hemp seeds, no additional ingredients. This is a well-respected company, and all of their products are FDA-regulated, and you can expect it to be completely healthy and risk-free.
People have been using this protein in many recipes, not only for smoothies and shakes. It goes well into pancakes, baked goods, and similarly easy to make meals. The taste is good, and most people enjoy it. However, because this is plain hemp protein, don’t expect miracles at least when it comes to taste.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ cons_icon=”icon icon-ban-1″ show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Respectable company
Only one ingredient, no additives
Hemp seed only complete protein with all nine amino acids
Rich in fiber, good for digestion
[/i2pros][i2cons]Not gluten-free
Only 14 grams of protein per serving[/i2cons][/i2pc]
2. Form Performance Protein—30 grams of protein per serving in this blend
Form Performance Protein is an excellent choice because it gives you so much more than just protein.
What makes it unique is that it has digestive enzymes and probiotics, which a both excellent for digestive health and metabolism. Having healthy gut microbe is hugely important for your overall health, and Form Performance Protein will help you maintain the right balance.
What’s more, this protein has added calcium and black pepper extract, which have anti-inflammatory properties, helping your speed up recovery. Additionally, each serving contains 5 grams of glutamine, digestive enzymes, and probiotics with 5 grams of BCAAs.
This is a protein blend, and once serving contains 30 grams of protein from pea, brown rice, hemp, and algae. All of the ingredients are organic. It is sweetened with stevia and Thaumatin. The product is entirely vegan and also gluten, soy, GMO-free, with no added sugar. The only complaints are regarding the taste, as it is too sweet for some consumers.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ cons_icon=”icon icon-ban-1″ show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]
30 grams of protein per serving
No added sugar
Probiotics and digestive enzymes
Glutamine, black pepper extract, calcium[/i2pros][i2cons]
Taste too sweet for some
Stevia and Thaumatin[/i2cons][/i2pc]
3. Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder—Great taste, Low Total Carbs
Orgain Organic protein powder is an excellent option for people looking for a tasty plant protein. It has 21 grams of protein per serving, with no added sugar. Each serving has only three grams of non-fibrous carbs, with 5-7 grams of fiber, all organic.
This is a blend, and it contains proteins from pea, brown rice, and chia seed. This is a complete protein source, with all necessary amino acids. There is no soy, gluten, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Everything in Orgain proteins is organic, so no GMO.
There are different flavors to choose from, but overall, this protein tastes much better than most of its vegan competitors. Another benefit is its formula, as it is incredibly easy to mix. However, old customers complain that the taste/formula has recently changed, and how it wasn’t what it used to be.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]
High quality, organic ingredients
21 grams of protein per serving
5-7 grams of fiber
Low total carbs
Terrific taste
[/i2pros][i2cons]
Not the cheapest[/i2cons][/i2pc]
4. Naked Pea Protein Isolate—A Pea Protein Isolate With A Reasonable Price Tag
If you are looking for a plant-based protein isolate, Naked Pea might be the right solution for you. Although not complete, the pea is one of the best sources of protein in vegan diets. Naked is packed with protein, and has 27 grams in each serving, along with 5.7 grams of BCAAs. However, it has 2 grams of sugar per serving, but only 2 grams of total carbs. One serving has 120 calories.
The only ingredient in this powder is protein from the yellow pea. No colors, artificial sweeteners or flavors, only made from yellow pea harvested from the USA and Canadian farms. The process of extraction is water-based, with no harsh chemicals. Naked Nutrition is known for high-quality products, and this pea protein is no exception.
For a pea protein, it has quite a good taste, but unfortunately, some people complain that it doesn’t mix well. But, considering the price, it’s a good choice.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ cons_icon=”icon icon-ban-1″ show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]
Protein isolate
27 grams of protein per serving
No sweeteners, colors, flavors[/i2pros][i2cons]
Not a complete protein
Hard to mix[/i2cons][/i2pc]
5. Vega Sport Protein Powder—Made For Vegan Athletes
Vega is a well-respected brand, known for its quality vegan supplements, and Vega Sport Protein Powder is one of their best products.
This protein can stand neck and neck with the best whey isolates, as it contains 30 grams of protein per serving. That’s the most protein than any other on the list. In each serving, Vega Sport also has 5 grams of BCAAs, with 5 grams of Glutamic Acid. This is a complete protein blend, containing pea, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, and alfalfa proteins.
But, it is not just proteins, Vega Sport contains turmeric extract, tart cherry, as well as probiotics to help the digestion process and speed up metabolism. The taste is excellent, and this protein is very easy to mix. The formula is FDA-certified and GMO-free.
This is a quality product, with a high protein concentration, but you have to pay for it, as it is not cheap. Also, there was a study claiming that Vega (and many other) supplement manufacturers are contaminated with heavy metals, but this is hardly believable as the product is FDA-certified. Still, we had to mention it.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ cons_icon=”icon icon-ban-1″ show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]
30 grams of protein per serving
Probiotics
Great taste, easy to mix
[/i2pros][i2cons]
Expensive
Some (questionable) ingredient concerns[/i2cons][/i2pc]
6. OPTIMUM NUTRITION GOLD STANDARD Plant Protein—Complete, High-Quality Protein From A Trusted Manufacturer
Optimum Nutrition is a well-known name in the bodybuilding community, and they are no strangers to making supplements. So no wonder they have a high-quality vegan protein such as their Gold Standard Plant Protein.
In each serving, you will get 24 grams of complete protein, with all necessary amino acids. The proteins come from organic brown rice, pea, and sacha inchi. You will also get vitamin C, B12, and gluten-free ancient grains and pomegranate powder. Each serving has 4 grams of naturally occurring BCAA.
This is a USDA certified product, and it contains no colors, flavors or sweeteners, plus it is non-GMO and vegan. Some people complain about the taste, but it is a terrific product overall, and we recommend it, especially considering it is a well-known supplement manufacturer.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]
Optimum Nutrition has a good reputation
24 grams of complete protein
Vitamins + 4 grams of BCAA
No colors, flavors, sweeteners[/i2pros][i2cons]
Some taste complaints[/i2cons][/i2pc]
7. Organic Muscle Vegan Protein—24 Grams Of Fast-absorbing Protein
Organic Muscle Vegan Protein blend contains only organic ingredients, including brown rice, pea, hemp, and Sacha inchi proteins, combined with organic chia seed, quinoa sprout, Jerusalem artichoke, amaranth sprout, millet sprout, and flaxseed. With so many healthy ingredients, this protein really stands tall among all others, and no wonder top athletes embrace it.
Each serving contains 24 grams of complete protein. The formula is very easy to absorb, and easy on the digestion, even though it is packed with nutrients. It is rich in fiber, which is excellent for gut health. Also, Organic Muscle has all the certifications you can imagine. This product is non-GMO, gluten, dairy, chemical, preservative, and hormone-free. It contains no added sugars, no pesticides, USDA certified. All that comes with a hefty price tag, though.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ cons_icon=”icon icon-ban-1″ show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]
24g of complete protein per serving
Rich in fiber
Fast absorbing, easy to digest
Green, healthy and USDA certified[/i2pros][i2cons]
Expensive[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Why Should You Buy Vegan Protein Powders?
Among all proteins, whey protein still sits on the throne. It is cheap, you can buy it anywhere, and it gets easily absorbed. Plus, it is a complete protein source, meaning it contains all necessary amino acids.
However, whey is not for everyone. Some people don’t tolerate dairy products, as they are lactose intolerant. Yes, you can get a lactose-free variant, but even that is hard to digest for some.
Also, consuming too much animal-based protein can be unhealthy and even toxic. That means whey, casein, beef, or any other animal protein are not always the best choice. Especially if you already eat a lot of meat, eggs, and other animal products.
If that’s the case, casein, beef and similar animal protein powders are not an ideal replacement for whey. If you are looking to up your protein intake, consider something from plant sources, even if you are not a vegan. It will be a smart decision health-wise, as it will diversify your diet. Having too much of anything is never a good idea.
Lastly, plant-based protein powder is the only viable option for vegans, and vegetarians can eat it too. Vegans often struggle with their protein intake, as not many plants are rich in all amino acids. Supplementing with plant-based protein solves this. That’s even more important for vegan fitness fanatics, who are looking to build muscle or lose weight by consuming protein powders.
What To Look For When Buying Vegan Proteins
Veganism and plant-based products are rising in popularity, which is excellent. However, because of that, the market is getting really saturated with supplements of all kinds, and it is becoming increasingly hard to separate good ones from the bad. Here are some things you should pay attention to when browsing vegan protein powders:
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Protein amount
You are buying protein powders to up your protein intake, so make sure the one you choose has a high percentage of proteins in it. This stat is vital if your primary goal is not only upping the protein in your diet but muscle hypertrophy. Protein powder isolates have 90+ percent protein in them, while blends don’t have as much. While you shouldn’t be too picky (unless you are competing and looking to drastically reduce body fat percentage), aiming for something above 80% or 20 grams per serving is a good number.
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Total calories
The number of calories is another vital stat that can determine the success of your diet. For most people, protein powders should contain as little calories as possible. That’s if your goal is to lose fat or gain lean muscle. However, if you are looking to gain weight or bulk up, getting a protein shake with more calories is a good option too. Total calories are important if you plan to drink your shake multiple times per day.
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Low sugar
Sugar is nothing but empty calories, and if possible, avoid it. What’s worse, sugar will spike up your blood glucose levels, which will later crash, causing you to feel hungry. Just be careful about artificial sweeteners, they are not the healthiest either.
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Amino acid profile
One benefit whey and most other animal proteins have, is that they are complete proteins, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids. If you are opting for plant proteins, try to get complete ones too. If not, make sure you get the lacking acids from other food sources or get a protein blend.
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Taste/smell/texture
This here is a double-edged sword. If your protein powder tastes and smells great, and has good texture and is easy to mix, that probably means it has additives. On the other hand, if you get something organic and healthy, but with a foul taste and smell, you will be less likely to drink it regularly, which can hinder your gym progress. In our opinion, it is a better option to suck it up and drink a better quality protein, no matter how it tastes. Plus, taste and smell are highly subjective, and you just can’t take anyone’s word for it, you have to try it yourself.
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Allergens
If you are allergic to gluten, you should opt for gluten-free powders. However, be careful about any other allergies you might have. While most of the proteins are hypoallergenic, everyone is different. Maybe you don’t tolerate soy or pea well, or some other common protein ingredient. Make sure you double-check everything before buying in bulk.
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Price
Last but not least, we have price. For most people, this is the only criteria, but never base your decision on price alone. Be sure that the cheapest protein you can get is not the healthiest, it simply doesn’t go that way. However, the most expensive one is probably not the best value for money. Our list will have proteins that won’t get you in debt, but won’t harm you either, no matter what the budget is.
Why We Excluded Soy?
Soy is a plant, packed with protein, and cheap to grow. Soy protein powders are also very affordable and have more than 90% protein in them. So why no soy proteins on the list then?
The issue with soy is that it contains a lot of phytoestrogens. These can hinder your gym progress, as it directly impacts testosterone levels, which can be a huge problem for men. Too much soy consumption can even lead to men developing breasts, and other feminine characteristics. Therefore, try to avoid soy, if possible.
Conclusion
As you can see, our list of vegan protein powders has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for blends, isolates, low-carb or protein-packed variants, or proteins with vitamins and digestive enzymes, we have covered everything.
All of the products included are top-quality, and tested by hundreds of users, with positive reviews across the board. Rest assured, if you pick any of those from the list, you won’t regret the choice. We recommend you check them out, based on the short buyer’s guide this article contains.
Just remember not to base the decision on the price alone, and you’re good. Finding good vegan protein is not that hard if you follow our guide and choose S.M.A.R.T.
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