The Top 7 Vegan Protein Powders In 2022
Being vegan is an impressive life choice to make, that said staying fit requires you to get high amounts of protein, which can be challenging for vegans. While for most fitness enthusiasts, whey and meat are reliable sources of protein, for vegans, the options are often limited and over-priced.
Making cruelty-free choices ensures sustainability for our planet and our lifestyles. But staying healthy is also essential. So, to help overcome this issue, vegan protein shakes are an excellent option.
Generally speaking, there is an unfortunate stereotype that vegans tend to be malnourished or that they do not receive their required nutrients to retain a healthy body. In cases where your diet isnt monitored, this can often be true. However, with the right planning and the use of protein powders, muscle gain, getting fit, and staying healthy are relatively easy tasks.
Besides protein shakes, if youre looking to control your calorie intake or fit in additional calories, meal replacement shakes can be a viable option to opt for.
Who Shouldnt Take Protein Supplements
Children shouldnt take protein supplements unless directed by a dietitian. The NHS advises that consuming too much protein in the long term is linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis, and may worsen existing kidney problems. Some people find protein shakes difficult to digest its best to include them gradually into your diet, and see how you get on. Although allergens should be stated on the label, anyone with allergies should be cautious about using a new supplement, as there is a risk of cross-contamination in factories. Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for existing medical conditions should consult their GP before starting new supplements.
Naked Pea Premium Pea Protein Powder
For anyone looking for premium pea protein, which is 100% GMO-Free, Naked Pea is an excellent option for you. While there are various protein sources for vegans, peas are clean sources of protein, unlike some other options out there. Both soy and dairy free, this protein powder comes with 27 grams of protein per serving.
Nutrition Facts
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Should Females Take Protein Powder Daily
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the amount and type of protein powder that is best for you may vary depending on your individual needs and goals. However, protein powder can be a great way to help you reach your daily protein goals, especially if you are trying to lose weight.
Some of the best protein powders for weight loss are listed below.
Pure Protein 100% Whey
Protein per serving: 25g
Flavors: Vanilla Cream and Rich Chocolate
Type: Whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate
Price: $40.99 for 20 servings
Lose weight and keep your body fit with Pure Protein 100% Whey. This protein powder is fast-acting and provides all of the essential amino acids that your body needs for vitality, energy, and strength. It can be used as a pre- or post-workout supplement, in between meals, or as a meal replacement.
Pure Protein 100% Whey is low fat, gluten-free, and doesnt contain any soy. At 25g of protein per scoop, this powder will help you reach your weightloss goals in no time!
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Different Types Of Protein Powder
Protein powder comes in many different shapes and forms. Each of the distinct types of protein powder can provide the body with additional benefits.
Depending on the individual, certain protein powders may better suit your needs compared to others. For more information on the varying kinds of protein powder, keep reading.
Gainful Personalized Protein Powder At A Glance
- Protein source: organic pea, organic brown rice, organic oat
- Available flavors: unflavored with optional flavor boosts: Strawberry Cream, Madagascar Vanilla, Rich Chocolate, Caffè Mocha, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Matcha Green Tea, Cinnamon Toast, Sea Salt Caramel
- Pros: personalized blend, flavor boosts for ease of changing flavors day to day, access to a registered dietitian included with subscription
- Cons: expensive, requires a subscription, not third-party tested
- Nutrition stats: customized, but products generally contain 1927 g of protein
Price: $$
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, which is 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 its definitely on the sweeter side.
The powder also has more than 7,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, with customers raving about the smooth texture, delicious flavor, and lack of an artificial aftertaste.
KOS does not include any third-party testing information on its website.
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Protein Fortified With Fiber
Plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes and grains are the best sources of dietary fiber .
Benefits of getting enough fiber in your diet include normalizing bowel movements, lowering cholesterol levels, controlling blood sugars in people with type 2 diabetes and achieving a healthy weight (
Unfortunately, much if not all of the fiber is removed during the manufacturing of plant-based protein powder.
However, some mixed plant-based protein powders are fortified with fiber. Such products combine several protein sources, such as pea, rice, chia seeds and garbanzo beans.
Together, the protein and fiber create a synergistic effect that aids weight loss more than the ingredients individually.
Look for mixed plant-based protein blends that contain more than 5 grams of fiber per serving.
For instance, each 43-gram scoop of Fit meal replacement by Garden of Life packs 28 grams of protein from a variety of plant-based sources alongside 9 grams of fiber.
Similarly, this protein powder from Orgain contains 21 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber for every two scoops .
Summary
Dietary fiber has many health benefits, including weight loss. Many mixed plant-based proteins are fortified with fiber for added weight loss benefits.
The Protein Works Vegan Wondershake
Per 25g serving: 89 calories, 21g protein, 1.9g carbohydrates, 0.7g fat
Nervous about transitioning from your trusty whey protein to a plant-based variety? Designed to feel and taste just like a dairy shake, this is a good one to go with. Our testers loved the sweet yet subtle vanilla flavour and declared it a dream to bake with, thanks to its fine texture. Hiya protein pancakes and brownies!
Its made with the brands unique Quadplant technology a potent blend of pea, brown rice, hemp and soy protein designed to boost energy and aid recovery. Sure enough, our testers said it made them feel rejuvenated after a tough run. Bonus points for the packaging, which features a screw on lid to keep things fresh.
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What Should You Look For In A Protein Powder If You’re Trying To Lose Weight
First things first, Byrd suggests choosing a protein powder that is high in fiber, high in protein, and low in carbs. “These types of protein powders will help keep you full longer, curb cravings, and help prevent sugar highs and crashes during the day,” she explains.
You’ll also want to opt for the unsweetened kinds because they won’t add in sneaky sugars that could actually be sabotaging your weight loss efforts, per Zeitlin.
Here are some other things to keep in mind when making your pick.
Check the label. Make sure you look for something with at least 20 grams of protein, less than 10 grams of total carbohydrates, and at least three grams of fiber per scoop. You should also look for protein powders that are naturally sweetened using ingredients like monk fruit extract, stevia, and natural flavors. “Avoid protein powders that use sucralose, sugar alcohols, aspartame, Splenda, and other artificial sweeteners,” says Byrd. She also recommends avoiding milk powders, milk solids, and gluten since they are unnecessary fillers that can cause bloating and other GI issues.
Opt for a protein blend if you’re going plant-based. Whey, casein, or egg-based proteins are complete proteins, meaning they have all nine essential amino acids that help your body better absorb and make the most of your protein source. If you want a plant-based protein, look for a blend these can also feature a complete amino acid profile.
Best Vegan Protein Powder For Weight Loss: Anthony’s Premium Pea Protein
âPer 2 scoops: 90 calories, 2.3 g total fat, 0 grams total carbs, 0 g sugar, 525 mg sodium, 18 g proteinâ
“One tablespoon contains 8 grams of protein and only 35 calories,” Salbuvik says, which means this pick is ideal for a calorie-restricted diet. Salbuvik also likes that this protein powder is made with only one ingredient: vegetable pea protein isolate.
A February 2011 study in âClinical Nutritionâ showed that a calorie-restricted legume-based diet can lead to more weight loss than a similar diet that’s legume-free in people with obesity. This may be because pea protein is high in fiber, which is great for keeping you satisfied and your blood sugar levels stable.
Plus, this protein powder is batch-tested and verified gluten-free, unflavored, unsweetened and contains no artificial additives.
âBuy it:â âPrice: â$17.49
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Best On The Go Protein Shake: Slimfast Advanced Nutrition Smoothie Mix
One of the most significant benefits a protein shake can provide is it acts as a meal replacement. If you want a quick, on-the-go protein fix, the SlimFast Advanced Nutrition Smoothie Mix is the shake for you.
Pros
- Each serving comes with 20 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, and zero added sugar.
- Many people have experienced successful weight loss with SlimFast.
Cons
- While SlimFast is clinically proven to help you lose weight and is easy to drink on the move, it is not recommended as a long-term diet plan.
If your weight loss journey is just beginning, SlimFast is an excellent choice for you.
ORDER or LEARN MORE ABOUT SLIMFAST ADVANCED NUTRITION SMOOTHIE MIX
Best On A Budget: Now Sports Pea Protein
âPer 1 scoop: 120 calories, 2 g total fat, 1 g total carbs, 0 g sugar, 320 mg sodium, 24 g proteinâ
Made from a non-GMO pea protein isolate, each scoop of this powder has 24 grams of easily digested protein, as well as over 4,200 milligrams of branched-chain amino acids and over 2,000 milligrams of arginine, along with all nine of the essential amino acids.
It’s specifically designed for athletes, so it’s Informed-Sport Certified, and every batch has been rigorously tested for any banned substances. And it’s ConsumerLab-approved.
And, at 35 cents per ounce, you really can’t get a better bang for your buck! The only downside: “You will likely want to mix this powder with fruit or cocoa powder as it has a slightly bitter flavor,” Christopher says.
âBuy it:â âPrice:â $39.55
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How I Tested The Best Vegan Protein Powders
At first, I hated vegan protein powder. The chalky, gritty texture made me gag and I struggled to finish a full shake without feeling nauseous.
I read so many lists of the so-called best protein powders and was frustrated that the writers had obviously never tried any of these vegan protein shakes themselves! In most cases, it was clear that hadnt spent more than five minutes looking into the quality of the ingredients either.
And dont even get me started on those UK vegan protein powder reviews written by people who live in another country and recommend products that are shipped from the US! Every protein powder in this list is made in the UK.
I made it my mission to try every vegan protein powder I could get my hands on.
As well as making the shakes at home and testing them with water, different kinds of plant milk, and in smoothies, I also paid great attention to the ingredients and the packaging.
When testing the shakes, I used the same basic protein shaker every time and shook it for one minute to be fair.
In this guide, Ive written up my findings in detail to help you find the best vegan protein powder for you. So, whether you want to lose weight, build muscle or just want the best-tasting protein, you can find that here.
If you click any of the links in this guide and then make a purchase I may make a small commission. But this list will always be 100% honest and unbiased.
A note on price
Pricing guide:
How To Lose Weight With Protein Shakes
Protein is often referred to as one of the building blocks of life. This is because protein fuels such a large majority of bodily functions and processes.
One of the most critical functions that protein fulfills is it serves as an energy reserve. Protein builds and repairs cells, so as your body experiences normal wear and tear, protein restores the body and promotes muscle growth.
Also Check: Gold Standard Whey Protein Nutrition Facts
Find Out Which Plant Based Protein Powders Taste Better In The Best Vegan Chocolate Protein Powder Review
Searching for the best vegan chocolate protein powder out there? Today, Im reviewing & ranking the best plant based protein powder products out there. Plus, Ive included a super easy 6 ingredient vegan protein shake & my tools and tips for making your vegan protein powder tastier.
Ahh, vegan protein powder. Sigh. Long sigh. Longer sigh. Where do I even begin? Protein powder alone is no easy thing to eat/taste/have to chug on a daily basis . Its one of the most helpful things to boosting your plant-based diet, and yet, one of the most agonizing. Lol.
As you may have gleaned, Ive been on a looooong journey tasting, testing, gagging, swishing my mouth vigorously, then tasting, testing, gagging and repeat with plant based vegan protein powder products for nearly a decade.
Point is: vegan protein powder can be nasty!
And then some. But today, let me assure you that this is, in fact, light at the end of the vegan protein powder tunneland that light is edible and perhaps even a bit tasty. Erik and I have purchased 15 18 of the most well-reviewed, top-selling plant based vegan protein powder products available online, and done everything from shaken them up in basic almond milk smoothies in a blender bottle to blended them up into frosty vegan protein shakes.
Yall have been loving this vegan protein powder review, so Im adding more new vegan protein powders every couple of months . Feel free to email me about any vegan protein powders youd like me to try!
Naked Nutrition Naked Mass
Price: $$$
If youre trying to gain weight, Naked Mass is one of the best options, with 1,200 calories and 50 g of protein per 4-scoop serving.
The powder mixes easily, has a pleasant taste, and is free of artificial additives and preservatives.
Naked Nutrition products are third-party tested by Eurofins Scientific 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 3537 g of added sugar per serving, which may exceed your recommended consumption of added sugar, depending on your calorie needs (
Below are several factors to consider when shopping for a vegan protein powder.
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Vegan Protein Powder Review: The Criteria
Here are our testing parameters/basic testing guidelines to determine the best vegan chocolate protein powder of all time.
Firstly, we excluded any vegan protein powder brands that had terrible reviews online, and ones that had recently dramatically changed their recipe . We reviewed ones that had a rating of 4 stars or more on Amazon, and that had the best overall experience. Then, we went over the following questions when trying each vegan protein powder:
- How do they taste?
- How well do they dissolve in unsweetened vanilla almond milk?
- How many grams of plant based protein per serving?
- Bonus benefits of this vegan protein powder ?
- Price: Based on list price on Amazon , not including any additional savings from Subscribe & Save or other discounts/promotions
- $ = less than $1.50 per serving $$ = $1.50-$2 per serving $$$ = more than $2 per serving
The Best Vegan Protein Powders: Tried & Tested
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click one, I may earn a commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Want to find the best vegan protein powder in the UK without committing to buying a huge bag? Im here for you!
Ive tried and tested all of the most popular vegan protein powders. I paid close attention not just to the taste and texture, but to the ingredients in each vegan protein shake.
Short on time and want to skip straight to my recommendation? Here it is. Otherwise, read on for a review of each vegan protein brand.
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How Often To Use Vegan Protein Powder
The optimum frequency to use vegan protein powder depends on your diet and how much exercise you do.
You may wish to take a look at how much protein you get from food and supplement with powder as necessary.
Its safe to take vegan protein supplements every day, and some people have two protein shakes per day.
If youre using protein shakes when you dont have time to eat meals, you may be better with a vegan meal replacement shake as this contains extra nutrients and calories to keep you fuller for longer.
How Do I Use Plant
Having a protein shake or smoothie is a great way to get all the nutrients you need that help to protect your immune system, assist with muscle recovery and improve digestion. Not only are they quick and easy to make, but theyre ideal to have pre or post-workout, perfect to enjoy on the go and a healthy alternative to afternoon snacking.
If youre focused on achieving specific health and fitness goals, its important to take into consideration the best time of day to consume your protein powder. Using your plant-based protein powder as a part of a pre-workout shake can improve your training by increasing your energy levels and boosting your strength and endurance. Having a smoothie or shake approximately 45 minutes before your workout is best, to ensure you gain all the benefits in the appropriate time frame.
Enjoying a protein shake, smoothie, or protein ball post-workout is also greatly beneficial as it will provide essential nutrients and amino acids to muscles. This will help with rest and repair, reducing the amount of fatigue, aches and pains, and it also assists the body with recovery, which is perfect for those who want to train frequently.
Here are some handy tips to ensure your protein shakes and smoothies are always in tip-top shape and taste!
For great smoothie, snack and other recipe ideas check out our YouTube channel, @happywayrecipes on Instagram or our page of yummy, high protein, vegan recipes on our website here.
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