Top 7 Best Vegan Protein Powders Of 2022 Picked By Experts
* Please consult your primary care provider before starting any new supplement, to ensure if they are right for you.
(Ad) Vegan protein powder offers the same range of health benefits found in more traditional protein powders. The big difference is in its ingredients.
While many protein powders are made from whey and other animal-based products, vegan protein powders are entirely made from plant-based protein sources, making them a perfect fit for an animal-free diet.
Vegan protein powders have become increasingly popular over the years. About 79 million people worldwide are vegans, including the 12 percent of millennials in the United States, who say they are vegan or vegetarian.
But with numerous vegan protein powders on the market today, how do you know which one is right for you?
We’re here to help. Here are our picks for the 7 best vegan protein powders you can try today!
The 7 Best Vegan Protein Powders on The Market
If you’ve been searching for a vegan protein powder, you already know that there are a massive number of products to choose from.
Finding the right quality product can take a lot of time, effort, and money.
That’s why we’ve done it for you—after several months, we’re proud to present you with what we found to be the 7 best vegan protein powders on the market.
#1. Huge Vegan Protein
Cost: $39.95 for 25 servings
Flavors: Birthday cake, cookies and cream, cinnamon crunch, graham cracker, marshmallow madness
Where to buy: Huge Supplements website
Topping our list is Huge Supplements’ popular foray into the vegan protein powder market. Huge Vegan Protein Powder is the best available option, combining quality agreements with a complete amino profile that other vegan proteins can’t quite touch.
Huge Vegan protein is non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and completely plant-based, containing fava beans, mung bean, brown rice, and pea protein in its trademarked ProVega Complete Protein Blend.
Each serving packs 20 grams of protein—the same amount found in many traditional protein powders—and no flavor contains more than 122 calories a serving.
Speaking of flavors, every option is excellent, especially birthday cake and marshmallow madness. Plus, they mix well and still taste great with water or milk.
Huge Supplements has fostered quite a following with its protein powder lines over the years, and its vegan option will not disappoint.
And the price? Very competitive and more than fair. Huge is truly the all-around best vegan protein powder package .
As of right now, it is also giving away a free shaker with every tub you buy. However, to get that, you have to order directly from the Huge Supplements product page, which you can find by clicking here
#2. Transparent Labs Organic Vegan
Cost: $49.99 for 30 servings
Flavors: French vanilla, chocolate
Where to buy: Transparent Labs website
Transparent Labs’ vegan powder lands just a notch below Huge Supplements with its certified-organic vegan option.
It has a lot going for it, though, especially its heavy protein content (24 grams a serving), and we appreciate the large 4 grams of protein in each serving, which is not commonly found in vegan protein powders.
That also makes Transparent Labs Organic Vegan palatable for even the most sensitive of stomachs.
While its ingredients are limited—just organic rice protein and pea protein in a 2-1 ratio—it is free of artificial preservatives, coloring, sweeteners, and gluten. It’s also extremely low in carbohydrates.
We would have liked a few more flavor options, but the chocolate and French vanilla both taste great and mix smoothly. And while its cost is comparatively high, it’s not outrageous when you factor in the ingredient quality.
#3. KOS Organic
Cost: Ranges from $21.24 for 14 servings to $42.49 for 30 servings (depends on flavor)
Flavors: Blueberry muffin, chocolate, chocolate chip mint, chocolate peanut butter, salted caramel coffee, vanilla, unflavored
Where to buy: Amazon
KOS Organic makes a lot of promises—and delivers. Its vegan protein powder line offers a large amount of protein per serving (20 grams), and it also doubles as a complete multivitamin (containing everything from vitamin E and iron to riboflavin and B12) powered by a thorough complex of amino acids.
The ingredient list puts KOS in the upper echelon of vegan protein powders, with such high-quality contents as pea protein, flaxseed, coconut sugar, and organic quinoa.
For those coping with digestive issues, KOS also features what it calls its proprietary DigeSEB Enzyme Blend, which aids in proper digestion of its proteins with enzymes including protease and lipase.
Did we mention that it also tastes great? KOS offers an above average number of flavors to choose from for a vegan powder, and even the flavors you may be skeptical about, such as chocolate chip mint or blueberry muffin, live up to what your tastebuds expect.
#4. Garden of Life Organic
Cost: Ranges from $25.59-$39.19 for 10 servings to $38.39 for 20 servings
Flavors: Chocolate, vanilla, vanilla spiced chai, coffee, strawberry
Where to buy: Amazon
Among the health-conscious, Garden of Life has been trusted for decades for its ubiquitous vitamins and meal replacement options. The company’s wide line of plant-based protein powders extends its expertise remarkably.
You have a lot to choose from, but its most popular vegan options happen to be among our general favorites. Raw Fit, Garden of Life’s weight-loss vegan powder, truly satisfies as you build muscle through its 28 grams of protein per serving.
The Raw Organic Meal option ups the ante as a vegan protein powder by making it a full meal replacement approach as well and not skimping on the protein (20 grams).
The more traditional option is its Raw Organic Protein Powder, which includes not just 22 grams of protein, but no sugar, 4 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and probiotics.
It also admirably includes vitamins A, D, E, and K and is made with 13 raw sprouted proteins. And the taste? Truly scrumptious. The only issue you’ll have is settling on the best product for you; they’re all simply fantastic.
#5. Vega Sport Premium Protein
Cost: Ranges from $35.99 for 12 single packs to $89.99 for 45 servings
Flavors: Mocha, berry, peanut butter, chocolate, vanilla
What makes Vega Sport’s protein “premium”? Let’s start with the protein content, which is a massive 30 grams per serving, the highest amount on our list.
This goes to show that plant-based vegan protein can pack as much of a protein punch as whey-based powders.
Marketed to those looking for quick recoveries between workouts, Vegan Sport also includes probiotics and 5 grams of BCAAs to get the job done. It’s also keto-friendly, with a minimal amount of carbs (6 grams) and no added sugar.
You can mix any of the flavors in water or milk for a rich, smooth-tasting shake, but another great option is mixing Vega Sport with a bit of coconut oil if you desire some extra fat in your shake.
Apart from its thoughtful ingredients, Vega Sport tastes great and has a texture that puts it ahead of most vegan protein powders—sweet, smooth, and just what your fitness goals need.
#6. Four Sigmatic Protein
Cost: Ranges from $40 for 10 packets to $108 for three different flavors in 30 packets
Flavors: Sweet vanilla, peanut butter, creamy cacao, café mocha, unflavored
Where to buy: Amazon
“Sigmatic” signifies “elite,” as in the Four Sigmatic company considering its products to be four sigmas (or standard deviations) above average food. Got it?
All we know is that Four Sigmatic Protein is a great vegan powder option, with the added selling point of superfoods inclusion. While many of the products are on the lower end of the protein spectrum (18 grams per serving), it boasts five organic plant proteins, representing something of a world tour of organic plant-based ingredients.
That includes chia from South America, coconuts from Southeast Asia, pumpkin seeds and hemp from Europe, and peas from the United States.
We’re not sure it matters where the protein comes from exactly, but what does matter is that combined here, they powerfully support wellness overall.
What’s different about Four Sigmatic is its inclusion of seven adaptogens and “function mushrooms,” including reishi and chaga. Mushrooms are something of a specialty at Four Sigmatic; they are also used in its popular instant coffee and hot cocoa options.
The flavors taste spectacular, especially the vanilla, and it makes us overlook the comparatively high price tags (a can of 15 servings is $50, but you get a price break if you subscribe to regular deliveries).
#7. Truvani Plant-Based Protein
Cost: $59.99 for 20 servings
Flavors: Chocolate, vanilla, chocolate peanut butter, banana cinnamon. Plus, mocha and vanilla latte in its “protein + energy” line, as well as a protein + greens line.
Where to buy : Amazon
If you are looking for the specialized ingredients (including mushrooms!) of Four Sigmatic, but want something a bit cleaner, go with Truvani.
The company’s plant-based protein line refines its powders with just six ingredients, all higher-end.
You will recognize the effectiveness of some of them, including pea protein and chia seeds, but Truvani backs them up with monk fruit, vanilla powder, and alkalized cocoa.
That leads to a protein content of 20 grams that’s somewhere in the middle of the pack, still admirable, though it also comes with a higher price than other plant-based proteins.
Truvani’s chocolate flavor is one of the best in our top 7 list—smooth and decadent but with just 2 grams of sugar a serving. Truvani was also one of the few protein powders that we found to mix extremely well. There were never any clumps, whether you’re using a blender or a cup with a blender ball.
How We Decide Our Rankings
We know that there are a lot of protein powder ranking posts, but not all are created equal. Here’s all that went into our carefully planned ratings.
Ingredients
We start here and look at not just the number of ingredients but just how high-quality each one is. The best plant-based protein products have at least three sources of protein, and that should typically come in the form of beans, rice, and peas.
From there we take note of how complete the protein profile is, based on the amounts of the sources of plant-based protein.
The best powders don’t skimp on amino acids, since they help synthesize proteins, so we also take a close look at the amino acid levels, especially the branched-chain amino acids that stimulate protein building in muscles.
Macros
Macronutrients, or macros, are vital for energy and help the body maintain its systems and structures.
Your body needs a lot of the four main macronutrients, which are good fats, bad fats, healthy carbs, and healthy protein.
The best plant-based powders should, of course, be stacked with healthy protein; we look at whether a product has carbs and fat in the first place and then see exactly how much of each is in a serving. Both should be minimal.
We also go a step further and look at the type of individual macros. For example, sugar is a carbohydrate, but the most effective plant-based powders have little to no added sugar.
Value
With hundreds of plant-based protein powders on the market today, it’s hard to compare the cost of each one to find the product that fits perfectly in your budget.
We not only look at the overall price, but compare it to the number of servings and check to see if the price is a fair reflection of the ingredients’ quality.
We also weigh a few other value-related characteristics, such as if there are regular sales, discounts for subscriptions, free delivery, and rewards programs.
Transparency
Knowing the basic ingredients is clearly very important, but so is a company’s transparency about them. A label must have a complete list of the ingredients and amounts per serving of such elements as sugar, vitamins, and more.
Additionally, we consider whether the product is officially certified as organic and if there’s a disclosure about the levels of gluten, artificial colors, and artificial flavors.
What’s In Your Vegan Protein Powder
Our top 7 vegan protein powders all contain the most effective and vital ingredients to offer plant-based support for your health and fitness needs.
Here’s what to look for and the vital nutritional function of each.
Peas
Pea protein powder is typically created by isolating protein from ground green or yellow peas, and sometimes the pod is ground up and included as well.
Pea protein is a high quality protein, hypoallergenic, and a fantastic source of iron. It is one of the most common ingredients in plant-based protein powders, because of its ability to contribute to weight loss, muscle growth, and even maintain a healthy heart.
Pea powders can be a stand-alone product, and two scoops of the protein have just 80 calories and a whopping 15 grams of protein. It’s also low in carbs and fat.
Another big plus: you can find all of the nine essential amino acids that your body cannot create itself within pea protein.
To back up muscle growth and retention, the top protein powders are high in BCAAs, and pea protein is a great source of those, including valine and arginine.
While animal proteins are usually easier to digest than plant-derived proteins, pea proteins are easily digestible. To top it all off, pea protein also blends well with water and is less gritty than other plant-based protein powder ingredients.
Rice
Rice protein is — you guessed it — small pieces derived from rice, and sometimes is called rice protein hydrolysate when the protein is broken down into even smaller pieces.
Rice protein is rich in amino acids and has been said to promote muscle strength and ease muscle soreness. Its amino acids may also reduce blood fats, blood pressure, and blood sugar.
Rice protein is particularly popular among those who are lactose intolerant or have general issues digesting milk products. That’s why it’s often used as a milk replacement in infant formula.
One study has found that brown rice protein delivers muscle-building support comparable to that of whey protein. Athletes in the study had increased lean body mass and lower fat mass after eight weeks of taking rice protein.
Rice protein has also been found to help people lose weight, since it requires large amounts of energy to digest, and calories are burned for a long time after eating rice protein.
Beans
You’ve likely noticed that many of our top vegan protein powders contain bean protein powder, especially mung bean protein powder. Mung bean, which is grown across Asia, is a legume also known as mash, moong, or green gram.
You’ve also probably eaten mung beans before; they’re added to many dishes, both sweet and savory.
The biggest benefit of mung bean protein is how it builds muscles. It is one of the richest sources of leucine available. Leucine is one of the BCAAs that can effectively repair and rebuild muscle tissue.
Additionally, mung bean is a natural way to add a bit of sweetness to plant-based protein powder flavors without dumping in sugar. Many vegan proteins that have 0 grams of sugar taste great because of the mung bean.
A big benefit of mung bean protein is that it helps lower cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk because it is loaded with healthy antioxidants.
It can also lower blood pressure because it is rich in magnesium and potassium and can aid digestion since it’s loaded with fiber.
Soy
Soy protein powder won’t be new to dedicated vegans. Soybeans are used as an alternative ingredient in a range of products, including milk, meat, and tofu.
Those looking to integrate plant-based protein powders into their diet but who also worry about food allergies often turned to soy protein powder, made from washing defatted soybean flakes to remove sugars and fiber, and then dehydrating them.
Soy protein powder has no cholesterol; one ounce (28 grams) is extremely low in fat (1 gram), carbs (2 grams), and calories (95). It’s super-rich in important protein (23 grams) but also has up to a quarter of your daily recommended value of iron and phosphorus.
To top it all off, soybean protein is considered a complete protein, meaning that it has all the essential amino acids that your body cannot get from food or make itself.
Hemp
Despite having lower protein and BCAA content compared to pea and soy proteins, hemp is rich in essential amino acids and hemp protein powder is extremely digestible since it is very high in fiber.
That makes it a valuable ingredient in plant-based protein supplements.
Fiber can not only aid digestion but has been said it may to reduce blood sugar, maintain a healthy cut, and reduce the risk of some cancers. Hemp protein powder is also not as processed as some other protein alternatives, making it a little grittier than others.
However, many people report liking the taste of hemp protein powder better than that of other proteins; it has a nutty, earthy taste.
Another selling point: Hemp protein powder’s omega-3 and omega-6 fat content ideally promote heart health, and it is rich in both antioxidants and minerals.
What To Know About Vegan Protein Powder
If you’re still figuring out whether vegan protein powder is right for you, there are a few key nutritional aspects to keep in mind.
It’s Good for Your Body.
As we’ve said, vegan protein powder is a wonderful way to both gain muscle and aid quick recovery between or after workouts.
Vegan protein powder users consume far less saturated fat than those who eat mean and get more phytonutrients.
It’s also beneficial for weight loss. In general, using plant proteins as opposed to animal proteins reduces the number of calories you ingest each day while also raising your daily nutrient level.
It Improves Gut Health and Digestion.
If you suffer from digestive issues, you are far from alone. Ove half of the population around the world reportedly cope with a range of digestive issues throughout the year.
Plant-based protein powders can do wonders for your digestive system. Reducing meat and animal-based protein ingestion lower gut inflammation, and all the best plant-based protein powders are extremely rich in fiber, which the gut needs to perform at tip-top shape.
The powders also contain a wide variety of digestive enzymes and probiotics that are potent ways to make your gut microbiome happy.
Pea protein and sacha inchi are very easy to digest, sunflower protein and hemp protein are nutrient-dense, and coix seed has naturally high protein levels.
In addition, quinoa powder works as a natural prebiotic due to its soluble fiber content.
It’s Packed with Micronutrients.
While your body needs very small amounts of micronutrients, your health would suffer greatly without them. Not taking enough vitamins and minerals leads to chronic and life-threatening illnesses and conditions.
Our body cannot grow or develop without micronutrients, since they are needed to produce vital enzymes to support basic functions.
Vegan protein powders are packed with micronutrients, especially iron and vitamins A, B12, E, and K, as well as calcium and zinc . For example, pumpkin protein is very high in potassium and magnesium.
Look for plant-based protein powders that include high levels of iron, vitamin B6, copper, manganese, and thiamin. The good news is that most contain them all.
It’s Important to Get Enough Protein as a Vegan.
First, it’s important for everyone to get enough protein; it is life’s building block. On a very basic level, protein is what repairs your cells and makes new ones.
It aids in your overall growth, but also builds muscle, provides energy, repairs tissue, and builds stronger bones.
Since vegans do not eat any animal products, they also miss out on having more options to get the protein they need each day. Vegans must plan their diet carefully in order to make sure they are getting enough essential minerals and nutrients.
There are 20 different types of protein-rich amino acids, and we need to make sure we’re getting the 9 that are considered essential since the only way to get them is through the food we eat each day.
Many proteins are found in meat and dairy at high levels, and vegans still need to take in all the body’s essential amino acids.
Non-animal products found in protein powders, like soybean, tofu, and various grains and legumes all provide protein to vegans. Consuming enough complete proteins is vital to maintaining metabolism and fueling your body.
Other nutrients are similarly important to vegans. Iron is tougher for non-meat eaters to integrate into their dietary routine but is essential to red blood cell production. That’s why many vegan protein powders add iron.
The vitamin D and calcium found in vegan powders ensure that vegans can promote proper bone growth and maintain bone health. Depending on the protein source, the omega-3 fatty acids in vegan protein powders improve brain function and heart health.
Also check out the list we’ve put together of foods that vegans eat . It contains a lot of useful information about food sources you can eat besides protein powder.
Should You Start Taking Vegan Protein Powder?
Yes! Vegan protein powder is a reliable and effective way to enjoy a vegan lifestyle while still taking in the essential nutrients you need every day.
It has been reviewed that protein powders offer vegans numerous health benefits, especially in making sure that there is a proper intake of healthy vitamins and minerals.
Vegan protein powder can also be powerful supplements to your diet and essential partners in your fitness journey.
Athletes, bodybuilders, and the average gym-goer can all benefit from vegan protein powders. They can be taken before, in between, or after workouts to keep up your energy, stimulate muscle growth, and advance muscle repair.
They often speed up recovery periods, the amount of time needed to rest between workouts to keep up energy and reduce inflammation and soreness. That makes workouts more efficient and goals easier to reach.
They’re also easy to integrate into a routine. Vegan protein powders can be taken at home or on the go. They can be mixed in advance or easily mixed at work with a shaker.
Many vegan protein powders also come in handy individual packets, making them even more portable.
How Much Vegan Protein Powder Should You Take?
As with all dietary supplements, check the recommended dosage or daily intake on your protein powder’s packaging.
Generally, this will be using between 1 to 3 scoops a day, but it depends on your workout goals.
It’s important to look closely at the serving size and related protein gram content before determining the servings you need each day.
Many companies recommend starting with 1 scoop of protein powder a day and gradually moving to 2 scoops or 3, while some suggest using a ½ scoop.
Others will outline when may be the best time to ingest your protein powder, such as before a meal or at night or during workouts or afterward.
We agree that around 63 grams of protein a day are needed for adult male vegans, while adult female vegans need about around 52 grams a day. But you should always read the label cautiously to ensure you’re taking the right dose.
Remember, while you get a large source of your protein from vegan powders, you can make sure that you get the rest from carefully chosen foods you eat every day.
Our Recipe for a Delicious Vegan Protein Shake
One of the best things about vegan protein shakes is there are multiple ways to make them and different flavor combinations to try. It comes down to your preference. However, we have a favorite recipe we don’t mind sharing to serve as inspiration for your shake.
- Grab your flavor of choice of our No. 1 vegan protein powder choice: Huge Vegan ( click here to shop ). We love the birthday cake and cinnamon crunch options. Use 1 to 2 scoops, depending on the protein content.
- Add the liquid of your choice. The best vegan protein powders will work well, especially taste-wise, with a range of liquids. This can be anything from water to milk to non-dairy milk and more. The consistency and flavor will vary, so try a couple of taste tests before committing to a liquid that works best for you.
- Mix up your shake in a blender, a specially made protein shake cup, or with a spoon. You’ll likely find that an electric blender or a well-made cup to shake will be best to avoid grittiness and clumping.
- Drink as-is or add an additional element, such as granola or fruit, to make your shake complete.
- Enjoy!
The Bottom Line
Our 7 best vegan protein powders offer not just great taste but essential levels of proteins, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are important to all vegans living a healthy style or attempting to live healthier.
They offer inventive and fast-acting approaches to reaching daily protein goals but also your personal fitness goals, from weight loss to muscle building.
Effective, nutritious, and satiating, vegan protein powders may be the essential supplement to your diet that you’ve been looking for all these years.
*This article is provided by an advertiser. Statements made are not meant to offer medical advice nor to diagnose any condition. Any studies cited here may be preliminary, and may or may not be peer reviewed, and may or may not have sufficient participants to be statistically relevant. Anecdotal accounts should not be taken as scientific results. Products discussed in this article are not designed to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. The FDA does not evaluate dietary supplements. Consult your doctor about possible interactions, allergies, and if you are considering using a natural and/or dietary supplements for any condition. Individual results will vary.