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12 Best Soy-Free Protein Powders (2023) Buyer's Guide

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Connor Sellers
Published by Connor Sellers | Senior Coach
Last updated: August 18, 2023
We personally test every product featured in our reviews and guides. By ordering products anonymously and getting a group of independent testers, we are able to get first-hand experience and provide data-driven recommendations. Learn more.

Whether due to allergies, other health issues, or because you just don’t like soy, if you’re looking for a soy-free protein ​powder, it can be hard.

As a certified trainer, trained as I am to automatically scan the labels ​ of all products that go into my body, it’s hard to miss the fact that soy is often in the ​powder blend even in protein powders that come from animal sources.

In this article, we’ve picked through the ingredient lists of our favorite protein supplements to find 12 of the best that are soy-free.

We’ll also look at why people might be choosing to avoid soy in further detail, so read on to find out more.

Editor's Choice
Transparent Labs Organic Vegan protein supplement product
Transparent Labs
Protein per Serving
24g
Taste
4.7
Ingredients
5.0
Price
5.0
Overall Score 4.9
4.9
Click For Best Price
#2nd Best Choice
PaleoPro Paleo Protein Powder
PaleoPro
Protein per Serving
26g
Taste
4.7
Ingredients
4.7
Price
5.0
Overall Score 4.8
4.8
Check Current Price
#3rd Best Choice
Ora Organic So Lean So Clean
Ora Organic
Protein per Serving
22g
Taste
4.7
Ingredients
4.6
Price
4.7
Overall Score 4.7
4.7
Click For Best Price

Top Soy-Free Protein Powders (September 2023)

1 - Transparent Labs ​Vegan Protein (Editor's Choice)

Transparent Labs Organic Vegan protein supplement product
Protein per Serving
24g
Taste
4.7
Ingredients
5.0
Price
5.0
Overall Score 4.9
4.9

If you’re looking for products with no added nonsense, then Transparent Labs has got the right blend, offering quality and trustworthiness.

They have made a name for themselves in dealing with stripped back, simple ingredients lists, and clear labeling telling you precisely what you’re getting.

Their Organic Vegan Protein Powder with rice & pea protein blend ​is not just the best vegan and soy-free powdered protein on the market; it’s one of the best protein powders full stop.

We liked that this one packs a ton of protein (24 grams) and fiber (4 grams) per serving, so if you’re focused on total health optimization, this product is an excellent choice.

Supplement facts

  • Total calories : 130
  • Fat : 2g
  • Carbs : 3g
  • Fiber : 4g
Pros
  • Simple protein supplement blend designed to boost protein levels efficiently
  • Complete plant-based protein source with all essential amino acids
  • Great value for money with savings for buying in bulk
Cons
  • Not a massive selection of flavor choices

Nothing artificial, no soy, no dairy, non-GMO, gluten-free, and also a complete protein source containing all the essential amino acids.

Both vanilla and chocolate flavors taste great and mix well however you choose to take them, and they’re reasonably low in calories.

Get 10% off using coupon code:  TOTALSHAPE

2 - PaleoPro Protein Powder​

PaleoPro Paleo Protein Powder
Protein per Serving
26g
Taste
4.7
Ingredients
4.7
Price
5.0
Overall Score 4.8
4.8

Being soy-free doesn’t necessarily mean being without animal products, as there are various alternatives available.

While this protein powder is still free of common allergens such as soy, dairy, and gluten, it’s packed full of protein from egg and grass-fed beef sources with a whopping 26 grams of protein per serving.

The ingredients list is very basic, with only minimal additives used for the various flavors.

For example, the company added natural flavorings such as dutch cocoa and the natural zero-calorie sweetener monk fruit to the flavored variants, staying true to the PaleoPro mission.

Perfect for those following a paleo diet, it is a delicious complete protein source that is also rich in collagen and claims to be minimally processed with all-natural ingredients.

Supplement facts

  • Total calories : 120
  • Fat : 1g
  • Carbs : 0g
Pros
  • Perfect for those on a paleo diet
  • Fantastic selection of flavor; favorites being the plain and aztec vanilla
  • Excellent source of collagen and protein
Cons
  • Made in a factory that also processes dairy, soy, peanut, wheat, and shellfish so cannot claim to be completely allergy-free

It is mostly just beef and eggs that are dried and then ground to a fine powder. It can easily blend into a super tasty paleo-friendly protein shake.

3 - Ora Organic ​Protein Powder​

Ora Organic So Lean So Clean
Protein per Serving
22g
Taste
4.7
Ingredients
4.6
Price
4.7
Overall Score 4.7
4.7

If you’re looking for a clean and all organic product, usually the vegan label is a good one to keep an eye out for as it doesn’t just mean free from animal sources, but also ensures quality.

This protein powder is made from over 20 different superfoods, all coming together to provide all of the essential amino acids alongside a hearty general health boost.

The benefits this protein powder claims to provide reach far beyond just protein, with the inclusion of super greens they are also serving up the macro and micronutrient needs we all may be lacking in our diets.

What I appreciate is that this product blends easily and comes in delicious chocolate, vanilla, and vanilla chai flavors.

And if you're concerned about the heavy metal content of some protein supplements, this supplement has no trace of that. The Ora Organic Vegan Protein Powder has undergone rigorous testing, so it's guaranteed safe for breastfeeding or pregnant mothers.

Supplement facts

  • Total calories : 120
  • Fat : 2.5g
  • Carbs : 4g
Pros
  • Super healthy and diverse ​protein sources
  • Rich in digestive enzymes that tackle bloating and help absorption
  • Delicious taste coming from organic cocoa and only 1 gram of sugar
Cons
  • Unless you are a subscriber to make use of the savings, it can work out expensive per scoop

It also includes digestive enzymes that help your body to absorb all the goodness packed inside. It’s low in calories, with only one scoop of sugar relying on the natural flavoring of cocoa and fruit for flavor.

4 - Orgain Organic Protein

Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
Protein per Serving
21g
Taste
4.6
Ingredients
4.5
Price
4.6
Overall Score 4.6
4.6

​If you’re worried about soy, it follows that you’re likely concerned about other problematic ingredients, and so you’ll find a lot of this list is also dairy-free and lacking in protein from animal sources.

Orgain Organic Protein Powder is no exception and proves just how effective and tasty plant​ protein can be.

The flavor claims to be one of the best there is, and it’s undoubtedly a great chocolate taste, but some find it a little chalky.

This non-GMO product is Certified USDA Organic and free of gluten, lactose, added sugar, soy, kosher, carrageenan, and artificial flavors.

Supplement facts

  • Total calories : 150
  • Fat : 4g
  • Carbs : 15g
  • Fiber : 2g
Pros
  • Super chocolatey flavor
  • The protein and fiber work well to suppress appetite as a dietary aid in the morning
  • Versatile and can mixes well for shakes and when used in baking
Cons
  • Uses stevia as a sweetener

I like that the serving packs in 21 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber with 0 grams of sugar, and it’s perfect for those looking to stem their appetite and lose weight with a protein powder that’s low in calories.

5 - Naked Rice Brown Rice Protein Powder

Naked Rice Brown Rice Protein Powder
Protein per Serving
25g
Taste
4.6
Ingredients
4.5
Price
4.5
Overall Score 4.5
4.5

Naked Nutrition markets themselves as a company with nothing to hide, and that much is accurate, at least from the ingredients list, providing transparency.

This is a straightforward and effective rice protein powder with no additives or artificial ingredients, low in calories and high in nutrition. Overall, a product that may be ideal for your general health.

The company claims they use superior extraction techniques to produce a protein powder every bit as good as whey.

This product is free of GMO, gluten, artificial sweeteners, additives, and soy. It is also independently tested by third parties for metals and melamine, which are a major concern with any rice product.

Supplement facts

  • Total calories : 120
  • Fat : 0.5g
  • Carbs : 4g
Pros
  • Super simple and straightforward ingredients list
  • Easily one of the best pure rice protein powders there is
  • Can be combined with the Naked Pea Protein for a complete ​profile of amino acids
Cons
  • Not a complete source of protein

While they do avoid the usual flashy marketing techniques and gimmicks, this is a genuinely good protein powder that we rank highly.

It should be noted that as it is sourced from rice, it is an incomplete protein, lacking the BCAA profile that you would get from a blended or whole plant-based protein such as soy, or rice and pea combined.

6 - Promix Pasteur Based Micellar Casein​

Promix Pasteur Based Micellar Casein​
Protein per Serving
25g
Taste
4.5
Ingredients
4.3
Price
4.4
Overall Score 4.4
4.4

Few brands can honestly claim they are serving up pure casein, which means Promix is an excellent and unique product to try out to achieve your health goals.

While whey is arguably the best at serving up fast-acting protein, we believe that casein is much better at the slow-burning release that makes it ideal for taking post-workout or overnight aiding in muscle recovery. It will also help you build lean muscle and achieve better fitness results.

This powder mixes very well with a subtle but straightforward flavoring and is another that boasts an incredibly simple ingredients list free from artificial and unwanted additives.

Supplement facts

  • Total calories : 05
  • Fat : 0g
  • Carbs : 0g
Pros
  • Excellent pure casein powder protein source
  • ​Ideal for post-workout or overnight recovery
  • Pure and purpose-driven product
Cons
  • Significantly more expensive per serving when compared to others

Promix has worked with the same farms for over five years to ensure that they get a pasture-based supply of hormone- and antibiotic-free milk, from which they derive their protein powder.

7 - Naked Whey Grass Fed Whey Protein​

Naked Whey supplement product
Protein per Serving
25g
Taste
4.4
Ingredients
4.4
Price
4.4
Overall Score 4.4
4.4

Naked’s Whey protein follows much the same process and ethos as their plant-based protein powders. It’s free from anything artificial or nasty additives.

Unlike most protein powders, this one is cold-processed to prevent contamination from chemical detergents such as acid or bleach, synthetic additives, or heavy metals. This process also maintains important naturally occurring growth factors.

It’s also free of GMO, gluten, soy, artificial sweeteners, growth hormones, and additives.

Like its plant-based product, the powder is best when you choose to opt for the unflavored option.

However, they do have a few flavor options to choose from that use only organic ingredients.

Supplement facts

  • Total calories : 120
  • Fat : 2g
  • Carbs : 3g
Pros
  • A bare-all naked ingredient list that is just what you want with no added nonsense
  • ​A complete source of protein that is reportedly ethically sourced
  • Uses research and superior extraction techniques to ensure high quality
Cons
  • Some of the bold claims about the quality of the ingredients made by the brand are, at best, unverifiable.

​My recommendation is to stick with the unflavored and then vary your shake recipe using the delicious whole and raw ingredients that you like best.

If you want just a tad bit of sweetness, you can go for the vanilla variant.

8 - Vega Plant-based Proteins and Greens

Vega Plant-based Proteins and Greens
Protein per Serving
20g
Taste
4.1
Ingredients
4.3
Price
4.4
Overall Score 4.3
4.3

Vega is another protein powder that doesn’t just want to help you lose weight or make gains at the gym; it’s a vital part of a well-balanced and healthy diet, promoting overall wellness.

With the addition of greens such as organic alfalfa powder, spinach powder, broccoli powder, and organic kale powder to balance the protein, it provides the nutrients that many are lacking and makes it the perfect start to any day.

With a blend of different vegan proteins (pea protein, brown rice, sacha inchi), it is a complete protein with a full profile of branched-chain amino acids.

This product is non-GMO and free of gluten, dairy, soy, artificial flavors, and preservatives.

Supplement facts

  • Total calories : 120
  • Fat : 2g
  • Carbs : 6g
Pros
  • ​Excellent protein source buffered with additional benefits and fibers from greens
  • Great flavor options as well as an unflavored alternative
  • Complete plant-based protein
Cons
  • A press release concerning the high amount of heavy metals found in the product has been released and warrants further investigation

The flavors (vanilla and salted caramel are my personal favorites) are sweetened with stevia, but they do also offer an unflavored and stevia-free option.

Our main concern is that there has recently been a heavy-metal scare (not the music), with this product being found to be very high in metals such as lead and cadmium.

9 - OWYN Vegan Allergen Friendly Protein

OWYN Vegan Allergen Friendly Protein
Protein per Serving
20g
Taste
4.2
Ingredients
4.3
Price
4.3
Overall Score 4.3
4.3

The whole idea behind taking a protein shake is that it should be a one-stop-shop for all your nutritional needs.

Allowing you to focus on the exercise regime or diet goals you’re trying to achieve. OWYN knows this and has done precisely that.

This supplement is derived from three different vegan protein sources—pea, pumpkin, and chia seeds—packing 20 grams of protein per serving.

It’s got 1 billion CFU probiotics to support gut health, easy digestion, and maximum protein absorption. This plant-based protein source has vitamins and is fortified with greens including kale, spinach, and broccoli. You could drink this in the morning for the health benefits alone.

All OWYN products are third-party tested to validate that they are free of common allergens such as dairy, soy, and gluten.

Supplement facts

  • Total calories : 140
  • Fat : 3g
  • Carbs : 7g
Pros
  • Fortified with additional nutritional benefits
  • Contains probiotics for a healthy gut and easily digested
  • Doesn’t contain stevia or other artificial sweeteners
Cons
  • High salt content

It’s not just one of the best soy-free protein powders; it’s a great healthy way to start any day. Grab your OWYN vanilla protein powder and just mix it to water and you’re good to go.

It's not just one of the best soy-free protein powders; it's a great healthy way to start any day. Just mix your OWYN vanilla protein powder with water, and you're good to go.

10 - Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder

Garden Of Life Protein Powder
Protein per Serving
22g
Taste
4.2
Ingredients
4.1
Price
4.3
Overall Score 4.2
4.2

Another great protein powder that has stood the test of time and not only helps you with your diet and at the gym but also in general health and wellbeing goals too.

The 22 grams of sugar-free plant-based protein per serving is aided in absorption by 3 billion CFU live probiotics and 13 enzymes. It’s also fortified nutritionally with vitamins and minerals derived from its raw food ingredients.

This vegan protein powder is Certified USDA Organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and non-GMO.

Supplement facts

  • Total calories : 130
  • Fat : 2.5g
  • Carbs : 5g
Pros
  • Great product with the reviews and consensus backing the companies claims
  • Complete plant-based protein with additional nutritional benefits thrown in
  • Certified organic
Cons
  • Now owned by Nestle and “new and improved” reads a lot like “worse and you get less."

I have used the Garden Of Life and know many who still use it. My only concern and the reason that I no longer use it is that it is now owned by Nestle, who notoriously do not care about the products they buy or the consumers using them. If that isn’t on your worry list, then give it a try.

11 - Omega Nutrition Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder

Omega Nutrition Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder
Protein per Serving
10g
Taste
4.2
Ingredients
4.1
Price
4.0
Overall Score 4.1
4.1

If you want your soy-free protein powder to be clean, it doesn’t get much more honest than this.

This protein is sourced entirely from pumpkin seeds, and it’s all raw and organic as far as the ingredients list can read.

I wouldn’t put this up against some of the other proteins in this list if you’re looking to make muscle mass.

Supplement facts

  • Total calories : 55
  • Fat : 1g
  • Carbs : 1.5g
Pros
  • Completely natural source of protein
  • Very cost-efficient
  • Tastes great added to recipes, meals, or shakes
Cons
  • Can’t compete against other protein powders in terms of efficient delivery

​I also don’t think it’s in the same category when it comes to being a complete source of protein or being beneficially healthy with other fortified vitamins and minerals.

What I would recommend it for is using to give cooking and baking a little protein kick. It tastes great and is a great natural way to up your protein intake.

12 - Amazon Elements Grass-Fed Whey Protein

Amazon Elements Whey Protein Isolate Powder
Protein per Serving
25g
Taste
4.0
Ingredients
4.1
Price
4.0
Overall Score 4.0
4.0

Considering the number of protein powders that get sold through Amazon daily, it should come as no surprise they want a high cut of that sweet profit margin.

What they have produced is a soy-free whey protein powder from reportedly grass-fed cows.

The taste is subtle, and it mixes well. The reviews are predominantly good, but considering it’s sold on their own platform should be treated with suspicion.

The natural chocolate flavor is sweetened with stevia, which could be a dealbreaker for customers who aren’t a fan of its taste.

This product is manufactured in a GMP-certified facility in the US and contains no soy, gluten, added sugars, artificial colors, and artificial flavors.

Supplement facts

  • Total calories : 120
  • Fat : 0.5g
  • Carbs : 3g
Pros
  • ​Incredibly cost-effective
  • Simple and clean ​ingredient list
  • Mixes well with a good flavor
Cons
  • ​It’s an Amazon own-brand product

The protein powder honestly surpassed my expectations, the ingredient list is honest and straightforward, and the product itself does what it’s supposed to.

Why Go Soy-Free?

Soy beans on a wooden spoon

You should go soy-free because besides being a common allergen, there are other reasons to avoid too much soy, including dietary preferences.

Maybe you’re vegan and already getting plenty of the stuff in your diet.

You might be lactose intolerant, so you are already mixing your shakes with soy and don’t want to double down.

Or perhaps you want to cut out soy completely.

There are tons of vegan protein​s aside from soy. You may look at other options, such as hemp protein, pea, and rice powders. These will give the same nutrients without the common detrimental effects found in soy.

Arguments Against Soy

The biggest concern with soy is the claim that it can affect hormonal imbalance. Although these claims are mostly unfounded and lack any scientific consensus.

Since many of the concerns related to soy come from studies in rats and mice, it’s important to recognize that rodents metabolize soy isoflavones differently than humans, essentially making these studies inapplicable.

- Judith C Thalheimer, Registered Dietician

The argument centers around the fact that soy is rich in isoflavones, which is a plant-based hormone similar to estrogen, which can bind to estrogen and is said to reduce fertility/masculinity in men.

However, in the nine identified studies that have been carried out, no such link has been found.

Arguments ​In Favor of Soy

Soy is a versatile ingredient and can happily be included as part of a healthy lifestyle, that is, unless you’re allergic.

Too much soy should be avoided, and so you should be keeping track of the different foods and drinks you consume that contain it.

Soy is a complete protein which for those following a plant-based diet, makes it an easy go-to replacement for milk and dairy.

Soy is cholesterol-free and low in saturated fats, making it a great healthy alternative to other sources of vegan proteins. Soy is also rich in omega-3 and polyunsaturated fats, which both promote heart health.

Recommended post​s:

FAQs

Whey vs soy protein powder FAQ Banner

Does whey protein powder contain soy?

Some whey protein powders contain soy, but not all.

If you are looking for some soy-free whey protein powders, check our list above, or else check the ingredient list on your favorite powder. If you're unsure about what to look for, consider checking online reviews or consulting a nutritionist.

​Does pea protein powder contain soy?

No. Typically, pea protein won’t contain soy unless it’s put in there as an additive. It will be listed on the label, though, so be sure to check them carefully.

We do have some great pea proteins listed in the article above that are soy-free. If you want to get the most out of your protein consumption, get a dietician for an opinion since they will look into your current needs and match you with the right pea protein supplement.

What Is the Best Soy-Free Protein Powder?

The best protein powder for you will depend on your health goals and reasons for being soy-free. That said, for me, the protein powder that ticks practically every box imaginable is Transparent Labs Organic Vegan.

The company prides itself on being open and completely honest with its straightforward ingredient list.

The protein powder is vegan, so it works for those following a plant-based diet, but is also a complete protein and completely allergen-free.

Give it a try and let us know what you think.

#1 ​​Soy-Free Protein Powder

Transparent Labs ​Vegan Protein

Transparent Labs Organic Vegan protein supplement product
Protein per Serving
24g
Taste
4.7
Ingredients
5.0
Price
5.0
Overall Score 4.9
4.9
Pros
  • Simple protein supplement blend designed to boost protein levels efficiently
  • Complete plant-based protein source with all essential amino acids
  • Great value for money with savings for buying in bulk
  • Get 10% off using code: TOTALSHAPE
Cons
  • Not a massive selection of flavor choices
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11 thoughts on “12 Best Soy-Free Protein Powders (2023) Buyer’s Guide

  1. I have been a vegan for 15 years and even in that time, I’ve seen a lot of products come and go in the soy-free protein powder market. None of them compare to Promix Pasteur. It’s perfect for my lifestyle and is so easy to digest! I can’t remember the last time I was sick.

  2. I’ve been using the Soy-Free Protein Powder from Orgain Organic for a few weeks now and it’s honestly changed my life. I’m not exaggerating when I say that it has helped me lose over 20 lbs in just a few short weeks without any other changes in my diet or exercise routine.

  3. I tried a few soy-free protein powders before finding PaleoPro. They were either expensive, too hard to find, or had terrible taste. I was so happy when I finally found one that tastes good and is affordable! It’s also perfect for people with dietary restrictions. I am so happy with this product and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a soy-free protein powder.

  4. Excellent opinions on the best non-soy protein powders! Transparent Labs appears to be very good! So far, I am not experiencing any side effects and I love how simple their selection of flavors is. Just like me, a simple guy. Very happy and satisfied to use this powder!

  5. I’ve been a vegan for over a year now and have tried a lot of soy-free protein powders. They all taste awful and leave me feeling really bloated. This powder from OWYN is the best I have ever found. It’s made from brown rice protein and pea protein, which both blend well together for a nice creamy texture that doesn’t clump

  6. Transparent Labs Vegan is the soy-free protein powder that I’ve been looking for. It’s vegan, soy-free and tastes amazing! I don’t even miss the taste of whey. The quality of this product is so good because it’s made entirely from plant proteins.

  7. Excellent opinions on the best non-soy protein powders! Transparent Labs appears to be very good! So far, I am not experiencing any side effects and I love how simple their selection of flavors is. Just like me, a simple guy. Very happy and satisfied to use this powder!

  8. I was hesitant to buy a soy-free protein powder and I’m so glad that I made the switch. As soon as I switched to Amazon Elements, my morning routine became 100x more enjoyable. I used to gag every morning but now, after drinking my shake made with Amazon Elements, it’s like a treat! The flavor is great and the ingredients are phenomenal.

  9. Transparent Labs Vegan is the best soy-free protein powder I have ever tried, hands down. It has a great flavor and texture. I love that it doesn’t have any soy protein in it, which is hard to find nowadays! I highly recommend it to anyone who is craving a protein shake from time to time.

  10. I’ve been looking for a soy-free protein powder for a while and decided to give Garden of Life a try. I’m happy to say that it is the best. It doesn’t have any weird aftertaste and mixes really well in my smoothies. I highly recommend this product if you’re avoiding soy like me!

  11. I can’t live without Vega. I’ve been using Vega as my only protein powder for years, and it’s really helped me maintain a consistent diet and weight regimen. I always feel good after taking it because the superfoods provide me with the energy and nutrients I need.

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