Professional athletes aren’t the only ones who can benefit from what a good protein powder has to offer.
Whether you work out every day or you confine your exercise to running three times a week, drinking supplements can help you reach your performance goals.
But not every type of product is right for every individual. Some folks are averse to using animal-based products, while others have allergies to some additives like gluten or soy.
For them, vegan protein powders are an effective solution.
So, I gathered an expert team of dietitians, nutritionists, and trainers to help me find the best plant-based protein powder available today.
Here are our discoveries.
Our Top Vegan Protein Supplements (September 2023)
1 - KOS Organic Plant Protein (Editor's Choice)
More and more people are searching for plant-based protein powders to fuel their workouts and promote muscle recovery without harmful additives and added sweeteners.
KOS offers 20 grams of pea protein to help you get it done.
Along with protein, the KOS formula includes several vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E, zinc, potassium, and vitamin B12.
KOS wants it to be more than just your average protein powder but also a multivitamin, making it suitable as a meal replacement one or two times daily.
You can order directly from the manufacturer’s website, giving you options to save a little money through multi-bottle purchasing or their subscription service.
Additionally, KOS stands behind its product with a 60-day window to request a refund if you find the product unsatisfactory.
I remember the first time I tried KOS. I felt energized after my workout, and its flavor caught my attention.
- Many positive reviews stating it is easy to mix and tastes great
- It is a soy, dairy, and gluten-free, organic product
- All-in-one protein powder and multivitamin and meal replacement
- The ingredient label lists tree nuts which could be a problem for individuals with food allergies
2 - Transparent Labs Organic Vegan
Transparent Labs’ rice and pea protein mix is one of the most raved products on the market today. Aside from having 24 grams of protein per serving, it also is GMO, preservative, and gluten-free.
It doesn’t contain lactose or any dairy and its derivatives. It also uses all-natural ingredients, including organic sweeteners and flavorings, apart from its 100% organic rice and pea protein contents.
The right mix of rice and pea protein makes quite a smooth and very blendable texture, which I really enjoy. I find that this one has the consistency that I like the most -- a quick shake on my blender bottle and I’m good to go.
Users noticed a significant improvement in my recovery time.
- Completely devoid of dairy products
- 24 grams of high potency plant protein in each serving
- Has all organic ingredients
- Dissolves easily in your favorite beverage
- Costs a little more but it’s worth it, especially if you buy in bulk
If you’re looking for a true lactose-free protein that’s going to ramp up your muscle building efforts, here it is.
Get 10% off using coupon code: TOTALSHAPE
3 - Orgain Organic
Orgain Organic
There’s no longer a need to rely on its animal-based variants that are often weighed down by chemical additives and genetically modified organisms.
This vegan supplement is certified organic by the USDA and contains nothing but the essential, plant-based protein you need to build stronger, leaner, and more durable muscles.
Its natural taste impressed me, and it kept me full for hours.
Orgain is sourced primarily from hemp and brown rice and no sugar is added in a foolish and desperate attempt to make it taste like candy. This is not ice cream, it's a protein powder.
- Organic protein powder from peas, brown rice, and chia
- Keto and vegan friendly
- 100% non-dairy protein powder free of gluten, soy, and GMOs
- Certified USDA organic
- Need to be sure you mix it thoroughly
4 - Vega Sport
Vega Sport is comprised of a variety of plant-based proteins including pea, pumpkin, sunflower, and alfalfa seeds.
This vanilla protein powder boasts an impressive array of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) that are vital to helping muscles recover from a strenuous workout in a vegetarian way.
This supplement is also chock-full of probiotics which help create and support a healthy digestive system.
This is one of the best vegan protein powders to help you achieve the lean, sculpted body you're after, as it gives you extra energy and enhances muscle recovery.
There are no genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and each serving is low in carbs, so if you're on the keto diet it won't upset your applecart.
- Low in saturated fats and certified vegan friendly
- Contains only 6 grams of carbs per serving
- Completely free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
- Is a premium plant-based pea protein
- Contains stevia
Vega Sport is a pure and effective supplement that’s thoughtfully produced to uncompromising quality standards and, unlike many of its competitors, it’s also affordably priced.
5 - Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard
Optimum Nutrition, or ON as they’re commonly known, produces a range of vegetarian supplements, including various products that meet the needs of different customers.
Their Gold Standard 100% Organic is among their most sought-after protein powders because it's easily digestible and tastes better than most competing brands.
This vegan product is the smart choice for those who don’t eat meat or meat byproducts, those with blood sugar issues and those who are lactose intolerant.
But don’t let that fool you. This is no specialty supplement. Anyone interested in achieving a stronger body and better overall health can benefit from this ON protein supplement.
- Ideal for bodybuilders
- Certified vegan and USDA organic.
- Gluten and GMO-free with no artificial ingredients
- Lots of BCAAs for optimal post-workout recovery
- We were not impressed by the chocolate flavor
- Not cheap
It’s loaded with BCAAs, free of gluten and dairy products and certified organic the USDA. It costs a bit more than some others, but the results you achieve will justify the expense.
6 - VeganSmart
VeganSmart Protein Powder by Naturade puts five different plant-based or vegan supplements to work on your muscles and a generous supply of branched-chain amino acids and 22 vitamins and minerals to help you break through barriers and recover quickly.
Also, this vegan supplement contains both probiotics and prebiotics but doesn’t include any iffy ingredients like genetically modified organisms, artificial coloring, or sugar substitutes.
The diverse range of nutrients and the added fiber content were game-changers for me.
This vegetarian protein powder promotes a healthy digestive system, contains six grams of fiber per serving.
It produces a vegetable protein shake that goes right to work repairing muscles and setting you up to make the most of your next workout.
- All-in-one vegan protein shakes.
- A dairy-free protein powder that’s also free of soy, cholesterol, and GMOs
- Loaded with probiotics and antioxidant
- Aids in rapid post-workout recovery
- They could use some help in the flavor department.
There are also plenty of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids to help produce better circulation and facilitate mental acuity.
7 - Nuzest Clean Lean Protein
The organic vegan protein powder business has taken the supplement industry by storm because it provides a more easily digestible, easily utilized form of this supplement to help vegans and non-vegans alike achieve the results they're after in the gym.
Nuzest is a European product, making it an oddity in the supplement industry. Still, regardless of its origins, it's on our list because it's pure and highly effective.
Each standard serving contains 25 grams of high-quality pea protein powder, one of its most easily digestible forms.
The smooth texture and the fact that it's easily digestible made it an instant favorite.
That's important because the more easily a supplement is digested, the more quickly and effectively it can go to work.
- 100% free of genetically modified organisms
- Each 25-gram serving contains 21 grams of protein
- Low in carbs and fat and gluten-free
- No sugar added
- Contains a bit more sodium than some will be comfortable with
- Not the cheapest vegan friendly protein powder out there
The flavor is provided by way of natural cocoa extract, and fruit extracts and Nuzest also provide all nine essential amino acids in every serving.
8 - Performance Lab® Protein
Finally. A complete protein powder from Performance Lab®.
And predictably - they’ve smashed it.
It’s 100% natural, organic, and vegan-friendly. Uncut with fillers, artificial flavors, or synthetic additives – it will suit any diet and lifestyle.
And it packs a powerful 20 g punch of protein in every serving.
It’s made exclusively from USDA-certified organic whole brown rice. Brown rice protein is clinically shown to be as effective as whey for muscle growth.
After a month of use, I found it to be as effective as whey for muscle growth, and the taste was unexpectedly delightful.
- The cleanest protein powder on the market
- A potent 20 g per serving
- USDA Organic-certified
- Low calorie (100), low carb (2 g), low fat (1.2 g)
- Mixes easily in a shaker bottle
- Only available via their site
By ticking so many boxes you’d expect it to taste terrible, right?
Wrong. It’s delicious.
The velvet smooth vegan protein blend of organic cocoa, vanilla and Ceylon cinnamon tastes as good as it sounds.
Is Vegan Protein as Good as Whey?
Vegan protein is as good as whey for people consuming plant-based foods [1].
As we've touched on in the product profiles above, vegan protein for a plant-based diet is one of the most easily digested forms of its kind which means, it doesn't take as much to obtain the results you're looking for.
In addition, plant-based flavored protein powders won't cause distress to those who are lactose intolerant [2].
It almost never contains GMOs or other shady ingredients meant to boost its effectiveness.
Is whey protein vegan? That’s a question on a lot of people's minds.
That answer is "no," and that's because whey is derived from milk.
Since vegans do not consume foods derived directly or indirectly from animal sources whey then cannot be considered vegan.
Even though whey protein is an excellent option for workout and weight loss goals, depending on how your body tolerates it will determine which type of protein is best for you. If you want a carefree, worry-free option that you know won’t give you tummy issues, plant protein is the way to go.
- Ideal Raw
Plant-Based Protein: What Is It Made Of?
Plant-based protein powders can be made of pea protein, hemp protein, or soy protein. Let's take a look at each vegan diet protein source below.
- Pea protein - Considered by many to be the best, most efficacious form of plant-based protein, it is known to be a great source of lysine and arginine. It is also typically low in cholesterol and is known to stimulate collagen production.
- Hemp protein - This is derived from hemp seeds, which are naturally high in protein and that contain most of the essential amino acids needed to build and repair muscle. Calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium are also found in generous amounts in this ingredient [3].
- Soy protein - This one's a bit of an outlier because, while it’s vegan, soy can also create unwanted side effects in some people. Nonetheless, if soy consumption is not an issue for you, you'll find soy to contain all nine essential amino acids and to be one of the best supplements for piling on the muscles [4].
You will often find that the best tasting vegan protein powder includes both pea and hemp as well as other ingredients like alfalfa and pumpkin seed protein.
What you won’t find very often are pea or hemp proteins that contain soy. Vegan protein derived from soy is often a standalone product though one that is remarkably effective.
FAQs
What is the best vegan protein powder to build muscle?
The best vegan protein powders to build muscle are hemp and pea protein. Soy-free hemp protein contains a full range of amino acids, while pea protein powder is one of the fastest to be absorbed by your body, which means you get the most benefits when you need them.
Is too much vegan protein powder bad for you?
Yes, too much vegan protein powder is bad for you because your stomach can end up struggling to process it all. If you significantly exceed any protein supplement, it can cause bloating, nausea, cramping, and headaches. Always make sure to check the label and calculate your dosage.
Is it okay to take vegan protein powder every day?
Yes, it is okay to take vegan protein powder every day if that’s what your exercise routine requires. However, if you take regular rest days, then there is no benefit from taking a protein supplement, and you’re better off saving money and using them during your high-intensity days.
Is vegan protein powder healthier?
Yes, vegan protein powder can be healthier for a lot of people. This is especially the case for athletes with food allergies or intolerances that make it difficult to digest specific proteins.
Are there any side effects to taking vegan protein powder?
There can be side effects to taking vegan protein powder, but these are mainly due to ingesting excessive amounts or an allergic reaction to some of the ingredients. It’s always best to check the label for any element you may be sensitive to, as reactions can be unpleasant.
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Our #1 Recommended Vegan Protein Powder
After several weeks of testing and receiving a ton of positive feedback, KOS Organic Plant Protein is my go-to protein powder.
It’s easy to mix, and the decadent chocolate quickly became my favorite flavor.
I love that I can use it traditionally as a protein powder to aid muscle repair and recovery and as a healthy meal replacement option.
If you are looking for a solid, vegan protein powder to fuel your workouts and rest days, give KOS a try.
Our #1 Recommendation
KOS Organic Plant Protein
- Many positive reviews stating it is easy to mix and tastes great
- It is a soy, dairy, and gluten-free, organic product
- All-in-one protein powder and multivitamin and meal replacement
- The ingredient label lists tree nuts which could be a problem for individuals with food allergies
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I’m surprised garlic isn’t one of the ingredients in any of these vegan protein supplements. Nonetheless, great read on the top protein powders out there.