Consuming protein powders is an easy way for a person to include extra protein in their diet. An increased protein intake is especially important for people who work out regularly or intensively.
Quick links
- Best all-purpose vegan protein powder: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Plant
- Best natural vegan protein powder: Naked Pea Protein Powder
- Best organic vegan protein powder: ALOHA Chocolate Protein Powder
- Best vegan protein powder for athletes: Vega Sport Protein
- Best flavor range of vegan protein powder: True Nutrition Soy Protein Isolate
What to know
Many protein powders include whey or animal proteins. However, vegans and other people who do not or cannot eat whey can use products that contain soy or other plant protein sources.
A small 2019 studyTrusted Source in which people participated in an 8-week high intensity functional training program found that pea protein gave similar results as whey protein. The researchers considered various measures in determining this, including strength and body composition.
According to the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, adults require 46-56 grams (g)Trusted Source of protein daily. However, the optimal intake may vary according to the amount of exercise or activity a person does.
For more science-backed resources on nutrition, visit our dedicated hub.
Top vegan protein powders
Below, we provide more information on five of the best vegan protein powders on the market. The information and pricing are correct at the time of publication.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information is purely research-based.
Best all-purpose vegan protein powder
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Plant
Optimum Nutrition is an American company that specializes in protein powders. Most of its products contain whey, but it has one protein powder that is suitable for vegans.
According to Optimum Nutrition, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has certified this plant protein product as organic, non-GMO, and free of artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.
It is available in three flavors:
- unflavored
- vanilla
- chocolate
This product contains 24 g of protein per serving and up to 100% of a person’s recommended daily intake of vitamin C. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), adults should consume 75–90 milligrams (mg)Trusted Source of vitamin C daily.
Optimum Nutrition recommends adding 1 scoop to cold water or almond milk and consuming the shake between meals or after a workout.
This product costs $34.99 for 19 servings on the manufacturer’s website.
Best natural vegan protein powder
Naked Pea Protein Powder
Naked is a company that specializes in selling supplements. This product only contains one ingredient: split yellow peas, grown exclusively on farms in North America and Canada. The company sources all of its peas from farms that practice environmentally conscious farming.
This vegan protein powder contains 27 g of protein per serving and is GMO-, soy-, gluten-, and dairy-free.
Naked recommends adding 2 scoops per serving to a liquid, such as water or a smoothie.
This product is available in three flavors:
- unflavored
- vanilla
- chocolate
A 5-pound (lb) tub costs $57.99 on the manufacturer’s website. Customers can also subscribe to receive a discount.
Best organic vegan protein powder
ALOHA Protein Powder
ALOHA specializes in organic, plant-based protein supplements.
The company’s protein powder contains pea, brown rice, hemp, and pumpkin seed protein. It also includes coconut, so people who are sensitive to coconut should not use it.
This product contains 18 g of protein per serving, which only has 4 g of sugar and 130 calories.
People can choose between chocolate and vanilla flavors.
ALOHA recommends mixing 2 scoops with a liquid to make a serving.
This product is available for $32.99 for 15 servings on the manufacturer’s website.
Best vegan protein powder for athletes
Vega Sport Protein
Vega is a company that sells only vegan supplements. Its Vega Sport Protein powder contains electrolytes, 16 g of carbohydrates, and B vitamins to help people recover from intensive activity.
The Dietary Guidelines for AmericansTrusted Source state that adults should aim to consume 130 g of carbohydrates per day, which should account for 45–65% of their daily caloric intake.
This product contains 16 g of protein per serving and is gluten- and GMO-free. It contains no artificial flavors or sweeteners.
It comes in three flavors:
- peanut butter
- chocolate
- vanilla
Vega recommends mixing 12 ounces (oz) of the powder into ice-cold water and drinking it after a workout.
This product is available for $34.99 for 14 servings on the manufacturer’s website.
Best flavor range of vegan protein powder
True Nutrition Soy Protein Isolate
This Soy Protein Isolate powder contains non-GMO soybeans and is vegan and gluten-free. It is not suitable for people who have an allergy or sensitivity to soy.
True Nutrition gives people a choice of about 30 different flavors for each of their protein products. Some flavor options include:
- Unsweetened
- Natural Fruit Punch
- Pumpkin Spice
- Strawberry Sorbet
- Cafe Mocha
- French Vanilla
- Chocolate Fudge Brownie
This vegan protein powder provides 27 g of protein per serving.
True Nutrition recommends mixing 1 scoop into 12–24 oz of water, juice, or milk.
This product is available for $7.29 per lb on the manufacturer’s website. People can customize the quantity of their order, which will change the price accordingly.
Summary
There are plenty of vegan-friendly protein powders on the market. Some of the protein powders contain just peas, whereas others comprise a mix of plant and soy protein.
Although these protein powders can supplement a person’s daily intake of protein, they are not a substitute for a nutritious, balanced diet.
Anyone who experiences adverse side effects, such as a stomachache, after using protein supplements should stop taking them immediately.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should speak with a doctor before trying protein powders.