The Best 5 Vegan Protein Powders
Vegans and vegetarians know: From an environmental and ethical standpoint, eating a plant-based diet is an awesome choice. But, if you're a vegan or vegetarian who's gotten a little sick of tofu and seitan, you can always turn to vegan protein powders to help you get your everyday dose of protein. When added to your morning smoothie or iced coffee, the right vegan protein powder can provide all the same essential amino acids and nutrients that regular protein powders can. Hemp, pea, and soy protein powders are all suitable protein sources for those looking to boost their health. In fact, consuming a protein powder in conjunction with plenty of plant proteins (lentils, almonds, chickpeas, and others) is a surefire way to ensure optimal health and longevity. Here, check out the best vegan protein powders available.
Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
Chocolaty deliciousness for the win
Chock-full of essential nutrients and a whopping 21 grams of organic, plant-based protein (from brown rice, chia seeds, pea), Orgain’s Plant-Based Protein Powder is the gold standard when it comes to vegan protein powders. In addition to protein, this powder contains 7 grams of organic dietary fiber and 3 grams of net carbs, coming in at a mere 150 calories per serving. Of course, it also doesn’t hurt that the flavor–Creamy Chocolate Fudge–is simply delicious.
Pros:
- In addition to being vegan, this Orgain powder is soy- and gluten-free, certified USDA organic, and non-GMO.
- There are zero grams of sugar.
- Great texture for mixing with water, coffee, smoothies, or any other drink.
Cons:
- There’s a slight not-so-great aftertaste, although the flavor itself is sweet and yummy.
Vegansmart Plant-Based Vegan Protein Powder
Stay full and happy for longer
Combining the ideal ratio of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, the Plant-Based Vegan Protein Powder from Vegansmart is packed to the brim with all the protein and fiber that you could ever need. All of which goes to say: Because of this powder’s fiber and nutrient content, you’re bound to stay fuller for longer. It’s available in four crowd-pleasing flavors, including Chai, Vanilla, Wild Berries, and Chocolate.
Pros:
- Contains not just ample amounts of protein and fiber, but also nine different fruits and veggies, as well as naturally occurring antioxidants, flavonoids, and polyphenols that help support overall wellness.
- Keeps you feeling full for longer because of the fiber content.
Cons:
- The texture is slightly chalky.
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Vanilla Powder
Packing in the protein
Boasting 22 grams of protein in each 28-gram serving, the Raw Organic Protein Vanilla Powder from Garden of Life is a cut above the rest when it comes to protein, vitamin, and mineral content. Not to mention, the vanilla flavor is pleasingly neutral and the sweetness is perfectly balanced, resulting in a tasty drink when combined with your fave beverage.
Pros:
- Certified organic, gluten- and soy-free, non-GMO.
- High amount of pea-based protein, along with a bevy of vitamins and minerals.
- Actually tastes good, with none of the chalkiness of some other veggie protein powders.
Cons:
- On the pricey side.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
Chock-full of beneficial amino acids
The Gold Standard Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder from Optimum Nutrition is crafted from a blend of organic pea, rice, and sacha inchi proteins, resulting in 24 grams of complete, organic, plant-based protein. This complete profile of essential amino acids is all you need to feel full and satiated and help improve muscle recovery and endurance.
Pros:
- Free of artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners.
- Considerably low in calories.
- In addition to protein, each serving delivers 100 percent of the daily value of vitamin C, plus vitamin B12 and a gluten-free complex of ancient grains and pomegranate powder.
Cons:
- When mixed with water or another neutral-tasting beverage, it definitely tastes a little chalkier than average.
ALOHA Organic Vanilla Plant-Based Protein Powder with MCT Oil
The powder that checks all the boxes
Made with super-clean ingredients and packed with protein, ALOHA’s Organic Vanilla Plant-Based Protein Powder with MCT Oil will wow veggie diehards with its protein and fiber content: 18 grams of pea, brown rice, pumpkin seed, and hemp seed protein, along with 5 grams of fiber and MCT oil from coconut. With just twelve ingredients, this ALOHA powder contains only the good stuff, so you can rest assured you’re providing your body with the fuel it needs to thrive.
Pros:
- Gluten-, soy-, and dairy-free, as well as certified USDA organic, low-carb, and non-GMO.
- Low in ingredients, which equals good for you.
- Still contains a complete amino acid profile and omega-3s, which can be hard to come by in veggie protein powders.
Cons:
- Contains 3 grams of sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of consuming a vegan protein powder?
By consuming more plant-based nutrients, you could help reduce your risk for developing heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension, among other ailments. For vegans and vegetarians, especially, who may have trouble hitting their recommended amount of protein, vegan protein powders can be a valuable dietary addition.
What are vegan protein powders made from?
Typically, plant-based protein powders contain pea, soy, brown rice, or hemp protein.
How should I ingest my vegan protein powder?
There are several ways you can enjoy your plant-based protein powder. You could combine the powder with another food, like oatmeal or a smoothie with nut butter, to help ramp up your protein intake. Or, simply add your powder to your daily iced coffee, green juice, or plain old water.
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