When it comes to vegan protein powders, there are literally hundreds to select from. And some of those selections are far superior to others. That is why we sought licensed dietitians and nutrition experts for their recommendations. If you’re looking for a vegan protein source, there are several solutions available to meet your specific requirements. Plant-based proteins such as peas, hemp, pumpkin seed, brown rice, soy, chia, and flax are among the alternatives.
Top 10 Best Vegan Protein Powder Nutritionists Choice
Vegan protein powders can be a terrific method to satisfy your daily protein needs, especially if you struggle to consume enough protein on a plant-based vegan diet,” explains Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES. Many of these powders are enriched with extra vitamins, minerals, and nutrients beyond protein alone, making them a fantastic source of on-the-go nourishment.
Protein bioavailability is important to look for in a vegan protein powder.
Snyder views protein bioavailability, or the capacity of a supplement to be absorbed and utilized by the body, as the most essential aspect in determining which product to take. While whey protein is one of the most bioavailable proteins, Snyder exclusively advises plant-based protein supplements prepared from a range of plant-based bioavailable sources. I recommend at least some sprouted sources, but hemp protein and brown rice protein are also excellent options, “she explains. I also don’t advise using soy protein powders. Pea, pumpkin, sunflower seed, sacha inchi, and chia proteins are other excellent vegan protein sources.
Organic and non-GMO
Snyder also emphasizes the necessity of using a non-GMO and organic formula. She exclusively advises protein powders prepared from components farmed without the use of fertilizers or pesticides because she believes in a food system that prioritizes both animal welfare and the environment.
Quality
The performance of a product is heavily influenced by its constituents. Snyder advises picking protein powders manufactured from pure, high-quality components, as you should with any supplement. This covers goods that do not use synthetics or fillers in their formulation.
While it’s simple for a supplement business to say that its goods are clean and high-quality, you’ll need to carefully study the ingredient list and conduct your own research on a company’s methods to guarantee that it’s genuinely top-notch.
1. Vegan protein powder in Pakistan: Puori Plant Protein Booster
suggest this protein powder since it was evaluated for pesticides, toxins, and pollutants by the Clean Label Project and received its Purity Certification,” says Elle Wittneben, RD, CSOWM, a registered dietitian at Greater Boston Urology.
The powder has a vegan form of calcium, which is a significant advantage for people who do not use dairy.” For only 50 calories, you get 10 grams of protein and 220 milligrams of calcium (17% of the recommended daily allowance). Surprisingly, the calcium originates from marine algae.
2. Best vegan protein powder for muscle gain: Orgain Organic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powder Creamy Chocolate Fudge
“This organic plant-based protein powder provides 21 grams of vegan protein with only 150 calories per serving, making it a great choice for anyone looking to increase their protein while staying within their calorie goal,” says Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES, author of the 2 Day Diabetes Diet and a member of Orgain’s nutrition advisory board. I particularly appreciate the fact that this protein powder has a comprehensive amino acid profile and contains no added sweets or artificial sweeteners. Each meal also contains 35% of the daily requirement for iron.
3. Vegan protein powder for weight loss: Amazing Grass Plant Protein Superfood Powder Vanilla
Ashley Nader, RD, a registered dietitian in Charlotte, North Carolina, explains that “this protein powder has real food components that you can pronounce. We aim to nourish our bodies with high-quality nutrients while avoiding sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners.” In addition, one serving has less than 1 gram of sugar and no artificial sweeteners. ” Each serving contains 20 grams of protein.
4. Best vegan protein powder UK: Noosh Unsweetened Almond Protein Powder Unflavored
EA Stewart, MBA, RD, proprietor of Spicy RD Nutrition, says “This is one of my favorites. The sole ingredient is almonds. The flavor is moderate, and it has a beautiful, creamy texture. Noosh also contains 21 grams of plant-based protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving. This protein powder is great for incorporating into baked products such as muffins or pancakes. It comes in a single-serving package for convenience.
5. Best for Athletes: Momentous Essential Plant-Based Protein Chocolate
As a sports dietitian, I frequently prescribe Momentous plant-based protein since it is NSF-certified for sport, a third party that verifies the product is devoid of forbidden ingredients, “says Kelly Jones, RD, creator of Student-Athlete Nutrition. This is fantastic whether you’re an athlete or not, but the powder itself has a nice smooth texture and the necessary ratios of amino acids were designed with that in mind. There are 20 grams of protein in each serving.
6. Bulk vegan protein powder: Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder Unflavored
Unflavored protein powders work well as a base for everything from baked products to smoothies. Ashley Larsen, RD, a registered dietitian in Fresno, California, says “This product includes no sugar or sugar alternatives, has 22 grams of protein per serving, contains all nine necessary amino acids, and is NSF certified.”
“Probiotics have also been included for extra gut health advantages.” When utilizing an unflavored protein, you may flavor it with fruit or combine it with a pancake or waffle mix. ” Furthermore, each serving comprises only 110 calories.
7. Best Veggie-Infused: Vega Protein & Greens Berry
“This powder has fiber, which is a plus for any protein powder,” explains Cristina Sifuentes-Ayala, RD, CSP, IBCLC. Pea protein, spinach powder, beetroot powder, pea starch, organic kale powder, organic alfalfa grass powder, and broccoli powder provide 20 grams of protein per serving.
8. Best for Baking: PEScience Select Vegan Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter
Lacey Dunn, MS, RD, CPT, owner of Uplift Nutrition, says This is my go-to because of its great baking properties that don’t produce dryness or a strange aftertaste. I like that it has been third-party tested and that it has a blend of brown rice and pea protein to optimize muscle protein synthesis for athletes. There are 20 grams of plant protein in each meal.
9. Best Adaptogenic: Four Sigmatic Plant-Based Protein Can Unflavored
Chaga, lion’s mane, cordyceps, and turkey tail mushrooms are among the constituents in this protein powder, as is ashwagandha, which can help alleviate stress and exhaustion.
With 18 grams of plant-based protein per scoop, Four Sigmatic vegan protein is a terrific alternative for folks who desire adaptogenic herbs with their protein consumption,” says Matthew Magnante, senior editor of Fitness Volt.
This super-clean vegan protein powder contains just yellow pea protein and no artificial sweeteners, tastes, or colors. Two scoops provide 27 grams of protein and only 2 grams of carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for anyone following a paleo or low-carb diet.
Final Words
There are several high-quality vegan protein powders on the market, and it’s best to opt for one with little or no added sugar. Some include components that give further advantages, such as probiotics, adaptogens, or calcium. Team Byrdie’s top option is Puori Plant Protein Booster, which also contains calcium, which is good for your bones.
Another excellent powder to consider is Noosh Unsweetened Almond Protein Powder Unflavored, which has only one ingredient: almond protein powder.
Important Questions
What are the advantages of using vegan protein powders?
Protein is essential for optimal health, and it is typically a nutrient that vegans lack. Vegan protein powders can help you meet your daily protein objectives, especially if you’re short on time or don’t have enough goods to create a full meal,” Larsen adds.
Vegan protein powders are frequently created with plant-based proteins derived from sources such as peas, hemp seeds, soy, nuts, and seeds—all of which provide heart-healthy lipids, protein, and fiber,” Larsen says.
These plant-based diets can aid in the prevention of chronic illnesses such as heart disease and obesity. Research published in Nutrition & Diabetes found that a vegan diet outperformed a regular diet in terms of helping to improve body weight, fat mass, and insulin resistance indicators.
How frequently should you use vegan protein powders?
Moderation is essential, as it is with most processed meals. While protein powders can be a fan favorite for many individuals, says Jonathan Isbill, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian and health educator in Columbus, IN, “I always endeavor to support a whole-food, plant-rich diet approach as the cornerstone for anyone’s nutrition.”
“Vegan protein powders, while high in plant proteins are sometimes deficient in fiber and other nutrients found in whole food plants, such as phytochemicals, antioxidants, and extra vitamins and minerals.”
Do vegan protein powders have a shelf life?
Yes, so make sure to look at the expiration date on the protein powder you buy. Every product has a shelf life for safety, effectiveness, and optimal nutritional quality, Isbill explains.
