Looking for a vegan protein powder to help meet your nutritional needs?
With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is best for you. That’s why we put together this quick guide to help you choose the right vegan protein powder.
Whether your goal is weight loss or muscle building, having a quality vegan protein powder in your diet will ensure that all of your dietary needs are met without compromising on taste or nutrition.
So, let’s learn how to pick the perfect vegan protein powder!
Best Vegan Protein Powders
Let’s take a look at some of the best vegan proteins on the market.
Best Vegan Protein for Muscle Gain
Bulk Supplements Soy Protein Isolate
With 27 grams of pure protein per scoop, Bulk Supplements’ Soy Protein Isolate is arguably the best vegan protein you can get if you want to see your muscles grow.
But its overall protein content isn’t the only reason we chose this one as our top pick – it’s the detailed breakdown of the essential amino acids that’s right there on the back of the bag.
So, you can rest assured knowing exactly what you’re taking with each scoop.
Best Vegan Protein Powder for Weight Loss
NOW Sports Soy Protein Isolate
With only 90 calories and 20 grams of protein per serving, NOW Sports Soy Protein Isolate will not only supply you with enough protein to keep your muscles from breaking down while you’re in a caloric deficit but will also make it easier for you to remain in that same deficit.
And, what’s also great about this product is that it is arguably one of the most affordable vegan protein powders on the market.
Best Tasting Vegan Protein Powder
Chocolate Naked Pea Protein
Not only is this chocolate-flavored pea protein powder delicious, but it is actually free of any artificial flavors or sweeteners!
Made only from three ingredients – yellow peas, organic coconut sugar, and organic cacao powder – this bad body not only tastes like grandma’s cookies but also packs a mighty punch with 25 grams of protein at less than a dollar per serving. Talk about a trifecta!
Best Chocolate Flavored Vegan Protein Powder
Organifi: Complete Protein
What do you get when you mix peas, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds alongside some coconut and fruits? You get Organifi’s complete protein powder that tastes like heaven.
With a bit over 24 grams of protein per serving, this protein powder will nourish your muscles.
And the rest of the formula? Well, all those vitamins, minerals, and digestive enzymes will certainly keep the rest of your body healthy and happy.
Best Unflavored Vegan Protein Powder
Source Organic Premium Pea Protein Isolate
Made from nothing but yellow peas ground into a fine powder, Source Organic’s Pea Protein Isolate is the perfect choice if you’re looking for an unflavored vegan protein to mix into your pre and post-workout shakes.
At 22 grams per serving with almost 5 grams of BCAAs, you’re sure to see your muscle growth skyrocket.
And the best part? If you get it on sale – it’s not that expensive!
How the Best Vegan Protein Options Stack Up with Each Other
Here’s a full table breaking down the features of each of our best vegan options so you can pick the best one for your needs.
| Bulk Supplements Soy Protein | NOW Sports Soy Protein | Naked Pea Protein | Organifi Complete Protein | Norcal Organic Pea Protein | |
| Type of Protein | Soy | Soy | Pea | Pea, Quinoa, & Pumpkin Seed | Pea |
| Flavors | Unflavored Only | Unflavored, Vanilla, & Chocolate | Unflavored, Vanilla, & Chocolate | Chocolate or Vanilla | Unflavored Only |
| Cost Per Serving | $0.72 | $0.65 per serving for vanilla;$1.65 – $2.10 per serving for flavored options | $0.76 – $0.97 per serving | $2.33-$2.83 per serving | $1.14 per serving |
| Protein Per Serving | 27 grams protein | Unflavored = 20 grams of protein per serving;Flavored = 25 grams of protein per serving | 25-27 grams of protein per serving | 20 grams of protein | 22 grams of protein |
| Calories Per Serving | 117 calories | 90-180 calories | 120-160 calories per serving | 170 calories | 100 calories |
| Fat Per Serving | 1 gram of fat | 0.5-2.5 grams of fat | 0.5-4 grams of fat | 6 grams of fat | 1.5 grams of fat |
| Carbs Per Serving | 1 gram of carbs | 0-13 grams of carbs | 2-8 grams of carbs | 8-10 grams of carbs | 1 gram of carbs |
| Sugar Per Serving | 0 grams of sugar | 0-10 grams of sugar | 2-5 grams of sugar | 3 grams of sugar | 0 grams of sugar |
How Do I Choose a Vegan Protein Powder?
Choosing a vegan protein powder can be a daunting task, so before you make your final decision, it’s important to consider several aspects that will help you select the best protein for you.
Type
The type of protein is the most factor in choosing a vegan protein powder.
The reason why this is true is that not all vegan proteins are the same. In fact, many plant-based proteins aren’t complete proteins which means you won’t supplement your body with the essential amino acids necessary for your fitness goals, so choose wisely.
Your best bet would be soy or pea protein or even a combination of both, but there could be other viable options.
Cost
Another aspect to consider is cost.
Vegan protein powders can range from very affordable to more expensive varieties, depending on what type of ingredients they contain and where they are purchased.
Thankfully, soy protein powder is a very cost-effective option if you’re vegan, so cost shouldn’t be a major issue.
Taste
Taste is another factor when selecting a vegan protein powder.
It’s always good to read reviews from other people who have tried the product before making your final decision, as feedback from real users can be helpful in helping you choose a better product that meets your individual needs.
However, it is often the case that vegan proteins aren’t too delicious compared to whey, so due your due diligence when you do your research.
Nutrition facts
Finally, check the label to make sure that the product has all the essential nutrients that you need in order to meet your dietary goals and maintain good health. Compare different brands side by side and read labels carefully, as this is the only way you can be sure that you are getting a high-quality product with all the nutrients your body needs.
Different Types of Vegan Protein Powders
While there are loads of different vegan protein powders, the following four are the best bang for your buck.
- Soy protein
- Pea protein
- Hemp protein
- Brown rice protein
Soy Protein
Soy protein comes from the soybean plant and provides an excellent source of plant-based complete proteins. In fact, it is one of the best vegan protein powders you can buy.
Aside from being a complete protein, soy protein is also as bioavailable as protein from animal sources, making it super easy to digest and absorb.
And, as a cherry on top – it’s super affordable.
Pea Protein
Pea protein is derived from yellow split peas and is a great source of amino acids. It is a complete protein, meaning you will get all the essential amino acids to support lean muscle growth.
Pea protein is also easy to digest (0.93 PDCAAS) and has a mild taste, making it ideal for those needing a fine-tasting protein powder.
Hemp Protein
Hemp protein powder is made from hemp seed and contains all nine essential amino acids as well as omega-3s and omega-6s fatty acids, so it goes beyond just nurturing your muscles. And don’t worry about cannabinoids – hemp protein won’t make you fail a drug test.
One thing to note is that hemp has a nutty flavor that pairs well with sweet flavors like banana or strawberries in shakes or smoothies, but it may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Brown Rice Protein
This type of vegan protein powder is made from brown rice that has been sprouted and ground into powder. It is low in calories but high in essential minerals such as iron and calcium.
However, brown rice protein isn’t a complete protein because it lacks lysine, so the other three options would be a better choice.
What is the Best Form of Vegan Protein Powder?
The best form of vegan protein is soy protein.
Considering all the aspects, including cost, taste, and nutritional profile – soy protein is the top choice.
Out of all vegan proteins, soy protein has the most research behind it. It’s been tried, tested, and proven effective many times over.
In fact, one study went as far as to compare soy and whey protein only to conclude that when matched for leucine content, soy protein yields the same results on body composition as whey protein. [1]
Conclusion
There you have it – a complete guide to the best vegan protein sources on the market.
Whether you’re looking for something specifically tailored for muscle gain or weight loss or just want something that tastes fantastic – there’s bound to be a vegan protein powder out there just for you.
So, give one of these a try!
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