Best Vegan Protein Powder: Top 5 Plant-Based Supplements Recommended by Experts

Hearing that someone is vegan now is nothing out of the ordinary. Restaurant menus and grocery offerings have now adapted, and it isn’t hard to find vegan options when shopping or dining out. Vegan products now include supplements like protein powder. If you go to the gym or work out, you know that getting the proper amount of protein is essential for muscle growth and recovery. It can be hard to fit in this requirement in your regular diet just from food consumption, so protein powder is often used as a supplement. Luckily, there are now some amazing vegan options. The best vegan protein powders blend well, taste good and provide a high amount of protein without added fillers.

Switching to a vegan diet can have a variety of health benefits: reduce cholesterol and heart disease, promote weight loss, lower chances of cancer, and even reduce the risk of diabetes. A study found that switching to a vegan diet may ease the pain of chronic migraines. In the case report, study authors note that the patient was able to stop taking migraine medication after switching to the plant-based diet. In the eight years after making the diet change, he has not had a migraine since. 

The vegan protein powder market is expected to reach a valuation of $8.03 Billion by 2029, according to a market report conducted by Meticulous Research. The demand for plant-based health and nutritional products has increased in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, after  many people gained the time and energy to focus on their health at home.

Whether you’re already vegan or “vegan-curious” and just looking to switch to more plant-based options in your own life, we’re here to help you stay informed! We researched the best vegan protein powders, compiling a list of the most commonly recommended brands across 10 expert websites. Have a brand of your own you favor? Let us know in the comments below!

The List: Best Vegan Protein Powder, According to Experts

 

1. Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder

blue and white container of protein powder with vanilla flower
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder

Garden of Life contains 30 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per serving, and no added sugars. The protein is made from organic peas, sprouted navy beans, sprouted lentils, sprouted garbanzo beans, and organic cranberries. “Garden of Life Organic Plant-Based Protein Power is our pick for the best overall vegan protein powder thanks to its moderate price point, high quality ingredients, and nutritional profile,” writes Healthline

This brand is also NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it has undergone testing to ensure that it does not contain substances not approved for athletic competition. It is also gluten-free and easy to digest. “Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder may be easier for your body to digest, as the nuts and grains used for the protein blend are all sprouted. Sprouting can increase the bioavailability of certain nutrients, and sprouting can make it easier for the body to digest nuts and grains,” says VeryWellFit.

Bon Appetit adds, “there are literally 14 protein sources, ranging from pea protein to millet sprout to adzuki bean to something called ‘cracked wall chlorella,’ which I assume is superior to normal chlorella. Sweetness comes in the form of erythritol and stevia.”

2. Orgain Organic Protein Powder

white and green protein powder container with chocolate
Orgain Organic Protein Powder

Though it has more calories and carbs than other brands of vegan protein powder, Orgain is a great option for those looking for an affordable option that blends well and tastes great. “Orgain is one of the more affordable vegan proteins on the market. It is made from a protein blend of pea, brown rice, and chia and has 21 grams of protein per each 150 calorie serving,” says Bon Appetit.

Orgain is gluten-free with no added sugar and comes in a variety of flavors or a variation that has a blend of 50 superfoods. “Anyone looking for a solid way to boost their protein intake will find a good option in Orgain’s plant-based organic protein,” writes Forbes. “This highly-rated product (via Amazon) includes a number of dairy-free, plant-based ingredients, which is a plus for people who want a green option.”

What delicious flavors does this option offer? “Creamy Chocolate Fudge, Strawberries and Cream, Vanilla Bean, Cookies & Cream, Iced Coffee, Pumpkin Spice, Natural/Unsweetened,” says Gizmodo.

3. Vega Sport Premium Protein

black container of vegan protein powder
Vega Sport Premium Protein

Vega Sport protein is made up of four sources — pea, pumpkin seed, organic sunflower seed, and alfalfa protein. “With 30 grams of protein per serving and a complete BCAA profile, Vega Sport protein powder is formulated to help athletes and active folks recover from tough workouts. When I tested, it tasted great and gave me the protein I needed to hit my 200-gram daily goal,” writes a reviewer at Insider

Vega is also NSF certified and 3rd party tested for quality and safety in its ingredients. “This powder also has tart cherry for recovery, turmeric to fight inflammation, and probiotics to assist the gut,” writes Womens’ Health.

Bon Appetit adds, “It mixes up to an impossibly smooth and rich beverage, like an aged scotch or a vintage Pinot, if those things were milkshakes.”

4. KOS Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder

white and brown protein powder container
KOS Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder

KOS protein powder is sourced from pea, flax seed, quinoa, pumpkin seed, chia seed. It contains 9 grams of carbs and 20 grams of protein per serving. “When looking into what makes a vegan protein powder a good one, there were several factors that we took into consideration: Taste, amount of protein and ingredients (and whether they’re organic or not), to name a few,” writes Gizmodo. “KOS Plant Protein Powder checks all of the boxes, and even offers a solid variety of flavors to boot.”

You can grab KOS in several different flavor variations, such as Chocolate, Vanilla, Chocolate Chip Mint, Blueberry Muffin, Chocolate Peanut Butter,  Salted Caramel Coffee, or Unflavored if you’d like. “While these yummy flavors give the powder a natural chocolate-y taste, it’s also made with an organic, vegan protein blend of pea protein, flax seed, chia seed, and pumpkin seed, along with digestive enzymes to support healthy digestion,” says Health.

The chocolate flavor is Healthline’s pick for best tasting. “The powder has a smooth, chocolaty flavor thanks to ingredients like organic cacao, organic coconut milk, and monk fruit.”

5. Four Sigmatic Plant-Based Protein

green and white and brown protein powder container
Four Sigmatic Plant-Based Protein

If you’re the type of person who likes their food to pack a punch, nootropics might be for you! Four Sigmatic protein includes superfood ingredients that provide you with protein and a wellness boost. “This protein powder contains ingredients like Chaga, lion’s mane, cordyceps, and turkey tail mushrooms—as well as ashwagandha, which can help reduce stress and fatigue,” writes Byrdie.

Four Sigmatic is a little on the pricier side, but contains high quality ingredients paced with clean nutrition. “This USDA-certified organic, grain-free, stevia-free, plant-based powder is made from a mix of pea, hemp, chia, pumpkin and coconut protein. It blends well when added to your favorite smoothie recipe or to give your pancakes a protein boost, and it can be used in baking — try adding a scoop or two to your favorite recipe,” advises Good Housekeeping.

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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.    

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