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Your body depends on protein for a host of functions for life—making hormones, building and repairing cells, and carrying essential nutrients throughout the body. For muscles and tissues to grow, they need protein, one of the three biggest macronutrients in the foods we eat.
Bodybuilders, athletes, and gym-goers keep protein powders a dietary staple for muscle growth and recovery, just as long-distance runners may turn to supplements to help with physical performance.
While a healthy diet pattern that includes good sources of protein is necessary, plant-based protein powders can complement your diet. They're easily digested and absorbed by your body and often offer additional nutrition benefits such as providing fiber, iron, vitamin D, amino acids, and antioxidants. If you're searching for the best plant-based protein to help you reach your health goals, our ACTIVE Reviews Team developed this roundup, keeping serving size, price, taste, sweetener type, ingredients, and manufacturing standards in mind.
The Best Plant-Based Protein Powder - Our Top Picks
Disclaimer: Exercise caution when taking supplements. Always make sure to consult with your doctor before trying a new supplement or pill. Supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet and regular exercise. Any supplements taken should be used in accordance with a healthy lifestyle. Any weight change more than a pound per week over a long period of time is unusual and should be monitored by a doctor.
- Best Overall Plant-Based Protein Powder: Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+
- Best Tasting Plant-Based Protein Powder: Jacked Factory Authentic Vegan
- Best Plant-Based Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Supergreens Skinny Protein
- Best Plant-Based Protein Powder for Building Muscle: MacroMeal Omni Chocolate
- Best Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder: Orgain Organic Protein
- Best Plant-Based Protein Powder for Women: Cira Bright Vegan
- Best Plant-Based Protein Powder for Men: Transparent Labs RICE & PEA PROTEIN
- Best Budget Plant-Based Protein Powder: GNC AMP Plant Isolate Protein
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE's readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming dietary supplements, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that are independently tested by a third party. We've consulted with a team of nutritionists and dieticians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers.
Best Overall Plant-Based Protein Powder - Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+
SPECS
- Protein source: Yellow peas
- Available flavors: Vanilla
- Calories per serving: 115
- Protein per serving: 20g
- Carbs per serving: 3g
- Sugar per serving: 0g
- Serving size: 1 scoop (30g)
- Certifications: Informed-Sport Certified
Our top pick for best overall plant-based protein is Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+. With complete transparency, the brand doesn't hold back on sharing everything their customers need to know about where ingredients come from and why they're in the product, thanks to their Made Traceable program. Every batch of protein powder undergoes testing for banned substances, heavy metals, significant allergens, and microbes. Moreover, their protein powder contains no sugar alcohols, artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners and is free of soy and gluten. Its simple ingredients list starts with USA-farmed organic yellow pea protein, which explains its protein richness at 20 grams per scoop. Rounding out the complete amino acid profile, they've added in L-Methionine and choline (which helps L-Methionine metabolism) for post-workout muscle growth, repair, and healthy metabolism. The plant protein powder is low-carb and free of added sugars since its flavor comes from fermented sugar cane, vanilla bean extract, and monk fruit extract, and it is easy to mix into oatmeal, shakes, or yogurt.
What We Like
- Soy-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly
- Made with MCT oil for quick digestion and energy
- Third-party tested
- Sweetened with natural monk fruit extract
- Clean ingredients
What We Don't Like
- Customers mention an aftertaste
- Powder gets stuck in the zipper packaging
BUY: Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+
Best Tasting Plant-Based Protein Powder - Jacked Factory Authentic Vegan
SPECS
- Protein source: Peas, seeds (sunflower, watermelon, pumpkin), mung beans
- Available flavors: Vanilla and Chocolate
- Calories per serving: 120
- Protein per serving: 22g
- Carbs per serving: 4g
- Sugar per serving: 1g
- Serving size: 1 scoop (33g)
- Certifications: cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices certification)
Jacked Factory Authentic Vegan protein powder offers a diverse array of plant-based proteins to the market. Its 22 grams of protein per scoop comes from organic peas, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, watermelon seeds, and mung beans. Being free of soy and additives, the plant protein powder is clean and filled with simple, absorbable ingredients you don't have to struggle to pronounce. According to reviewers, the USA-manufactured supplement is sweet and flavorful. Its sweetness comes from stevia, a natural sweetener that can be overpowering in taste for some. Because quality matters, the brand takes an extra step to ensure its products are tested for purity and potency by obtaining a cGMP certification. One drawback of the product is its high sodium content per serving, which is something to consider if you have special dietary restrictions for sodium.
What We Like
- 2g of fiber per serving
- cGMP certified
- Simple and clean ingredients
- Easy to mix
- Sweetened with Stevia
What We Don't Like
- High in sodium
- Though flavorful, it may be too sweet for some
BUY: Jacked Factory Authentic Vegan
Best Plant-Based Protein Powder for Weight Loss - Supergreens Skinny Protein
SPECS
- Protein source: Hemp and peas
- Available flavors: N/A
- Calories per serving: 50
- Protein per serving: 9g
- Carbs per serving: 1g
- Sugar per serving: 0g
- Serving size: 2 tbsp (15g)
- Certifications: Certified B corporation
If you're looking to shed some pounds, it's a good idea to seek more protein in your diet. Protein helps you feel full for longer and curbs your appetite, which is effective for weight loss. Uniquely composed of five ingredients, this protein powder couldn't be purer, with 100% plant-based nutrition loaded with all nine essential amino acids. The blend includes moringa, spirulina, and alfalfa, nourishing greens that add a punch of nutrition. Iron, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin B12, and magnesium are found in significant amounts to boost your total health. The brand wins the category of best plant-based protein powder for weight loss because it offers 9 grams of protein and just 50 calories in every serving to help fuel your body while supporting your weight-loss goals.
Supergreens Skinny Protein has a nutty, green taste and goes down easy when blended with your favorite fruits. The company is a certified B corp and gives significant amounts of money to help care for people worldwide—another perk of your investment.
What We Like
- Low-calorie and low-carb
- 5 plant-based ingredients
- Significant amounts of vitamins and minerals per serving
- All essential amino acids
- No artificial sweeteners, gums, or fillers
What We Don't Like
- It's lower in protein per serving compared to other brands
- Most reviews are positive, though there are some complaints about taste
BUY: Supergreens Skinny Protein
Best Plant-Based Protein Powder for Building Muscle - MacroMeal Omni
SPECS
- Protein source: Whey, collagen, brown rice, pea protein
- Available flavors: Vanilla and chocolate
- Calories per serving: 180
- Protein per serving: 25g
- Carbs per serving: 9g
- Sugar per serving: 3g
- Serving size: 2 scoops
- Certifications: N/A
Good nutrition is critical to muscle building, repair, and maintenance. MacroMeal Omni protein delivers 25 grams of time-released protein from a blend of plant and animal proteins, which helps feed your muscles over an extended period and may help with muscle recovery. In addition to a whopping amount of protein, there are lots of vitamins and minerals, including 22-50% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for iron, which many people lack. The protein powder nourishes the body's muscles with essential amino acids, a unique blend of antioxidant-rich plant powders from fruits, vegetables, and herbs, and a gut-friendly fiber blend. MacroMeal Omni comes in two flavor options for vanilla and chocolate flavor-seekers. Remember, this mix is not vegetarian or vegan-friendly because it has animal protein in addition to plant protein. If you have milk or tree nut allergies, you'll want to choose a product that's free of these ingredients.
What We Like
- High-protein
- Contains all essential amino acids
- Probiotics and fiber-rich for healthy digestion
- Gluten-free and keto-friendly
What We Don't Like
- Contains whey and collagen so not 100% plant-based
- Not ideal for people with milk and tree nut allergies
- Not vegetarian or vegan-friendly
BUY: MacroMeal Omni
Best Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder - Orgain Organic Protein
SPECS
- Protein source: Pea, brown rice, and chia seed
- Available flavors: Creamy chocolate fudge, chocolate coconut, chocolate caramel sea salt, chocolate peanut butter, unsweetened, vanilla bean, iced coffee, cookies and cream
- Calories per serving: 150
- Protein per serving: 21g
- Carbs per serving: 15g
- Sugar per serving: 0g
- Serving size: 2 scoops (46g)
- Certifications: Certified USDA organic, certified plant-based, cGMP certified
Orgain Organic Protein is certified USDA organic, meeting all requirements for specific organic standards in the U.S. Offering 21 grams of protein in each scoop, the powder sources peas, brown rice, and chia seed. In addition, the product is loaded with iron, a nutrient many vegan and vegetarian diets may lack. Iron is a critical component of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in your blood to supply nutrients to your tissues and muscles. Adequate iron intake helps raise energy levels and is all-around better for athletic performance. It comes in nine flavors, each one sounding better than the next. Customers aren't shy about the great-tasting supplement sweetened with stevia and free of added sugar. Whether you're gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, or eat kosher, this supplement could be worth mixing into your daily smoothie. Plus, it has a unique blend of ingredients that help make it smooth and creamy. You can save 35% if you subscribe to their program.
What We Like
- Multiple flavor options and creaminess
- Gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free
- Comes in multiple size options
- It's iron-rich
- Droves of positive reviews
What We Don't Like
- Contains sugar alcohols which can cause digestive upset
- The carb servings may be higher than desired for the carb-conscious
Best Plant-Based Protein Powder for Women - Cira Bright Vegan
SPECS
- Protein source: Peas, seeds (sunflower, watermelon, pumpkin), mung beans
- Available flavors: Vanilla and chocolate
- Calories per serving: 110
- Protein per serving: 22g
- Carbs per serving: 3g
- Sugar per serving: 1g
- Serving size: 1 scoop (30g)
- Certifications: cGMP Certified
Cira Bright Vegan plant-based protein powder with an eye-catching brand whose colors and language appeal to women (though men are welcome to their products, as well). It rings in 22 grams of protein per serving, sourced from peas, seeds, and mung beans. Women can benefit from taking at least 0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight at 19 years and over. Customers find the product to taste good going down and isn't gritty or sandy like some protein powders can be. Bright Vegan is naturally sweetened using stevia extract and is completely free of added sugars. Lastly, the powder has 24% of your daily value of sodium per serving, which is high. If you have sodium restrictions, be mindful of these and talk with your doctor before trying new supplements.
What We Like
- Rewards program
- Manufactured in a GMP-certified facility
- 90-day return policy
- Zero added sugars
What We Don't Like
- High in sodium
- No signs of allergen-friendly marketing, though the ingredients list doesn't show potential allergens
BUY: Cira Bright Vegan
Best Plant-Based Protein Powder for Men -Transparent Labs Rice & Pea Protein
SPECS
- Protein source: Rice and peas
- Available flavors: French vanilla and chocolate
- Calories per serving: 150
- Protein per serving: 24g
- Carbs per serving: 7g
- Sugar per serving: 2g
- Serving size: 1 scoop (32g)
- Certifications: cGMP-certified facility
Men, rejoice! Because the best plant-based protein powder for you is Transparent Labs Rice and Pea Protein, delivering 24 grams of protein sourced from nothing rice and peas. It's recommended to get at least 0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight, which is sufficient for healthy men over 19 years old. They offer a product with pure ingredients without any soy, artificial sweeteners, additives, or preservatives. Customers appreciate a great-tasting vegan plant protein powder that's sweetened with stevia. The carb-conscious product is chock-full of iron, a critical nutrient for vegan and vegetarian men. In fact, vegans and vegetarians need up to 1.8 times more iron than their meat-eating counterparts. You can rest assured you're getting a high-quality, pure product you can depend on for your daily fitness schedule. Save money by opting into their subscribe and save program.
What We Like
- Has all essential amino acids and pure ingredients
- Iron-rich
- Soy, artificial sweetener, and preservative-free
- Sweetened with stevia
- Third-party tested and made in a GMP-certified facility
What We Don't Like
- Limited flavors
- It's not inexpensive
BUY: Transparent Labs Rice & Pea Protein
Best Budget Plant-Based Protein Powder - GNC AMP Plant Isolate Protein
SPECS
- Protein source: Fava bean and brown rice
- Available flavors: Vanilla cookie, chocolate hazelnut, and strawberry banana
- Calories per serving: 120
- Protein per serving: 25g
- Carbs per serving: 3g
- Sugar per serving: 0g
- Serving size: 1 scoop (33g)
- Certifications: Certified USDA organic
If you're looking to fuel your muscles for optimal athletic strength, but on a budget, then GNC AMP Plant Isolate Protein may pique your interest. It's the only protein in our list to offer 25 grams of protein per serving from a combination of fava bean and brown rice. Jam-packed with iron, so much so that men could meet 100% of the RDA for iron in just one scoop, while women can get 44% of the RDA. This plant-based protein could be a promising option for individuals struggling to meet their iron needs. It comes in three mouthwatering flavors, but keep in mind it's sweetened with sucralose and artificial flavors, so this plant-based protein powder isn't as clean as other options.
What We Like
- High in protein
- Iron-rich
- Contains all essential amino acids
- Multiple flavor options
- 2g of fiber per serving
What We Don't Like
- Artificial flavor and sucralose are ingredients
- It can't be shipped to California
- Some customers say it's chalky
BUY: GNC AMP Plant Isolate Protein
What to Look for in a Plant-Based Protein Powder
The protein powder market has grown immeasurably with more and more plant-based options, which is good news for people with food allergies, special dietary restrictions, and vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. Popular plant sources of these supplements include peas, beans, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, and others.
Type of Sweetener
Historically, many protein powders have relied on artificial sweeteners to improve flavor without adding calories. That said, some people choose to avoid artificial sweeteners for various reasons. Many companies offer natural sweeteners such as monk fruit, stevia leaf, and fermented sugar cane. If you are concerned about artificial sweeteners, keep an eye on the nutrition label when shopping.
Certifications
Facilities all across the globe produce protein powders, however not all facilities have the same standards. To ensure a plant-based protein powder is high in quality and free of contaminants, we advise purchasing one manufactured in a GMP/cGMP (good manufacturing practice) facility and is third-party tested. GMP facilities have high standards regarding cleanliness, equipment, employees, and operating procedures. Third-party tested supplements are sent to an outside company and tested to ensure they contain the stated amount of ingredients and are free from contaminants.
Macros
Consider your personal fitness goals to help determine your need for a plant-based protein powder. With that in mind, you might consider the macronutrients—carbs, fats, and protein. For example, if you're training for a weightlifting competition, you're in a season of growth and you may want a powder that's high in protein. As a tennis player, you may care more about getting a protein powder that can supply you with adequate carbohydrates so you're energized for your match.
FAQs About Plant-Based Protein Powders
Which plant protein is the healthiest?
The healthiest plant protein for you is individual and relative to who you are. If an excellent plant-based protein powder is made with hemp and soy, and you're allergic to soy, that wouldn't be the healthiest option for you, though it may be for someone else. The most beneficial plant protein powder for you is also based on your personal fitness goals.
Is plant-based protein good for weight loss?
Some varieties of plant-based protein are low-calorie, low-carb, high-protein, and good sources of filling fiber, four factors that have been scientifically proven to help aid weight loss. So, yes, it's possible that plant-based protein can support your weight-loss goals.
Can you build muscle with plant-based protein powder?
Even without the use of protein powder, building muscle is likely through weight training and sufficient protein intake. Even so, the use of plant protein supplements can be helpful to speed up your muscle-growing efforts. Many plant-based proteins are packed with lots of protein that can promote muscle gain combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
Does plant protein have side effects?
Generally, plant proteins don't cause side effects. That said, plant-based proteins tend to have more fiber than animal-based ones. Sudden increases in fiber can alter your bowel habits, though often temporarily.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
About the Author
Gaby is a registered dietitian and nutritionist who works as a full-time freelance writer, specializing in evidence-based health and nutrition articles. She’s written for publications like Healthline, Ovia Health, Happiest Baby, Once Upon a Farm, EatingWell, and more.
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