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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.
The Best Vegan Protein Powder - Our Top Picks
- Best Vegan Protein Powder for Weight Gain: Rootana
- Best Vegan Plant-Based Protein Powder: KOS Plant Protein
- Best-Tasting Plant-Based Protein Powder: Huge Supplements Vegan Protein
- Best Low-Carb Plant-Based Protein Powder: Transparent Labs Organic Vegan
- Best Plant-Based Protein Powder for Building Muscle: Kaged Plantein
- Best Low-Calorie Vegan Protein Powder: Gainful Vegan Protein Powder
- Best Vegan Protein Powder for Pregnancy: KOS Blueberry Muffin
- Best Vegan Protein Powder for Women: Cira Bright Vegan
- Best Plant-Based Protein Powder for Men: Kaged Plantein
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, vegan 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 vegan 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.
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 Vegan Protein Powder for Weight Gain - Rootana
SPECS
- Protein source: Yellow split peas
- Available flavors: Original, dark chocolate, vanilla
- Calories per serving: 400
- Protein per serving: 20g
- Carbs per serving: 44-46g
- Sugar per serving: N/A
- Serving size: 102g
- Sweetener: Coconut sugar
- Certifications: Made in FDA-accredited facilities
Looking to bulk up without relying on any animal-derived proteins? Rootana may be the best plant-based protein powder option for you. This powder draws its protein mostly from yellow split peas and is fortified with a number of other vitamins and all-natural ingredients to boost you through intense workouts. There are three delicious flavors, all of them naturally sweetened with just a bit of coconut sugar, meaning there’s no need for stevia or other artificial sweeteners. The earthy taste will make you feel like you’re consuming real food, not something synthetic or phony, and the protein-per-serving (around 20 grams) is generous. These shakes also come with complex carbohydrates, perfect for energy release, meaning you can use Rootana to keep pumping along in the weight room, bulking up the healthy way.
What We Like
- No artificial sweeteners
- Earthy flavor, like real food
- Complex carbohydrates provide additional energy
- Manufactured in FDA-approved facilities
- 27 vitamins and minerals per serving
What We Don't Like
- With 4 scoops needed for each shake, you’ll go through a bag pretty fast
- Not the most cost-effective option
Best Vegan Plant-Based Protein Powder - KOS Plant Protein
SPECS
- Protein source: Organic pea blend
- Available flavors: Blueberry muffin, chocolate, chocolate chip mint, chocolate peanut butter, salted caramel coffee, vanilla, unflavored
- Calories per serving: 160
- Protein per serving: 20g
- Carbs per serving: 9g
- Sugar per serving: 2g
- Serving size: 2 scoops (39g)
- Sweetener: Organic Stevia
- Certifications: USDA organic, non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan
For something that’s truly clean and wholesome, look no further than KOS Plant Protein. Not only is it made with all USDA-organic ingredients, from peas to superfood blends, but it’s also certified vegan, and free of any soy, gluten, or dairy. The sweet flavor comes from whole-leaf organic stevia, which may be a deal-breaker for some but still qualifies this as a healthy, vegan-friendly option. There are a number of great flavors to try and best of all, there’s a rich panel of proteins and soluble fiber to fuel your workouts, keep your cravings under control, and give you the feeling of being actually full.
What We Like
- All USDA-organic ingredients
- Added vitamins and nutrients including iron, copper, and vitamin B12
- A range of flavors to try
- Will help you feel fuller
What We Don't Like
- The stevia will be a turn-off for some
- Not the most cost-effective option
Best-Tasting Plant-Based Protein Powder - Huge Supplements Vegan Protein
SPECS
- Protein source: Peas, brown rice, fava beans, mung beans
- Available flavors: Birthday cake, cookies and cream, cinnamon crunch, graham cracker, marshmallow madness
- Calories per serving: 110
- Protein per serving: 20g
- Carbs per serving: 35g
- Sugar per serving: N/A
- Serving size: 1 scoop (30g)
- Sweetener: Sucralose
- Certifications: Made in an FDA-approved facility, non-GMO
If you’re worried that your vegan protein shake is going to be difficult to gag down, you might want to start with the Huge Supplements Vegan Protein option. It’s got several flavors, and they’re all great; we like birthday cake and cookies and cream, in particular. Of course, part of the reason for that appealing flavor is the use of sucralose, an added sweetener that totally clean eaters might object to. But even with the sucralose, this protein powder has an appealingly real-food flavor, a great balance of proteins and carbs, and an all-vegan, non-GMO ingredient list that we heartily endorse.
What We Like
- Great, creative flavors
- Vegan ingredients
- Good balance of different protein sources
What We Don't Like
- Just 25 servings per container
- Sucralose included
BUY: Huge Supplements Vegan Protein
Best Low-Carb Plant-Based Protein -Transparent Labs Organic Vegan 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)
- Sweetener: Stevia
- Certifications: cGMP-certified facility
Carb counters, rejoice! Because the best vegan protein powder for you is Transparent Labs Rice and Pea Protein, delivering 24 grams of protein sourced from nothing but rice and peas, all with just 7 grams of carbs per serving. The product is made with pure ingredients that don’t include 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.(1) 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
- Lower calorie count
- Iron-rich
- Soy, artificial sweetener, and preservative-free
- Third-party tested and made in a GMP-certified facility
What We Don't Like
- Limited flavors
- Not the most cost-effective option
BUY: Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Rice & Pea Protein
Best Plant-Based Protein Powder for Building Muscle - Kaged Plantein
SPECS
- Protein source: Peas
- Available flavors: Banana bread, cinnamon roll, peanut butter cookie
- Calories per serving: 150
- Protein per serving: 25g
- Carbs per serving: 4g
- Sugar per serving: 0g
- Serving size: 1 scoop (35.1g)
- Sweetener: N/A
- Certifications: Soy-free, dairy-free, gluten-free
If you’re ready to get ripped, Kaged Plantein may be the product for you. One reason for that is that it balances a truly generous portion of protein (25g per serving, more than your average vegan protein powder) with MCT oil, which can help to dramatically enhance your protein absorption and utilization. Factor in a sugar-free ingredient list, some tasty flavors, nine amino acids, and a low carb count and you have the perfect fuel for a productive power-lifting session.
What We Like
- Low carb count
- No sugar
- High concentration of protein in each serving
- MCT oil included to enhance protein absorption
- Vegan
What We Don't Like
- Small containers; you’ll go through this stuff fast
- Flavors may be too “dessert-y” for some
Best Low-Calorie Vegan Protein Powder - Gainful Vegan Protein Powder
SPECS
- Protein source: Peas, brown rice
- Available flavors: Strawberry Cream, Madagascar Vanilla, Rich Chocolate, Caffè Mocha, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Toast, and Sea Salt Caramel.
- Calories per serving: N/A
- Protein per serving: 19g to 27g
- Carbs per serving: N/A
- Sugar per serving: N/A
- Serving size: 1 scoop
- Sweetener: None
- Certifications: Soy-free, gluten-free
Gainful’s supplements are all formulated to promote overall health and wellness, and they can be endlessly personalized for flavor as well as to meet your individual goals. The Gainful Vegan Protein Powder is an especially appealing entry in this high-quality lineup, offering you a decent amount of plant-based protein, plus nine essential amino acids, without any added sweetener and without any calories. Also note that there are a number of whey-based and keto-friendly options to choose from, providing an easy way to find a protein powder that accommodates your lifestyle.
What We Like
- Options for whey-based and keto-friendly formulas
- Essential amino acids included
- A range of flavor options, none that include added sweeteners
What We Don't Like
- The level of customization may be daunting to some
- Not the most cost-effective option
BUY: Gainful Vegan Protein Powder
Best Vegan Protein Powder for Pregnancy - KOS Blueberry Muffin Plant Protein
SPECS
- Protein source: Organic pea blend
- Available flavors: Blueberry muffin (also available: chocolate, chocolate chip mint, chocolate peanut butter, salted caramel coffee, vanilla, unflavored)
- Calories per serving: 160
- Protein per serving: 20g
- Carbs per serving: 9g
- Sugar per serving: 2g
- Serving size: 2 scoops (39g)
- Sweetener: Organic Stevia
- Certifications: USDA-organic, non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan
Looking for a vegan protein powder that will give you the energy and stamina you need to power through pregnancy, all without animal-based products or artificial additives? The KOS Protein Powder is our top plant-based protein option, with the blueberry muffin flavor emerging as an especially tantalizing pregnancy option. (Of course, your taste may vary!) This is a great pick not only because it has all USDA-organic ingredients, but because it offers a rich assortment of vitamins and minerals to augment your pregnancy diet. So long as you’re okay with whole-leaf stevia, this is a good, clean option, well-suited for pregnancy and for postpartum.
What We Like
- All USDA-organic ingredients
- Added vitamins and nutrients including iron, copper, and vitamin B12
- A range of flavors to try
- Will help you feel actually full
What We Don't Like
- The stevia will be a turn-off for some
- Not the most cost-effective option
BUY: KOS Blueberry Muffin Plant Protein
Best Vegan 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 protein powder is 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 tastes 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
- 0 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
Best Plant-Based Protein Powder for Men - Kaged Plantein
SPECS
- Protein source: Peas
- Available flavors: Banana bread, cinnamon roll, peanut butter cookie
- Calories per serving: 150
- Protein per serving: 25g
- Carbs per serving: 4g
- Sugar per serving: 0g
- Serving size: 1 scoop (35.1g)
- Sweetener: N/A
- Certifications: Soy-free, dairy-free, gluten-free
Most men need a pretty hefty portion of protein each day, especially if they’re trying to build muscle, and Kaged Plantein really delivers. Again, this product balances a 25 grams serving of protein with MCT oil, which can help to dramatically enhance protein absorption and utilization rates. The nine amino acids, along with the relatively low carb count, make this a good, effective supplement for any guy who’s looking to get ripped, or simply to have a more productive workout.
What We Like
- Low carb count
- No sugar
- High concentration of protein in each serving
- MCT oil included to help enhance protein absorption
- Vegan
What We Don't Like
- Small containers; you’ll go through this stuff fast
- Flavors may be too “dessert-y” for some
How We Chose the Best Vegan Protein Powders
There’s a huge market for vegan protein powders, and not all of these products are created equal. As we assessed a number of different options, here are some of the criteria that we emphasized most heavily.
- Testing. Independent, third-party testing is by far the best way to confirm that a protein powder’s ingredients are safe, high-quality, and aligned with what’s advertised on the package.
- Customer reviews. While customer reviews aren’t everything, they can certainly provide some basic insight into a product’s overall recommendability. We looked for vegan protein powders that generally left customers satisfied.
- Value. Vegan protein powders can be pricey, especially if you use them for every workout. We took price points and overall value into account when making our selections.
- Simplicity. In general, we tried to find the protein powders that come with the lightest ingredient lists, and the lowest concentrations of additives, fillers, and sweeteners.
What to Look for in a Vegan 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 vegan 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.
Our Final Takeaway
Protein supplements have long been used to fuel workouts and help with muscle formation. That can sometimes leave vegans and vegetarians in a bind, but fortunately, plant-based options are more popular and more numerous. We hope our guide is helpful to you as you seek to identify the best vegan protein powders for achieving your personal fitness goals.
FAQs About Vegan Protein Powders
Which vegan protein is the healthiest?
The healthiest vegan 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 vegan protein powder for you is also based on your personal fitness goals.
Is vegan protein powder good for weight loss?
Some varieties of vegan protein powder 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 vegan protein can support your weight-loss goals.
Can you build muscle with vegan 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 vegan protein powder can be helpful to speed up your muscle-growing efforts. Many vegan proteins are packed with lots of protein that can promote muscle gain combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
Does vegan protein powder have side effects?
Generally, vegan protein powders don't cause side effects. That said, vegan 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.
References
- Trumbo, P., Yates, A. A., Schlicker, S., & Poos, M. (2001). Dietary reference intakes: vitamin A, vitamin K, arsenic, boron, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, silicon, vanadium, and zinc. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 101(3), 294–301. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-8223(01)00078-5