There are a lot of labels that you will see on protein powders that may lead you to believe the products are vegan. For instance, you may see “all-natural,” “vegetarian,” and “organic” labels. Unfortunately, these terms do not mean the products are vegan. For instance, vegetarian protein powders often include dairy and all-natural protein powders can include a variety of animal products and byproducts that were raised without unnatural fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, or growth hormones.
How to Find a Protein Powder that Suits Your Needs
How do you find a truly vegan protein powder? The simplest way is to look for a protein powder that clearly states “vegan” on the package. The market for vegan proteins is growing, so you have five options today:
Each of these vegan protein options are healthy in their own way and are readily available in powder form. Keep reading to determine which type of vegan protein powder is right for you and to explore some of the best products available for each of your options.
Vegan Soy Protein Powder
Soy has lost a lot of its popularity in recent years. Some people experience allergy symptoms when they consume it, and others worry about the possibility of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, being used in some soy products. Yet, there are some advantages to soy protein. It is easy for the body to digest and contains all of the amino acids your muscles need to grow and repair after intense workouts.
You have to look at soy protein powders carefully because many contain milk even though it is not listed on the front label. We recommend the following option:
Bob’s Red Mill Isolated Soy Protein Powder
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This is a natural GMO-free soy protein without any added ingredients. That means it will not have much taste and should be mixed into foods or drinks to create shakes, smoothies, drinks or meals with more flavor. Each tablespoon contains 5 grams of protein and only 20 calories, so it does offer more protein than you will get through other soy protein powders.
Vegan Hemp Protein Powder
Hemp comes from the cannabis plant, but it will not get you high or affect your mental state. It has come into popularity as an alternative to soy because it contains a complete amino acid profile for muscle repair and is rich in fiber. Some of the hemp protein powders currently on the market contain more calories than you will find in many other vegan protein powders, but it is one of your healthiest options for increasing protein intake on a vegan diet.
Hempseed is also high in omega 3 fatty acids, which have been linked to many health benefits. If you are interested in exploring hemp protein products, the following options are recommended:
Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein
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This natural hemp protein powder is USDA organic certified. The hempseeds are sourced from a Canadian farm, where hemp is a legal crop. Every 3 tablespoon serving offers 15 grams of protein and 90 calories. That is definitely on the high end for calories, so you may want to look at other vegan protein powders featured on this page if you are trying to lose weight.
Navitas Naturals Hemp Protein Powder
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This is one of the healthiest protein powders on the market today. Not only is it vegan, but it is a raw, kosher, gluten-free product that does not contain GMOs. Every 4 tablespoon serving offers 16 grams of protein and 120 calories. It may not be the best vegan protein option if your fitness goals include losing weight or burning fat.
Vegan Rice Protein Powder
Rice protein powder is made from brown rice that has been processed to remove the carbohydrates. The remaining protein contains B-vitamins and fiber as well as protein. Sun Warrior Brown Rice Protein Powder is the best option if you are interested in this type of vegan protein powder. You can find more information on this type of vegan protein on our rice protein powder page.
Vegan Chia Seed Protein Powder
This is the perfect pre-workout meal because it provides an energy boost while helping the body retain water and electrolytes. It is also a great source of fiber, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. These seeds provide a the complete amino acids that your body needs to grow muscle and recover from intense workouts, so you may want to consume it throughout the day or add it to your post-workout shake as well.
You can buy raw chia seeds or use the following powdered product for smoothies and shakes:
Navitas Naturals Chia Seed Sprouted Powder
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This is a pure source of chia seeds in powder form. You can add it to your protein shakes, combine it with rice protein powders to create complete amino acids, or just add it to your meals for a nutritious nutty flavor. Use it whenever you need energy!
Pea Protein Powders
Pea protein is often found mixed with rice protein because they are only complete amino acid profiles when together. Yet, it has a smoother consistency than most other vegan protein powders, so it has become quite popular. The following product is the best on the market if you are interested in this type of vegan protein:
Now Sports Pea Protein
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This is a popular protein supplement for vegans because it has a pleasant taste even though it is on the gritty side like most protein powders. It is a pure pea protein that offers 130 calories and 28 grams of protein per serving. That is far more protein than you will get with other types of vegan protein powders, so it is ideal for those trying to load up protein to reach their health and fitness goals.
Vegan Protein Powders – Mixed Proteins
Some of the best protein powders marketed for vegans offer a mix of the protein sources featured above. Some of the best options on the market today include:
Vegan Proteins+
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This protein powder combines non-GMO brown rice, pea, and hemp proteins. It also blends in alfalfa and cranberry for extra nutritional value and protein. Each serving provides 20 grams of protein, so it is a reasonable option for those trying to load up on protein.
Amazing Grass Amazing Meal
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You will not receive a lot of protein in each serving, but you will receive a dose of health in every shake. This is a good protein powder to add to other protein powders that may not have as much flavor, so together you get flavor and protein.