I'm Plant Based: These Are The Best Vegan Protein Powders

You don't need meat to get protein in your diet. We've rounded up some of the best vegan protein powders around, and they're seriously delicious!

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If you eat a plant-based diet like I do, you know how difficult getting protein can be. Personally, I rely on smoothies to get an extra serving of the macronutrient — usually with one of the best vegan protein powders available. Honestly, I don't know what I’d do without them.

Like carbohydrates and fat, the body needs protein for optimal health.

Want to maintain or gain muscle? You need protein. Like having strong hair and nails? You need protein. Care about your bones, skin, and hormones? Don't skip the protein.

Even if you’re not vegan, plant-based protein is a great way to cut back on meat. It still keeps you feeling full, and can even improve insulin resistance.

Since I’ve been plant-based most of my life, I know firsthand that not all vegan protein powders taste good. Fortunately, there are many that do these days, and even if you’re soy-free, avoid gluten or just want a no-fuss way to incorporate things like chia seeds into your diet, one of these will work for you.

As women, we’re often told we need to eat enough protein. Here's why:

Although most of us know that it's crucial for muscle and bone health, we may not understand how that translates to everyday life. According to Harvard Health, muscle starts decreasing at age 30, which impacts our metabolism, strength, and overall body composition. In short, if you want to lift things without risking injury, burn calories efficiently and be toned and strong, protein is vital.

(Use this Protein Calculator to learn how much protein you need for your age, weight and activity level)

"What about strength training?" you may be wondering. Yes, that's important too, and everyone, especially women in perimenopause and menopause, should be doing it. However, lifting alone won't give the results you want. In fact, not getting enough protein after exercise can inhibit the body's ability to repair itself, impacting your performance in the long term.

As a former calorie restrictor, I can personally attest to the above and it isn't pretty. Working out hard without proper nutrition is a recipe for disaster, and it's easy not to realize you’re doing it. Here are some signs you’re not getting enough protein:

Protein is made up of amino acids. The body produces some naturally but the rest come from food. We call these essential aminos. If a food has all of them — like in meat, for example — it's considered a complete protein.

If you’re not big on chicken, don't fret because combining plant based proteins, such as rice and legumes, also works in creating a complete protein. And of course, adding a few scoops of one of the best vegan protein powders works too.

If you’re concerned about not getting the essential aminos, I highly recommend trying Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+. It has a complete amino acid profile, so you don't have to combine it with anything. It's also made with traceable ingredients, is non-GMO, soy-free, and delicious!

Plant-based protein powder can be a healthy choice. However, there are definitely things you want to look for when selecting one. The best vegan protein powders generally:

Brands that are certified organic and/or use traceable ingredients are generally a safe bet, as well as ones that have been third-party tested.

One of my personal favorite protein powders come from Garden of Life. The Organic Vegan Vanilla Protein, for example, has 22 grams in one serving! It's only 130 calories, verified non-GMO, gluten-free, includes 7 essential aminos (there are 9), and has protein from grains and legumes. It tastes good mixed with water but if you add a nut milk, banana, some greens, and fruit, you have a nutrient dense, milkshake-like meal, perfect for your pre or post-workout or a mid-day snack.

You don't have to be plant-based to enjoy a vegan protein powder. In fact, there are many reason to opt for more vegetarian/vegan meals, according to Harvard Health. A plant-based diet can lower your risk of chronic disease, is rich in phytonutrients and fiber, and can be more economical than relying on meat alone as a protein source.

Another reasons vegan protein powders are worth it? They make getting enough protein easier!

If you’re busy (aren't we all?), dislike cooking, or simply have difficulty getting enough calories in, opting for a vegan protein powder can be a lifesaver. In terms of cost, it's all about where you shop. Walmart is where I go to find my vegan protein powder. They have lots of options, starting around $15. Some of my favorites include:

Nutrition-wise, pea, as well as whey, are good sources of protein. Whey, which is the liquid from curdled and strained milk, contains all nine essential amino acids, and has a higher digestibility in comparison to pea protein. However, pea protein has all the essential aminos too.

Where plant-based protein differs in the amount of essentials it offers. For example, it has a lower amount of methionine than whey, but more phenylalanine and histidine. Some of the best vegan protein powders will combine pea with other plant proteins to balance things out. Sunwarrior Plant Based Protein in Vanilla, for example, uses pea and hemp. It also has 6 grams of BCAAs, which are essential aminos that specifically provide energy for muscle growth.

Although many people enjoy whey protein, pea is a great, dairy-free alternative. It should also be noted that plant-derived proteins often have more fiber and healthier fats than animal-based proteins.

Buy from Walmart, $18.97

What tastes like a delicious vanilla milkshake, only has 100 calories and packs 20 grams of plant-based protein? Garden of Life Organic Protein + Greens, of course. It has an amazing nutritional profile and an ingredient list that includes sprouted brown rice protein, organic chia seeds, organic pea protein, and six organic veggies. The powder's sweetness comes from stevia leaf but it doesn't have that weird aftertaste that the zero calorie sweetener is known for. In fact, you can't even taste the veggies in the protein powder — just that classic vanilla flavor. Certified organic and non-GMO, it's also gluten-free and has 1.5 billion CFUs of probiotics.

This is one of my favorite vegan protein powders. It taste fantastic, and is what I refer to as buildable. It doesn't have a lot of calories but is high in protein, so I usually use more than one scoop at a time. I’ll toss three scoops, for example, in my Vitamix blender, along with ice, a banana, some kale, berries, and almond milk. It's a perfect on-the-go meal, has 60 grams of protein in a single glass, plus lots of antioxidants and fiber, which we all need.

Promising review: "I really like the taste. I haven't tried with water, but with vanilla almond milk, it's very good. There are no added sugars and no soy, which for me, is a big plus. I also find that after drinking, I feel full for longer periods of time, which greatly reduces my snacking."

Buy from Walmart, $19.88

Some plant-based powders can have a grainy taste. What makes me a fan of KOS vegan protein is that it's sweet without being saccharin and doesn't have that unpleasant chalkiness — you know what I’m talking about. Although I almost always add fruit to all of my protein shakes, I’ve enjoyed it with just ice and nut milk, and it's still amazing. I love that it's loaded with chia seeds and flax, plus uses non-GMO peas, quinoa, and pumpkin seeds. It's certified organic too, sweetened by monk fruit, and doesn't have soy protein or gluten. And FYI, it can also be used in place of flour in some baked good recipes!

Promising review: "This stuff is the best protein powder we’ve ever tasted, and it doesn't upset my stomach like others sometimes do. It's on the sweet side, so if you add it into smoothies, don't use any other sweeteners without tasting it first. It's really good mixed with things or by itself. I’ll be buying this as my go to protein powder from now on!"

Buy from Ritual, $40

If you’re reading this, you’re probably already serious about doing right by your health. And if so, I suggest taking it a step further by going for a vegan protein powder made with traceable, clean ingredients. Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ not only taste good but has all the essential amino acids, including 8 grams of EAAs and 4 grams of BCAAs. It's also third-party tested, doesn't have sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners, and is free of 250 banned substances in partnership with Informed Sport. A single serving gives 20 grams of plant-based protein to help maintain and grow muscle, so chug till your tummy's content.

Editor's review: I’m a big fan of Ritual and their dedication to ingredient transparency, so I was excited to try the Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+. I get most of my protein from smoothies and shakes, and am pretty persnickity about which ones I try. Ritual's doesn't have any soy, which I avoid, gluten (I also avoid that), and has all the essential aminos, which are hard for me to get since I don't eat meat.

I immediately was taken by how good it smelled; sort of sweet and spicy, which is a flavor profile I adore. The protein powder has real vanilla beans harvested from Madagascar, as well as organic yellow peas grown in Wisconsin. It's sweetened with monk fruit, blends smooth and doesn't have that weird earthy aftertaste some powders have. I love that it has 20 grams per serving (2 scoops), a little fiber, and only 115 calories. It also contains some iron, and calcium — a bonus. I’ve made all different types of shakes with this — chocolate, green, cherry — you name it, and haven't been disappointed. And it also makes me feel good knowing that since they third-party test, I’m not getting anything icky.

Buy from Amazon, $32

You may know from experience that some protein powders are difficult to digest. Fortunately, Wellious Protein Powder isn't one of them. Lots of the brand's fans love how the blend of almond and chickpea protein doesn't cause stomach upset, while still tasting great. I’ve been enjoying this best vegan protein powder for several months. It's a must try, especially if you like a thicker, malt-like shake. Wellious extracts the saturated fat from the almonds, giving the powder a smooth texture that's richer on the palette. Even if you mix with water, you’ll get a creamier beverage, which may leave tastebuds feeling more satisfied. The extraction process keeps all the minerals and vitamins in, and it not only works for shakes but can be added to oatmeal or used to make homemade protein bars. Wellious comes in vanilla, chocolate, and almond, is under 150 calories, has fiber, and is keto-friendly. Doesn't get much better than that!

Promising review: "This protein powder surprised me. I’m dairy-free and can't have regular protein powder, so this is an excellent alternative! I was impressed, and honestly surprised, with how good it actually tastes! It has a sweetness to it that I wasn't expecting and made my smoothie taste better than when I wasn't using it. It tastes so good that I think my husband would even use it, though he's not dairy-free."

Buy from Walmart, $16.49

Buy from Amazon, $57.99 (for 5 pound tub)

This is one of my favorites of the best vegan protein powders because of its high protein content. Let's be real, 27 grams per serving? Whaatt?!? Even if you don't do the recommended 2 scoops, you’ll still get 13.7 grams, which isn't shabby — and all under 120 calories! Like its name implies, Naked Pea is made of yellow pea protein. It's non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, and doesn't have artificial sweeteners or anything problematic. When I was trying to put on some mass, I’d load my shakes, smoothie bowls and even sauces with this stuff. Although I’m not going to recommend doing the former (turns out, protein powder marinara is gross), using in more traditional recipes is a real game changer. It also has the nine essential amino acids, including three BCAAs. Here's what a reviewer and happy customer on Amazon had to say:

Promising review: "For the macros, this is my favorite unflavored plant-based protein. It's a tad fibrous when it mixes, but it checks all the boxes when it comes to the ingredient list and nutrition profile."

Buy from Amazon, $39.99

This protein powder has a lot for tastebuds to be excited by: pumpkin, coconut, dates, bananas, turmeric — too many to list but all delicious and nutritionally beneficial. Along with being certified organic, the powder is free of soy, gluten, fillers, and artificial sweeteners. Everything comes in a paper-based package, and you can order it to come with or without a scoop. Grab in vanilla, chocolate, or unsweetened.

Promising review: "This healthy protein is a treat! I love that the packaging is paper – not a nasty plastic tub. The closure on the bag works easily, quickly and perfectly every time. I’ve never seen a closure that good before. Best protein drink ever!"

Buy from Nature's Sunshine, $32.20

Protein shakes aren't only ideal for post-workout recovery but can serve as meal replacements when you’re on the go. Love and Peas Protein Powder is a great choice, not only because it has 20 grams of protein but because it contains fiber and healthy fats from flaxseed and borage oil. Happy Nature's Sunshine customers praise its taste, how well it mixes, and have been using it for years. Who knows? After you give it a try, you may be one of them.

Promising review: "I’ve tried many protein shake mixes with varying results. Nature's Sunshine Love and Peas, however, is the only mix I’ve found that is consistently smooth, flavorful, and blends well with any ingredient I put in my shakes."

Buy from Walmart, $23.64 (was $26.27)

Personally, I love a green smoothie. However, if you can't stomach something that looks like blended salad, the Vega Protein and Greens Plant Based Protein Powder is a good alternative. Along with 20 grams of muscle building, satiating protein, it also has spinach, organic kale and alfalfa grass, plus broccoli. You can't taste these veggies, of course, only the delicious chocolate flavor this best vegan protein powder comes in. It doesn't have any added sugar, is gluten-free, includes 25 percent of your daily dose of iron and vitamin K, and is non-GMO verified too. Yum yum!

Promising review: "I tried Vega for the first time back in March 2020. I’m highly active — hiking, MTB, Pilates, marathoner. I needed supplementation that would provide not only protein but energy and nutrition as well. I was recently diagnosed with IBS and hypothyroidism. Needless to say, I’m a hit or mess. These [Vega protein powders] helped me get back my life. I now replace one meal with the shake of my choice. I highly recommend blending any of the shakes with half a frozen banana, 1 cup almond milk, a quarter cup of cashew yogurt, and three ice cubes. Tastes like a shake — no kidding."

Buy from Walmart, $26.85

Peanut butter is my favorite food, so I’m biased about this muscle building powder. However, more than 4,000 happy Walmart customers swear it's one of the best vegan protein powders, so I feel confident recommending it. Reviewers mix it with all kinds of things; oatmeal, coffee — you name it. And nutritionally, it's a solid choice, especially if you’re gluten-free. Its 21 grams of protein comes from organic chia seeds, rice and peas, and the pb is organic too. It does contain stevia, so if you don't like the zero calorie sweetener, maybe look elsewhere. But honestly, I can't really taste it, so it may not be a problem for your tastebuds either. Many customers wish more powder was in the container, which I get, but since a container not filled to the brim with product is sort of standard — sad as that is — I’m not mad about it.

Promising review: "I have purchased this protein powder more times than I can count! It is by far my favorite plant-based organic powder. It tastes great and is affordable!"

Buy from Amazon, $34.99

Those with sensitive tummies and allergies swear by Naked Seed. Does it taste like a milkshake? No, but that's besides the point if you’re looking for a way to pack the protein in. Made from a blend of chia, watermelon, sunflower, and pumpkin seed, the powder has 20 grams of protein per 2 scoop serving, 0 grams of sugar or added fluff. It also has 8 essential amino acids, and is third-party tested. If you want to give it a try but dislike that it's not a specific flavor, mix it with berries, a banana, and your favorite type of milk. It will be a smoothie with a kick. Or toss in some ice to thicken things up, along with vanilla extract to give a punch to the flavor profile.

Promising review: "I find this protein to be similar in quality to hemp seed protein, as in it's mild on the GI tract and very inoffensive. I find it to be among the cleanest, most stomach-pleasing proteins I’ve sampled…Added to things like oatmeal, it imparts a nice earthy, nutty flavor. This is NOT a convenience powder, but rather a nice additive to varieties of meals. Would be great to bake with."

Buy from Walmart, $11.98

Protein powder can be be pricey, which is just one of the reasons we like this affordable option from Carrington Farms. However, there are many other reasons to try the Organic Coconut Protein Blend. Along with coconut, it has pea, as well as pumpkin, 8 grams of fiber, and boasts 20 whopping grams of protein. More impressively, it can be used in baking, which means if you get sick of protein shakes, the powder works for protein pancakes, muffins, or waffles.

Promising review: "Love this protein! Would I drink it straight? No, it's not that kind of protein. However, it's perfect for mixing into smoothies or baked goods. Doesn't alter the flavor, can't even tell it's there. Perfect!"

Buy from Amazon, $35.69

Garden of Life makes incredible vegan-friendly proteins, including the Raw Organic Protein Powder. It's available in vanilla, chocolate, vanilla chai, and unflavored, so there's no shortage of recipes to blend up. Nutrition-wise, it's solid, offering 22 grams of protein, none coming from soy. Each, with the exception of the unflavored, has stevia, which is a deal breaker for some, but I don't mind it. Also, when you factor in the amino acids, calories (140 and under), and probiotics and enzymes, it's a dietary winner.

Promising review: "The protein is raw plant protein, gluten, dairy, and soy-free. Unlike most protein shakes, this actually tastes good. I also feel good drinking it, and it gives me energy. The subscription keeps me stocked all the time. So easy and cheaper."

Buy from Walmart, $21.36

BAACs are the amino acids that aid muscle growth, and this vegan protein powder has six of them! It's also dessert-like delicious, so it's a pleasure to drink after a workout. It only has 90 calories, making it a great option if you’re trying to drop a few pounds but double the serving if you need more nutrients. The powders’ 27 grams of protein comes from hemp, pea and goji berry, and it also has MCTs (Medium-chain triglycerides) from coconuts for energy production. If you’re on the fence about vegan protein powders, I highly recommend. My former partner, a bonafide picky-eater, loved it, and he's the opposite of a veg head!

Promising review: "I am vegan for many health reasons and had to go on the simple carbohydrate diet. Thanks to Sunwarrior protein, I was able to get enough protein into my diet without upsetting my stomach. It taste great and comes in so many different flavors."

Buy from Walmart, $7.82

I began my love affair with protein powders back in college — a long time ago — and hemp was my protein of choice. At that time, I chose it for its naturally high fiber content, which is crucial for digestion, and something most Americans don't get enough of. However, it's also an excellent source of plant-based protein. In fact, I relied on hemp shakes (and biotin supplements) to regrow my hair when it began shedding after an awful Brazilian Blowout. This one, from Just Hemp Foods, only uses hemp, so no worries about sugar or additives. It is…earthy in flavor and will turn whatever you mix it with brown and thick. Because of this, I recommend skipping protein shake recipes with berries and veggies, and keeping things more basic. Think frozen bananas, almond milk, maybe some peanut butter, and a few dates. Although it's texture takes a bit of getting used to — seriously can't emphasize enough how thick it makes drinks — you may find that you acquire a taste for it, looking forward to the nutty flavor.

Promising review: "Very healthy! The flavor is tolerable when mixed with chocolate milk. The only thing is you need to constantly stir or chug the beverage because the fiber will settle at the bottom and you will be left with a lot of graininess in your mouth. It's definitely worth it for the health benefits!"

Buy from Sakara, starting at $45 (for 10 single-serving sachets)

The nice thing about smoothies and protein shakes is that they allow you to get a lot of nutrients with one simple drink. While there are lots of pre-made ones on the market, they often have sugar, so it's generally better to make your own with a protein powder like this one. The Sakara Protein + Greens Super Powder is only 80 calories but has 12 grams of protein. It also has a variety of greens, including organic chlorella, which has been shown to increase white blood cell levels in clinical studies. It's not inexpensive. However, it has stellar reviews, and many happy Sakara customers praise it for its clean ingredients, helping with their cravings and adding nutrients to their day.

Promising review: "Love that the source is actual greens and that it's organic.Tastes great in oatmeal as well."

Buy from iHerb, $21.37

Although rice protein doesn't have all the essential amino acids, it has some. It's also a good alternative for those with stomachs that don't work well with other plant proteins or whey. This one from NutriBiotic has a mild flavor that taste almost milk-like when mixed with water and some honey. It's only 60 calories per 2 tablespoon serving, so if you’re trying to tack on the muscle, double up the serving. Although many like it plain, it's also available in vanilla, as well as chocolate.

Promising review: "I’m very happy with this Organic Rice Protein from Nutribiotic. The smell of the powder is very clean and fresh, and unsurprisingly, it tastes that way as well. I’ve found it easy enough to mix with water, though if you don't drink it quickly, you may need to shake/stir frequently. It also tastes great mixed with yogurt or oatmeal, with a consistency somewhat similar to Cream of Rice. I prefer the plain version with only the basic ingredients needed."

Buy from iHerb, $46.19 (for 32.8 ounces)

Even if this Garden of Life protein powder didn't have metabolism boosting svetol, it would be a terrific choice for those with weight loss goals. It has nearly 30 grams of protein, as well as probiotics and enzymes to promote nutrient absorption and digestion. Protein can assist with muscle building, which burns more calories overall. It also creates satiety, so unless a doctor says otherwise, don't be shy about getting enough. Protein power aside, svetol, which is an extract from green coffee beans, has been scientifically shown to aid in weight loss. It doesn't have caffeine, so there's no jitters. The powder also has Ashwagandha, an adaptogen known to naturally lower stress levels, which may prevent nervous munching. Made with traceable ingredients, it's also soy-free, NSF Certified gluten-free, and available in vanilla, chocolate, and unflavored.

Promising review: "This is a must-have for anyone trying to lose weight. I mix it in unsweetened almond milk with greek yogurt and frozen fruit for a healthy shake. It fills you up so you can have it as a meal. Packed with nutrients."

Buy from Amazon, $49.99

Thousands of happy Amazon customers like the clean ingredients in this organic vegan protein powder, some calling it "delicious" and "fantastic." We like that its protein comes from a variety of sources, like chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and peas, plus it doesn't have stevia, is gluten-free, and non-GMO. One scoop gives 20 grams of the macronutrient, and it's available in several flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter, banana cinnamon, and vanilla chia.

Promising review: "This product is amazing. Lots of flavor and no lingering aftertaste. I have tried the vanilla, chocolate, chocolate peanut butter and now banana cinnamon."

Buy from Amazon, $29.38

Personally, I can't, in good conscious, say to skip eating solid fruits and vegetables. However, getting an extra serving of produce I highly approve. The Vega Organic All-in-One Vegan Protein Powder has 20 grams of delicious plant-based protein, as well as flax, carrots, broccoli , spinach, acai, and a variety of other things high in antioxidants. A serving of the protein powder gives 50 percent of the daily value of vitamins, and has 500 milligrams of Omega-3, so you’re really doing your body right by enjoying some. The chocolate flavor disguises the taste of greens, and though it can be mixed with water, it taste better with a nut milk and banana blended in.

Promising review: "Shockingly good taste. I was expecting to just force it down for the health benefits, but it's actually very good. I use it with extra creamy oat milk."

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