Lots of people rely on protein powder to overcome various deficiencies or a diet that could be better. Whether you are too busy to eat properly or you simply want to keep your food intake to a lower level, a protein powder can give you everything you need – lots of superfoods and extracts in a scoop. However, finding the best vegan protein powder can be challenging with so many options out there.
Not only is the market still limited, but apart from many healthy ingredients, you will also find some junk additives or preservatives. Those are the things you try to get away from. With this aspect in mind, some products are more efficient than others and will provide more beneficial effects. Now, what should you know while looking for the best organic vegan protein powder and what are your top options?
Knowing what to look for in vegan protein powder will prevent a series of unwanted situations.
Stay away from allergenic and harmful ingredients. This is your main rule in the process. Additives and preservatives are only there for volume, but also to extend the shelf life. Some of them will be listed in scientific names, hence the necessity of some research. You need to ensure that none of those ingredients can harm you in one way or another.
If you suffer from certain allergies, ensure that those ingredients miss too.
When it comes to healthy foods, a bad taste is often associated with a healthy product, yet this is not always a general rule. Some vegan protein powders taste terrible and must be mixed with sweet ingredients to become drinkable.
For this reason, more and more manufacturers rely on different flavors and aromas. Whether you like forest fruits, vanilla or chocolate, chances are you can find your favorite flavor. Even if you cannot, opt for a natural flavor instead of no flavor at all.
With so many natural sources of protein, different recipes come with different requirements. Ideally, you should opt for a powder coming from multiple sources, such as hemp, sunflower, pea, chia or pumpkin. The more sources of protein it has, the more complete it is.
Another general rule involves having at least 20g of protein for a service. Otherwise, you are just wasting your time with a milkshake.
The denser it is in nutrients, the healthier your protein powder becomes. While this is a vegan protein powder, you want as much as possible. Look for plenty of vitamins as well, not to mention superfoods. To make things even better, some vegan protein powders are enhanced with digestive enzymes, dietary fibers and probiotics.
Simply put, they are meant to support your body from all directions. This rule does not apply to all manufacturers, so you need to research the market upfront.
If you can find organic protein powder, you are a winner. Non organic products are not too bad either, especially when packed with nutrients and macros. But at the end of the day, you want your powder to be as natural as possible. You do not want any GMOs in its composition. You want it to be 100% natural – after all, it will add to your vegan lifestyle.
Organic protein powders are also clear of plants grown in unnatural environments. If they are exposed to unhealthy soil, fertilizers, pesticides and other synthetic substances, these elements will go into the plant, as well as your powder.
If you are vegan for an ethical treatment of animals, you will want your manufacturer to follow the exact same trends. Otherwise, what is the point? Such products should not be animal tested, but their manufacturers should also be environmentally responsible – renewable energy, recyclable materials and so on.
Now that you know what to look for in the best vegan protein powder, what are the top rated options on the market and what makes them so special?
Orgain's best tasting vegan protein powder is based on chocolate fudge and comes with 21g of pure protein per serving. The same serving is sugar free and features 7g of fiber and 3g of carbs. There are only 150 calories per serving.
It can be mixed with plant milk, water or other beverages then mixed in and used as a snack, after gym, before meals or as a quick breakfast when you are in a rush. You can also use the powder when baking cookies or brownies for extra flavor and a nutrient boost.
The protein powder is not just vegan, but also gluten free, low in carbs, soy free, kosher and organic. There are no artificial ingredients in its composition. It is suitable to people of all ages and physical conditions – including children.
Pros
Cons
Vega has developed one of the most potent sports protein powders on the market – 30g of pure protein and 5g of BCAAs per serving. It is entirely made from plants, including alfalfa, pumpkin seeds and peas. It comes in more flavors and a few different sizes.
It is mostly recommended to sports people, as well as for those who go to the gym to reshape their bodies. In other words, it could be the right vegan protein powder for weight loss when used right. It has no artificial ingredients.
The sporty profile is underlined by its ingredients as well – turmeric extract and billions of probiotics. You do not have to be an athlete to use it, as it makes a good option for quick breakfasts or snacks too. When used in sports, have a serving after each workout.
Pros
Cons
With 20g of protein per serving, Vega's formula is a blend of brown rice, pea and sacha inchi – excellent for everyday uses, breakfasts, smoothies, snacks or post workout shakes. It is gluten free and has no soy ingredients.
There are no artificial components in this protein powder. Also, it is sweetened with stevia. If you do not want stevia, you can find a stevia free alternative – sold without an actual flavor. Just like other Vega products, this one is extremely easy to mix.
Apart from the main protein sources, this powder is also rich in spinach, broccoli, kale and alfalfa – all powders.
Pros
Cons
If you are into raw veganism, this product from KOS could be the best raw vegan protein powder out there. It has no artificial ingredients, but flax seeds, pea, quinoa, chia seeds and pumpkin seeds as protein sources.
The powder is rich in fibers and digestive enzymes to boost your digestive system and metabolism too – excellent for those who want to lose some fat. As for its flavor, you have a mix of Peruvian cacao, coconut milk, stevia and monk fruit.
With 20g of protein per serving, a great taste and lots of extra nutrients, this protein powder comes from a company known for its sustainable manufacturing processes too.
Pros
Cons
Certified to be 100% natural and organic, PlantFusion's best vegan protein powder has no allergenic components or chemicals. Each scope is packed with 21g of pure protein from algae, artichokes, peas and superfoods.
The powder is rich in amino acids, so it makes a good choice for gym freaks who need a shake to repair their muscles. With this formula, the powder is the closest you can get to classic animal based whey protein.
To make it even better, PlantFusion has enhanced it with digestive enzymes for a good digestive. You have more flavors as well.
Pros
Cons
As a short final conclusion, animal protein can be quite potent, but it has its major drawbacks as well. Sometimes, it is just not worth it. Vegan protein powder is suitable to those who adopt such a lifestyle, as well as non vegans who want to eliminate that bloating and filling sensation given by whey protein.
Deciding on the best vegan protein powder can be hard because what works for some people will not work for everyone else. Each of the above-mentioned products will give you a good dose of nutrients, so it is up to you to decide, play around and try out different flavors until you find out what works for you.
Last update on 2024-12-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
