8 best vegan protein powders 2024, expert reviewed | Fortune Recommends

Nov 06, 2024

By Jill Corleone, RD

Expert Verified by Dr. Rob Wildman, PhD, RD, LD, CISSN, FISSN

Reviewed by Joana Neziri, MS, NASM-CPT

Fact Checked by Kelly Uhler

We carefully scrutinized over three dozen vegan protein powders using our standard criteria, including the powders’ effectiveness, ingredients, safety, taste, price, and more. Through these efforts, our team of experts created this list of the best vegan protein powders.

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We wanted to find out the best vegan protein powders for those who can’t tolerate animal products, so we consulted nutrition experts, registered dietitians, and a fact checker to make sure we weren’t missing any details.

Cutting out all animal products from your diet can make getting enough protein more challenging. In fact, studies show that vegans consume the least protein of all diets. ( 1 ) If you’re not getting enough protein or need to eat more to achieve your fitness goals, you may turn to protein powders.

Vegan protein powders are a convenient way to boost protein in your diet. But with so many protein powder options, you may wonder which one is the best plant-based one for you.

Our team of fitness and nutrition experts evaluated and tested over three dozen of the best protein powders . We looked at protein source, ingredients, effectiveness, taste, mixability, nutrition, and price to create a list of the best vegan protein powders to help you in your decision-making process.

Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer delivers a high-calorie, nutrient-dense formula that’s perfect for fueling your workouts without any unnecessary additives. Providing 52 grams of protein and 730 calories, is designed for those looking to put on true mass.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer is a high-protein, high-calorie, plant-based protein powder designed to support weight gain and muscle building.

Working out is only part of the muscle-gain equation. You also need to eat more calories and protein. On average, vegan bodybuilders eat about 15 calories per pound of body weight and 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight when bulking up. ( 3 )

Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer has 710 to 730 calories and 50 to 52 grams of protein per serving, making it our pick for best vegan protein powder for muscle gain.

Pea protein isolate is the source of protein in Vegan Mass Gainer. It’s a complete protein rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), the amino acids needed for building muscle. ( 4 ) According to a clinical study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (JISSN), pea protein works as well as whey protein for bulking up when coupled with a strength-training program. ( 4 )

Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer also contains 3,000 milligrams of creatine monohydrate. Creatine is a popular supplement among athletes and weightlifters because it improves athletic performance, strength, and muscle gains by boosting muscle cell energy during high intensity efforts. ( 2 ) Basically, it gives your muscles an energy boost so you can workout harder to make gains.

Most of the calories in Vegan Mass Gainer comes from the 110–115 grams of carbohydrates, providing 63% of total calories. About 12% of the calories come from 9–10 grams of fat. This high-calorie vegan protein powder also has 5–8 grams of fiber. While getting more fiber is good, it may make you feel more full after consuming it.

This formula is iron-rich, containing 70% or 90% of the daily value for iron, depending on which flavor you choose. Those who follow a vegan diet benefit greatly from this, as they have a harder time obtaining enough iron from food. ( 1 )

Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer uses MCT oil as a source of fat and calories. MCT oil, made with medium-chain triglycerides, is a type of saturated fat that’s easier to absorb than long-chain fatty acids. But it may cause digestive problems in some people like stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. ( 5 )

Another potential drawback of this muscle-gaining supplement is its high sodium content. It has 400–480 milligrams of sodium per serving, providing 17–21% of the daily value. When using this supplement, some people may need to limit their sodium intake from other foods.

At $5.33 per serving, Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer is the most expensive vegan protein powder on our list. And, you only get 15 servings per container.

Though high in calories and protein, it’s not fortified with vitamins and minerals , and our experts don’t recommend using it as a meal replacement drink. But, you can drink it in place of snacks and as a post-workout shake.

You should know that this supplement uses stevia as a sweetener. Some people find that this low-calorie, natural sweetener has a bitter aftertaste. Transparent Labs offers a full refund within 30 days of purchase if you’re dissatisfied with the product.

Check out our Transparent Labs protein review for more information or if you’re interested in building muscle, read our best protein powders for muscle gain .

At the time of our review, we were unable to find many third-party reviews of Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer. The high-calorie, weight-gaining supplement is only available for purchase on the official website.

One verified customer, Juan V. from Nutrition Faktory, gave it a five-star review and said it was worth every penny.

Gainful is a customizable protein powder that allows you to select your protein type and goal—in this case, plant-based and weight loss—giving you more control over your nutrition. This vegan protein powder also offers single-serve flavor boosts for additional customization.

Research shows eating a high-protein diet helps people shed excess body fat without losing too much muscle. ( 6 ) Protein powders are a convenient way to add protein for weight loss.

Gainful customized protein powder is our choice as the best vegan protein powder for weight loss. We selected Gainful because it allows you to customize your protein powder. You choose your protein type: whey, plant-based, low-lactose, or keto. Then, you choose your goal: lose weight, gain weight, or build muscle.

The plant-based weight loss protein from Gainful has 120 calories, 24 grams of protein, 2 grams of carbohydrates, and 1.5 grams of fat. Gainful uses a protein blend consisting of organic pea protein and organic brown rice protein, providing a high-quality protein powder that supplies all the amino acids needed to maintain and build muscle.

How much protein you need to lose weight depends on your overall health, usual diet, age, and activity level. Researchers have investigated the potential benefits of higher vs lower protein diets, whereby the higher protein diets provided between 1 and 1.6 grams per kilogram body weight. ( 6 ) This is in alignment with the recommendations of the International Protein Board (iPB), who recommends 1.4 to 1.6g per kilogram body weight. With 24 grams of protein in each serving, Gainful supplies a healthy dose and can certainly be personalized.

The plant proteins in the customized powder may also support your weight-loss goals by keeping you full longer and curbing food cravings. ( 7 , 8 ) The powder is sugar-free and has no artificial ingredients. You even have access to a registered dietitian with your subscription who can provide guidance and resources.

Gainful also lets you customize your daily protein shake flavor, offering eight flavor boost options. Our product testers really liked this option, opting for a new flavor each day. The flavor boosts add 5 to 10 calories and 1 to 2 grams of carbohydrates to your protein shake.

The flavor boosts use organic stevia leaf and monk fruit to add sweetness and flavor to your shake. One of our testers, a certified personal trainer (CPT), tried all of the flavors and liked mocha and chocolate peanut butter the best.

Mixing is easy, and Gainful gives you a blender bottle that you shake for 30 seconds to combine your protein powder and flavor booster in your liquid of choice. You can drink your shake anytime throughout the day, but the plant-based protein powder makes a good post-workout drink.

The website recommends drinking the shake consistently to reach your goals. At $3.21 a serving, Gainful is more expensive than average, and you only get 14 servings per bag. To stay consistent, you need two bags a month.

On top of that, Gainful isn’t third-party tested.

Check out our best protein powders for weight loss for more options. Or, see our full Gainful review to learn more.

Most customers on Trustpilot say Gainful protein powder is great.

“It does not have a chalky taste, and mixes well with my almond milk.”

LM, verified TrustPilot buyer

Ian G. is a verified customer who says they like how transparent Gainful is with ingredients. They also liked the support they got when first signing up.

Most customer complaints center around the website and customer service. A review from acoolmalibu says, “The email campaign is brutal, I don’t need 13 emails in 9 days, I just want to take my protein and be left alone. It just ended up being too irritating to continue using so I moved on.”

Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake is a high-quality vegan protein powder that’s low in carbs and designed to support muscle recovery and growth in active people.

Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake earns its title as the best vanilla protein powder with its clean, traceable ingredients and smooth, naturally flavored vanilla taste. One serving of this plant-based protein powder delivers high-quality nutrition with 20 grams of protein and just 3 grams of carbohydrates—all of which come from pea fiber. Fiber is a nondigestible carbohydrate that travels through your digestive tract relatively intact and offers many health benefits. ( 9 ) It supports bowel regularity, adding bulk and softening stool, making it easier to pass. In general, fiber is good for gut health, supporting the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut’s microbiome. ( 9 )

Sweetened with fermented sugar cane and monk fruit, this shake avoids added sugars, stevia, or sugar alcohols, keeping it low-carb and sugar-free while preserving its rich vanilla flavor.

In addition to the pea protein, Ritual added L-methionine to the supplement to improve its amino acid profile. L-methionine is an essential amino acid that plays an important role in muscle growth and recovery. Plant proteins like pea protein have significantly lower amounts of L-methionine than animal proteins. ( 10 )

Ritual also added choline, an essential nutrient that helps build cell walls, to assist the L-methionine. ( 11 ) Choline is also a common ingredient in pre-workout supplements for improving focus.

One bag of Ritual protein powder only has 15 servings and is only available in one flavor. If you take the supplement daily, you need two bags a month. They offer a subscription program that automatically ships every 30 days.

It’s also worth noting that mixing can be hit or miss. The website says you can use a shaker bottle or blender, but customers complain of clumpiness, so you may need a blender to fully dissolve the powder.

Ritual’s vegan protein powder made our list because of the company’s ingredient transparency and sustainable business practices. They share the source of each ingredient and how it’s processed.

The low-carb vegan protein powder is also third-party tested, gluten-free, and has no genetically-modified organisms (GMOs).

Ritual is known for providing high-quality supplements, but this comes at a price. One serving of Essential Protein Daily Shake retails for $2.67.

If you’re interested in learning more about Ritual, head over to our Ritual protein review .

Customers on Amazon give Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake mostly positive ratings. They like the quality of the protein powder, but have mixed reviews about taste and mixing.

“I think the only thing that differentiates protein powders is the taste. This is by far the best tasting vanilla protein powder I’ve ever had. I’ve only compared about three other powders, but this one tastes so good in smoothies and it’s my favorite. I’ve WASTED MONEY on other powders and keep coming back to this one.”

Jazmyn W., verified Amazon buyer

Verified Amazon customer Mindy agrees and says the protein powder is great and likes the clean ingredients.

Verified Amazon customer otto777 found the bag messy and the powder hard to mix without a blender.

Nutricost Organic Pea Protein is high in protein and low in fat, carbs, and calories. It’s a simple, but effective vegan protein powder for meeting nutrition needs.

Nutricost Organic Pea Protein has one ingredient—organic pea protein isolate—and is our pick for best organic pea protein powder . Pea protein isolate is made from yellow peas, undergoing an additional processing step that removes most of the fat and carbs, creating a higher concentration of protein per serving.

Pea protein is a high-quality protein perfect for maintaining and building muscle. It’s also hypoallergenic and easy to absorb. ( 9 ) With its single ingredient, you know exactly what you’re getting with Nutricost Organic Pea Protein.

One serving of Nutricost Organic Pea Protein has 100 calories, 20 grams of protein, 1 to 2 gram of carbohydrates, and 1.5 to 2 grams of fat. It also supplies 30% of the daily value for iron and has a small amount of calcium—53 milligrams.

Additionally, the pea protein is certified USDA organic, gluten-free, non-GMO certified, and third-party tested.

Nutricost Organic Pea Protein is the least expensive vegan protein powder on our list. At retail price, one serving of the protein powder costs $0.87. When you subscribe and save the price drops to $0.69 per serving.

The price is right, but some people dislike the strong pea flavor and gritty consistency of this vegan protein powder. Customers suggest blending it with fruit to offset the taste and texture. You can also add the protein powder to soups, dips, or baked goods.

Nutricost offers a 60-day money back guarantee.

Amazon customers like the quality and value of Nutricost Organic Pea Protein, but reviews are mixed on taste and texture.

Flomango is a verified Amazon customer who gave the protein powder a five-star review. They say it has a bland taste, but blends well with smoothies made with fruit and nut butters. They also find it very filling.

If you are in the market for unflavored vegan protein, this product is great also because it’s 1) affordable and 2) organic.

Phileo, Amazon

Thomas is a verified Amazon customer who wrote that the ingredients are good and the price is right, but the flavor is “awful.”

Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean is a plant-based, nutrient-rich protein powder that packs 22 grams of protein in every serving.

Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean Plant-Based Superfood Protein stands out as the best clean vegan protein powder due to its certified USDA organic status and commitment to using only organic ingredients. With a proprietary blend of plant-based proteins, superfoods, and greens, this powder delivers high-quality nutrition without unnecessary additives, making it a top choice for those seeking a truly clean protein powder option.

Organic foods aren’t always healthier than conventional foods, and there’s very little difference in carb, protein, and fat content between them. ( 12 ) However, eating more organic foods may offer some health benefits. Some research shows that organic produce may have a higher concentration of antioxidants than conventionally grown produce. ( 12 )

Antioxidants are substances in plant foods that protect cells from oxidative damage, the main driver behind aging and chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. ( 13 , 14 ) Eating a diet rich in antioxidants may protect your cells and reduce risk of disease.

Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean is a plant-based superfood protein powder made from nutrient-rich organic plant foods, providing countless essential nutrients and antioxidants. One serving has 130 calories, 22 grams of protein, 5 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of fat.

The protein in the vegan powder comes from a proprietary blend of plant proteins, including pea, rice, sacha inchi, sprouted quinoa, and amaranth. It also has a superfood and greens blend for extra nutrition. Because this formula uses a proprietary blend, we don’t know how much of each ingredient there is, making it harder to evaluate. ( 15 )

If you take dietary supplements, talk to your doctor before adding this vegan protein powder to your routine.

So Lean & So Clean also has an enzyme blend to support digestion. However, not all enzymes survive the acidic stomach unless they come in a protective coating. ( 16 ) So, it’s hard to say how well the added enzymes help with digestion.

Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean has a slightly sweet taste from stevia and monk fruit. The powder mixes well with water, plant-milks, and smoothies. You can also add the vegan protein powder to your muffin or pancake batter.

We also like that the organic protein powder is dairy-free, gluten-free, certified vegan, and third-party tested. At $2 a serving it’s a bit pricier than some of the other protein powders on this list.

With 4.1 stars out of 6,337 reviews, customers who buy Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean Plant-Based Superfood Protein from Amazon say they like the plant-based protein powder and that it keeps them full. But not everyone likes the taste and texture.

“Don’t typically write reviews.. but I have to say… this vanilla chai is probably the best protein flavor I’ve ever had. It’s not overpowering, so good for every day and even in combination with different fruits and greens. Very very good. I also love the unflavored one, but I think the vanilla chai has converted me.”

Blue-Phoenix, Verified Amazon Customer

Amazon customer Amelia gave So Lean & So Clean a five-star review, but says it has a lima bean taste and a gritty texture. But they tolerate this protein powder better than whey protein powder.

Another Amazon customer Raychel said they like that it’s gluten- and dairy-free, and vanilla is their favorite flavor. They especially like that it has digestive enzymes.

Legion Athletics Plant+ Protein Powder provides 24-25 grams of high-quality vegan protein from all-natural ingredients that tastes great.

With flavors like cinnamon cereal and apple pie, Legion Athletics Plant+ Protein Powder is an easy choice for the best tasting vegan protein powder. Our product testers agree—they loved all of the flavors.

One tester said the cinnamon cereal tasted like Cinnamon Toast Crunch. She said it was sweet, like the cereal, but not overpowering. Our testers all agreed that Legion Athletics Plant+ is sweet. While some found it too sweet, others thought it was a good option for people with a sweet tooth to help cut cravings.

One of our testers who tried the apple pie flavor said the apple flavor tasted artificial and sweet, but the cinnamon helped balance it out. She also said that the protein powder was “overly sweet.”

Our product testers did like how easy it was to mix Legion Athletics Plant+. They didn’t need a shaker cup or a blender, saying that the powder dissolved quickly in liquid mixing with a spoon. Most liked the consistency, but one of our testers said it had a mild chalky feel.

Legion Athletics Plant+ is an excellent source of protein, providing 24 to 25 grams per serving. The vegan protein powder uses a blend of pea and rice protein to create a high-quality protein powder that supplies all nine essential amino acids in sufficient doses. The protein blend is easy to digest and absorb for post-workout muscle building. ( 7 , 8 )

Plant+ has no added sugar, using monk fruit and stevia leaf extract for sweetness. The low-calorie natural sweeteners also keep carbs and calories low, with 3 to 5 grams of carbohydrates and 130 to 140 calories per scoop.

Using two sweeteners may explain the extra sweet taste. None of our product testers, however, noted any bitterness from the stevia.

We also like Plant+ from Legion because it’s soy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and GMO-free.

Safety and quality is important at Legion Athletics, and Plant+ is made in NSF-certified and GMP- compliant facilities and lab tested for potency and purity. NSF is an independent third-party testing lab and GMP stands for good manufacturing practice, the FDA safety guidelines for supplement makers. ( 7 )

Legion Athletics Plant+ costs more than average compared to other vegan protein powders, retailing for $2.50 a serving. With the subscribe and save program, the price drops to $2.25 a serving. Legion also offers a money-back guarantee.

Read our full Legion protein powder review for more information.

Most Amazon customers like the taste and quality of Legion Athletics Plant+ vegan protein powder, but some say it’s too thick and chalky.

“ Plant protein can be so tricky in terms of getting great flavor, but this is SPOT ON. Nicely ground down powder, comes with a scoop, 140 calories for 24g protein. So happy!”

Kate F. , verified website buyer

Aleena is another verified customer who likes the taste of Legion’s Plant+, saying it mixes well with plant milk.

Jasvir is an Amazon customer who didn’t like Plant+, saying the protein powder tastes artificial and sweet.

Transparent Labs 100% Pea Protein Islate is a high-quality vegan protein powder made from organic peas and a rich chocolate taste. One serving provides 28 grams of complete protein, providing almost all of the amino acids necessary for muscle building.

Chocolate is a classic flavor for protein shakes , and Transparent Labs Pea Protein Isolate earned our pick for the best chocolate vegan protein powder.

In addition to the organic cocoa flavor, you get 28 grams of high-quality protein from one source of protein: 100% organic peas. While pea proteins are considered nearly complete plant proteins, they are low in methionine, one of the essential amino acids used to make protein. ( 17 ) Though, you can subset this by eating methionine-rich plant-based foods throughout the day, such as edamame, tofu, or sunflower seeds.

Many customers like Transparent Labs Pea Protein for its short list of clean ingredients, including cocoa powder, natural flavors, Himalayan rock salt, and organica stevia extract. The vegan protein powder is also soy-free and made without artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors.

The natural sweetener stevia helps keep both carbs and calories in check, with each serving containing just 3 grams of carbs and 120 calories. However, the taste of stevia may not appeal to everyone. In addition to being low in fat, this vegan protein powder also provides 2 grams of fiber, supporting digestive health.

Another reason our team selected Transparent labs Pea Isolate is because it meets 40% of the daily value for iron. People who follow a vegan diet have a harder time getting enough iron from food. ( 1 ) Iron in plant foods is harder to absorb than iron in meat, increasing risk of iron deficiency. This supplement can boost your iron intake and lower your risk of a deficiency.

With a price of $1.67 per serving, Transparent Lab’s Pea Isolate is in the middle of the price range. A container contains 30 servings. Plus, all of Transparent Labs products are third-party tested, without testing, ensuring quality and that they contain the ingredients as listed. Third-party testing is one of the factors we use to evaluate dietary supplements for quality and safety. ( 18 ) As a result, it was given a higher rating.

Promix Unflavored Vegan Protein Powder provides 25 grams of hiqh-quality plant protein that’s easy to digest and absorb.

Promix Unflavored Vegan Protein Powder is an all-natural supplement with only two ingredients: Canadian yellow pea protein isolate and vitamin B12. That’s why it’s our choice for best unflavored vegan protein powder.

It’s a fat-free, low-carb protein powder with a protein content of 25 grams per serving and only 115 calories. The Canadian yellow pea protein isolate is a high-quality source of protein, providing all the essential amino acids. Promix says their unflavored vegan protein powder is best for supporting recovery and muscle growth.

Promix’s vegan protein powder is also an excellent source of vitamin B12, providing 200% of the daily value. Vitamin B12 is only naturally found in animal products and is difficult to get in a plant-based diet. ( 19 )

Low vitamin B12 intake is a common problem for people who follow a vegan diet. ( 1 ) Not getting enough vitamin B12 can, over time, lead to anemia and affect the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and nerves). ( 1 ) People on a vegan diet need to eat foods fortified with vitamin B12 or take a supplement. ( 19 ) Promix Unflavored Vegan Protein Powder can supply this essential nutrient, reducing risk of deficiency.

This vegan protein powder is also gluten-free, soy-free, and third-party tested for heavy metals, allergens, and other toxins.

The simple vegan protein powder is a good value at $1.16 a serving for 2.5 pounds and $0.89 a serving for 5 pounds. Promix also offers a subscribe and save program that lowers the price by 10%.

You need to blend, shake, or stir the protein powder in water or plant-milk for at least 30 seconds to dissolve. It also works well in baked goods like muffins and quick breads.

If you dislike natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit and prefer a neutral-flavored protein powder, then Promix Unflavored Vegan Protein Powder may work for you. However, not everyone is a fan of the taste, and some customers say it has a strong pea flavor.

Promix offers a 90-day money back guarantee if you’re not happy with the supplement.

Customers really enjoy the simplicity of Promix’s unflavored vegan protein powder, and it has positive ratings overall on Amazon.

Verified Amazon customer Marty writes, “In my opinion this is the best of the available vegan protein powders: there is NO pea protein aftertaste, and it’s very bland flavor makes it ideal to mix with whatever you like. The bland taste allows you to throw it into baked goods or drinks. Since there’s no sweetener in this formulation, you can sweeten it to suit your taste buds—if your taste buds are very sensitive to sweet, you can add just a tad of sweetener and not gag.”

“The taste is mild, but my body simply feels clean with it, rather than all the bloating from traditional protein powders.”

Kyle, verified Amazon buyer

Not everyone agrees about the taste of this unflavored vegan protein powder. Amazon customer Anna isn’t a fan of Promix vegan protein powder, remarking that it has a very strong pea flavor.

Every plant-based protein powder we review is rated across six primary categories. Each category is assigned a different percentage weight of the total score based on its relative importance when considering whether or not you should purchase a plant-protein product. Plant protein powders can also earn bonus credits that help boost the overall rating for factors such as third-party testing, sustainable packaging, the addition of digestive enzymes, and more.

You can check out our complete plant protein scoring methodology here .

The protein source is important because it affects the product’s digestibility, nutrient profile, and environmental impact. We consider the origin of the protein to ensure it meets vegan standards and provides a high-quality, sustainable option.

Here’s what we look for:

Whether the protein is complete is crucial for determining if it provides all nine essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and overall health. We consider this to ensure that the product can serve as a reliable, sole protein source without requiring additional supplementation.

The balance of macronutrients per serving is important for managing energy levels, weight, and overall nutrition. We consider these calories to evaluate if the product supports specific dietary goals, such as high-protein or low-carb diets.

Our factors in this rating include:

The amount of protein per serving is a key factor in determining the product’s effectiveness in meeting daily protein needs.

Our factors in this rating include:

Understanding the cost efficiency is important for those who want to manage their budget while meeting their nutritional needs. We consider the price per gram of protein to compare the value of different products.

These are the ranges we consider:

Sweeteners play a significant role in the taste, caloric content, and health impact of the product. We consider the type and amount of sweeteners used to evaluate their impact on flavor, their suitability for low-sugar diets, and any potential health implications.

Here are the common ones we evaluate:

You need to consider several factors when choosing the best vegan protein powder for you. These factors include:

When selecting a protein powder, you want a supplement with high-quality protein, one that provides all the essential amino acids. A vegan diet omits all animal products, but you can still get high-quality protein from plant sources.

Most vegan protein powders use pea protein. Made from yellow peas, pea protein powders contain all the amino acids. ( 4 , 8 ) Options include pea protein concentrate and pea protein isolate. The isolate undergoes additional processing to remove more fat and carbohydrates, creating a higher concentration of protein in the powder. ( 8 )

Some vegan protein powders use a blend of plant proteins like pea protein and brown rice protein or pea protein and hemp protein. The blended plant proteins improve the amino acid profile of the powders.

Dietary supplements like vegan protein powders aren’t regulated by the FDA. The FDA doesn’t determine whether the product is safe and effective. It’s up to the manufacturer to follow good manufacturing practices (GMP) to ensure their product is safe, effective, and contains the ingredients listed. ( 18 )

Third-party testing is an independent lab evaluation that checks the quality, purity, and potency of a supplement. Choosing third-party testing doesn’t guarantee a supplement is 100% safe, but it adds an extra layer of protection. ( 18 ) Supplement companies may display certifications on their label or provide testing information on their website.

Your vegan protein powder may have more than just protein. Carefully look at the ingredient list and choose protein powders that include ingredients that fit your needs and goals. You may want to avoid protein powders with added sugar, artificial ingredients, and artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame.

If you have food allergies, read the label to make sure it doesn’t contain your allergen or didn’t potentially come in contact with your allergen during processing.

Taste matters. You want to enjoy your protein shake so you drink it regularly and get the benefits. Some vegan protein powders come in a variety of fun flavors like cookies and cream and cinnamon toast, while others may only offer traditional flavors like vanilla and chocolate. Choose a flavor that suits your tastes.

Unflavored vegan protein powders are also available and may give you the freedom to create your own flavor using whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and nut butters.

Your health, nutrition, and fitness goals are important factors to consider when choosing a vegan protein powder. If you want to bulk up and add more muscle, you may need a high-calorie protein powder with added carbs and fat. If you want to lose weight, you may prefer a low-carb, low-fat protein powder.

Vegan protein powders vary in price, making it easy to find one that fits your budget. But don’t limit yourself to the cheapest choice. Pick the protein powder that offers the best value, one that you like to drink and helps you meet your goals.

People eating a vegan diet often have a harder time getting the proper amount of protein into their diet compared to meat eaters. While this can impact anyone, vegan athletes, in particular, may want to add a protein powder to their daily routine to help with muscle gain. ( 3 )

Vegan protein powder can also be easier to digest, which is important for people who have gut issues or simply want a healthy gut. ( 20 )

If you prefer to avoid animal products, vegan protein powder is an excellent alternative that still packs a healthy dose of protein. Vegan protein powder may also be beneficial for people who have digestive issues like IBS and want to try something that won’t exacerbate the condition. ( 21 )

While vegan protein powder can be a good alternative to other protein choices like whey protein powder, it can sometimes contain ingredients like soy or gluten that some people are allergic to. ( 7 )

As is the case with any new supplement, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor before adding vegan protein powder to your routine. Although some people can digest vegan protein powders better than whey, others may experience gastrointestinal distress and bloating when making the switch.

The amount of vegan protein powder you should use depends on your daily protein needs, usual eating habits, and goals. A good protein powder should provide 20 to 30 grams of protein per serving. ( 22 )

After carefully considering all the factors, our top pick for best vegan protein powder is Legion Athletics Plant + Vegan Protein Powder. This protein powder has the best taste, offers many flavor options, and provides 24 to 25 grams of high-quality plant protein per serving. It’s also third-party tested and has no artificial ingredients or added sugar.

According to research, pea protein is the easiest to digest. ( 17 ) However, this may vary from person-to-person. The type of vegan protein powder you tolerate best may depend on your health history.

While most athletes have similar muscle gains and athletic outcomes when using soy and whey protein powders, other vegan protein powders may not have a one-to-one match up to whey in terms of performance. Small studies suggest higher amounts of protein may bridge the gap between vegan and whey protein when using for athletic performance. ( 23 )

Choosing the right protein powder for you depends largely on what your preferences and goals are. That said, if you are lactose intolerant or have IBS, you may want to switch to a vegan protein powder. Before making this change, make sure to consider what the key ingredients are and make sure you are not allergic to anything in the nutrition list.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

Robert Wildman, Phd, RD, LD, CISSN, FISSN

Dr Robert Wildman (“Dr Rob”) is a globally renowned exercise, fitness, and nutrition expert who speaks around the world on exercise and sport nutrition, and continues to work with professional and elite athletes to achieve their highest level of performance as well as health and fitness. Rob received his PhD from The Ohio State University, earned his MS from Florida State University, and earned his BS from the University of Pittsburgh. He is also a registered and licensed dietitian.

Jessica Coulon

Jessica Coulon is a writer and editor who specializes in fitness, health, nutrition, and science content. Previously, she was an editor for Popular Mechanics and Bicycling, where she covered pro cycling news, wrote how-to guides, and tested all the latest and greatest bike gear. She was also a regular shoe tester and contributor for Runner’s World. You can often find her skiing or riding her mountain bike, and racing with the F1RE female enduro team.

Kelly Uhler

Kelly has a multifaceted background in elder care, health care, and copywriting. She has worked for organizations such as A Place For Mom and Homecare.com, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with families, providing reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life.

Joana Neziri, M.S., NASM CPT

Joana is a writer, editor, and content strategist focusing on nutrition, fitness, and all things health. After earning a master’s degree in business from the University of North Florida, she began a career in research and digital marketing.

Registered Dietitian and Health Writer

Jill’s life has centered around nutrition and fitness for more than two decades. After earning her bachelor of science in nutrition at New York University in Manhattan, Jill went on to complete her internship at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark.

She spent the early part of her career working as a clinical dietitian with a focus on pediatric nutrition. She then transitioned into management. Jill began her career as a freelance writer in 2007 while working as a clinical nutrition manager in Florida. She became a full-time writer in 2010 after the birth of her first child.

Jill has written for numerous publications, including Verywellfit, Diabetes Self-Management, Huffington Post, Livestrong.com, and SFGate.