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.
Editor’s choice: Legion Athletics
Legion Athletics Plant+ Protein Powder is a high-quality, vegan-friendly protein powder that’s delicious and mixes easily in water or plantmilk . It’s low in carbs and fat, and provides all the essential amino acids needed for building muscle.
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.
Our picks for the best vegan protein powder
- Best for muscle gain: Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer
- Best tasting: Legion Athletics Plant+ Protein Powder
- Best for weight loss: Gainful Customized Protein Powder
- Best pea: Nutricost Organic Pea Protein Isolate Powder
- Best low carb: Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+
- Best unflavored: Promix Unflavored Vegan Protein Powder
- Best organic: Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean Plant-Based Superfood Protein
- Best quality: Vega Sport Premium Plant-Based Protein Powder
- Best clean: Future Kind Organic Vegan Protein Powder
Compare vegan protein powders
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| Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer | Legion Athletics Plant+ Protein Powder | Gainful Customized Protein Powder | Nutricost Organic Pea Protein Isolate | Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ | Promix Unflavored Vegan Protein Powder | Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean Plant-Based Superfood Protein | Vega Sport Premium Plant-Based Protein Powder | Future Kind Vegan Plant Protein Powder | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Price | $5.33 per serving | $2.50 per serving | $3.21 per serving | $0.87 per serving | $2.67 per serving | $1.16 per serving | $2.00 per serving | $3.25 per serving | $1.76 per serving |
| Protein type | Pea protein isolate | Pea protein isolate, rice protein concentrate | Organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein | Organic pea protein isolate | Organic pea protein | Canadian yellow pea protein isolate | Organic pea protein, organic rice protein, organic sacha inchi, organic sprouted quinoa, organic amaranth | Pea protein, pumpkin seed protein, organic sunflower seed protein, alfalfa protein | Organic pea protein isolate |
| Flavor options | Chocolate glaze donut, vanilla cupcake | Dutch chocolate, cinnamon cereal, french vanilla, salted caramel, apple pie, mocha cappuccino | Salted caramel, rich chocolate, cinnamon toast, cookies & cream, caffé mocha, Strawberry cream, chocolate peanut butter, madagascar vanilla | Unflavored, vanilla | Vanilla | Unflavored, raw chocolate, french vanilla | Chocolate, vanilla, vanilla chai, unflavored | Chocolate, vanilla, mocha, berry, peanut butter | Vanilla |
Best vegan protein powder for muscle gain: Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer
Key product features
What you should know
Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer is a high-protein, high-calorie, plant-based protein powder designed to support weight gain and muscle building.
- This is a high-quality vegan protein powder made with clean ingredients that tastes good and mixes well.
- At $5.33 per serving, Vegan Mass Gainer is the most expensive plant-based protein powder on our list.
- This is a great option for people who follow a vegan diet and need extra calories and protein powder to gain muscle and/or weight.
- This formula contains creatine monohydrate, a supplement that improves exercise performance,supporting gains in muscle and strength when combined with serious training. (2)
Why we like Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer as best for muscle gain
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 shake . 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.
What customers are saying
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.
Specs
| Protein type | Pea protein isolate |
| Flavors | Vanilla cupcake, chocolate glaze donut |
| Serving size | 2 scoops (186.4–196 grams) |
| Servings per container | 15 |
| Protein per serving | 50–52 grams |
| Calories per serving | 710–730 calories |
| Price per serving | $5.33 |
Best tasting vegan protein powder: Legion Athletics Plant+ Protein Powder
Key product features
What you should know
Legion Athletics Plant+ Protein Powder provides 24-25 grams of high-quality vegan protein from all-natural ingredients that tastes great.
- Our product testers found Plant+ easy to mix with water and plant-milk and enjoyed the fun flavors, though some thought it was too sweet.
- At $2.50 a serving, Legion Athletic Plant+ is priced higher than many other vegan protein powders on our list.
- This is a great option for people who want a protein powder that tastes great and helps them meet their nutrition goals.
- Plant+ from Legion Athletics supplies all the essential amino acids necessary for growing muscle and improving strength.
Why we like Legion Athletics Plant+ Protein Powder as best tasting
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. ( 8 , 9 )
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.
What customers are saying
Most Amazon customers like the taste and quality of Legion Athletics Plant+ vegan protein powder, but some say it’s too thick and chalky.
Verified Amazon customer Kate F. writes, “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!”
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.
Specs
| Protein type | Pea protein isolate, rice protein concentrate |
| Flavors | Dutch chocolate, cinnamon cereal, french vanilla, salted caramel, apple pie, mocha cappuccino |
| Serving size | 1 scoop (33.64–36.5 grams) |
| Servings per container | 20 |
| Protein per serving | 24 to 25 grams |
| Calories per serving | 130 to 140 calories |
| Price per serving | $2.50 ($2.25 with a subscription) |
Best vegan protein powder for weight loss: Gainful Customized Protein Powder
Key product features
What you should know
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.
- Our product testers enjoyed the flavor packets, using a different flavor each time they made a protein shake.
- At $3.21 per serving, Gainful Customized Protein Powder is one of the most expensive vegan protein powders on our list.
- Gainful’s vegan weight loss protein powder is a good option for people following a plant-based diet who want more control over the ingredients in their protein powders.
- A subscription includes access to a registered dietitian.
Why we like Gainful Customized Protein Powder as best for weight loss
Research shows eating a high-protein diet helps people shed excess body fat without losing too much muscle. ( 10 ) 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 for weight loss 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. ( 10 ) 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. ( 8 , 9 ) 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.
What customers are saying
Most customers on Trustpilot say Gainful protein powder is great.
LM writes on Trustpilot that they’ve been using Gainful since 2022 and highly recommend it. “It does not have a chalky taste, and mixes well with my almond milk.”
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.”
Specs
| Protein type | Organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein |
| Flavors | Rich cocoa, sea salt caramel, madagascar vanilla, caffe mocha, strawberry cream, chocolate peanut butter, cookies & cream, cinnamon toast |
| Serving size | 1 scoop (30 grams) |
| Servings per container | 14 |
| Protein per serving | 24 grams |
| Calories per serving | 120 calories |
| Price per serving | $3.21 |
Best vegan pea protein powder: Nutricost Organic Pea Protein
Key product features
What you should know
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.
- This formula contains organic pea protein isolate and has a high concentration of plant-based protein.
- Nutricost Organic Pea Protein powder is the least expensive option on our list at $0.87 per serving, making it a great value.
- This is a great option for people who are unable to take other types of protein powders and need a single-ingredient option.
- Nutricost Organic Pea Protein is certified USDA organic.
Why we like Nutricost Organic Pea Protein as best pea protein
Nutricost Organic Pea Protein has one ingredient—organic pea protein isolate—and is our pick for best vegan 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.
What customers are saying
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.
Phileo also gave Nutricost Organic Pea Protein a five-star review writing, “If you are in the market for unflavored vegan protein, this product is great also because it’s 1) affordable and 2) organic.”
Thomas is a verified Amazon customer who wrote that the ingredients are good and the price is right, but the flavor is “awful.”
Specs
| Protein type | Organic pea protein isolate |
| Flavors | Unflavored, vanilla |
| Serving size | 1 scoop (24 grams) |
| Servings per container | 86 servings in the 5-pound vanilla container, 95 for the unflavored |
| Protein per serving | 20 grams |
| Calories per serving | 100 calories |
| Price per serving | $0.87 |
Best low-carb vegan protein powder: Ritual Essential Daily Shake 18+
Key product features
What you should know
Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ is a high-quality vegan protein powder that’s low in carbs and designed to support muscle recovery and growth in active people ages 18 and older.
- The Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ contains added L-methionine to improve its amino acid profile for muscle building.
- At $2.67 per serving, Ritual’s vegan protein powder is higher than the standard price.
- This is best suited for active people who want a high-quality vegan protein powder to support weight loss or muscle growth.
- This formula contains traceable ingredients, so you know the source of each ingredient.
Why we like Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ as best low-carb
Made from clean, traceable ingredients, Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ is our pick for the best low-carb vegan protein powder. One serving of the plant-based protein powder has only 3 grams of carbohydrates, all in the form of fiber.
Fiber is a nondigestible carbohydrate that travels through your digestive tract relatively intact and offers many health benefits. Fiber slows down the movement of food through digestion, keeping you full longer. (
11
) It’s also good for bowel regularity, adding bulk and softening stool, making it easier to pass. Fiber is good for gut health, supporting the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut’s microbiome. (
11
)
The organic pea protein is the source of fiber in Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+. It also supplies 20 grams of high-quality protein.
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. ( 12 )
Ritual also added choline, an essential nutrient that helps build cell walls, to assist the L-methionine. ( 13 ) Choline is also a common ingredient in pre-workout supplements for improving focus.
Ritual’s vegan protein powder also 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.
Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ uses fermented sugar cane and monk fruit to sweeten the powder without adding calories or carbs. It also keeps the supplement sugar-free without stevia or sugar alcohols. If you dislike stevia, you may want to try Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+.
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 18+ retails for $2.67.
On top of that, one bag of the 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.
Mixing is also 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.
What customers are saying
Customers on Amazon give Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ mostly positive ratings. They like the quality of the protein powder, but have mixed reviews about taste and mixing.
Jazymyn W. is a verified Amazon customer who says it’s a great tasting protein. “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.”
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.
Specs
| Protein type | Organic pea protein |
| Flavors | Vanilla |
| Serving size | 1 scoop (30 grams) |
| Servings per container | 15 |
| Protein per serving | 20 grams |
| Calories per serving | 115 calories |
| Price per serving | $2.67 |
Best unflavored vegan protein powder: Promix Unflavored Vegan Protein Powder
Key product features
What you should know
Promix Unflavored Vegan Protein Powder provides 25 grams of hiqh-quality plant protein that’s easy to digest and absorb.
- This formula contains only two ingredients: organic Canadian yellow pea protein isolate and vitamin B12.
- With a retail price of $1.16 per serving, Promix Unflavored Vegan Protein Powder is a good value. You can save more with a subscription or buying in bulk.
- This is a good option for people who need more protein for repairing and building muscle after a workout.
- This vegan protein powder has zero fat and is very low in carbohydrates.
- Promix vegan protein powder mixes well in liquids, smoothies, and batters for baked goods.
Why we like Promix Unflavored Vegan Protein Powder as best unflavored
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 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. ( 14 )
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. ( 14 ) 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.
What customers are saying
Customers really enjoy the simplicity of Promix’s unflavored vegan protein powder, and it has positive ratings overall on Amazon.
“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.”
Marty, Verified Amazon Customer
Kyle is another verified customer on Amazon who enjoys how “clean” the protein powder is. “The taste is mild, but my body simply feels clean with it, rather than all the bloating from traditional protein powders.”
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.
Specs
| Protein type | Organic Canadian yellow pea protein isolate |
| Flavors | Unflavored (also available in chocolate and French vanilla) |
| Serving size | 2 scoops (30 grams) |
| Servings per container | 38 servings per 2.5 pound bag |
| Protein per serving | 25 grams |
| Calories per serving | 115 calories |
| Price per serving | $1.16 |
Best organic vegan protein powder: Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean Plant-Based Superfood Protein
Key product features
What you should know
Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean is a plant-based, nutrient-rich protein powder that packs 22 grams of protein in every serving.
- This formula contains a proprietary protein blend consisting of organic pea protein, organic rice protein, organic sacha inchi, organic sprouted quinoa, and organic amaranth.
- At $2.00 per serving, Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean Plant-Based Superfood Protein is a little more expensive than average compared to other vegan protein powders.
- So Lean & So Clean is designed for anyone who wants to add more protein and nutrition to their diet.
- This powder has a subtle flavor, so you can add it to pancake batter, oatmeal, or smoothies.
Why we like Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean Plant-Based Superfood Protein as best organic
Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean Plant-Based Superfood Protein is our choice for best organic vegan protein powder. It’s certified USDA organic and contains a proprietary protein, superfood, and greens blend made with all organic ingredients.
Organic foods aren’t always healthier than conventional foods, and there’s very little difference in carb, protein, and fat content between them. ( 15 ) 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. ( 15 )
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. ( 16 ) ( 17 ) 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. ( 18 )
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. ( 19 ) 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 $2.00 a serving it’s a bit pricier than some of the other protein powders on this list.
What customers are saying
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.
Specs
| Protein type | Organic pea protein, organic rice protein, organic sacha inchi, organic sprouted quinoa, organic amaranth. |
| Flavors | Vanilla, chocolate, vanilla chai, unflavored |
| Serving size | 2 scoops (32.5 grams) |
| Servings per container | 20 |
| Protein per serving | 22 grams |
| Calories per serving | 130 calories |
| Price per serving | $2.00 |
Best quality vegan protein powder: Vega Sport Premium Plant-Based Protein Powder
Key product features
What you should know
Vega Sport Premium Plant-Based Protein Powder provides plenty of nutrients from its combination of plants, along with a substantial 30 grams of protein and 5 grams of BCAAs.
- Vega Sport Premium also contains probiotics and tart cherry powder.
- At $3.25 a serving, the plant-based vegan protein powder is one of the pricier options on our list.
- This is a great vegan protein powder for people who want a high-quality protein with BCAAs to build muscle and lots of added nutrition.
- Vega plants a tree with every order.
Why we like Vega Sport Premium Plant-Based Protein Powder as best quality
Vega Sport Premium packs in 30 grams of protein and 5 grams of BCAAs in every serving, and is our choice as best quality vegan protein powder. This protein powder is designed to support recovery from workouts and improve performance.
The protein in Vega Sport Premium comes from a mix of plants, including pea, pumpkin seed, and alfalfa protein, providing all the amino acids required for repairing and rebuilding muscle. It’s also rich in BCAAs, arguably the most unique of the essential amino acids, playing a key role in optimizing the overarching promotion signals for muscle protein synthesis. ( 4 )
Beyond the protein, the supplement has other added ingredients that boost health and wellness, including Bacillus coagulans , a type of probiotic (friendly bacteria) not normally found in the gut. However, it makes lactic acid like Lactobacilli , supporting digestion. ( 20 )
Commonly found in supplements, people take B. coagulans to ease irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms like abdominal pain and constipation. ( 20 ) B. coagulans is now called Weizmannia coagulans, but many supplements continue to use the former name. ( 20 ) In the vegan protein powder, the probiotic may help reduce gastrointestinal disturbances, especially in folks with IBS.
Vega Sport Premium Plant-Based Protein Powder contains tart cherry powder, which may help reduce post-workout pain and inflammation. Tart cherries are rich in polyphenols—strong antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties and may help ease discomfort following an intense workout. ( 21 )
This formula is gluten-free, sugar-free, and sweetened with stevia. However, it’s higher in calories than the other protein powders on our list, with 170 calories per serving. Though not excessively high, Vega plant-protein powder may not make the best choice if your goal is weight loss.
Vega Sport Premium is third-party tested and NSF Certified for Sport, so it’s free of banned substances. You can mix it with water or plant milk in a shaker cup, or blend with ice and fruit in a blender. It also comes in a variety of flavors, satisfying many tastes.
A high-quality vegan protein powder comes at a price, and that’s $3.25 per serving. You can save 20% on your order with a subscription.
What customers are saying
More than 13,000 Amazon customers have reviewed Vega Premium Sport Protein, giving it an overall positive rating.
This product is really great! The berry flavor is delightful and not artificial tasting at all. The 30g plant based protein is a fantastic addition to my diet too. It’s nice to have a vegan option that tastes so good.”
Jennifer S., Amazon
Hess S. is another verified customer who says they like this protein powder because it’s keto-friendly and gluten-free.
Amazon customer RB wasn’t happy with the taste, noting that it was too sweet. “It must be the stevia used. The taste, to me, is absolutely horrid. I had to toss my drink and remake it with my other powder.”
Specs
| Protein type | Pea protein, pumpkin seed protein, organic sunflower protein, alfalfa protein |
| Flavors | Vanilla, chocolate, mocha, berry, peanut butter |
| Serving size | 1 scoop (41 grams) |
| Servings per container | 20 |
| Protein per serving | 30 grams |
| Calories per serving | 170 calories |
| Price per serving | $3.25 |
Best clean vegan protein powder: Future Kind Organic Vegan Protein Powder
Key product features
What you should know
Future Kind Organic Vegan Protein Powder has a short list of high-quality ingredients, packing in 20 grams of protein with very few carbs and no fat.
- Future Kind vegan protein powder mixes easily in a shaker cup.
- With a retail price of $1.76 per serving, Future Kind Organic Vegan Protein Powder is slightly more expensive than other vegan protein powders.
- This is a good protein powder for people looking for a simple and clean supplement to support nutrition and health goals.
Why we like Future Kind Vegan Plant Protein Powder as best clean
With an ingredient list of only four items, our team of experts selected Future Kind Vegan Plant Protein Powder as the best clean vegan protein powder. The short ingredient list includes organic pea protein isolate, organic flavors, organic guar gum, and organic stevia.
One serving of the clean vegan protein powder provides 20 grams of protein, 1 gram of carbohydrate, zero fat, and 85 calories. Low in calories and high in protein, Future Kind vegan protein powder may be a good choice for people looking for a protein powder to support weight loss.
The pea protein isolate provides all the high-quality protein you need without any extra fat or carbs, keeping calories low. Future Kind uses stevia to sweeten the supplement, adding flavor without carbs or calories.
The clean protein powder is easy to digest and high in iron. It’s also gluten-free, soy-free, and non-GMO.
However, the powder is made in a facility that also processes foods that may contain peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, milk, or egg ingredients. Though Future Kind thoroughly cleans the facility and equipment before processing their protein powder, people with severe food allergies may want to choose a different vegan protein powder.
This clean vegan protein powder is third-party tested for quality.
Future Kind Vegan Plant Protein Powder mixes easily in a shaker cup. You can also blend it with fruits into a smoothie or add it to oatmeal.
At $1.76 per serving, Future Kind’s vegan protein powder is slightly pricier than other protein powders. You can save 10% by subscribing. They also offer free shipping when you order a 60- or 90-day supply.
Most people like the taste and texture of Future Kind Vegan Plant Protein Powder. It has a nice vanilla flavor and creamy texture. However, some say the protein powder is too sweet.
Future Kind also has a non-organic chocolate vegan protein powder. This flavor is higher in calories, carbs, and fat than the vanilla, and has added ingredients like sacha inchi protein, spirulina, and kelp.
What customers are saying
Third-party customer reviews on Amazon are mostly positive. People like the taste, texture, and ingredients. They also remark that it blends well.
“I eat this every morning mixed with almond milk and my oatmeal, berries & nuts. I love the consistency and taste. Never gets old.”
Bill K., Amazon
An anonymous Amazon customer with a verified purchase of the protein powder says it has a decent taste and texture, but says it’s too sweet.
Negative reviewers didn’t like the taste and texture, saying it was chalky and off-putting.
Specs
| Protein type | Organic pea protein isolate |
| Flavors | Vanilla (also comes in non-organic chocolate) |
| Serving size | 1 scoop (27.3 grams) |
| Servings per container | 34 |
| Protein per serving | 20 grams |
| Calories per serving | 85 calories |
| Price per serving | $1.76 |
How we test supplements
We’re dedicated to delivering reliable reviews for dietary supplements like vegan protein powders using our rigorous evaluation process. We thoroughly evaluate every protein powder, looking at effectiveness, ingredients, safety, taste, value, and customer feedback, so we can provide genuine and impartial recommendations.
Find out more about our supplement testing methodology .
Efficacy—40%
We turn to supplements like protein powder to meet health and nutrition goals. When looking for a vegan protein powder, you want it to help you achieve your goals. In our evaluation, we look at the clinical evidence for efficacy, not the claims made on the label, so you can make an informed decision.
For protein powder’s efficacy, we look at:
- Clinical evidence
- Calories per serving
- Protein per serving
- Dose efficacy
- Synergistic effects
- Proprietary blends
Safety and side effects—35%
Consumer safety is a high-priority in our evaluation process. We closely examine every product for potential health risks and adverse effects, as well as safety profiles before making recommendations.
For safety, we evaluate:
- Reported side effects
- Third-party testing
- Manufacturer accreditation
- Artificial sweeteners
Value—20%
Of course, efficacy and safety are critical in our review process, but getting a vegan protein powder that’s worth the price matters too. This isn’t about finding the cheapest protein powder, but the one that gives the most back.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Price per serving
Customer experience—5%
Finally, we look at customer experience. Consumers are loyal when they have good experiences with a product and the companies that make them.
When evaluating customer experience, our team looks at:
- Ease of purchase
- Shipping and returns
- Customer support
How to choose the best vegan protein powder
You need to consider several factors when choosing the best vegan protein powder for you. These factors include:
Protein source
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 , 9 ) 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. ( 9 )
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.
Quality and safety
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. ( 7 )
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. ( 7 ) Supplement companies may display certifications on their label or provide testing information on their website.
Other ingredients
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 preferences
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.
Goals
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.
Budget
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.
FAQs
How much vegan protein powder should I use?
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 )
What is the best brand of vegan protein powder?
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.
What is the easiest vegan protein powder to digest?
According to research, pea protein is the easiest to digest. ( 23 ) However, this may vary from person-to-person. The type of vegan protein powder you tolerate best may depend on your health history.
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.
Our experts
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.
Jill Corleone
Registered Dietitian and Health Writer
About Author
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.