While protein powders were once the preserve of bodybuilders and hardcore athletes, they're now part and parcel of practically every gym-goer's arsenal - vegans included. In fact, vegan protein powders are just as common as their animal-derived counterparts, ranging from pea to hemp and soy. Put it this way: how many vegan protein powder options do you reckon you'd have found circa five years ago? And now? Let's find out...
What are the best Vegan Protein Powders?
- Soy Protein Isolate
- Vegan Protein Blend
- Pea Protein Isolate
- Hemp Protein Powder
- Brown Rice Protein
- Clear Vegan Protein
The overwhelming evolution of vegan protein powders is great for various reasons:
- They can help vegans consume the recommended daily amount of protein.
- They promise a complete profile of amino acids typically found in animal products.
- They’re less likely to impact the environment.
Although it is possible to obtain all the nutrients we need from plant-based foods, sipping a vegan protein shake post-workout offers a quick and convenient route when we’re in a rush (which, if you're anything like us, is every day!).
Keep scrolling to find out everything you need to know about our top 6 vegan protein powders...
Soy Protein Isolate
Whether you need fuel throughout the day, a protein boost post-workout, or simply want to satisfy your sweet-tooth, our Soy Protein Isolate is the perfect option.
Nutrition Facts
This protein is made from defatted soybean flakes that have been washed in alcohol or water to remove the sugars, they're then dehydrated and turned into a powder.1
Available in a range of delicious and versatile flavours, this vegan protein powder blends into a silky-smooth texture, contains all the essential amino acids, and is packed with 27g of protein per serving - ideal for supporting the growth and maintenance of muscle.2
Benefits
- Over 90% protein content
- 27g* of protein per serving
- 5 great tasting flavours
Vegan Protein Blend
Made with pea and faba bean protein isolates, our Vegan Protein Blend is one of our bestsellers - and for good reason.
Nutrition Facts
In addition to the full amino acid profile, this protein powder contains 22g of protein per serving, as well as 5g of naturally occurring BCAAs - leucine, isoleucine, and valine - with an optimal 2:1:1 ratio, making it a complete source of protein.
What's more, this vegan protein powder comes in at just 110 calories per serving, it's low in sugar, and is available in an unrivalled range of flavours. We're talking Chocolate Salted Caramel, Coffee & Walnut, Turmeric Latte, and Cacao Orange (to name a few!).
Benefits
- Just 110 calories per serving*
- 22g complete protein per serving*
- Contains full amino acid profile
- Improved taste and texture
Pea Protein Isolate
Pea protein is a complete protein meaning it contains all nine of the essential amino acids your body needs to function optimally.1
Nutrition Facts
With 21g of protein and only 101 calories per serving, this powerful vegan protein powder ensures you're getting enough of this important macronutrient in your diet. It's also the perfect choice if you're looking to increase a calorie deficit during a dieting phase.
Handily, Pea Protein Isolate is allergen-free too, making it suitable for vegans and those with food allergies, alongside being free from dairy, egg, and soy.
Benefits
- Only 101 calories per serving*
- Low sugar
- 21g of protein per serving*
- High fibre
Hemp Protein Powder
100% organic and natural, Hemp Protein Powder is a great way to help you hit your daily protein requirements on a plant-based diet.
Nutrition Facts
As well as containing 16g of protein per serving, this vegan powder is a complete source of protein with all 21 essential amino-acids - helping to build and repair new muscle.1
What’s more, Hemp Protein Powder contains a blend of minerals – potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron – all of which help to reduce everyday tiredness2 and support your overall health.3,4
Benefits
- Zero artificial sweeteners or preservatives
- 16g protein per serving
- Complete source of protein
Brown Rice Protein
Brown Rice Protein is sourced directly from brown rice, and contains an impressive 72% protein content, making it ideal for anyone pursuing a fitness goal on a plant-based diet.
Nutrition Facts
With 23g of protein, 127 calories and 0.3g of sugar in every shake, this unflavoured vegan protein powder is super versatile so you can easily add it into your favourite smoothies, shakes and bakes.
Benefits
- 23g of protein per serving
- Low in fat and sugar
- GMO-free
- Rich amino acid profile
Clear Vegan Protein
Clear Vegan Protein is a game-changing vegan protein drink - a fully dissolvable, completely refreshing alternative to classic protein shakes.
Nutrition Facts
Each serving of our Clear Vegan Protein provides 10g of quality, hydrolysed plant-based protein which is important for the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.3
This innovative drink also makes it easy to increase your intake of essential B vitamins as each serving contains 50% of all your recommended daily amount, including vitamin B12 which plays an important role in immune health4. It also contains added vitamin B6 which contributes to a healthy functioning brain and helps to fight feelings of fatigue5,6.
With 1g of sugar per serving, you can enjoy this sweet and refreshing drink whilst working towards any fitness goal.
Benefits
- Game-changing, fully-dissolvable plant protein
- Half your daily B vitamin intake
- 1g sugar per serving
- Light and refreshing
- 10g plant-based protein
Summary
Vegan protein powders are less harmful to the environment than cow-derived kinds, and in health terms, they can be a great source of protein, especially if you find it difficult to get adequate amounts.
Vegan protein powders shouldn’t, however, replace whole foods, but that they can be handy if you don’t have the time to count up the macros you’re getting from beans, pulses, legumes and nuts (the highest sources of plant-based protein).
FAQs
What do I need to know about vegan protein powder?
Vegan protein powders are a great way to get all the nutrients we need from plant-based foods in one, quick & tasty hit. You can explore a range of different protein options that aren't derived from meat, including hemp, pea and brown rice proteins.
Are vegan protein powders healthier than whey?
Different people can respond differently to whey or vegan proteins- it's completely subjective! And, while vegan protein powders aren't necessarily 'healthier', there are some amazing benefits, including:
- It's easier to digest for anyone- people with intolerances can struggle with whey.
- Vegan powders are rich in nutritional value & contains fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
Sometimes, vegan protein can be a better alternative to whey, especially because whey protein can be filled with extra sugary ingredients or be difficult to digest.
Why do people use vegan protein powder?
People use vegan protein powder to get a quick-fix of all the nutrients they need from vegan and plant-based foods. Alternatively, people may use it to help grow & support muscle mass- especially if they're an avid gym-goer!
Does vegan protein powder give you energy?
If you're looking for a vegan protein powder which also gives you a much-needed energy boost, our Clear Vegan Protein is the one for you! Made with Vitamin B to support tiredness & fatigue, our Clear Vegan Protein can be purchased below:
Are vegan protein powders good for the environment?
Yes, plant-based proteins are made in a sustainable way that doesn't rely on animal produce.
Is vegan protein powder good for weight loss?
Our vegan proteins are just 4kcal per gram which means they can be used as part of a calorie controlled diet to support weight loss. What's more, our Clear Vegan Protein is made with B vitamins which are great to support the metabolism.
Vegan protein powder recipes:
Looking for some fun recipes to add a little variety into your protein routine? Check out our favourites below:
Breakfast Protein Smoothie Recipe
Dash out the door and enjoy this smoothie on-the-go!
Peanut Butter & Jelly Smoothie Bowl
A tasty and satisfying smoothie bowl, inspired by everyone's favourite sandwich.
