Fuel Your Fitness Journey: Discover the Best Plant-Based Protein Powders of 2024

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I originally began trying different vegan protein powders a few years ago when I needed to increase my protein intake. For someone like myself who is not vegan, I’ve shifted to primarily using vegan protein in place of whey protein powders for various reasons including digestibility. I found it was much easier to hit my protein goals if I had at least 1 shake per day in addition to the other foods and protein sources I ate. Since then, I’ve spent countless hours researching and comparing options available on the market. Surprisingly, there are over 70 vegan protein powders available on the market, and that doesn’t even take flavors into consideration. Hopefully, this in depth guide saves you time finding the best vegan protein powders for your needs. Let’s dive into the world of plant-powered nutrition and discover the top contenders that stand out for their nutritional profiles, taste, price, customer satisfaction, and overall quality.

If you’re short on time, take a quick look at our top recommendations below.

🌱💪Table of Contents

The Best Vegan Protein Powders Overall

The Best Budget Vegan Protein Powders

The Lowest Calorie Vegan Protein Powders

The Best Vegan Protein Powder and Superfood Blends

The Best BCAA and Amino Acid Profiles in Vegan Protein Powders

**this is typical only used for weight gain

Factors to Consider When Choosing Vegan Protein Powders

1. Protein Content:

The primary reason for using protein powder is to increase your protein intake, so it’s essential to check the protein content per serving. The amount of protein can vary significantly across different brands and types due to the various sources of plant-based proteins used, such as pea, hemp, rice, or soy. For instance, some powders might offer 10 grams of protein per serving, while others might provide 25 grams or more. Your individual protein requirements can depend on factors like your age, gender, weight, activity level, and fitness goals. Whether you’re aiming to build muscle, lose weight, or simply maintain your current physique, choosing a protein powder with the right amount of protein per serving is crucial to meeting your daily protein needs efficiently.

2. Source of Protein:

Vegan protein powders are derived from different plant sources, and each source has its unique nutritional profile and benefits. Common sources include pea protein, which is rich in iron and arginine; rice protein, known for its digestibility; hemp protein, which contains essential fatty acids; and soy protein, a complete protein with all essential amino acids. Some products use a single source, while others offer a blend to provide a more comprehensive amino acid profile. Consider any dietary restrictions or preferences you have, such as soy-free or gluten-free requirements, when choosing a protein powder.

3. BCAAs and Amino Acid Profile:

Look for a vegan protein powder with a complete amino acid profile. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and a comprehensive profile ensures that you’re getting all the essential amino acids your body needs. Many of the protein powders in this list have all the essential amino acids, but some stand out ahead of the others for their BCAAs, amino acid profile transparency, or diversity of amino acids beyond the essentials.

Branched-chain amino acids or BCAAs, particularly leucine, can aid in muscle recovery after exercise by reducing muscle damage and promoting repair processes.^[1] Many of the products in this comparison do not list the amino acid profile on their labels, but I’ve noted which ones do.

4. Flavor Preferences:

Consider the flavor options available and choose a vegan protein powder that aligns with your taste preferences. Some powders are unflavored, providing versatility in how you incorporate them into your meals or shakes. Others come in a variety of flavors, allowing you to enjoy a tasty and nutritious experience.

Good taste and flavors are so helpful in making protein shakes a habit you can stick with. Most of the flavored products on this list are either vanilla or chocolate, but many of the popular brands have other flavor options. Personally, unflavored protein options aren’t something I can get on board with. If you can, I commend you and your bravery.

5. Flavor and Sweeteners:

The taste of the protein powder is a significant factor in ensuring you enjoy using it regularly. Flavors range from unflavored and natural to sweetened and flavored varieties like chocolate, vanilla, berry, and more. The type of sweetener used (e.g., stevia, sucralose, monk fruit, or sugar alcohols) can also affect the taste and nutritional profile. Some people prefer natural or unsweetened powders to avoid artificial additives and control the flavor by adding it to smoothies or recipes, while others may prefer a pre-flavored powder for convenience and taste.

6. Price and Brand Reputation:

Consider the cost per serving and the brand’s reputation. Prices can vary widely, so finding a product that offers good value for the quality and quantity of protein is important. We’ve done a lot of the research to examine the brand’s reputation, including customer reviews, to ensure you’re choosing a high-quality, reliable product.

7. Additional Ingredients and Blends:

Some vegan protein powders come with added ingredients like BCAAs, superfoods, greens, or digestive enzymes. Depending on your specific needs and goals, you might prefer a protein powder that offers these additional benefits. These can be found under The Best Vegan Protein Powder and Superfood Blends section.

8. Allergen Information:

Finally, check for allergen information, especially if you have sensitivities or allergies. Many vegan protein powders are formulated to be free from common allergens like soy, gluten, and dairy. Confirming allergen information helps you choose a product that aligns with your dietary restrictions.

How the vegan protein powders were compared

Ingredients and Protein Concentration
Cost
Taste and customer feedback
BCAAs and Amino Acid Profiles (if available)

Since serving sizes and the amount of protein vary so much in this many products, I thought it would be helpful to use a standard amount of protein as the serving size and compare the products based on each one having 30g of protein. After the numbers in a spreadsheet were added for each product and the 30g protein serving size was recalculated, the cost for a 30g serving of protein gave a clearer picture to compare everything more accurately. There are a few charts below including cost per serving, and calorie breakdown.

The Best Vegan Protein Powders Overall

Ingredients and Protein Concentration

This selection was determined by closely examining the nutritional quality and protein density of each product. We focused on finding powders that deliver a high concentration of protein per serving, ensuring maximum benefit for muscle repair and growth. Additionally, the quality of the ingredients was scrutinized to guarantee that they are wholesome, minimally processed, and free from unnecessary fillers or artificial additives. This evaluation ensures that you get the most effective and health-focused products on the market.

The Lowest Calorie Vegan Protein Powders

Total Calorie Breakdown Calculated at 30g Protein Servings:

Calorie Density:

Cost

🌱Please note the cost for each item was pulled from Amazon at the time of writing this and no shipping costs were involved in calculations. All prices were based on starting a delivery subscription for the item (since you’ll save money, and need more protein every month). The ‘best’ options below were calculated with the price and reviews factored together.

The Best Budget Vegan Protein Powders

Here’s a cost comparison for each vegan protein powder analyzed for this article:

Taste & Customer Feedback

Good taste and appealing flavors are key in making protein shakes a part of your daily routine. For me, while I’m not a fan of vanilla-flavored protein shakes, I find chocolate flavors irresistible. They bring a rich, comforting taste that makes my protein shake something I look forward to. Chocolate protein powder not only satisfies my sweet tooth but also blends well with other ingredients, making each shake a delicious treat.

Although vanilla isn’t my go-to for protein shakes, I’ve found it incredibly versatile in other kitchen creations. Vanilla’s subtle, aromatic flavor enhances shakes, smoothies, and even baked goods, adding a layer of complexity and warmth. So, while chocolate reigns supreme in my protein shakes, vanilla finds its special place in my culinary repertoire, proving that each flavor has its unique role in both nutrition and pleasure.

Top 20 by Rating (excluding those with <50 bought this month)

Orgain Organic Protein + Superfoods Powder – 4.6
Sunwarrior – Sport Organic Active Protein – 4.5
Sunwarrior – Warrior Blend Protein Greens Powder Drink Mix – 4.5
Orgain Organic Sport Vegan Protein Powder – 4.5
Falcon Performance Vegan Protein Powder – 4.5
Naturade – Vegansmart Plant Based Pea Protein Powder – 4.5
NorCal Organic Pea Protein Isolate – 4.5
Maximum Vibrance – Complete Vegan Meal Shake with Plant-Based Protein – 4.5
EarthChimp Organic Vegan Protein Powder – 4.5
No Cow Vegan Protein Powder, Chocolate – 4.5
PlantFusion Complete Plant Protein – 4.4
Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein – 4.4
Sprout Living Epic Protein Plant Based Protein & Superfoods Powder – 4.4
Vegansmart Naturade Plant Based Vegan Protein Powder– 4.4
Garden of Life – Organic Vegan Sport Protein Powder – 4.4
Vega Sport Premium Protein – 4.3
Sunwarrior – Shape Lean by Sunwarrior – 4.3
Vega Real Food Smoothie, Tropical Green Paradise – 4.3
PB2 Performance Peanut Protein Powder – 4.3
Truvani Plant Based Protein Powder – 4.3

Amino Acid Profiles

In our analysis, we examined 70 products, but surprisingly only 17 of them provided a detailed amino acid profile. The information provided below in charts and tables corresponds to these 17 products. This finding highlights a significant gap in the information available to consumers who are looking to understand the complete nutritional value of these supplements.

The Best BCAA and Amino Acid Profiles in Vegan Protein Powders

**this is typical only used for weight gain

Amino acid profiles refer to the composition and proportion of amino acids present in a protein source. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are essential for various bodily functions, including muscle repair, hormone synthesis, and enzyme production. There are twenty standard amino acids, and nine of these are considered essential amino acids (EAAs) because the body cannot synthesize them and they must be obtained from the diet.

Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) refer to three essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These amino acids are termed “branched-chain” due to their chemical structure, which includes a branch off the main chain of the molecule. BCAAs play a significant role in muscle protein synthesis, energy production, and several other important physiological processes.

BCAA supplementation offers several benefits for fitness and exercise, including:

Enhanced Muscle Recovery: BCAAs reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and accelerate recovery, allowing for more effective and frequent training sessions (Shimomura et al., 2004).
Reduced Muscle Soreness: Supplementation with BCAAs before exercise has been shown to decrease delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after strenuous activities (Ra et al., 2018).
Protein Synthesis and Muscle Maintenance: BCAAs stimulate muscle protein synthesis, which is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass, particularly after exercise (Blomstrand & Saltin, 2001).

Optimal Ratios and Dosage

The claim that the most effective ratio of leucine to isoleucine to valine in BCAA supplements is often cited as 2:1:1 is somewhat supported by research, although the optimal ratio can vary. A study found that a ratio of 1:0.25:0.25 (leucine:isoleucine:valine) increased cell viability and promoted the differentiation of myocytes, indicating that variations in the BCAA ratio can have significant effects on muscle cell function and protein metabolism (Duan et al., 2017). Additionally, while leucine is recognized for its potent role in stimulating muscle protein synthesis, isoleucine and valine also contribute, but to a lesser extent (Gorissen & Phillips, 2019).

Considerations

While BCAA supplementation can be beneficial, especially for athletes and those with higher physical demands, it’s essential to approach their use thoughtfully:

Balance with Whole Protein Sources: BCAAs should complement, not replace, whole protein sources in the diet, ensuring a complete nutrient and amino acid intake.
Individual Needs: The necessity and effectiveness of BCAA supplementation can depend on dietary composition, fitness goals, and individual health conditions.
Hydration and Timing: For best results, BCAA supplements should be taken with adequate hydration and timed around exercise periods for optimal absorption and utilization.

Key Amino Acids in Protein Sources

Leucine: Critical for muscle protein synthesis and recovery after exercise.
Isoleucine: Plays a role in muscle metabolism and is important for immune function, hemoglobin production, and energy regulation.
Valine: Helps stimulate muscle growth and regeneration and is involved in energy production.

Total Amount of Amino Acids

BULKSUPPLEMENTS.COM: 41,781.43 mg
NAKED Chocolate Pea: 36,673.20 mg
NorCal Pea: 35,440.91 mg
NAKED Nutrition Mass: 35,011.80 mg
Dymatize Vegan: 31,211.90 mg
Vega Sport: 30,860.00 mg
Organic Protein™ Plant Based Protein Powder: 29,754.29 mg
Classic Plus: 29,641.76 mg
NATURELO: 29,622.27 mg
Vegansmart: 29,235.00 mg
Warrior Blend: 29,182.94 mg
Sport Organic: 29,020.00 mg
Garden of Life Raw Organic: 28,924.50 mg
SOLO Organic: 28,681.00 mg
Naked Shake – Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein: 28,396.50 mg
Nutiva Hemp: 27,900.00 mg
BARE Performance: 27,552.27 mg

Total Amount of BCAAs

NAKED Nutrition Mass: 7892.40 mg
BULKSUPPLEMENTS.COM: 7542.86 mg
Classic Plus: 7014.71 mg
NAKED Chocolate Pea: 6686.40 mg
NorCal Pea: 6545.45 mg
Dymatize Vegan: 5987.36 mg
Organic Protein™ Plant Based Protein Powder: 5695.71 mg
Vega Sport: 5560.00 mg
SOLO Organic: 5510.00 mg
Garden of Life Raw Organic: 5440.50 mg
Warrior Blend: 5357.65 mg
Vegansmart: 5340.00 mg
Sport Organic: 5270.00 mg
NATURELO: 5214.55 mg
Naked Shake – Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein: 5067.00 mg
Nutiva Hemp: 4640.00 mg
BARE Performance: 4587.27 mg

Leucine:

BULKSUPPLEMENTS.COM: 3428.57 mg
NAKED Nutrition Mass: 3406.20 mg
NAKED Chocolate Pea: 3079.20 mg
Classic Plus: 3015.88 mg
NorCal Pea: 2959.09 mg
Dymatize Vegan: 2833.74 mg
Vega Sport: 2560.00 mg
SOLO Organic: 2552.00 mg
Organic Protein™ Plant Based Protein Powder: 2528.57 mg
Vegansmart: 2460.00 mg
Garden of Life Raw Organic: 2445.00 mg
NATURELO: 2383.64 mg
Sport Organic: 2370.00 mg
Naked Shake – Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein: 2358.00 mg
Warrior Blend: 2355.88 mg
BARE Performance: 2334.55 mg
Nutiva Hemp: 2040.00 mg

Valine:

NAKED Nutrition Mass: 2558.40 mg
BULKSUPPLEMENTS.COM: 2185.71 mg
Classic Plus: 2043.53 mg
NAKED Chocolate Pea: 1861.20 mg
NorCal Pea: 1854.55 mg
Organic Protein™ Plant Based Protein Powder: 1742.86 mg
Dymatize Vegan: 1639.48 mg
Garden of Life Raw Organic: 1605.00 mg
Warrior Blend: 1579.41 mg
Vega Sport: 1560.00 mg
Sport Organic: 1540.00 mg
SOLO Organic: 1533.00 mg
Vegansmart: 1485.00 mg
NATURELO: 1483.64 mg
Nutiva Hemp: 1440.00 mg
Naked Shake – Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein: 1398.00 mg
BARE Performance: 1210.91 mg

Isoleucine:

Classic Plus: 1955.29 mg
BULKSUPPLEMENTS.COM: 1928.57 mg
NAKED Nutrition Mass: 1927.80 mg
NAKED Chocolate Pea: 1746.00 mg
NorCal Pea: 1731.82 mg
Dymatize Vegan: 1514.15 mg
Vega Sport: 1440.00 mg
SOLO Organic: 1425.00 mg
Organic Protein™ Plant Based Protein Powder: 1424.29 mg
Warrior Blend: 1422.35 mg
Vegansmart: 1395.00 mg
Garden of Life Raw Organic: 1390.50 mg
Sport Organic: 1360.00 mg
NATURELO: 1347.27 mg
Naked Shake – Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein: 1311.00 mg
Nutiva Hemp: 1160.00 mg
BARE Performance: 1041.82 mg

Bonus – Glutamine:

BULKSUPPLEMENTS.COM: 7,242.86 mg
NAKED Chocolate Pea: 6,351.60 mg
NorCal Pea: 5,836.36 mg
NAKED Nutrition Mass: 5,824.20 mg
Dymatize Vegan: 5,487.61 mg
Vega Sport: 5,190.00 mg
Organic Protein™ Plant Based Protein Powder: 5,157.14 mg
SOLO Organic: 5,138.00 mg
Warrior Blend: 5,082.35 mg
Vegansmart: 5,040.00 mg
Garden of Life Raw Organic: 4,980.00 mg
Sport Organic: 4,950.00 mg
NATURELO: 4,866.82 mg
Nutiva Hemp: 4,840.00 mg
BARE Performance: 4,692.27 mg
Naked Shake – Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein: 4,590.00 mg
Classic Plus: 4,117.06 mg

Conclusion

Finding the right vegan protein powder can feel like a treasure hunt, but it’s totally worth the effort for your health and taste buds. We’ve done some of the legwork with this guide, showcasing top picks like the nutrient-rich Orgain Organic Protein + Superfoods Powder and the tasty options from Sunwarrior, Falcon, and more. Each one has its own perks, whether it’s the flavor, the nutritional density, or just how it makes you feel after a workout.

Remember, the best protein powder for you isn’t just about the protein. It’s also about what works with your body, your taste preferences, and even your environmental values. We’ve highlighted some great choices based on their ingredients, cost, and customer rating, but your perfect match is out there waiting for you to shake things up.

So, dive into our suggestions, give them a whirl in your next smoothie, and see what works for you. And hey, don’t keep your findings to yourself! Drop a comment below with your favorite picks or any pro tips for blending up the perfect plant-powered shake. Your insights could be the nudge someone else needs to find their go-to vegan protein powder. Let’s make this journey a shared adventure in health and good vibes!

Scientific References

Waskiw-Ford M, Hannaian S, Duncan J, Kato H, Abou Sawan S, Locke M, Kumbhare D, Moore D. Leucine-Enriched Essential Amino Acids Improve Recovery from Post-Exercise Muscle Damage Independent of Increases in Integrated Myofibrillar Protein Synthesis in Young Men. Nutrients. 2020 Apr 11;12(4):1061. doi: 10.3390/nu12041061. PMID: 32290521; PMCID: PMC7231404.
Shimomura Y, Murakami T, Nakai N, Nagasaki M, Harris RA. Exercise Promotes BCAA Catabolism: Effects of BCAA Supplementation on Skeletal Muscle during Exercise. J Nutr. 2004 Jun;134(6 Suppl):1583S-1587S. DOI: 10.1093/jn/134.6.1583S.
Ra SG, Miyazaki T, Ishikura K, Nagayama H, Komine S, Nakata Y, Maeda S, Matsuzaki Y, Ohmori H. Additional Effects of Taurine on the Benefits of BCAA Intake for the Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness and Muscle Damage Induced by High-Intensity Eccentric Exercise. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2013;776:289-301. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4614-6093-0_29.
Blomstrand E, Saltin B. BCAA intake affects protein metabolism in muscle after but not during exercise in humans. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2001 Aug;281(2):E365-74. DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.2001.281.2.E365.
Duan Y, Li F, Li Y, Tang Y, Kong X, Feng Z, Anthony TG, Watford M, Hou Y, Wu G, Yin Y. The role of leucine and its metabolites in protein and energy metabolism. Amino Acids. 2016 Jan;48(1):41-51. DOI: 10.1007/s00726-015-2067-1.
Gorissen SHM, Phillips SM. Supplemental protein in support of muscle mass and health: advantage whey. J Food Sci. 2015 Mar;80 Suppl 1:A8-A15. DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.12802.

Fuel Your Fitness Journey: Discover the Best Plant-Based Protein Powders of 2024

🌱💪Table of Contents

The Best Vegan Protein Powders Overall

The Best Budget Vegan Protein Powders

The Lowest Calorie Vegan Protein Powders

The Best Vegan Protein Powder and Superfood Blends

The Best BCAA and Amino Acid Profiles in Vegan Protein Powders

Factors to Consider When Choosing Vegan Protein Powders

1. Protein Content:

2. Source of Protein:

3. BCAAs and Amino Acid Profile:

4. Flavor Preferences:

5. Flavor and Sweeteners:

6. Price and Brand Reputation:

7. Additional Ingredients and Blends:

8. Allergen Information:

How the vegan protein powders were compared

The Best Vegan Protein Powders Overall

Ingredients and Protein Concentration

The Lowest Calorie Vegan Protein Powders

Total Calorie Breakdown Calculated at 30g Protein Servings:

Calorie Density:

Cost

The Best Budget Vegan Protein Powders

Here’s a cost comparison for each vegan protein powder analyzed for this article:

Taste & Customer Feedback

Top 20 by Rating (excluding those with <50 bought this month)

Amino Acid Profiles

The Best BCAA and Amino Acid Profiles in Vegan Protein Powders

Optimal Ratios and Dosage

Considerations

Key Amino Acids in Protein Sources

Total Amount of Amino Acids

Total Amount of BCAAs

Leucine:

Valine:

Isoleucine:

Bonus – Glutamine:

Conclusion

Scientific References

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