Save up to 50% off the best vegan protein powders, tested by 200 fitness experts
On the hunt for the best vegan protein powder to hit your daily protein goals? Whether you're vegan full-time or you're intolerant to dairy, non-cow derivative blends are easier than ever to come by.
And, good news. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to supplement with plant-based powders and still pack in all the reparative, muscle-nurturing essential amino acids your body needs.
However, we do need to caveat, protein powder is not a dietary essential. It is possible to get enough of the macronutrient from your food, with no need to take it in liquid form, too. But if building muscle is your aim, a supplement can be handy to ensure you hit your daily nutrient goals.
Want in? The Women's Health Lab has pulled together the best vegan protein powders, from pea to hemp and all the plant-based blends in between.
Here are our favourite plant-based powders, at a glance:
Why is protein important?
First up, it repairs your muscle tissue after working out and, with protein making up over 43% of your muscles, trust us, it's important. It also helps prevent chronic disease and keep you limber enough to perform necessary tasks, such as carrying the shopping and/or small children – although preferably not at the same time!
As one of the three core macronutrients, alongside carbohydrates and fat, making sure you have enough of it in your diet is crucial for your health.
How much protein do you need?
The NHS suggests UK adults should aim for 50g of protein per day. However, if your goals are to build muscle or adequately repair after a hard workout, you're probably going to want a little more than this. 'The ideal amount to consume at each meal is about 20g of protein,' award-winning nutritionist Anita Bean previously told WH, which would equate to around 60g+ per day.
Some studies, such as this Nutrients paper, have suggested that those protein guidelines are too low, especially if you’re an active person.
'Those engaging in 150 minutes of exercise a week (or more) require around 1.2 to 1.5g of protein per kg body weight per day, and athletes will require even more', nutritionist Jenna Hope shared with WH. So, for a highly active woman weighing 65kg, she should aim for between 78g and 97.5g of protein per day.
Is vegan protein better than whey?
Since protein powders arrived on the scene as a good way to follow up a heavy workout, whey-based formulas have been lauded as the gold standard. Why? Well, some people argue that because plant proteins aren't 'complete' – which means they're missing at least one of the nine essential amino acids –they aren't as effective as their dairy-based counterparts.
However, a recent study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that plant protein (in this case brown rice) may be just as effective at this job as whey. That's because, while plant protein may be incomplete, as long as you eat lots of other plant-based proteins – such as veggies and legumes – you can create a complete protein.
Which protein powders are vegan?
With such snazzy packaging and close-to-perfect flavours, it can be hard to work out exactly which protein powders are vegan. However, there's a wide variety of vegan protein powders available – all from different plant-based sources. Here's what to look for.
Vegan protein powders
Pea
Hemp
Brown rice
Soy
Pumpkin seed
Sunflower seed
Chia seed
Non-vegan protein powders
Whey (from cow's milk)
Casein (from cow's milk)
Egg
How we test
As part of the Women's Health Sports Nutrition Awards, we asked a 200-strong panel – made up of gym-goers and experts – to try a variety of market-leading vegan powders for a month and give us their feedback in a detailed survey.
Each powder was scored on its nutritional value, quality of ingredients, texture and taste. Eco credentials, packaging and ease of use were also considered. You’ll find the WH Lab logo beside our winners below.
Our WH editors, who certainly know a thing or two about protein supps, have also recommended some of their favourite plant-based powders, so you're bound to find one you like.
13 best vegan protein powders
Before we kick off, there are a few different types of protein powders below. Some are blended powders – a mix of different sources to create a 'complete protein' and provide your body with everything it needs.
Others are single source proteins – perfect if you have an intolerance or like to mix and match where you get your nutrients and amino acids from.
Everyone is different, so find the one that works well for you and your dietary requirements, and get going.
1. Best vegan protein powder
PhD Diet Plant Powder
Per 25g serving: 94kcal, 20g protein, 1.2g carbs, 0.8g fat
Calling all sweet tooths! When blended with milk or water, this salted caramel-flavoured protein tastes just like dessert in liquid form. It comes in recyclable packaging and it earned top marks for mixability thanks to its fine, powdery texture.
Our testers felt it aided their post-workout recovery, with one saying, 'I felt less fatigued after a workout,' and it 'kept me satisfied throughout the day.' The carb content is pretty low, however, so if you’re glugging it after a gym session, try whizzing it up with a frozen banana and some plant milk for a more nutritionally dense shake.
2. Best for multi-tasking ingredients
Form Performance Protein
Per 40g serving: 145kcal, 30g protein, 1.7g carbohydrates, 2.4g fat
Form’s vegan blend is at the higher end of the price scale for vegan protein powders, but it’s totally worth it. Easy to mix, with a hefty 30g of pea protein, 5g of multi-tasking BCAAs plus turmeric and digestive enzymes, it’s a great starting point for plant-based athletes looking to build muscle, decrease fatigue and alleviate soreness after training.
In a bid to be 100% plastic-free and compostable, there’s no scoop included, but clear instructions explain how to measure it out with a tablespoon, making this a win for the environment and your gains.
Our panel thought the chocolate hazelnut flavour was delish, hitting just the right level of sweetness, but if you prefer something more natural, plump for the unflavoured option. It bakes well into sweet treats and mixes into soups and dips.
3. Best vanilla-flavoured plant protein
The Protein Works Vegan Wondershake
Per 25g serving: 89 calories, 21g protein, 1.9g carbohydrates, 0.7g fat
Nervous about transitioning from your trusty whey protein to a plant-based variety? Designed to ‘feel and taste just like a dairy shake’, this is a good one to go with. Our testers loved the sweet yet subtle vanilla flavour and declared it a dream to bake with, thanks to its fine texture. Hiya protein pancakes and brownies!
It’s made with the brand’s unique Quadplant™ technology – a potent blend of pea, brown rice, hemp and soy protein designed to boost energy and aid recovery. Sure enough, our testers said it made them feel rejuvenated after a tough run. Bonus points for the packaging, which features a screw on lid to keep things fresh.
4. Best post-workout shake
Shreddy Vegan Protein
Per 30g serving: 121 calories, 22.g protein, 6.9g carbohydrates, 0.5g fat
Shreddy, founded by influencer-turned-entrepreneur Grace Beverley, is well known for its vegan protein blend. And after trying it, we can totally see why. The moreish vanilla flavour was praised by our panel, and they gave it top marks for texture and mixability. Thick, creamy and totally lump-free, it tastes dreamy with just water alone – ideal for when you're rushing after the gym and haven’t got time to blend up a smoothie.
It’s another offering without a scoop, which did annoy some testers, but we bet you’ve got a spare knocking around in the kitchen somewhere. Otherwise, just use a tablespoon.
5. Best clear plant-based protein
Myvegan Clear Vegan Protein
Per 16g serving: 52 calories, 10g protein, 2.9g carbohydrates, 0g fat
The OGs at Myvegan never seem to disappoint with their products. This clear protein, which basically tastes like fruit squash, is a great alternative to the creamy texture of most protein shakes. Our panel described it as light, refreshing and easy to gulp down – just what you want after a sweaty session.
It may only offer 10g of protein per serve but at just 52 calories, you could pop a couple of scoops into your shaker for a bigger protein hit. Muscle-building macro aside, it also provides half of your daily recommended B vitamins, including B12, which is hard to get enough of when you’re following a plant-based diet.
Oh, and if you’re conscious of your environmental impact, the packaging is fully recyclable and biodegradable.
6. Best for dietary requirements
Boxd Plant Based Pea Blend
Per 30g serving: 141 calories, 21g protein, 5.9g carbohydrates, 1.0g fat
We love that Boxd’s plant-based protein has no unnecessary extras bulking up the ingredients list – just a handful of good quality ingredients. Aside from a punchy pea protein hit, each serving contains 16 multivitamins, which the brand claims will increase your energy levels, boost the immune system and improve brain function. It’s totally soy, gluten, wheat and nut-free, and it’s sweetened with gut-friendly sweeteners like xylitol and stevia.
The smooth chocolate brownie flavour went down well with testers, who said it mixed well with both water and milk, but some found the pea protein aftertaste overwhelming. Still, it’s a strong option for healthy queens and those with allergies or dietary requirements.
7. Best budget blend
Myvegan Vegan Protein Blend
Per 30g serving: 110 calories, 22g protein, 3.3g carbohydrates, 0.8g fat
Another Myvegan entry, but are you really surprised? Its bestselling blend offers a complete amino acid profile thanks to the combo of pea and fava bean protein, 5g of BCAAs to speed up recovery and 0g of sugar. Better still, it’s one of the most wallet-friendly products listed here.
Our testers rated the light, smooth consistency and said the mild vanilla flavour tasted dreamy in porridge, pancakes and smoothies. The other café-inspired flavours sound equally delicious – carrot cake, turmeric latte and coffee & walnut? Yes please!
8. Best for a superfood boost
33Fuel Premium Protein
Per 38g serving: 145 calories, 20g protein, 15g carbohydrates, 2g fat
Scan the ingredients list and you’ll find no nasties – just a pea, rice and sunflower protein blend, coconut sugar, raw cacao and organic banana. That’s literally it. Despite its super clean credentials, the cocoa flavour – rich and chocolatey with a hint of fruity sweetness – is delicious. The consistency is a little thin so we’d suggest stirring it into your morning oats for the best results. Trust us, it will take your porridge from blah to brilliant.
33Fuel earned extra brownie points for its funky packaging, which is resealable and fully recyclable. Plus, a portion of every purchase goes to One Tree Planted. We love to see it.
9. Best for a high protein hit
Innermost The Health Protein
Per 40g serving: 150kcal, 31g protein, 2.5g carbohydrates, 3.5g fat
Innermost prides itself on combining natural ingredients with adaptogens to help you 'think, feel and perform your best'. Wowza.
Dishing up 31g of protein per serving, the protein blend has a complete amino acid profile – including Glutamine, the building blocks of your immune system – as well as superfood mushrooms and berries. If that sounds like a weird flavour mix, you'll have to take our word that it's hands down delicious too. No strange aftertaste – just sweet, sweet chocolate.
10. Best for health-boosting ingredients
Free Soul Vegan Protein Blend
Per 30g serving: 120kcal, 20g protein, 4.4g carbohydrates, 2.7g fat
Touted as the blended vegan protein powder for women, Free Soul blends its protein sources with nutrients, vitamins and minerals to support hormone balance, mood and energy. Interesting.
Containing Maca – a plant rich in concentrated vitamins, minerals and fibre – as well as ginseng, guarana, L-carnitine, magnesium, iron and calcium, you're getting a lot of bang for your buck.
11. Best for healthy bakes
ClearSpring Organic Sunflower Seed Protein Powder
Per 20g serving: 65kcal, 9.8g protein, 0.8g carbohydrates, 1.4g fat
It's got strength-building BCAAs, but you'll need to consume quinoa and other plant-based protein sources with sunflower seed protein to make up the essential amino acid lysine. That aside, there's 13g protein and 91 calories per 28g serving.
This organic blend works is great in smoothies, homemade snack bars, granola and even soup. Yes, really!
12. Best gut-friendly vegan protein
Vegolife Vegan Protein Blend
Per 30g serving: 106kcal, 21g protein, 4.2g carbohydrates, 0.7g fat
With an impressive 21g protein and only 106 calories per serving, Vegolife's protein powder makes use of ingredients such as green tea extract and acai berry to boost the potency of its formula while giving added benefits such as gut wellbeing and metabolism regulation.
13. Best pea, sunflower and pumpkin blend
Wyldsson Natural Vegan Protein Shake
Per 35g serving: 129kcal, 20g protein, 5.3g carbohydrates, 2g fat
Boasting 20g of protein per serving, Wyldsson is another strong contender that delivers on taste and performance. The ingredient list is impressive, making use of some incredible fruits and botanicals with even more incredible health benefits (like the use of Baobab; a godsend for controlling blood sugar levels).
Get going with these handy protein shakers
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