The 8 Best Dairy-Free Protein Powders, Tried, Tested, and Tasted

If you’re looking to increase strength, support muscular hypertrophy, and boost your immunity to keep you healthy, the best protein powders can be a handy elixir to keep up with your fitness goals. (1)(2) However, if your insides don’t take too kindly to dairy products like whey and casein protein, the best dairy-free protein powders will be your light in the darkness. With plant-based protein sources like peas, brown rice, soy, hemp, and more, you won’t need to suckle from the teat of a cow to build Hulk-like shoulders.

Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or have milk sensitivities, there are a number of dairy-free options to support your protein goals. Just take a peek into any vitamin store and you’ll be inundated with large tubs filled with fine powder (and even finer print). The BarBend team has tried and tested more than 100 protein powders to point you in the right direction of the best options out there, using our supplement testing methodology to rate and examine top-performing profiles. With the help of registered dietitians, we’ve compiled our picks for the best dairy-free protein powders on the market.

Transparency Notice: BarBend and Swolverine are both owned by the same parent company. We maintain the same rigorous testing standards and objective review process for all products we evaluate. Our commitment to providing honest, evidence-based reviews remains unchanged regardless of ownership.

The 8 Best Dairy-Free Protein Powders of 2025

• Best Dairy-Free Protein Powder Overall: Legion Plant+
• Best Dairy-Free Protein Powder Formula: Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein Powder
• Best Dairy-Free Protein Powder for Athletes: Ka’Chava The Whole Body Meal
• Best Tasting Dairy-Free Protein Powder: Onnit Plant-Based Protein
• Best Dairy-Free Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+
• Best Dairy-Free Protein Powder for Building Muscle: Momentous Essential Plant-Based Protein
• Best Low-Carb Dairy-Free Protein Powder: Swolverine Plant Protein
• Best Budget Dairy-Free Protein Powder: Bulk Supplements Organic Pea Protein Isolate Powder

Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.

Best Dairy-Free Protein Powder Overall: Legion Plant+

Pros

Plant-based protein formulated with pea and rice protein

24-25 grams of protein per serving

Unique, sweet flavors like Apple Pie and Mocha Cappuccino

Cons

High sodium content in some flavors

Produced in a facility that processes common allergen ingredients

$2.49 per serving cost is higher than other options

Why We Like It

We think Legion Plant+ is one of the best vegan protein powders, as it utilizes pea and rice protein in place of whey or casein, and it’s our choice for the best dairy-free protein powder overall. “I really like Legion Plant+ as a vegan protein powder,” says BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois.

Formulation scored a 5 out of 5 with our tester, who felt satiated after consuming this 140-calorie protein shake. “You get 24 to 25 grams of protein per scoop, all from high-quality, plant-based sources,” says Bourgeois. That’s more protein per serving than the typical dairy-free protein powder, which tends to provide 20 grams per serving. “Plus, there’s no added sugar, and the fat and carb content are controlled so you can boost your protein intake without skewing your other macros much.”

However, it’s worth pointing out that Plant+ is produced in a facility that processes ingredients like milk, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, eggs, wheat, soybeans, and peanuts. If you have any sensitivities to these ingredients, take note. 

According to Bourgeois, “The sodium content in Plant+ is worth noting, as it’s pretty high in some flavors — up to a whopping 450 milligrams in the vanilla flavor.” The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day, so this serving would account for almost 20% of your daily recommended max. (4)

In addition to typical Chocolate and Vanilla protein flavors, you can choose Mocha Cappuccino, Salted Caramel, Cinnamon Cereal, and Apple Pie to treat your protein shake like a sweet treat. “I had the Apple Pie flavor and while I liked the cinnamon flavor in it, I think some athletes may find it too sweet,” said our tester, who scored taste a 4 out of 5.

While Legion Plant+ took home an overall 4.24 out of 5 score, it is on the pricier side of the average dairy-free protein powder, which costs around $2 to $2.50 per serving. If that’s too pricey for your budget, we recommend the Onnit Plant-Based Protein, which comes to $2.25 per serving. 

Good for: People looking for a high-quality plant protein with some solid flavor options.

Read our full Legion Plant+ Protein Review.

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Best Dairy-Free Protein Powder Formula: Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein Powder

Pros

Organic ingredients free from gluten, GMOs, and artificial flavors

Has 30% of your daily iron needs per serving

Transparent labeling

Cons

Only Chocolate or French Vanilla flavor

Some athletes may be sensitive to stevia

Per our tester, the powder has a weird smell

Why We Like It

According to BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, “Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein scores 4 out of 5 for its formulation, with high marks for its short list of ingredients and deductions for the sodium content and lack of flavors.” Utilizing organic pea and rice protein, all the ingredients in this protein powder are organic — in fact, it’s one of the best organic protein powders we’ve tested — and free from gluten, GMOs, and artificial sweeteners. 

“They get really specific with their ingredients,” BarBend tester Nick English says in the video review below. “This contains 9.411 grams of pea protein isolate per serving — it’s very unusual to see anyone get this specific with their ingredients.” 

Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein Powder is also Informed Choice and Informed Protein certified, meaning the ingredients on the packaging match what you’re putting in your body. This earns it a 5 out of 5 for transparency.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWGPxWfo4ew&t=17s

Each serving size is between 130 and 140 calories, and you’ll get 3 to 7 grams of carbs and 2 to 2.5 grams of fat. “I love that Transparent Labs keeps the ingredients list short with their Organic Vegan protein powder. You get 24 grams of high-quality, plant-based protein without any unnecessary fluff. Plus, you get 30% of your daily iron needs,” says Bourgeois.

However, our tester gave the Vanilla flavor a try and wasn’t a big fan of the taste or smell. “It tasted artificially sweet, and I wouldn’t want to drink this without adding it to a smoothie,” they said. “It also had a bad smell and worst of all, I think the stevia in it or the Vanilla flavor upset my stomach.” Flavor scored a 2 out of 5. 

While the powder’s formulation and transparency get top marks, we do wish that there were more options besides Chocolate and French Vanilla flavors. If taste variety is a sticking point for you, Legion Plant+ offers a range that includes more offbeat options like Cinnamon Cereal and Apple Pie.

Good for: Anyone who wants a clean, third-party-tested plant-based protein powder.

Read our full Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein Review.

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Best Dairy-Free Protein Powder for Athletes: Ka’Chava The Whole Body Meal

Pros

24 grams of carbs can support long training sessions

Included micronutrients like calcium, iron, and vitamin D

Included prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes

Cons

$4.66 cost per serving is expensive

Formulation includes proprietary blends, added sugar, and sodium

Only 15 servings per package

Why We Like It

The balanced macronutrients in Ka’Chava’s Whole Body Meal make it our choice for the best dairy-free protein powder for athletes. The 25 grams of protein per serving can help repair achy muscles, while the 24 grams of carbohydrates and 7 grams of fat per serving can help fuel longer training sessions. (5) This spread of macronutrients also makes it one of the best meal replacements we’ve tried. “Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal really packs a lot into each serving. It’s costly, but you get what you pay for,” says BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois.

There are more than 85 superfood and plant-based ingredients in this supp, including prebiotics, probiotics, and enzymes, which can help aid in digestion. (7) We also like that each serving is packed with micronutrients like calcium, iron, and vitamin D, which studies have shown can aid in injury prevention and recovery. (6) 

The taste is another highlight, with our tester giving the Chai flavor a 4 out of 5. You can also expand your horizons with options like Coconut Acai Berry and Matcha, or stick close to home with traditional Vanilla and Chocolate versions. 

Bourgeois scored the formulation a 4.5 out of 5, dinging it slightly for “the proprietary blends, sodium content, and added sugar.” The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day, so this 400-milligram serving would account for almost 17% of your daily recommended max. (8) For a dairy-free protein powder with a more simplified ingredient list, we recommend Bulk Supplements Organic Pea Protein Isolate Powder, which only uses organic pea protein in its formulation.

The biggest sticking point for Ka’Chava The Whole Body Meal is its $4.66 cost per serving — well above other dairy-free protein powders. Because of that, we rated it a 2.5 out of 5 for price. Additionally, you’ll only get 15 servings in a pack, so if you’re looking to consume this meal replacement daily, you’ll need at least two packs per month. This being a meal replacement with a wider spread of macronutrients, though, a higher cost is to be expected. 

Good for: People who want to use a dairy-free protein powder in a full meal-replacement shake.

Read our full Ka’Chava Meal Replacement Review.

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Best-Tasting Dairy-Free Protein Powder: Onnit Plant-Based Protein

Pros

Chocolate flavor is reminiscent of chocolate milk

This powder blends easily

20 grams of protein per serving

Cons

Limited Chocolate and Vanilla flavors

Only 20 servings per container

Calories per serving may be too low for those bulking

Why We Like It

Onnit Plant-Based Protein is our choice for the best-tasting dairy-free protein powder because, well, our tester thought it tasted great. While there are only two flavors, Vanilla and Chocolate, the Chocolate flavor left a lasting impression. “It reminds me of dairy-free chocolate milk that I’ve had,” they said, scoring the taste a 4 out of 5. 

When comparing whey protein vs. plant protein, many plant-based protein powders can be chalky or clump up when you try to mix them, which can impact the flavor. However, our tester appreciated how well this powder mixed with water, giving solubility a 4 out of 5. “It blended really well in my water and I didn’t have any clumps floating around,” they said. 

This profile’s protein content comes via peas, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and watermelon seeds, and it’s rounded out by 1 gram of fat, 3 grams of carbohydrates, and 100 calories per serving. 

The addition of avocado powder helps to provide healthy fats that improve flavor and mouthfeel, while monk fruit extract adds a natural sweetness to the beverage. Plus, it includes eight essential amino acids that plant-based dieters need but don’t typically get from plant-protein supplements, and a range of 18 total amino acids, which studies suggest can support muscle recovery and endurance efforts. (9) 

Priced at $2.25 per serving, this is smack dab in the middle of the average dairy-free protein powder cost of $2 to $2.50 per serving, earning it a 4 out of 5 for price. For an even cheaper option, Transparent Labs’ Organic Vegan Protein Powder comes in at $1.67 per serving.

However, you’ll only get 20 servings in a container, which may not be enough for a full month’s supply depending on your protein shake habits. Personally, I like to have two protein shakes a day, so I’d work through this entire package in about a week and a half.

Good for: People who want high-quality protein delivered with a delicious chocolate flavor.

Read our full Onnit Plant-Based Protein Review.

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Best Dairy-Free Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+

Pros

115 calories per serving can help keep you in a caloric deficit

Used by Angel City Football Club athletes

L-methionine helps create a complete amino acid profile

Cons

Only available in Vanilla

Only 15 servings in a container

The $2.93 per serving price is costly

Why We Like It

If you’re curious about how to maintain muscle while losing weight, be like the Angel City Football Club team, whose athletes use Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ as part of their everyday training. According to studies, maintaining your protein intake paired with physical fitness and a caloric deficit can help you preserve your muscles as you drop pounds. (12) The Daily Shake 18+ provides 20 grams of protein and only 115 calories per serving, so you can maintain a caloric deficit without losing out on the protein you need. (10)

This protein powder utilizes organic pea protein as its main ingredient to keep you satiated while in a caloric deficit for weight loss, and vanilla bean extract, fermented sugarcane, and monk fruit for flavoring. “Ritual Essential Protein scores a 4.5 out of 5 for its formulation,” according to our expert reviewer, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois. 

“And because it includes methionine, it’s a complete protein,” she says. The l-methionine in this formulation helps create a complete amino acid profile for boosted protein synthesis and muscle growth. (11) “Methionine is an essential amino acid, meaning our bodies need it but can’t produce it, so it’s super convenient to get it in your protein powder,” concludes Bourgeois.

There are some limitations with Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+, one being that you won’t find a range of flavors to choose from since there’s only Vanilla. While that leaves something to be desired for more adventurous users, the powder did receive a 5 out of 5 from our tester for its solubility. “It dissolves well in water, and it also has a really smooth texture. It’s not thick, but it’s not watery like some proteins are,” our tester says.

At $2.93 per serving, this protein powder is more expensive than average dairy-free protein powders, which can cost between $2 and $2.50 per serving. Because of that, we gave this powder a 3.5 out of 5 for price.

You’ll also only be getting 15 servings per container, so most users will need two bags for a month’s supply. However, for the cost, you’re getting one of the best clean protein powders we’ve tried. If you want an alternative that could last the whole month, Swolverine Plant Protein is priced at $2.16 per serving and contains 30 servings per container. 

Good for: Those looking for a quality source of protein and aren’t picky about flavor options.

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Best Dairy-Free Protein Powder for Building Muscle: Momentous Essential Plant-Based Protein

Pros

Complete amino acid profile to help build muscle

Doesn’t have artificial sweeteners or colors

Gluten-free and vegan-friendly

Cons

Only 20 servings per package

The powder has an “earthy” taste

Sandy texture to the drink

Why We Like It

Momentous Essential Plant-Based Protein — one of the best low-carb protein powders we’ve tested — is our choice for the best dairy-free protein powder for building muscle due to its combo of 20 grams of protein and a complete amino acid profile, which is required for a variety of processes that take place within your body, like protein synthesis, building muscle, and making hormones. (13)(14)

This gluten-free and vegan-friendly protein powder utilizes pea protein isolate and rice protein concentrate that’s free from artificial sweeteners, colors, and other fluff. This formula is third-party tested, too, so you can be sure what’s listed is what you’re getting. Our tester scored its formulation a 5 out of 5.

If you need to up your protein, there’s nothing worse than tossing back gross-tasting protein drinks with your nose plugged. Our tester gave the Chocolate flavor a try, and while there was an “earthy” note to it, which some consumers may not have the palate for, they liked the muted flavor. “I imagine not everyone will like this, but I liked that it was mild and not super sweet,” they said, giving the flavor a 5 out of 5. For something a little sweeter, you might want to try Legion Plant+, which has a bit more zing than the Momentous powder.

While solubility also scored a 5 out of 5, the texture of this drink was different than other protein shakes we’ve tried. “It was sort of sandy. Very fine, but definitely sand-like, which gave it a bit of a thick texture,” they said. “Still, I had no trouble getting it down.”

If you’re like me and struggle to find good vegan protein sources — how much tofu can one gal eat in a day, amiright? — it’s nice to come across vegan-friendly protein powders with complete amino acid profiles. However, there are only 20 servings in a container, and the cost per serving is $2.27, which may be more than some are willing to spend.

Good for: Users looking for a complete amino acid profile that can rival the best whey protein powders.

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Best Low-Carb Dairy-Free Protein Powder: Swolverine Plant Protein

Pros

Complete amino acid profile thanks to its pea and pumpkin protein blend

Good source of fiber and iron

Only 5g of carbs

Cons

300mg of sodium could be high, depending on your needs

Only one container size available

140 calories per serving may be too much for some people

Why We Like It

Our choice of the best low-carb, non-dairy protein powder is Swolverine Plant Protein, which contains just 5 grams of carbs — 2 grams of which come from added sugar and 3 grams from dietary fiber. High-protein, low-carb foods are often most helpful for those managing diabetes or athletes with insulin resistance looking for glycemic control. They can also help with weight loss. (15) 

In addition to the hefty 24 grams of protein, Swolverine contains all nine essential amino acids, which means you’ll maximize your muscle growth potential with each serving of this complete protein.   

“Swolverine’s Plant Protein can be a smart protein powder for athletes or anyone looking to increase their protein intake,” says BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois. “It uses pea protein isolate and pumpkin seed protein to create a complete amino acid profile and healthy fats to support other things like brain health and vitamin absorption.”

For anyone following a vegetarian or vegan diet, Bourgeois has another positive about Swolverine: the iron content. While iron is easily found in meat, it can be tougher to get your daily allotment on a plant-based diet. Bourgeois loves that each serving of Swolverine contains 44% of your recommended iron intake, saying, “Users can help bridge the gap with just one scoop.” 

All these pluses amount to a 4.5-out-of-5 rating for formulation from Bourgeois, though she cautions that the 300 milligrams of sodium in each scoop is a little on the high side. It’s also important to note that each serving of Swolverine contains 140 calories; for something a touch lower, try the 110-calorie Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake.

In terms of price, Swolverine Plant Protein will set you back $64.99, which comes to $2.16 per serving. That’s on the low side of this list and good enough for a 4.5 out of 5 rating for price. 

None of these points mean a whole lot if the product tastes gross, right? The good news is that our tester had high marks for this product, rating it a 4.5 out of 5 for taste and saying, “It’s one of the few plant-based proteins I actually like.” They also praised the solubility with a 4.5-out-of-5 rating, remarking that their shake was “a little grainy” but had no clumps.

Good for: Anyone on a low-carb diet looking for a macro-friendly protein powder with little added sugar.

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Best Budget Dairy-Free Protein Powder: Bulk Supplements Organic Pea Protein Isolate Powder

Pros

Suitable for low-carb diets and diabetics

Gluten-free, soy-free, additive-free, and dairy-free

You can buy in bulk to save money

Cons

You may want to add your own flavoring

Bag can make a mess when opening

Doesn’t include a scoop

Why We Like It

Bulk Supplements Organic Pea Protein Isolate Powder is our choice for the best budget dairy-free protein powder because it’s easily one of the most affordable protein powders on the market. Whether you’re looking to add some protein after your workout or want to sneak a protein shake before bed, this product starts at $0.70 per serving and gives you the freedom to go hog-wild with a protein shake whenever you see fit. Price scored a 5 out of 5 with our tester.

While this powder is also low in carbs (and dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and additive-free), you’ll still get 21 grams of protein, 2.6 grams of fat, and 100 calories per serving. These are ideal numbers for anyone on a stricter calorie watch, but if you’re looking for a richer powder that is more like a meal replacement, try Ka’Chava The Whole Body Meal.

Bulk Supplements provides a simple product with only one listed ingredient: organic pea protein isolate. It’s unflavored, so consumers may want to mix it with something else, such as peanut butter, to infuse a bit of taste. “If you’ve never tried pea protein powder before, be prepared that it might taste funny if you drink it on its own,” noted our tester, who scored taste a 3 out of 5. “I used this in some baked goods and it worked well; I couldn’t even taste the protein powder.”

My favorite part about Bulk Supplements is that you can buy as little or as much as you want, from 3.5 ounces for $14 to 11 pounds for $119. The more you buy, the cheaper the cost per serving becomes, with the price per serving going as low as $0.70. 

However, unlike hard plastic containers with lids that screw on, it comes in a bag with a press seal resealable closure, so the bag can be difficult to close and make a mess when opening. Lastly, and this is by no means a dealbreaker, but it’s annoying that there’s no scoop included in the package. 

Good for: People who want to get straight to the point with a no-frills plant-based protein solution.

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How We Tested and Chose the Best Dairy-Free Protein Powders

We love our protein shakes here at BarBend, and our roster of personal trainers, CrossFit athletes, and certified nutrition coaches has tried out more than 100 of the most popular protein powders on the market. To convey our findings on the best dairy-free protein powders, we’ve utilized BarBend’s supplement testing methodology, rating categories such as formulation, transparency, and taste on a scale of 1 (not good) to 5 (we love it).

• Protein Source: All of the protein powders on this list use an alternative source of protein in place of dairy ingredients such as casein and whey protein. We looked for options with pea protein, rice protein, egg whites, and more.
• Price: Dairy-free protein powders tend to be more expensive per serving than whey protein powders — averaging between $2 and $2.50 per serving, as compared to whey protein, which tends to cost between $1 and $2 per serving. When our choices exceeded this average, we made sure to note it and explain why it was worth the added cash.
• Protein Per Serving: The recommended daily protein intake is 0.36 grams per pound and can increase depending on your training and needs. (3) As such, we looked for options that provided at least 20 grams of protein per serving to help you reach your daily needs.
• Calories Per Serving: We sought to choose options with between 100 and 140 calories per serving, though some options with a wider range of macros exceed that.
• Third-Party Testing: Knowing what you’re putting in your body is important, so we looked for protein powders with third-party testing to provide peace of mind and transparency about what exactly is in the protein powder. This is especially important for competitive athletes who follow governing agencies’ rules regarding what they can and can’t put in their bodies.
• Taste: While palates and preferences will vary from person to person, our team sought to select some of the best-tasting protein powders for this list based on their personal tasting experience.

What To Consider Before Buying a Dairy-Free Protein Powder

If you’re following a plant-based diet or dairy products cause some rumblin’ in the tummy, there are several dairy-free protein options on the market, from hemp protein, soy protein, egg whites, and pea protein to chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. Before you pick up your next gains-boosting fuel, consider your fitness routine, budget, and taste preferences to help you dial in on the perfect protein powder for you.

Your Protein Needs

How much protein do you need? We know that protein is essential for building muscle, but how much of it do you need for your body to do its job properly? “Consume protein with all of your meals and have one or two protein shakes a day, that’s going to be enough for most people to produce a measurable effect on body composition, especially people who don’t want to think of it that much,” says BarBend tester Nick English in the video review below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZWHXX_qCkM&t=1s

The next question to ask yourself is: How much protein should I get per meal? Well, there’s a fairly definitive range to shoot for. 

“It was widely believed that the body can only absorb 20 grams of protein at a time,” BarBend expert reviewer Austin Bou, RD, CDCES, ACE-CPT, says. “In reality, the body can absorb and utilize protein efficiently throughout the day. Research shows that optimal protein intake should be around 20-40 grams per meal for most people.”

If you’re looking to track your protein more closely, the International Society of Sports Nutrition recommends 1.4 to 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. (17)

Calories Per Serving

Most dairy-free protein powders provide between 100 and 140 calories per serving, which is an easy way to keep you satiated between meals without ruining your appetite. Take stock of your fitness goals and how many calories would best suit you.

If you’re in a loading phase and working on adding muscle, consider a protein powder with more calories to support your energy levels and make sure you have enough fuel in your body to build more muscle. If you’re in a cutting phase, consider a protein powder with fewer calories so you can remain in a calorie deficit while still hitting your protein goals.

What Ingredients Suit Your System

While you may be here because you know you want to avoid dairy and lactose in your protein — casein and whey protein are out of the equation — consider what other dietary needs or restrictions suit your body and lifestyle. Do you prefer how pea protein makes you feel versus egg whites? Maybe a protein blend that includes brown rice protein sits best post-workout. There are tons of options out there, carefully curated to suit all types of bodies and needs.

Those managing celiac disease may need a protein powder that’s verified gluten-free, since cross-contamination with gluten during manufacturing can occur. (18) Additionally, some individuals managing IBS or autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto’s, may also be interested in cutting out gluten in an effort to nail down if certain foods are causing inflammation. (19) 

However, studies about gluten and its effect on certain illnesses are conflicting, so you’ll want to consult with your doctor or take your gluten-free protein shake with a grain of salt. (Not literally with salt, just don’t expect a gluten-free diet to solve all of your woes.)

If you’ve noticed digestive issues with other dairy-free protein powders, here are some additional ingredients to keep your eye on when trying to figure out the tummy-rumbling culprit: artificial sweeteners like erythritol and sorbitol can be hard to digest and cause gas and bloating; inulin can cause bloating and gas; and xanthan gum can swell in the intestine, which can cause abdominal discomfort. (20)(21)(22)

Kidney Disease

While a high-protein diet can be great for healthy individuals, those with kidney disease will want to take extra precautions when introducing protein shakes into their routine. As recommended by The National Kidney Foundation, people with chronic kidney disease should limit their protein intake to between 0.6 and 0.75 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. (23)

Price

Price is dictated by several factors, including the type and quality of ingredients used, the macro split, the amount of protein included, as well as taste and solubility. The average dairy-free protein powder will cost between $2 and $2.50 per serving, but our list provides options ranging from as low as $0.70 to as high as $4.66 per serving. Products with a lower price point often include only one or two ingredients, while higher-priced options feature a wider range of micronutrients and balanced macros for a more satiating drinky drink. 

Some of the additions that can raise the cost of dairy-free protein powders include essential and non-essential amino acids, BCAAs, and protein blends that incorporate a mixture of more than one protein source.

While the average protein powder tends to cost between $1 and $2 per serving, dairy-free protein powders tend to be more expensive because they may require more rigorous testing to certify that they’re providing what’s being promised: vegan, gluten-free, organic, non-GMO, etc.

Benefits of Dairy-Free Protein Powders

Protein powder benefits are wide and expansive, from aiding in building muscle to helping keep consumers satiated. Dairy-free protein powders don’t include dairy or lactose ingredients, so here are some specific benefits you can expect from them, as well.

• Can Help Support Weight Loss: Protein is scientifically shown to aid in weight loss and weight maintenance thanks to its ability to help keep you feeling fuller for longer than fats or carbohydrates can. (24)(25) 
• Easier to Digest: One of the most common side effects of whey protein powder is an upset stomach or digestive issues. Cutting out whey and casein in favor of plant-based proteins tends to be easier on the digestive system, allowing your body to more easily digest and utilize the protein you’ve ingested. 
• Good for Animals and the Planet: By avoiding dairy in your protein shake, you’re helping to avoid factory-farmed animal products. This can help limit animal cruelty and environmental impact. While there’s environmental impact from both animal products and plant-based products, factory-farmed animal products can cause greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and disease, as well as excessive consumption of food and water. (26)

How Much Do Dairy-Free Protein Powders Cost?

Dairy-free protein powders average around $2 to $2.50 per serving, unlike the best whey protein powders, which tend to cost between $1 and $2 per serving. Our list includes options between $0.70 and $4.66 per serving.

Lower-priced options tend to include fewer ingredients while higher-priced powders pack in a wider range of nutrients, providing a more well-rounded pre- or post-workout snack (and sometimes a full meal replacement).

Best Dairy-Free Protein Powder Overall	Legion Plant+	$2.49/serving
Best Dairy-Free Protein Powder Formula	Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein Powder	$1.67/serving
Best Dairy-Free Protein Powder for Athletes	Ka’Chava The Whole Body Meal	$4.66/serving
Best Tasting Dairy-Free Protein Powder	Onnit Plant-Based Protein	$2.25/serving
Best Dairy-Free Protein Powder for Weight Loss	Ritual Essential Protein Daily	$2.93/serving
Best Dairy-Free Protein Powder for Building Muscle	Momentous Essential Plant-Based Protein	$2.27/serving
Best Low-Carb Dairy-Free Protein Powder	Swolverine Plant Protein	$2.16/serving
Best Budget Dairy-Free Protein Powder	Bulk Supplements Organic Pea Protein Isolate Powder	Starting at $0.70/serving

Dairy-Free Protein Powders FAQs

References

1. Wu G. (2016). Dietary protein intake and human health. Food & function, 7(3), 1251–1265. https://doi.org/10.1039/c5fo01530h
2. Li, P., Yin, Y. L., Li, D., Kim, S. W., & Wu, G. (2007). Amino acids and immune function. The British journal of nutrition, 98(2), 237–252. https://doi.org/10.1017/S000711450769936X
3. Harvard Health. (2023, June 22). How much protein do you need every day? https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-much-protein-do-you-need-every-day-201506188096
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