The 11 Best Vegan Protein Powders of 2025, Tasted and Reviewed by a Dietitian

Why We Like It

If you’re in the market for some of the best organic protein powder, this option from Transparent Labs is our overall top vegan protein. This non-whey protein powder uses organic rice and pea protein, helping craft a complete amino acid profile vital for muscle protein synthesis. (14) Plus, organic pea protein isolate is high in branched-chain amino acids, which can be beneficial for post-workout recovery. (11) As such, we scored the formulation at 4 out of 5.

In addition to the 24 grams of protein per scoop — along with between 2.5 and 3 grams of fat and between 3 and 5 grams of carbs — Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD appreciates the inclusion of between 3.3 and 4.3 milligrams of iron in the makeup. It also has zero artificial sweeteners or artificial flavors.

“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,” Bourgeois says. “Plus, you get 30% of your daily iron needs.”

As far as taste and solubility, this Transparent Labs offering gave our tester, a certified nutrition coach, a bit of a struggle. “I noticed a unique smell when mixing this powder. It’s not as if the powder has gone bad, but it’s somewhat off-putting,” they note. “The French Vanilla has got more of an artificial taste than I’d expect,” one tester says. On the other hand, another tester had the Chocolate variety and said, “It’s only got a hint of earthiness; mostly it’s like a dark chocolate drink. It might not be your favorite if you love extra sweet drinks, but it’s not bad!”

The entire mixing process created a good bit of foam, as well. We score Organic Vegan at 2.5 out of 5 for taste and 3.75 for solubility, respectively.

A final note regarding this organic vegan protein powder is its reliance on stevia as a sweetening agent. Stevia can potentially lead to gastrointestinal distress in sensitive stomachs, which our tester experienced after trialing this powder for some time. (1) Be sure to take into account your own stomach limits before ordering a tub of this powder for your own routine.

Read our full Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Review.

Why We Like It

For athletes with fat-loss in mind, we recommend trying Legion’s Plant+ Plant Protein Powder. The high-protein, low-carb, and low-fat split can make it easy to plan around when getting a grip on how to count your macros, according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD. The maximum 140 calories per serving can be helpful for athletes looking to support their strength-gaining goals without excess weight gain.

While we like the macro breakdown for those following a calorie deficit, the formula does leave a little to be desired. “Legion Plant+ protein powder scores a 3.75 out of 5 for its formulation,” according to Bourgeois. “The major deductions stem from its sodium content and limited vitamin and mineral profile.”

Our testers do like the flavor variety, though. “I tried the Apple Pie flavor and it was sweeter than I expected with a little artificial taste,” our tester, a certified personal trainer, says in reference to their 4 out of 5 taste rating. “The cinnamon aspect was nice. Overall, it wasn’t bad at all but for some people, it may taste a little too sweet.”

And don’t worry: it goes well with oat milk. “It was a normal thickness, kind of like what you’d expect with milk. I think it’s the creaminess of oat milk that really helped that along.”

While the presence of stevia can lead to gastrointestinal distress for some, we didn’t really experience any unwanted side effects after downing our trials of Plant+. However, we understand that reactions can be highly subjective between athletes, so we conservatively rate this Legion offering at 4.5 out of 5 out of the potential for side effects. (1) This product is also processed in a facility that handles known allergens, so be sure to read the warning labels. 

Read our full Legion Plant+ Protein Review.

Why We Like It

For vegan athletes wanting a completely organic protein powder with an enjoyable flavor profile, Ritual’s Daily Essential Shake 18+ is one of our favorites. It features an organic pea protein foundation to deliver 20 grams of a complete amino acid profile. (13)

We also love that this protein is fully vetted and tested. Not only does this plant-based protein carry certifications from both Informed Protein and Informed Sport, but each ingredient is also completely traceable back to its source. “I’m a huge fan of companies that are transparent with their formulas, and Ritual’s got that down to a science,” adds Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD.

[Related: Nutrition for Athletes — How to Eat for Muscle and Performance]

After analyzing the label, Bourgeois scored the formulation at 4.5 out of 5, thanks to its clean ingredients and complete protein makeup. The half-point deduction is for the sodium content, which is a bit high. 

Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, scores the solubility at 5 out of 5, stating: “I mixed my sample with just water and was pleasantly surprised by the smooth texture. The powder dissolved easily in my shaker bottle, and I didn’t experience any clumps or floating residue.”

This product only offers a Vanilla vegan protein powder, so there is less flavor variety with this protein option. However, we found Essential Daily Shake 18+ to be tasty enough for repeated consumption, scoring it at 4.5 out of 5. “With just water alone, this is still super creamy and doesn’t have any of those weird aftertaste you get with some more artificial powders,” another tester comments. “I love that it didn’t taste like the stereotype of what something ‘plant-based’ will taste like.” Additionally, the vanilla flavor isn’t excessive, meaning it can be added to a smoothie or other concoction without overpowering the entire beverage.

The one major issue we have with this vegan protein option is the price per serving. At $2.67, it’s well beyond the $1 to $2 average. Add in, too, that each container only features 15 servings, and you can expect a good amount of repeat orders. 

Why We Like It

Plant-based bodybuilding is definitely becoming more prevalent, and Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer definitely makes bulking a little easier when trying to account for how much protein you need to support your physique. This formula packs 730 calories per serving, including 52 grams of protein, 115 grams of carbs, and 10 grams of fat per serving. 

While it has enough macronutrients to be a stand-alone meal, it isn’t created to balance all the necessary micronutrients within a meal. Thanks to the artificial-ingredient-free formula, we give the formulation a 4.5 out of 5. 

We also love that this mass gainer packs 70 percent of your daily iron needs. While you can definitely get plenty of iron from plant-based foods, it is a little trickier when avoiding meat. (15) Luckily, this formula helps fill that potential gap in your daily diet. “If you’re prone to iron deficiency, that could be an added bonus for you, too,” notes registered dietitian nutritionist and BarBend expert reviewer, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois.

Unfortunately, though, TL’s Vegan Mass Gainer is only offered in two flavors. However, one of our testers tried out the Chocolate Glaze Donut flavor and was actually surprised by the accuracy. “After trying it a few times, I’d say it really tasted like a donut,” she says, giving the flavor a 4 out of 5.

As with most other Transparent Labs products, our testers are pretty happy with the solubility, too. The powder dissolves pretty seamlessly in our testers’ shaker cups without any noticeable clumping at the bottom.

Transparent Labs Vegan Mass Gainer is third-party lab tested. However, we do wish the brand specified by whom. We also think the price point is a little hard to swallow (pun intended). Though the $5.33 per serving price tag is pretty common amongst mass gainers, it’s definitely more expensive than the other protein powders on this list, earning a 2 out of 5 for cost.

Why We Like It

Compared to protein products like whey or casein, vegan proteins aren’t typically known as the best-tasting protein powders. Many have a slightly earthy flavor, considering most of the ingredients are plants. However, we didn’t have that problem with Onnit’s Plant-Based Protein.

Our tester, a certified nutrition coach, rates the taste at 4.75 out of 5, stating, “My Chocolate sample was akin to my favorite (dairy-free) chocolate milk. The taste was rich and enjoyable — a true treat when compared to other plant-based powders I’ve consumed in the past.”

The formulation of this tasty vegan option is also impressive. We rated the makeup at 4 out of 5, as it blends various plant proteins for 20 grams of protein per dose. It includes a full amino acid profile rich with EAAs and BCAAs, including 2,270 milligrams of leucine — one of the most important BCAAs for muscle growth. (12) 

“Onnit’s plant-based protein powder is comparable to the brand’s grass-fed whey formula in terms of nutrition facts. Each serving provides 20 grams of protein, with an impressive amino acid profile, as well,” adds registered dietitian nutritionist Chelsea Rae Bourgeois.

“I did experience a slightly gritty texture, but nothing that wasn’t out of the ordinary,” our tester says, rating this powder a 4.25 out of 5 for solubility. Overall, though, there were no real issues with the powder clumping or settling.

Onnit’s Plant-Based Protein costs $2.25 per serving, which is slightly more expensive than the $1 to $2 average of other vegan protein supps in the category. However, Onnit does offer a subscription service that can add a 15% discount. If you’re looking for a convenient means to stay stocked up on this tasty powder, we recommend considering the subscription platform.

Read our full Onnit Plant-Based Protein Review.

Why We Like It

One of the best parts of Gainful Vegan Protein for athletes is that the brand allows you to personalize your protein based on your needs, like if you are trying to build muscle, lose weight, or gain weight. One thing we love for athletes is that there are up to 24 grams of organic brown rice and pea protein, which means there is a complete amino acid profile present, too. (13)

“I really like that Gainful offers a personalized protein powder formula,” says Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, giving the formulation a 4.5 out of 5. “I like that it’s unsweetened and free from artificial ingredients, too.”

We personally tested Gainful protein for both taste and solubility to see how it fits within our vegan diets for athletes. One interesting aspect of Gainful compared to other vegan protein powders is that it comes unflavored, but there are a number of flavor boosters you can choose from to add to your protein — think of them as sugar packets for your morning coffee. “The cool thing here is that you’ve got little flavor packs instead of a whole tub with just one flavor,” our tester says. “That means you’re basically banned from getting bored.”

When it comes to solubility, we had mixed results, but still find Gainful to be at or above average. “I was shocked at the ease with which the shaker cup mixed the product. Within about 30 seconds, the powder was blended,” our testers say. They do note that using a blender will increase solubility, though, as a shaker cup alone left some clumps. They rate Gainful a 3 out of 5 for solubility.

Athletes should keep in mind that there are only about 120 calories per serving. That can be great for those looking to lose weight, but for those looking to gain muscle, it may be wise to mix this protein into a smoothie with additional fruit and vegetables.

Read our full Gainful Protein Powder Review.

Why We Like It

It can be helpful to have an unflavored powder for smoothies or baking when trying to figure out how to eat more protein throughout the day, as there’s less of a chance of the powder altering your food’s overall taste. This Soy Protein Isolate from Bulk Supplements is our top unflavored choice, as it can be easily added to a smoothie, shake, pre-workout, or post-workout blend without giving your palate a displeasing sensation.

Soy Protein Isolate is also a fairly clean formulation, which we rated at 4.5 out of 5, as there aren’t any added sugars, additives, dairy, or even gluten across the ingredients list. “I love the simplicity of this soy protein formula.” states registered dietitian nutritionist Chelsea Rae Bourgeois. “It includes soy protein and that’s it, making it an ideal option for those who follow a plant-based diet! And with no fat and almost zero carbs, it’s a lean way to increase your protein intake.”

We also like this best clean protein powder example thanks to its low cost per serving, earning a 5 out of 5 in the cost category. You can pick up this tasteless protein powder for roughly $0.42, depending on your chosen container size, which is well below the average $1 to $2 associated with other high-quality vegan protein powders in the category. 

That said, though, the convenience factor is sort of lost beyond the wallet-friendly price tag. “Bulk Supplements doesn’t include a scoop with this Soy Protein Isolate, so you’ll need to provide your own tablespoon to achieve optimal dosages,” says our tester, a certified personal trainer. “Also, I advise that you carefully open the bag until you’ve worked through roughly half of the powder — you could be left with some unwanted protein dust that can dirty up your counters in a hurry.”

Why We Like It

You don’t need to pay an arm and a leg for the best plant-based protein powders. There are still some options that rival the best protein powders in terms of cost, including Orgain’s Organic Vegan Protein Powder. While the price per serving is in line with the average $1 to $2 cost of other supplements in the category, this powder earns our “Best Budget” moniker due to its impressive subscription option that can save athletes 15% off their orders. Other proteins typically offer a 5% discount for such a service.

“Orgain Plant-Based Protein is a pretty lean protein powder,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, who gives the formulation a 4.5 out of 5. “I like that it helps you boost your protein intake without significantly affecting your other macros or overall calorie intake. I also love its versatility. It’s gluten-free, vegan, Kosher-friendly, and made with soy-free ingredients, meaning it can fit into many diets.”

In addition to the cost-saving benefits of this Orgain offering, we also appreciate the 15 flavor options that offer plenty of variety from one order to the next. Overall, we rate the taste at 4 out of 5 thanks to the plethora of palate-pleasing tastes offered across the lineup — there’s practically a flavor for every taste bud, which can go a long way in fighting flavor fatigue over time. “I tossed the Creamy Chocolate Fudge with frozen bananas, spinach, almond butter, and oat milk. It was delightful, and it was also really good with just water or milk. A pleasant surprise!”

As far as the solubility, we score this organic protein powder at 3 out of 5, due in part to its two scoops of powder per serving. No matter how you slice it, this can be an abundance of powder to try and dissolve with a shaker bottle alone. Instead, you’ll need a blender.

Read our full Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder Review.

Why We Like It

Yes, the best probiotic supplements can do wonders for your gut microbiome, but having a hearty dose of probiotics in your dairy-free protein powder can be a more convenient way to target your digestion, gut health, immune function, and metabolic health in the long run. (13) While it’s not uncommon to see proteins with probiotics added to the formulation, this option from Pure Food is one of our favorites, thanks to its 1 billion colony-forming units featured in each dosage (plus, it’s a generally clean vegan protein powder, too).

We also liked the approachable price point, rating the cost a 4.5 out of 5 given its wallet-friendly $1.43 per dosage. This can be especially helpful since there is only one 32-serving container size available, meaning that repeat orders are practically a necessity if you plan to continue your supplement routine longer than 1 month.

Pure Food Plant-Based Protein Powder is also fairly lean at a maximum 70 calories per serving, which can be great for athletes focused on weight loss. However, we do wish the formulation would include a higher protein count per dosage. “You really need to mix it with other ingredients to bulk up its nutrition profile,” adds Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., RDN, LD, giving the formulation a 3.75 out of 5.

In terms of flavor variety, Pure Food keeps it simple with just two tastes to choose from — Vanilla and Chocolate. While this may dismay athletes wanting more creative options for their daily protein needs, we feel this powder can still be worthwhile, especially if you’re looking for a solution that values gut health.

Read our full Pure Food Plant-Based Protein Powder Review.

Why We Like It

The best greens powders can be helpful supplements for your daily needs, with studies showcasing their potential benefits for immune health and gut health. (21) While it may seem off-putting to combine your greens with a vegan protein powder, Vega’s Protein & Greens formulation comes together surprisingly well in its effort to deliver real-food ingredients alongside 20 grams of protein. Plus, our tester, a certified personal trainer, enjoys the flavor profile of this unique concoction.

“I was pleasantly surprised by the chocolate taste of this powder, which had this earthy vibe similar to a high-end cocoa,” our tester states in reference to their 5 out of 5 taste rating. “While I’d be hesitant to mix my normal protein and greens together, I could easily see myself having this as a morning beverage.”

Vega Protein & Greens includes whole-food ingredients such as broccoli, kale, alfalfa, and others across its ingredients list and uses a blend of pea protein and organic brown rice protein for a more complete amino acid profile. Additionally, the formulation is certified vegan and non-GMO verified. As a certified nutrition coach, though, I score the formulation at 4 out of 5 given its use of stevia as a sweetening agent. Stevia may cause gastrointestinal distress in some athletes, so it’s imperative you take your personal sensitivities into question prior to purchase. (1)

This greens-packed protein powder can be blended in multiple fashions, and the packaging includes instructions for every method you’re likely to use at home. Per our testers, though, it may be most effective to use one of your best shaker bottles to craft your daily drink. “The gritty texture is unavoidable due to the added greens,” our tester notes. “But I strongly recommend using a shaker bottle or motorized blender. Stirring this powder with a spoon was quite the chore.” As such, we rate the solubility at 4 out of 5.

Why We Like It

Don’t let the rumors fool you — the relationship between soy and strength athletes can be positive as studies report that soy protein has no effect on testosterone levels. (10) For plant-based athletes considering soy protein powder, this NOW Sports offering is our top recommendation thanks to its approachable pricing, simple ingredients list, and excellent solubility.

In looking at NOW Sports Soy Protein Isolate, you’ll only find one ingredient — non-GMO soy protein isolate. This eliminates any questions surrounding unwanted additives, and allows for quick understanding of what, exactly, is in each serving. As a certified nutrition coach, I appreciate the down-to-earth structure of this powder without unnecessary fillers and rate the formulation at 4 out of 5.

While the unflavored makeup of this best soy protein powder does open doors to include it in multiple recipes, our tester, a certified nutrition coach, rates the taste at 3 out of 5. “It’s not something I’d reach for on its own,” they state. “But I do appreciate how easily it can be added to smoothies and other recipes without altering the flavor profile.”

NOW Sports Soy Protein Isolate can be found on multiple third-party retail sites, but we recommend purchasing the powder on Amazon to get the best deal, which equates to $0.95 per serving. This is below the $1 to $2 average we’ve found in other vegan protein powders, so we’re happy to score this NOW Sports offering at 5 out of 5 for value.

Lastly, our tester notes that mixing up NOW Sports Soy Protein Isolate is a simple endeavor. “I had no issues with clumps or residue when adding it to my shaker cup,” they add. “I do caution, though, that the powder can foam up slightly if shaken aggressively, and expect to give your bottle a few tumbles if you let the beverage sit for an extended period.” As such, we rate the solubility at 4 out of 5.