The 12 Best Vegan Protein Powder of 2023

Meat-eaters and plant-based folks don’t always have much in common when it comes to what’s on their plate, but one fact remains — both need protein. From the serious strength athlete, looking to push herself on the platform or box gym, to the average consumer looking to hit their weight loss goals, everyone needs ample protein to help their muscles recover and keep their body functioning well. However, vegans don’t drink whey protein (as it is sourced from animal products), so they need a plant-based formula with solid protein content. On top of that, it may be beneficial to have added micronutrients in their protein powder that they may not be getting from their regular vegan diet.

The good news is that plenty of companies put out top-notch vegan protein powders. However, since the main ingredient in many protein powders is whey — a byproduct of dairy — it’s harder to come across a high-quality vegan protein formula, which is why you may find that many of the options on this list are repeated. Don’t worry, these powders are top-notch and vigorously tested by us for their award. Here’s our breakdown of the best vegan protein powders in specific categories to help you choose the perfect one for your needs.

Best Vegan Protein Powders

• Best Vegan Protein Powder Overall: KOS Organic Plant Protein
• Best Tasting Vegan Protein Powder: Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal
• Best Vegan Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Swolverine Plant Protein
• Best Vegan Protein Powder for Bodybuilding: Legion Plant+
• Best Vegan Protein Powder for Women: KAGED Plantein
• Best Vegan Meal Replacement: Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal
• Best Vegan Protein Powder for Athletes: Swolverine Plant Protein
• Best Vegan Chocolate Protein Powder: Legion Plant+
• Best Vegan Vanilla Protein Powder: Transparent Labs Organic Vegan
• Best Vegan Protein Powder for Probiotics: Pure Food Plant-Based Protein Powder
• Best Vegan Protein Powder to Replicate Whey: Legion Plant+
• Best Vegan Protein Powder for Antioxidants: Vega One Organic All-in-One Shake
• Best Vegan Protein Bars: Ka’Chava Whole Food Bar

Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it shouldn’t take the place of advice and/or supervision from a medical professional. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. Speak with your physician if you have any concerns.

Best Vegan Protein Powders Video

Check out our video on the best vegan protein powders for an in-depth look at our favorite products. 

Best Vegan Protein Powder Overall: KOS Organic Plant Protein

Pros

• This bar is vegan-friendly and provides 20g of plant-based protein. 
• The formula blends 17 vitamins and minerals to help round out any gaps in your diet. 
• For those who have trouble digesting protein, KOS includes digestive enzymes. 

Cons

• This shake has 5g of fat and 8g of carbs, which may not be ideal for those who want a super lean shake.
• This product only comes in Chocolate and Vanilla.
• Vegans who prefer a specific type of plant protein may not want a blend.

A great vegan protein powder will have a robust formula that boasts protein, nutrients specific to plant-based eaters (like iron), and relatively few carbs and fats. This pick hits all these marks.

This protein powder stands out as not only an excellent vegan protein powder but a great protein powder overall. Each scoop of all-natural and organic ingredients provides a solid dose of 20 grams of protein from a blend of pea, coconut, flax, and quinoa. In addition, every serving has five grams of healthy fats and eight grams of carbs (two of which come from fiber). You’ll also receive a variety of 17 vitamins and minerals from the included fruit and veggie blend to help potentially round out your nutrient intake.

If you’re worried about digestion, KOS has you covered with a digestive blend of amylase, lactase, protease, lipase, and cellulase to help break everything down. As you may expect, KOS sweetens and flavors its protein with natural sources. The Chocolate protein is flavored with Peruvian cacao, and the Vanilla contains vanilla extract. They both have stevia and monk fruit for a light and subtle sweetness. The price is relatively affordable for a high-quality plant-based protein at around $49.99 for a 30-serving container, which breaks down to about $1.67 per serving.

With two delicious flavors, 20 grams of protein, and plenty of micronutrients, KOS Organic Plant Protein isn’t just the best vegan protein, in our opinion — it can go head-to-head with nearly any formula on the market. It’s also well-priced for the high quality, making it a serious contender for anyone interested in protein powder.

Best Tasting Vegan Protein Powder: Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal

Pros

• In addition to the standard Chocolate and Vanilla, Whole Body Meal comes in three unique flavors: Chai, Matcha, and Coconut Acai.
• This meal replacement forms a pleasant milkshake-like consistency even when mixed with water.
• This powder offers a well-rounded macro profile with 25g of protein, 24g of carbs, and seven grams of fat per serving.

Cons

• If you’re only looking for protein, you won’t want the carbohydrates and fat in this mix. 
• The antioxidants and adaptogens come in proprietary blends, so you don’t know how much of each ingredient is included. 
• At $4.66 per serving, this is one of the most expensive powders on this list.

If you’re drinking protein powder daily, you want to enjoy it. This vegan meal replacement comes in five flavors — Chocolate, Vanilla, Matcha, Chai, and Coconut Acai — which, along with the shake’s thick consistency, gives Whole Body Meal a nice milkshake vibe. The protein content here is 25 grams, which works with the 24 grams of carbohydrates and seven grams of fat to make this a filling meal replacement. It also offers 26 different vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12. 

The formula has a blend of different vegan proteins including peas, brown rice, and quinoa, making it 100 percent vegan, non-GMO, and delicious no matter which flavor you choose. This formula also has an antioxidant blend that includes strawberries, cherries, and blueberries, as well as an adaptogen blend with mushrooms, ginger, and maca root.

Most importantly, this vegan meal replacement just plain tastes good, partly thanks to the all-natural flavors and thick consistency. User reviews make constant comparisons to milkshakes, especially when blending Vanilla Ka’Chava with fruit or mixing some coffee creamer into the Chocolate flavor. “It’s the best-tasting meal replacement shake I’ve tried,” one reviewer says. “There’s no protein powder flavor or overly sweet and bitter Stevia taste.”

Best Vegan Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Swolverine Plant Protein

Pros

• At only 130 calories per serving, this supplement is great for those looking to lose weight.
• This formula has 22g of protein, which can help you maintain muscle in a calorie deficit.
• This protein blends pumpkin and pea protein for a complete amino acid profile.

Cons

• This product only comes in 30-serving containers. 
• The only flavors are Chocolate Cake and Salted Caramel.

Many people who are looking to lose weight may want to cut back on carbs, fat, and added sugar. This pick has a great macronutrient profile for anyone trying to burn fat or slim down a little bit.

Swolverine’s macronutrient breakdown tamps down carbs and sugar while still upping your protein intake with 22 grams of protein per serving. This formula has zero grams of sugar, three grams of carbohydrates, and two and a half grams of fat per serving for both the Chocolate Cake and Salted Caramel flavors.

This breakdown is ideal for anyone whose main goal is to lose weight due to the high protein, low sugar, and low-fat content. This formula also contains one gram of prebiotics — which can aid in digestion an improve gut microbiota — and one gram of fiber, which is an important part of digestion and overall health, as well.

Swolverine offers up a lean vegan protein powder that may help you get or stay, well, lean. The added digestive benefits of chicory root are also a serious bonus here. 

Best Vegan Protein Powder for Bodybuilding: Legion Plant+ Protein

Pros

• This lean formula (140 calories per serving) is perfect for bodybuilders looking to build muscle with minimal fat gain. 
• Legion has three delicious flavors to choose from, including Dutch Chocolate, Mocha Cappuccino, and French Vanilla.
• This protein has no artificial sweeteners or sugars.

Cons

• Bodybuilders looking to bulk who may want a higher calorie count in their protein powder. 
• Vegans who want a protein with added fiber will have to look for other formulas that contain fiber content.

If you’re a bodybuilder who follows a vegan diet, it may be harder to eat the proper macro ratio to consistently make muscle gains. This pick is heavy on the protein, and easy on the carbs, fats, and sugars.

This protein has a rice and pea protein blend that boasts 24 or 25 grams of protein per serving depending on whether you choose Dutch Chocolate, Mocha Cappuccino, or French Vanilla. All three flavors contain one gram of sugar, between two and a half to three grams of fat, and between three and five grams of carbohydrates per serving.

This macro breakdown makes it ideal for bodybuilders who need to keep their protein high and their carbs, fats, and sugars low, in comparison. Though, it’s worth noting that there are only 130 to 140 calories in each serving of this powder, so if you’re looking to bulk, you may want to look for a vegan mass gainer. 

This protein powder packs a solid 24 to 25 grams of protein, and its rice-to-pea protein ratio keeps the grit texture down, so it’s easy to consume to keep you on track with your bodybuilding goals. 

Best Vegan Protein Powder for Women: KAGED Plantein

Pros

• One scoop has 30 percent of your daily iron needs, a recommended nutrient for female athletes. 
• You get 26 grams of protein per serving, which is just as much as most whey supplements.
• KAGED makes unique and delicious Banana Bread and Cinnamon Roll flavors.

Cons

• One tub contains only 15 servings.
• KAGED doesn’t make simple flavors, like chocolate and vanilla. 

Some women tend to lean toward proteins that track on the lighter side — meaning they’re lower in carbs, fats, and sugars, still high in protein, and easy to digest. This Kaged pick is a great match for all of these traits. 

At 160 calories per scoop, this pea protein powder packs a whopping 26 grams of protein per serving with just five grams of carbs, four grams of fat, and no added sugar at all. Many women may also value additional fiber in their supplement to help with digestion, and this product contains an extra two grams.

Kaged Muscle also implements Ingredient Optimized® Technology, which may make this protein more bioavailable, as it increases the surface area of protein, which can help enhance amino acid absorption and utilization. In fact, the amino acid bioavailability — including leucine, BCAAs, and EAAs — in this pea protein was comparable to that of whey protein, making it one of the more powerful vegan options on the market.

With the help of Kaged’s Optimized Technology, this protein powder can be easily absorbed, and at only 160 calories, with 26 grams of protein, and zero sugar, it’s a great option for women who don’t want a protein shake to weigh them down.

Best Vegan Meal Replacement: Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal

Pros

• In addition to 25 grams of protein, this meal replacement offers 24 grams of carbohydrates and seven grams of fat. 
• This formula has six grams of fiber per serving, helping you feel fuller longer. 
• Besides Chocolate and Vanilla, Ka’Chava makes unique flavors like Chai, Matcha, and Coconut Acai.

Cons

• You only get 15 servings per package.
• At $4.66 per serving, this is pricier than many protein powders on this list. 

Looking for more than just protein? This vegan meal replacement offers a well-balanced macronutrient trifecta with 25 grams of plant-based protein, 24 grams of carbohydrates, and seven grams of fat. Six of those carbohydrates are fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied until your next meal. 

Each 240-calorie scoop offers a blend of pre- and probiotics to potentially help support gut health, as well as an adaptogen blend with different mushrooms, ginger, and maca root. There’s also an antioxidant blend with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and cherries. 

Ka’Chava comes in the usual Chocolate and Vanilla flavors as well as some more unique options like Coconut Acai, Chai, and Matcha. User reviews praised not only the flavors, but the shake’s consistency as well, with multiple reviews stating that it has a consistency and flavor similar to that of a milkshake. “Even mixed with water, it has a lot of flavor and is thick, like a milkshake,” one reviewer says. “Very tasty and well worth the money.”

Best Vegan Protein Powder for Athletes: Swolverine Plant Protein

Pros

• This formula has added iron and calcium, which helps athletes maintain strong bones and muscles. 
• You get an addition of omegas, which may help with joint health and recovery.
• At 22g, one scoop has a pretty high dose of protein. 

Cons

• There are no vanilla-tasting flavors. 
• This formula only provides 3g of carbs, which may be too few for some athletes.

Athletes require a balanced intake of both protein and carbs to facilitate intense training sessions, as well as a complete formula that covers their micronutrient needs. This pick checks both of those boxes.

Swolverine made good with their pea and pumpkin-based protein powder that provides 22 grams of protein per serving. This formula boasts a terrific micronutrient and omega-heavy profile for both the Chocolate Cake and Salted Caramel flavors. Included in the lineup are phosphorus, magnesium, iron, calcium, selenium, zinc, and copper.

This blend also contains a 3:1 balance of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, which supports the possibility of healthier joints and mobility. This blend makes it ideal for athletes who tend to be hard on their bodies and need ample recovery supplements.

Swolverine is a lower-carb formula with plenty of protein to help athletes recover from tough training sessions. It also has a host of vitamins and other supplements that can facilitate performance and joint health, like omega-3 fatty acids.

Best Vegan Chocolate Protein Powder: Legion Plant+

Pros

• This chocolate flavor is delicious on its own or mixed with additional ingredients in a smoothie.
• This formula contains nutrients like iron and calcium, which can be harder to incorporate in a plant-based diet. 
• Legion Plant+ is free of added sugar.

Cons

• You only get three flavors to choose from.
• Athletes looking to bulk may want a powder that’s higher in calories and carbs. 

With so many chocolate protein powders on the market, it’s a difficult task to narrow it down and find the best-tasting options. We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to try a lot of chocolate powders, and this pick is one of our absolute favorites.

A chocolate protein powder goes great in a peanut butter-banana smoothie, blended with an iced coffee, or even on its own. The Chocolate flavor of Legion Plant+ stands out. This formula also has a solid blend of protein and nutrients to boot.

With 25 grams of pea and rice protein, 5.6 grams of BCAAs, 160 calories, calcium, iron, potassium, and no sugar, this delicious blend may be one of the most effective vegan options out there. If you want to spice things up after you’re done savoring their chocolate flavor, Legion Plant+ also comes in Vanilla and Mocha Cappuccino.

If you’re looking for a delicious chocolate flavor that may also help fill some gaps in your vegan diet, look no further than Legion Plant+.

Best Vegan Vanilla Protein Powder: Transparent Labs Organic Vegan

Pros

• The rich vanilla flavor is excellent on its own but it also makes a great addition to smoothies or baked goods. 
• This formula has added calcium and iron.
• You can buy up to three tubs of this powder at once for discounted bulk pricing.

Cons

• This pick only comes in Chocolate and French Vanilla. 
• 130 calories per serving may not be enough for some athletes.

Vanilla protein powder is one of the most versatile flavors on the market — you can mix it into pretty much any smoothie or shake for an added boost of protein, and this pick is one of the best-tasting vanilla flavors we’ve tried.

Transparent Labs Organic Vegan protein powder only comes in two flavors, and while both are quite tasty, their French Vanilla definitely steals the show. On top of its great flavor, Transparent Labs also boasts a 24-gram 2:1 rice-to-pea protein ratio, which creates a smooth texture that’s easier on the digestive system than many plant-based protein powders.

In addition, this pick contains fiber, calcium, iron, and potassium for a well-rounded fixing of nutrients. It’s also great for those looking to buy their vanilla powder in bulk as you can buy up to three tubs at once for a discounted price.

For a great vanilla flavor, a solid blend of nutrients, and 24 grams of protein, this vegan powder packs a punch without the gritty texture that many vegan protein powders have. 

Best Vegan Protein Powder for Probiotics: Pure Food Plant-Based Protein Powder

Pros

• This formula has one billion CFUs of probiotics, which may help improve digestion.
• Pure Food’s product is gentle on your stomach.
• For those who want a leaner supplement, this product is only 70 calories per serving. 

Cons

• This supplement only provides 11g of protein per serving, which is lower than most.
• You only get two flavors to choose from.

Though having probiotics in protein powder may not be super common, this pick provides a solid dose of them. Probiotics are thought to help revitalize your gut health for better digestion and nutrient absorption. 

In terms of its protein content, Pure Food’s formula has 20 grams of protein, which is a little less than other options on this list — so that’s something to keep in mind. It also contains nine grams of carbs. However, this plant protein powder has far more redeeming qualities.

That is four grams of branched-chain amino acids — the building blocks of protein — four grams of glutamine and fiber, and one billion colony-forming units (or CFUs) of probiotics. 

A healthier gut can mean improved digestion, performance, and maybe even overall health. If that’s a concern for you, then this formula — packed with probiotics — is what you’ll want to buy.

Best Vegan Protein Powder to Replicate Whey: Legion Plant+

Pros

• Much lik whey protein powders, this formula is low carb (5g per serving) and low fat (2.5g per serving). 
• This product uses natural sweeteners, like monk fruit and stevia.
• This protein may be just as effective as whey for building muscle, thanks to the rice and pea blend.

Cons

• Afterl intense conditioning workouts or lifting sessions, some athletes may need more carbs.

Whey protein powders are notorious for being lower in fat and carbs, making them one of the most protein-dense formulas. We found a vegan formula that is low in both fat and carbs and still high in protein.

This formula uses a pea and rice protein blend, which may be as effective as whey for building muscle. Macro-wise, it’s on par with traditional whey powder. Each serving contains just 140 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, five grams of carbs, and 25 grams of protein.

Just like whey, it also contains 5.6 grams of BCAAs, and boasts calcium, iron, and potassium. For those who care about how their protein is sweetened, Legion Plant+ is naturally sweetened and doesn’t contain any artificial dyes or flavors. It comes in Chocolate, Vanilla, and Mocha Cappuccino. 

This low-fat, low-carb pick is the perfect option for the person — plant-based eater or not — who wants to consume fewer animal products but maintain the macros that a whey protein powder provides.

Best Vegan Protein Powder for Antioxidants: Vega One Organic: All-in-One Shake

Pros

• This formula has, by far, the most robust vitamin and mineral formula on the list.
• Vega’s product has two billion CFUs of probiotics.
• There are seven different flavors, like berry, chocolate mint, plain, coconut almond, mocha, chocolate, and French vanilla. 

Cons

• More like a meal replacement shake, this formula has higher carbs (11g) and fats (3.5g).
• This powder is definitely on the more expensive side.

Antioxidants can help battle inflammation and protect against free radicals. If you’re concerned about either of those things, then you want a vegan protein that’s packed with nutrients and antioxidant vitamins. 

Vega One Organic is an absolute nutrient powerhouse. It has 18 vitamins and minerals, nine of which offer half or more of your daily recommended intake. As far as antioxidants go, it offers vitamins A, C, and D, which can help boost your immune system to help protect against illness and ward off inflammation.

Also, it boasts a hefty dose of probiotics for more optimal gut health. One thing to note, this is marketed as an “all-in-one” formula. While it does offer 20 grams of protein, it also has five grams of fat and 10 grams of carbs at 150 calories per serving. 

Also, it boasts a significant dose of probiotics for more optimal gut health. One thing to note, this is marketed as an “all-in-one” formula. While it does offer 20 grams of protein, it also has five grams of fat and 10 grams of carbs at 150 calories per serving.

Best Vegan Protein Bars: Ka’Chava Whole Food Bar

Pros

• This bar is a delicious, convenient protein supplement you can take on the go.
• Ka’Chava’s product makes a perfect low calorie (210 calories), high-protein (11g) snack.
• This bar has zero sweet binders or artificial sugars.

Cons

• Although they’re delicious, you only get two flavors to choose from.
• These are high in fiber (13g per serving), which is a crucial nutrient but may be tough to digest if you eat more than one.

If you’d rather chew your protein than drink it, but still want something convenient you can take with you if you’re running out the door, these bars are the way to go. 

With 11 grams of protein and 19 grams of carbs (depending on the flavor you choose), these filling protein bars still pack a solid punch for their size. They’re chewy with crunchy bits, and only 200 calories, which makes for a great snack pre- or post-workout.

They come in two tasty flavors, including Chocolate and Peanut Butter. However, they do contain more carbs than the other protein powders on this list, so if you’re looking to cut back on those, you’ll want to look elsewhere. 

While these bars are a great option for sneaking a small dose of protein into your diet, they don’t have the same macros (high protein, low carbs/fats/sugars) as many of the other protein powders on this list. But if you want an on-the-go, protein packed snack, these bars are quite a delicious, filling option.

Benefits of Vegan Protein Powders

If you eat a plant-based diet, you need to be extra conscious of your protein intake. One article published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition states that “veganism creates challenges that need to be accounted for when designing a nutritious diet.” The article cites that plant-based sources are typically lower in protein, B12, iron, iodine, zinc, calcium, vitamin D, and long-chain fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA (both of which are found in fish oils). That same study also noted that creatine supplements and beta-alanine might be of particular use to vegan dieters too. (1)

These specific nutrients are important for your overall health, but protein — and the nine essential amino acids that make up protein — are vital in your quest to gain muscle and preserve it as you lose fat. 

This isn’t to say that vegans can’t get protein from whole foods. Plenty of plant-based foods contain protein — tempeh, quinoa, lentil, chia seeds, tofu, and beans are all decent sources. The problem is, however, that these sources 1) aren’t complete proteins, and 2) are also accompanied by more grams of carbs and fats compared to lean animal proteins. This may not be an issue for some people, but bodybuilders and strength athletes who are attempting to adhere to a strict high-protein, moderate-carb, low-fat diet won’t want to eat these particular protein sources.

For example, four ounces (or half a cup) of chicken breast contains about 110 calories, 23 grams of protein, two grams of fat, and zero carbs. By comparison, four ounces of lentils contains roughly the same calories, 10 grams of protein, 23 grams of carbs, and zero grams of fat. 

It’s also worth noting that plant-based proteins tend to be less bioavailable — and potentially less potent for building muscle — so companies often have to go the extra mile to ensure what’s in the container is a complete, high-quality, bioavailable protein that humans can actually digest pretty well. Whether that’s through ingredients like digestive enzymes or probiotics, these blends may have added ingredients to help with this downside of plant-based protein powders.

How We Chose the Best Vegan Protein Powders

Vegan protein powders require different considerations than animal-based protein powders. Not only is the protein they’re derived from different, but vegans also look for different nutrients in their protein powder. Here are the ingredients and factors we took into consideration when putting together this guide.

Type of Protein and Texture

There are four main types of vegan protein powder — pea protein, hemp protein, brown rice protein, and soy protein. The powders on this list may come as a blend of two or more types of these powders or as a single type. Either way, mixability, and texture are key with vegan protein powder, as many of these powders are grittier than whey protein. We made sure that all the powders on this list — no matter what they are derived from — have solid mixability. 

Macronutrients

Protein, fat, and carbs are considered macronutrients (macros). Many vegan protein powders tend to contain more carbs as they are derived from plants. But most of the powders on our list provide macros similar to whey protein, which is much lower in carbs and fats. However, we have still included options that are a touch higher in carbs and fats for those who prefer that. No matter your preference, you’ll be able to find the proper macro split to meet your needs in this list.

Micronutrients

Some of the micronutrients that vegans may miss in their diet include B12, iron, iodine, zinc, calcium, vitamin D, and long-chain fatty acids such as EPA and DHA — all of which are much easier to sneak into an animal-based diet. We wanted to include protein powders on this list that featured some of these added micronutrients as well since many vegans look to protein shakes to fill these gaps in their diet.

How Much Protein Do You Need?

Whether you’re a vegan or meat-eater, strength athletes need the same amount of protein — 0.72 to one gram per pound of bodyweight. For a 180-pound man, that comes out to between 123-180 grams of protein per day. Even a meat eater will most likely need to supplement with protein powder to meet their intake. Now, consider that most vegan protein sources pack even less protein per serving than animal protein, and a protein supplement is looking even more like a necessity. Want to know how much protein you need? Use our protein calculator below:

Part of what makes a protein powder so great is the convenience factor. This is particularly helpful if you’re in a bulking phase and are sick of choking down whole foods. You can mix your protein powder of choice in some water, chug it down, and you just ingested 20 to 25 extra grams of protein. 

Of course, you want to ensure you’re consuming many of your nutrients from whole foods and supplementing with the ones you may be missing. The good news is that many vegan protein powders contain those missing nutrients (mentioned above).

When Should I Take Vegan Protein Powder?

One of the myths about protein powder is that you need to drink a protein shake immediately after your workout to nourish your depleted muscles or else you’ll lose all of your gains. While it doesn’t hurt to drink a protein shake right after you exercise, it’s not necessary to retain the benefits of working out. Plus, on a vegan diet, the micronutrients included in protein powder can help fill the gaps in your diet due to your dietary restrictions at any point in the day. 

As long as you are consistently consuming enough protein throughout each day, it can still help build the muscles you’re working for, no matter if it’s directly after your workout or as a late-night snack. Your daily calories and macronutrients are the primary determinants related to whether you gain muscle and lose fat, as opposed to when you eat.

How Much Do Vegan Protein Powders Cost? 

If you’re just peeping at the cost of the container before deciding which protein powder is in your price range and which isn’t, you’re not actually getting a sense of how much your powder costs. You want to know how much you are paying per serving and what you’re getting in each scoop, rather than just going for the least expensive jug. To do this, you’ll need to compare the cost of the container to the number of servings — this number tends to be around $1 to $2 per serving, depending on the brand and ingredients.

Best Vegan Protein Powder Overall	KOS Organic Plant Protein	$49.99 Per serving: $1.67
Best Tasting Vegan Protein Powder	Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal	$69.95 Per serving: $4.66
Best Vegan Protein Powder for Weight Loss	Swolverine Plant Protein	$52.99 Per serving: $1.76
Best Vegan Protein Powder for Bodybuilding	Legion Plant+ Vegan Protein	$49.99 Per serving: $2.49
Best Vegan Protein Powder for Women	KAGED Plantein	$26.99 Per serving: $1.79
Best Vegan Meal Replacement	Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal	$69.95 Per serving: $4.66
Best Vegan Protein Powder for Athletes	Swolverine Plant Protein	$52.99 Per serving: $1.76
Best Vegan Chocolate Protein Powder	Legion Plant+ Vegan Protein	$49.99 Per serving: $2.49
Best Vegan Vanilla Protein Powder	Transparent Labs Organic Vegan	$49.99 Per serving: $1.66
Best Vegan Protein Powder for Probiotics	Pure Food Plant Based Protein Powder	$39.93 Per serving: $1.33
Best Vegan Protein to Replicate Whey	Legion Plant+ Vegan Protein	$49.99 Per serving: $2.49
Best Vegan Protein Powder for Antioxidants	Vega One Organic All-in-One Shake	$59.99 Per serving: $3.53
Best Vegan Protein Bars	Ka’Chava Whole Food Bar	$39.95 Per serving: $3.32

The cost per serving will vary due to the type of vegan powder, additives, protein density, and more. The more natural, organic, or transparent protein powders are likely to cost a little more. In addition, added ingredients that may be good for filling gaps in the vegan diet or assisting with absorption (like micronutrients, digestive enzymes, or probiotics) can also increase the cost. The more basic the powder, generally, the less it should cost you. 

What to Consider Before Buying Vegan Protein Powders

When choosing which plant-based protein powder to buy, here are some important factors you should consider before making your purchase.

Protein Content

Protein content sounds like an obvious consideration, right? Of course, how much protein you need depends on your goals. For vegans, as we’ve mentioned before, getting enough complete protein in your diet can be a challenge. Athletes will want up to one gram of protein per pound of body weight. A less intense gymgoer who’s trying to keep their nutrition in check may want to pack added protein into their diet as well.

It’s also worth noting that the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for protein, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is 50 grams per 2,000 calories. A study found that this specific amount of protein may lead to muscle loss in older folks. (2) On this list, none of the picks dipped below 20 grams of protein per serving, and some go up to 25 grams.

A Balanced Macronutrient Profile

Your caloric intake matters the most when you’re trying to gain or lose weight, but macros matter, too. There are three main macros — protein (which we’ve already covered), carbohydrates, and fat. Carbs essentially give you the energy to work out (though the carbs you don’t burn are stored as fat, so you need to balance these well). Fats generally regulate your hormones like testosterone and leptin. When it comes to carving out a more impressive physique, you want your macros dialed in. Otherwise, you may be lacking in one macro, like protein, while eating too much of another, such as fat (which contains nine calories per gram).

One key to managing your macro intake is choosing foods that enable a healthy macro split (depending on your goals). This way, you can better manage your overall intake and create more balanced meals. For example, one Big Mac has 540 calories and 30 grams of fat, 45 grams of carbs, and 25 grams of protein. For 100 fewer calories, you can have a cup of rice and half a pound of chicken with spinach — a meal that packs 55 grams of protein, 40 grams of carbs, and four grams of fat.

For this reason, we chose vegan protein shakes that had minimal grams of carbs and fat to ensure you were getting mainly protein. 

Vitamins and Nutrients that Vegans Need

There are specific vitamins and nutrients in meat that vegans might not be getting enough of. To recap, those are B12, iron, iodine, zinc, calcium, vitamin D, and long-chain fatty acids such as EPA and DHA.

One study says that vegetarians are at risk of being deficient in vitamin B12, and the long-term effects — though not fully understood — can be “adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes, vascular, cognitive, bone, and eye health.” (3) The protein powders on this list contain most of the recommended nutrients and vitamins that plant-based eaters want. 

Different Types of Vegan Protein Powder Sources

Vegan protein powders aren’t all made from the same sources. Here’s a breakdown of the four most common vegan protein powder sources. 

Pea Protein

This protein source derived from peas is one of the newer types of protein to hit the market. Its appeal is that it contains all nine essential amino acids and is considered relatively easy to digest. It’s also effective. One study showed that supplementing with pea protein while on a strength training program significantly increased biceps muscle size as effectively as whey protein. (4)

Hemp Protein

In addition to containing the nine essential amino acids, hemp protein — which is the product of ground-up hemp seeds — also has a solid dose of fiber and healthy fats. Since this type of product is high in fiber, it may help with digestion, but it may also cause gas and bloating in some.

Brown Rice Protein

Though it’s not a complete protein, brown rice protein is derived from the protein in brown rice and is void of allergens like gluten, soy, eggs, and nuts. It also digests very quickly, especially compared to a whey product that is derived from dairy. 

Soy Protein

First, if you have a soy allergy, you’ll want to pick another option from this list. That said, for anyone else, soy protein — which is derived from soybeans — is a fine protein option. And though some may try to steer clear thinking it affects your testosterone levels, more recent studies have shown that to be largely untrue. 

Final Word

Vegan protein powders and plant-based protein options in general have come a long way in recent years. There used to be only a few options, and they were rather expensive compared to milk-derived protein — and we don’t even need to mention the gritty sand-like texture. Those days of yore are long gone with nearly every major supplement company now producing a plant-based or vegan protein option.

Any strength athlete will need more protein compared to folks who don’t train. And if you’re a plant-based eater, then you’ll need to choose your protein with more careful consideration. For one, you want to ensure it fits your dietary restrictions, and two, you want to make sure the powder you choose contains the proper amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals to fill the gaps in your vegan diet. Review this list of the best vegan protein powders carefully, make your selection, and then get to training.

FAQs

References

1. Rogerson D. Vegan diets: practical advice for athletes and exercisers. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14:36. Published 2017 Sep 13. doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0192-9
2. Campbell WW, Trappe TA, Jozsi AC, Kruskall LJ, Wolfe RR, Evans WJ. Dietary protein adequacy and lower body versus whole body resistive training in older humans. J Physiol. 2002 Jul 15;542(Pt 2):631-42. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.2002.020685. PMID: 12122158; PMCID: PMC2290421.
3. O’Leary F, Samman S. Vitamin B12 in health and disease. Nutrients. 2010;2(3):299-316. doi:10.3390/nu2030299
4. Babault N, Païzis C, Deley G, Guérin-Deremaux L, Saniez MH, Lefranc-Millot C, Allaert FA. Pea proteins oral supplementation promotes muscle thickness gains during resistance training: a double-blind, randomized, Placebo-controlled clinical trial vs. Whey protein. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015 Jan 21;12(1):3. doi: 10.1186/s12970-014-0064-5. PMID: 25628520; PMCID: PMC4307635.