11 best vegan protein powders 2024, reviewed by registered dietitians
Let's clear this up from the get-go: you can actually get enough protein on a plant-based diet — especially with the help of the best vegan protein powders. In fact, according to plant-focused dietician, Vandana Sheth, RDN, these protein powders can provide a wide range of whole-body benefits — such as lowering cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease, and aiding in digestion and gut health thanks to the high fibre content.
When shopping for a quality plant-based protein powder, Sheth recommends looking for ones that include multiple types of protein from different sources. While animal protein sources are considered ‘complete proteins’, plant proteins area almost always ‘incomplete’ because they don't have all nine essential amino acids. Only Sheth recommends looking for blends or formulas that incorporate extra essential amino acids where possible.
Need a hand picking out he perfect vegan protein powders? Whether you're vegan or lactose intolerant — or if whey just doesn't sit well in your stomach — these are the best plant-based that you should know about. After something else? Shop the best protein bars and best whey protien powder.
The best vegan protein powders, at a glance:
- Best Vegan Protein Powder Overall: Innermost The Fit Protein, £29.95
- Best Budget-Friendly Vegan Protein Powder: Myvegan Impact Pea Protein Isolate, £6.29
- Best Vegan Protein For Post-Workout Refuelling: Form Performance Protein Chocolate Peanut, £22
- Best Vegan Protein For Women: Free Soul Vegan Protein Powder, £22.49
Ahead, our full edit of the best vegan protein powders.
1. Best overall vegan protein powder
There's truly nothing not to like about this brilliant vegan protein powder. Developed with people who push themselves in mind, this plant-based blend contains electrolytes and Rhodiola root to help with rehydration and energy levels post-workout, and maca and magnesium to support essential muscle repair and growth. With its super high protein content — and full amino acid profile — it'll keep you feeling fuller for longer, without being too high in calories or full of carbohydrates. In terms of flavours, there are three simple but delicious ones to choose from; smooth chocolate, creamy vanilla, and summer strawberry.
- Protein per serving: 31g.
- Calories per serving: 144.
- Servings per container: 30.
- Protein type: Pea and brown rice protein.
- Pros: Very high-protein. Low-calorie. Supports muscle recovery.
- Cons: None that we can see.
2. Best budget-friendly vegan protein powder
Myvegan Impact Pea Protein Isolate
Highly refined so that it includes more protein — and less fat and carbs — in every scoop, this pea protein isolate is a bestseller amongst vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike. It's all-natural, contains zero sugar and artificial flavours, and is completely free from soy and dairy. Also, it makes a great low-calorie choice.
- Protein per serving: 23g.
- Calories per serving: 122.
- Servings per container: 16.
- Protein type: Pea protein isolate.
- Pros: Quite affordable. Suitable for vegans. Natural ingredients.
- Cons: None that we can see.
- Courtesy of brand
3. Best hemp vegan protein powder
Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Yeah! Protein Powder
Hemp seed has a complete amino acid profile, deeming this a great pick to include in a balanced diet. “Along with being a good source of protein, hemp also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and maintain good heart health and brain function,” Hilbert says.
Although it has less protein than other powders on this list, it makes up for in fibre. But if you want to up the protein content of your shake, Sheth recommends blending it with non-dairy yogurt and nuts or seed butter for an extra protein boost. Plus, it can help improve the powder's slightly gritty texture.
- Protein per serving: 13g.
- Calories per serving: 110.
- Servings per container: 13.
- Protein type: Hemp.
- Pros: High in fibre. High in omega-3s. Free from added sugars.
- Cons: Lower in protein compared with other options.
- Courtesy of brand
4. Best low-calorie vegan protein powder
This Now Sports protein powder is made from non-GMO soy protein isolate, which is about 90% protein. That makes this powder high in protein and lower in total calories compared with many other vegan protein sources. One serving of this powder packs 20 grams of protein for just 90 calories — so its macro profile is pretty comparable to that of whey protein powder.
“Soy protein is often easily tolerated by certain individuals who may struggle with whey protein,” says Megan Hilbert, RD, a dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching. “Some studies show that soy protein may also help maintain a healthy gut barrier, making it easy for your body to digest nutrients." This protein powder doesn't contain any fibre, so Sheth recommends adding chia seeds or high-fibre fruit (like berries, apples, or pears) to your smoothie when using this powder.
- Protein per serving: 20g.
- Calories per serving: 90.
- Servings per container: 28.
- Protein type: Soy isolate.
- Pros: Low calories. High protein. Affordable.
- Cons: Not suitable for people with soy allergy.
5. Best pea isolate vegan protein powder
Easy to digest, naturally hypoallergenic, and a great source of iron, pea protein isolate is a great pick if you're after a vegan protein powder — and it also contains all the essential amino acids. This Bulk one has been made with yellow peas, and is a great low-calorie option thanks to its low fat and sugar content. Alongside the standard unflavoured option, it comes in Banana, Chai, Chocolate Mint, Coconut, Peach & Mango, and Vanilla. Delish.
- Protein per serving: 23g.
- Calories per serving: 119.
- Servings per container: 12.
- Protein type: Pea protein isolate.
- Pros: Highly soluble. Low in sugar and fat. Low-calorie.
- Cons: None.
6. Best vegan protein for post-workout refuelling
Form Performance Protein Chocolate Peanut 520g
Formulated with an impressive 30g of multi-source vegan protein — including BCAAs for muscle growth and repair — Curcumin and BioPerine® to boost recovery and bioavailability, and enzymes to aid natural digestion, it's the perfect post-workout recovery shake. A clean and sustainable choice, it's been made with no artificial flavours, sweeteners, or added sugars, and has fully compostable packaging.
- Protein per serving: 30g.
- Calories per serving: 384.
- Servings per container: 13.
- Protein type: Form’s Performance Protein blend of organic pea, brown rice, and pumpkin seed proteins.
- Pros: Tastes amazing. Compostable packaging. 5g BCAAs per serving.
- Cons: Quite expensive.
7. Best vegan protein specifically for women
Free Soul Vegan Protein Powder
Formulated specifically for women, this Free Soul protein powder has been enriched with superfoods, vitamins, and minerals to support female wellness — like maca, iron, and the B Vitamin Complex. Plus, according to its many happy customers, it's great for boosting energy levels, and supporting bloat-free digestion. Flavours include chocolate, strawberries and cream, salted caramel and vanilla — but chocolate is our fave.
- Protein per serving: 20g.
- Calories per serving: 120.
- Servings per container: 30.
- Protein type: 25.
- Pros: Added superfoods, vitamins, and minerals. Gluten-free. Great value for money.
- Cons: None as far as we can see.
- Courtesy of brand
8. Best vegan protein with a range of flavours
If you find most vegan protein powders unpleasant on your palate, go for this pick that comes in many fun flavours — including chocolate cereal milk, pancake batter, and Cinnabon. Each flavour mixes well, whether you’re drinking it on its own as a protein shake or incorporating it into homemade waffle batter, oatmeal, or yogurt.
The protein comes from a diverse blend of pea, watermelon seed, and pumpkin seed, which also contributes to the 2 grams of fibre in each serving. Add a scoop of the Cinnabon flavour to your pancake batter for a cinnamon-bun-inspired breakfast that'll hold you over for hours.
- Protein per serving: 20g.
- Calories per serving: 110.
- Servings per container: 28.
- Protein type: Pea, watermelon seed, and pumpkin seed.
- Pros: Multiple protein sources. Amazing flavours. Good value for money.
- Cons: Sweetened with sucralose — an artificial sweetener.
9. Best vegan protein for all-round nutrition
Wild Nutrition Food-Grown® Organic Protein + Superfood Blend
Layered with seven organic mushrooms, eighteen amino acids, and four super greens, this plant-based protein blend helps to support psychological function , reduce tiredness and fatigue, boost energy levels, and maintain and grow muscle mass. Essentially, it's like a protein powder and a greens powder combined! It's not flavoured, so you'll definitely want to stir it into your morning smoothie or bowl of oats — rather than drink it straight with water.
- Protein per serving: 16g.
- Calories per serving: 88.
- Servings per container: 14.
- Protein type: Pea and rice protein powder.
- Pros: Certified organic. Contains mushrooms and supergreens. Supports immunity.
- Cons: Expensive. Quite low in protein.
- Courtesy of brand
10. Best vegan protein specifically for sports recovery
Garden of Life Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein — Vanilla
This protein powder boasts 30 grams of protein and 5 grams of BCAAs per two-scoop serving to help build and maintain lean muscle mass. “It contains pea protein along with three other bean sources, which provides high amounts of those essential amino acids,” says Lori Barrett, RDN, a dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching. The four protein sources help build muscles, and it also contains a blend of fruit, including tart cherry, turmeric, and probiotics to help with muscle recovery.
- Protein per serving: 30g.
- Calories per serving: 160.
- Servings per container: 19.
- Protein type: Pea, sprouted navy bean, sprouted lentil bean, sprouted garbanzo bean, and cranberry seed protein.
- Pros: Multiple sources of protein. Aids recovery.
- Cons: Not much flavour choice. Expensive.
11. Best vegan protein with varied protein sources
Protein Works Vegan Protein Powder — Cookies ‘N’ Cream
Combining five different sources — soy, pea, pumpkin, brown rice, and sunflower — this is a truly diverse plant-based protein blend. Each protein has it's own unique nutritional outline — so you benefit from a more rounded amino acid profile. Available in a whole heap of exciting flavours — like Cookies ‘n’ Cream, Choc Mint Brownie, and Strawberries ‘n’ Cream — it's great for whipping up tasty shakes to be sipped on-the-go.
- Protein per serving: 25g.
- Calories per serving: 112.
- Servings per container: 32.
- Protein type: Soy, pea, pumpkin, brown rice and sunflower protein.
- Pros: Five different protein sources. Quite affordable. Really unique flavours.
- Cons: None that we can see.
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