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Consuming protein powders is an easy way for a person to include extra protein in their diet. Increased protein intake is especially important for people who work out regularly or intensively.
A quick look at 11 of the best vegan protein powders
- Best all-purpose: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Plant Protein
- Best natural: Naked Pea Protein Powder
- Best organic: ALOHA Organic Protein Powder
- Best for athletes: Vega Sport Protein
- Best flavor range: True Nutrition Soy Protein Isolate
- Best for easier digestion: Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder
- Best for baking: Anthony’s Premium Pea Protein
- Best for muscle building: Momentous Essential Protein
- Best with superfoods: Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean
- Best kosher: Orgain Organic Protein Powder
- Best personalized subscription: Gainful Personalized Protein Powder
Many protein powders include whey or animal proteins. However, vegans and other people who do not or cannot eat whey can use products that contain soy or other plant protein sources.
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According to the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, adults require
For more science-backed resources on nutrition, visit our dedicated hub.
Below, we provide more information on five of the best vegan protein powders on the market. The information and pricing are correct at the time of publication.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best all-purpose:
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Plant Protein
- List price: around $40
- Flavors: creamy vanilla and rich chocolate fudge
- Number of servings: 20 per container (800 g)
- Serving size: 1 scoop (37 g)
- Protein content: 24 g per serving
Optimum Nutrition is an American company that specializes in protein powders. Most of its products contain whey, but it has one protein powder suitable for vegans.
According to Optimum Nutrition, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has certified this plant protein product as organic, non-GMO, and free of artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.
It is available in two flavors: creamy vanilla or rich chocolate fudge.
This product contains 24 g of protein per serving and up to 100% of a person’s recommended daily intake of vitamin C. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), adults should consume
Optimum Nutrition recommends adding 1 scoop to cold water or almond milk and consuming the shake between meals or after a workout.
Best natural:
Naked Pea Protein Powder
- List price: around $58
- Flavors: unflavored, vanilla, and chocolate
- Number of servings: 60 per container (2.27 kilograms (kg))
- Serving size: 2 scoops (38 g)
- Protein content: 27 g per serving
Naked is a company that specializes in selling supplements. This product only contains one ingredient: split yellow peas, grown exclusively on farms in North America and Canada. The company sources all of its peas from farms that practice environmentally conscious farming.
This vegan protein powder contains 27 g of protein per serving and is GMO-, soy-, gluten-, and dairy-free.
Naked recommends adding 2 scoops per serving to a liquid, such as water or a smoothie.
This product is available in three flavors: unflavored, vanilla, and chocolate.
Best organic:
ALOHA Organic Protein Powder
- List price: around $30
- Flavors: vanilla and chocolate
- Number of servings: 15 per container (540 g)
- Serving size: 2 scoops (36 g)
- Protein content: 18 g per serving
ALOHA specializes in organic, plant-based protein supplements.
The company’s protein powder contains pea, brown rice, hemp, and pumpkin seed protein. It also includes coconut, so people who are sensitive to coconut should not use it.
This product contains 18 g of protein per serving, which only has 4 g of sugar and 130 calories.
People can choose between chocolate and vanilla flavors.
ALOHA recommends mixing 2 scoops with a liquid to make a serving.
Best for athletes:
Vega Sport Protein
- List price: around $65
- Flavors: vanilla, chocolate, mocha, and peanut butter
- Number of servings: 20 per container (828 g)
- Serving size: 1 scoop (41 g)
- Protein content: 30 g per serving
Vega is a company that sells only vegan supplements. Its Vega Sport Protein powder contains electrolytes, 16 g of carbohydrates, and B vitamins to help people recover from intensive activity.
The
This product contains 16 g of protein per serving and is gluten- and GMO-free. It contains no artificial flavors or sweeteners.
It comes in four flavors: vanilla, chocolate, mocha, and peanut butter.
Vega recommends mixing one scoop of the powder into ice-cold water and drinking it after a workout.
Best flavor range:
True Nutrition Soy Protein Isolate
- List price: $14
- Flavors: 34 flavors including unflavored, red velvet cake, and cinnamon swirl
- Number of servings: 14 per container (454 g)
- Serving size: 1 scoop (34 g)
- Protein content: 30 g per serving
This soy protein isolate powder contains non-GMO soybeans and is vegan and gluten-free. It is not suitable for people who have an allergy or sensitivity to soy.
True Nutrition gives people a choice of 34 different flavors. The unflavored version contains 30 g of protein per serving and 120 calories.
The calorie and protein content of other flavors may differ.
True Nutrition recommends mixing 1 scoop into 12–24 ounces (oz) of water, juice, or milk.
The company offers a subscribe and save option.
Best for easier digestion:
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder
- List price: around $47
- Flavors: unflavored, vanilla, chocolate, and vanilla chai
- Number of servings: 20 per container (620 g)
- Serving size: 1 scoop (31 g)
- Protein content: 22 g per serving
This plant-based protein powder contains organic peas, sprouted grains, seeds, and legumes. Garden of Life states that this product is certified vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and USDA organic.
It also contains several vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, and K, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. The company states that this may make the protein powder easier to digest.
The protein powder is available in four flavors: unflavored, vanilla, chocolate, and vanilla chai.
Each serving of 1 scoop contains 22 g of protein. The company recommends mixing the scoop with 10 oz of water.
Best for baking:
Anthony’s Premium Pea Protein
- List price: around $19
- Flavors: unflavored
- Number of servings: 91 per container (907 g)
- Serving size: 1 tablespoon (10 g)
- Protein content: 8 g per serving
This product has one ingredient: vegetable pea protein isolate. According to the manufacturer, it removes fiber and starch from yellow peas and grinds the remains into powder.
Anthony’s states that this protein is gluten-free and free from sweeteners and flavors.
Due to not having a flavor, this powder may be suitable for protein shakes, smoothies and bowls, yogurts, baked goods, and protein bars.
This powder contains 8 g of protein per serving and 35 calories. Due to its lower protein content, this may not be a suitable option for people who wish to strength train.
Best for muscle building:
Momentous Essential Protein
- List price: around $48
- Flavors: vanilla chai and chocolate
- Number of servings: 20 per container (754 g)
- Serving size: 1 scoop (37.7 g)
- Protein content: 20 g per serving
This protein powder features a blend of pea and rice protein. Momentous claims that this makes it a good option for people who are looking to build and repair muscles.
The protein powder is dairy- and GMO-free, and contains nine essential amino acids.
Momentous recommends people should use this powder as soon as possible after a workout. It reportedly mixes easily with water, smoothies, and almond milk.
This protein powder is available in vanilla chai and chocolate flavors.
Momentous Essential Protein contains 20 g of protein per serving and 140 calories.
Best with superfoods:
Ora Organic So Lean & So Clean
- List price: around $40
- Flavors: unflavored, vanilla, chocolate, and vanilla chai
- Number of servings: 20 per container (650 g)
- Serving size: 2 scoops (32.5 g)
- Protein content: 23 g per serving
This protein powder contains organic pea protein and 19 superfoods, including organic cranberry, sprouted quinoa, and kale.
This product is free from dairy, gluten, GMO ingredients, and soy. It is also reportedly keto- and paleo-friendly.
So Lean & So Clean comes in four flavors: unflavored, vanilla, chocolate, and vanilla chai.
The unflavored protein powder contains 23 g of protein per serving and 110 calories. Protein and calorie content may differ between flavors.
The company recommends mixing 2 scoops with 8–12 oz of water or plant-based milk at any time of day.
Best kosher:
Orgain Organic Protein Powder
- List price: around $30
- Flavors: unflavored, vanilla, pumpkin spice, strawberries and cream, and iced coffee
- Number of servings: 20 per container (907 g)
- Serving size: 2 scoops (46 g)
- Protein content: 21 g per serving
This protein powder contains a protein blend of organic peas, rice, and chia seeds.
Additionally, this product is free from GMO ingredients, soy, dairy, and lactose. It is organic, vegan, and kosher and it may appeal to people with a variety of dietary requirements.
This powder is available in five flavors, including unflavored, vanilla, pumpkin spice, and iced coffee. The unflavored version contains 21 g of protein per serving and 140 calories. Protein and calorie content may differ in other flavors.
Orgain recommends adding two scoops to water, milk, or protein recipes for breakfast or as a snack.
Best personalized subscription:
Gainful Personalized Protein Powder
- List price: from $45
- Flavors: 6, including vanilla, strawberry cream, and chocolate peanut butter
- Number of servings: 14–28 servings per container (854 g)
- Serving size: 1–2 scoops
- Protein content: 19–27 g per serving
Unlike the other products in this article, Gainful states that it personalizes this protein powder to each person’s needs.
People must fill in an online questionnaire detailing their dietary requirements, activity level, and their purpose in purchasing protein powder. Then, the company offers people a subscription service that includes access to a registered dietitian.
People can choose unflavored or between 6 flavors, including caffe mocha, rich cocoa, and cookies and cream.
This protein powder contains 19–27 g of protein per serving. All protein powders are free from gluten, soy, and artificial flavors and sweeteners.
The following table compares the protein powders in this article on price, flavors, serving sizes, and more.
| List price | Flavors | Number of servings | Serving size | Protein content | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optimum Nutrition | around $40 | • vanilla • chocolate fudge | 20 per 800-g container | 1 scoop (37 g) | 24 g per serving |
| Naked | around $58 | • unflavored • vanilla • chocolate | 60 per 2.27-kg container | 2 scoops (38 g) | 27 g per serving |
| ALOHA | around $30 | • vanilla • chocolate | 15 per 540-g container | 2 scoops (36 g) | 18 g per serving |
| Vega | around $65 | • vanilla • chocolate • mocha • peanut butter | 20 per 828-g container | 1 scoop (41 g) | 30 g per serving |
| True Nutrition | $14 | 34 flavors | 14 per 454-g container | 1 scoop (34 g) | 30 g per serving |
| Garden of Life | around $47 | • unflavored • vanilla • chocolate • vanilla chai | 20 per 620-g container | 1 scoop (31 g) | 22 g per serving |
| Anthony’s | around $19 | unflavored | 91 per 907-g container | 1 tablespoon (10 g) | 8 g per serving |
| Momentous | around $48 | • vanilla chai • chocolate | 20 per 754-g container | 1 scoop (37.7 g) | 20 g per serving |
| Ora Organic | around $40 | • unflavored • vanilla • chocolate • vanilla chai | 20 per 650-g container | 2 scoops (32.5 g) | 23 g per serving |
| Orgain | around $30 | • unflavored • vanilla • pumpkin spice • strawberries and cream • iced coffee | 20 per 907-g container | 2 scoops (46 g) | 20 g per serving |
| Gainful | from $45 | unflavored and 6 flavors | 14–28 servings per 854-g container | 1–2 scoops | 19–27 g per serving |
People may wish to consider the following when purchasing protein powder:
- Protein content: People who are building muscle may prefer a powder with higher protein content. Some companies offer products with a small amount of protein, and these may be a good option for people who require less protein supplementation.
- Ingredients: People may wish to consider the ingredients in the powder. Some companies offer organic powders, and others may also be suitable for people who require a gluten- or soy-free diet.
- Allergens: It is important to read the ingredient label before making a purchase to ensure a person does not consume powder that contains allergens. However, it is worth noting that many companies cannot guarantee there has not been cross-contamination in the facilities they use to make products.
- Taste: Many vegan protein powders contain pea protein or a protein blend of different plants. Some people may prefer to use a powder that masks the taste of these ingredients.
- Blending: People may wish to read customer reviews to ensure that the powder they purchase blends without a gritty texture.
- Price: Instead of looking at the overall price of a protein powder, some people may prefer to look at the price per serving. More expensive options may be more cost-effective due to needing less powder per serving.
Here we answer some common questions about these products.
Which vegan protein powder is best?
The best vegan protein powder may vary between people, and individuals may consider different factors when choosing products.
People with food allergies and dietary requirements will need to find protein powders that cater to their needs. Others may prefer to only purchase powders that contain organic ingredients.
Protein and calorie content can vary widely between companies and even between flavors from the same company. Price may also be a factor, with some people preferring to spend more on personalized products.
Studying a product’s ingredients carefully, as well as all available nutritional information and pricing information can help a person make an informed choice.
Is taking vegan protein powder good for you?
According to a
However, people with high protein goals, such as athletes, may require protein supplementation, such as from vegan protein powder.
A small
What is the cleanest, best protein powder?
To find the cleanest protein powder, people may wish to look for certifications, such as certified organic, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
Some companies third-party test their products. This ensures that the powders are fit for human consumption.
People may prefer to only purchase products that do not contain any artificial flavors or additives and do not contain any added sugars.
There are plenty of vegan-friendly protein powders on the market. Some of the protein powders contain just peas, whereas others comprise a mix of plant and soy protein.
Although these protein powders can supplement a person’s daily intake of protein, they are not a substitute for a nutritious, balanced diet.
Anyone who experiences adverse side effects, such as a stomachache, after using protein supplements should stop taking them immediately.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should speak with a doctor before trying protein powders.