14 Best Plant Based Protein Powders (2024) Reviewed and Compared
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Posted by
Toshoya McEwan
You’re looking to get in shape with a great plant-based protein powder? Well I completely get it. It can become extremely overwhelming trying to find the best one.
Protein powders are becoming increasingly popular as a way to boost protein intake, whether you’re already on a plant-based diet or looking to make the switch from animal based protein.
With so many plant-based protein powders on the market, it can be hard to determine which one is best for you. This is especially true if you’re new to working out.
In this article, we will rank the 13 best plant-based protein powders of 2022. We’ll consider factors such as nutrient content, price and of course the taste to help you choose the right one for you!
What Should I Look for In A Plant-Based Protein Powder?
When you’re looking for a great plant-based alternative, it’s important to find a powder that works specifically for you. More importantly, one that is derived from a high-quality protein source that will provide you with a complete protein profile. More specifically, all of the nine essential amino acids to help with muscle development.
So, when selecting a plant-based protein powder, it’s important to consider the following:
Protein Source
Not all protein sources are created equal. Some plant-based protein powders may have a lower quality plant protein that is not as easily digested and absorbed by the body. As with other supplements, it’s about what you absorb, not what you intake.
One of the concerns with plant-based proteins is that they’re not a “complete” protein, meaning they don’t have all of the essential amino acids.
Many powders, by combining various sources make a complete protein, and often one that tastes great and mixes easily compared with single-source vegan proteins.
Overall Nutritional Quality
In addition to the protein itself, some protein powders contain additional ingredients like vitamins, enzymes, extra amino acids, and more.
While you want more of those, you generally want fewer fillers and sugars.
Protein Serving Size
If you’re looking for a plant-based protein powder, consider the amount of protein in each serving. You might want to go with a larger or smaller protein serving depending on your goals. Just be sure you’re consuming your daily protein intake according to your personal fitness goals.
Carb and Calorie serving size:
This is especially important if you’re really trying to lose weight and/or gain muscle mass.
Cost per serving size: Always great to know what you’re paying for, as the cost of plant-based powders can vary in price. Overall, just be sure to pick one that fits your budget and of course your fitness needs.
Flavors: I can’t stressed this enough. It has to taste good. This is especially important with plant-based proteins because, to put it blunty, a lot of vegan protein powders taste like crap.
If you don’t like the taste, you’re much less likely to drink it.
With supplements, just like everything else, consistency is the most important. And if you don’t choose a product that, simply, you like, it’s going. tobe nearly impossible to drink every single day.
*Note: We do have affiliate links throughout this article, which means we receive a commission if you purchase from any of our links. This supports our mission to bring complicated health and fitness info in an entertaining package. And it keeps us from putting up annoying things like banner ads. Those suck.
1. Kaged Plantein
Kaged Plantein comes with the anabolic amino acid profile of whey, an amazing taste, and shockingly good mixability, all in a vegan, high-quality protein you can trust.
Plantein’s patented pea protein uses Ingredient Optimized® technology, which is a patented technology that increases absorption, so the amino acids actually fuel your muscles. In fact, Plantein outperformed regular pea protein by over 300%, and even performed on-par with whey isolate.
Second, one of the other downsides of plant-based proteins, typically, is that they lack the amino acid profile, particularly the BCAAs, to stimulate muscle protein synthesis, which is crucial for muscle growth and recovery. Plantein has an amino acid profile on par with whey.
Third, and honestly, the most important is that the taste and texture are absolutely on point. They added ingredients like organic quinoa and organic coconut oil to give their protein that smooth, creamy texture. It’s rare to find a plant protein that tastes great and mixes easily with just water, and that’s what really sets Plantein apart.
And I mean, come on, one of the flavors is banana bread.
For all of these reasons, Kaged Plantein is our clear #1 pick.
2. Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein
Best overall
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein is a whole food protein powder, packed with a complete protein profile. This protein powder delivers all nine essential amino acids, with a high concentration of the branched-chain amino acids, valine, leucine and isoleucine, which are important for supporting muscle growth and development.
Made with 13 raw sprouted proteins (which generally have higher vitamin content), this powder delivers 22 grams of a high quality protein blend, 130 calories, and only 4 grams of carbs per serving.
It’s also packed with vitamins A, D, E, and K, along with probiotics and digestive enzymes, aiding in digestion and absorption.
This powder is USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegan Certified, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, Garden of Life Raw Organic, and made with no fillers, no artificial flavors or sweeteners, and no preservatives.
Sold in four different flavors, Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein is a perfect way to increase or supplement your protein intake.
3. Vega Sport Premium – Plant-Based Protein Powder
Best for performance
If you don’t mind spending a few extra bucks, Vega Sport Protein is a premium protein powder that is a certified vegan, gluten-free, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Informed Choice for Sport Certified.
Made with the athlete in mind, Vega Sport Protein is blended from high-quality plant-based proteins such as, pea protein, organic sunflower protein, pumpkin seed protein, and alfalfa protein. With such a great source, this plant-based powder offers 30g of quality plant-based protein per serving, along with 5g of BCAAs, 160 calories, 4g of carbs, probiotics, and no added sugars.
This powder also comes in various flavors such as Chocolate, Vanilla, Mocha, Berry, and Peanut Butter, making it a great addition to your smoothies.
4. So Lean & So Clean Plant-based Superfood Protein
Most Robust Protein Powder
Ora’s So lean & so clean plant-based protein powder is great for anyone looking for a company that is completely transparent with not only their ingredients, but also their testing process.
So lean & so clean packs a complete protein profile from their very own organic plant-based protein blend of organic pea protein, organic rice protein, organic sprouted quinoa, serving a total of 21 grams of protein per serving.
Keeping in line with its super nutrient-dense content, this plant-based protein powder contains only 120 calories, 4g of carbs per serving, along with 19 superfoods, and a wide range of digestive enzymes, making Ora’s So lean & so clean one of the more robust and clean plant-based protein powders available on the market and perfect for a beginner.
So lean & so clean is organic, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, lactose-free, free of artificial colors and added sugars. This powder is available in four different flavors and is only sweetened with organic monk fruit extract and organic stevia extract.
5. Naked Nutrition NAKED Pea
Looking for something without ANY BS? Then Naked Pea Protein Powder is just for you.
This plant-based protein powder is processed via water extraction, without the use of chemicals, from only one ingredient: yellow pea protein isolate, sourced from Canada and The United States.
Serving a large 27g of protein per serving, and all the essential amino acids and BCAA’s, Naked Pea has no additives and artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors, making it one of the cleanest plant-based protein powders on the market. Not to mention, this powder only has 120 calories and 2g of carbs per serving!
Naked Pea is also organic, non-GMO, vegan certified, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and informed-choice sport certified, meaning they actually care about your health.
6. Sprout Living Epic Organic Plant Protein + Superfoods
Best for Gut Health
Sprout Living Epic Organic Plant Protein serves as another great option because of its premium organic potent prebiotics (to help improve gut health) and their plant based blend.
The premium protein blend consisting of pea protein, pumpkin seed protein, Sacha Inchi protein, and sunflower seed protein, ensures a complete protein profile for muscle repair and recovery.
Made from organic ingredients and no artificial sweeteners, Epic Protein is completely vegan certified, gluten-free, soy-free, non-gmo, and kosher. If you are looking for a clean processed powder to add to your next smoothie and something to boost your gut health, Epic Organic Plant Protein is a great option.
Available in 7 different flavors.
7. Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah!
Best Hemp Protein Powder
Now if you’re looking for a protein powder that can deliver a full protein profile, and more, Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Protein is the one.
Made from only organic hemp protein concentrate and natural oregano extract, Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Protein delivers 20 grams of protein and all the essential amino acids, which again, is great for muscle repair and recovery.
This plant-based powder provides 3g of fiber, 4.5g of omega fatty acids 3 and 6, 140 calories, and only 2g of carbs per serving size.
Manitoba Harvest manufactures six different plant-based protein powders, each with a specialized purpose in mind. Although each protein powder is slightly different than the next, each variation is organic, non-GMO, dairy-free, and completely vegan.
With such a wide variety of quality products, Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Protein definitely makes it one of the best plant-based protein powders on the market.
8. KOS Organic Plant Protein
Most Nutrient Dense
KOS Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder is USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO, Vegan, Kosher, free of gluten, free of any artificial ingredient and only sweetened with organic monk fruit, coconut sugar
KOS Organic Plant-based Protein contains vitamins A to Zinc and serves 20g of a plant-based protein blend from organic pea protein flax seed protein, quinoa protein, pumpkin seed protein, and chia seed protein.
This protein powder is a fantastic plant-based protein powder that’s high in vitamin B12, vitamin E, has all nine essential amino acids, with a great blend of digestive enzymes.
KOS is a wonderful choice for anyone seeking to meet their nutritional needs, as it has a variety of 7 flavors and is loaded with vitamins and minerals to almost be a complete multivitamin source.
Try KOS Organic Plant-based Protein
9. Iron Vegan Athlete’s Blend
Best Muscle Repair Powder
Packed with 8 grams of glutamine and 7 grams of BCAAs per serving, Iron Vegan Athlete’s Blend Protein Powder is great for muscle growth and repair! Ideal for anyone working super hard in the gym.
Iron Vegan Athlete’s Blend contains 30 grams of protein per serving, made from organic pea protein isolate, organic sprouted brown rice protein, and organic pumpkin seed protein. Each serving also serves 190 calories, along with 6 grams of carbs.
Iron Vegan Athlete’s Blend comes in 3 different flavors and is organic non-GMO and has all-natural formulas that are certified vegan, kosher and gluten-free.
Although it makes a great protein powder for muscle recovery, it does contain the additive xanthan gum. So be sure to take that into consideration if you’re looking for something that is completely additive free.
10. NOW Sports Organic Pea Protein Powder
Best Pure Pea Protein; Best for Baking
Made with literally just one ingredient, NOW Sports Nutrition, Organic Pea Protein Powder is made from organic Yellow pea protein isolate.
This plant-based powder offers 15 grams of a complete protein profile strictly from organic yellow peas, is low in carbs (only 1 gram per serving), low in calories (80 calories), and contains no added sugars.
Catering to those who prefer simplicity, this protein powder is a USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO, Vegan, Kosher, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, sugar-free, and Informed Choice for Sport Certified.
This option is great for the individual looking for nothing other than nutritional value, making it one of the better plant-based protein powders.
If you choose the unflavored, it’s also great for protein-packed, low-carb baking.
11. Nativas Organic Hemp Powder
Made from certified organic hemp seeds sourced directly from Canada, Nativas Organic Hemp Powder is loaded with plant-based nutrients to help meet your dietary requirements. This plant-based powder is made by cold-pressing organic hemp seeds, thereby allowing it to retain its complete protein profile and high nutrient content.
USDA Organic, non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and third-party tested, this plant-based powder yields 13 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbs, and 120 calories in each serving.
This powder is great to add to your smoothies, breakfast cereals, and salads, to boost your plant-based nutrient intake.
12. SunWarrior Classic Protein
Best Brown Rice Protein
Made from raw whole-grain brown rice, including the endosperm and bran, SUNWARRIOR Classic Protein Natural flavor, is a great option for the athlete looking for a simple powder, packed with brown rice benefits.
Brown rice provides a complete protein profile, it’s easy on the digestive system and is naturally high in fiber, making it great to add to meals or have in a smoothie. Each serving yields 100 calories, 1 gram of carbs, and 20 grams of protein.
Lastly, this plant-based powder is also USDA organic, non-GMO, vegan, soy-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free, with no sugar added.
13. Naked Nutrition Vegan Naked Mass
Best for weight gain
Maintaining its premium quality, Naked Nutrition’s Vegan Naked Mass is awesome for the athlete looking to gain weight, in addition to lean muscle mass.
Nake Mass is made from only three ingredients: yellow pea protein, organic brown rice protein, and organic tapioca maltodextrin. This protein blend serves up a whopping 50 grams of protein, along with 1250 calories, and 252 grams of carbs in each scoop.
Depending on your goals, you could always reduce the serving size by half or a third. Either way, this plant-based powder was definitely created to help you reach your fitness goals.
But remember, as with any protein powder, this is made to supplement what’s missing from your diet. Meaning, it should only be used if you are unable to reach your daily nutrient requirements from whole foods.
14. Orgain Organic Protein
Best Variety of Flavors
Delivering another complete profile of protein, Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder provides 21 grams of protein per scoop from an organic plant-based blend of organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein, and organic chia seed protein.
Each serving also provides 150 calories, 15 grams of carbs, and 6.4mg of Iron, helping to keep your muscles and body oxygenated!
Lastly, this protein powder is USDA organic, certified vegan, non-GMO, kosher, soy-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free, with no sugar added, and comes in 8 different flavors.
FAQ
Is Plant-Based Protein as Good as Whey Protein?
In a short answer: Yes.
If you’re looking to build muscle, plant-based protein powder can be just as effective as whey protein.
Studies have shown that plant protein supplementation promotes equal or even greater muscle thickness, as compared to whey protein.
So, don’t be shy to try out one of the plant-based protein supplements mentioned above. A plant-based protein powder is a great alternative for those who are looking for a healthier option as it’s a good source of fiber, easier to digest, and is less likely to cause stomach problems, unlike whey protein.
When Should I Take Protein Powders?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best time to take protein powders depends on your individual goals and fitness routine. However, it is recommended to take protein powders before or after a workout, to help to repair and rebuild muscle tissue that has been broken down during your workout.
Protein powders can be a helpful addition to your diet, especially if you are trying to build muscle and/or lose weight. Be sure to consume protein supplements only if you are unable to reach your protein requirements from your diet.
Bottom Line
Protein powder supplements are a great way to ensure you’re getting enough protein in your diet. Whether you are plant-based or not, protein is essential for muscle growth and repair. So be sure you’re getting enough!
So, if you’re looking for a healthy and plant-based option, be sure to try out one of the plant-based protein powders mentioned above.
And for more guides on the protein powders, you can check out our guides on the best lactose-free protein powders and the best pea protein powders.
