Protein is an important aspect of a healthy diet. We need protein for muscle-building and repairing as well as to make hormones and enzymes. For this reason, some may choose to take protein supplements. These days, popular protein brands have expanded to creating plant-based protein powders suitable for vegans. So, here are 5 best plant based protein powders of 2024.
What is Plant-Based Protein Powder?
Plant-based protein powder or vegan protein powder is a form of nutrition supplement that is made from various plant sources. Because they are made from plants, it is lactose-free and does not contain any meat. This makes it ideal for someone who is following a vegan diet or is lactose intolerant.
Types of Plant-Based Protein Powders
Speaking of such powders, they are sometimes made from a single plant or from various types of plants. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Soy protein
- Pea protein
- Hemp Protein
- Brown Rice Protein
However, it is worth noting that plant-based powders, usually do not contain complete protein like whey protein powders do. This is except for soy protein or specific protein mixes.
5 Best Plant-Based Protein Powder
Below are 5 of the best vegan protein powders that have been tried and tested by some of our team members. This list is selected based on a few key factors– protein type, ingredients, taste, cost, and user ratings. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
1. MYPROTEIN Clear Vegan Protein
Myprotein clear vegan protein powder is a highly-reviewed product. Its light and refreshing taste makes it palatable for you to drink. Compared to the usual whey protein that can be rather clumpy and creamy, we find that this light texture makes it easy to digest. Made with real fruits, it doesn’t come off too sweet. Thus, making a good option for you to hit your protein content.
Protein type: Pea protein
Types of flavors: 6 options to choose from
Ingredients: Pea protein, juice powders, vitamin B blend, natural flavoring, sweetener (Sucralose) and curcuma oil extract
Taste: Refreshing, fruity flavor
Cost: US$110-$180
User Ratings: 4.65/5
2. Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Protein
Orgain organic soy protein powder is a powder that is made up of a few different types of vegan proteins such as peas, brown rice, and chia seeds. It is made with high-quality ingredients, making every sip feel great. What we like about this protein is that it is rather delicious and not too sweet. You can also choose to drink it with milk or water.
Protein type: Pea, brown rice, and chia seed protein blend
Types of flavors: 4 options to choose from
Ingredients: Organic protein blend, organic creamer base, organic natural flavors, organic acacia gum, organic guar gum, xanthan gum
Taste: Not too sweet, on the creamier side
Cost: US$40
User Ratings: 4.3/5
3. Pulsin Complete Berry Vegan Protein Blend
This vegan protein blend makes it an ideal accompaniment for your workout. It is a natural-tasting powder that simply needs only water or milk to be added. What we like about this is that it tastes fruity and refreshing. It doesn’t have an artificial taste to it as well. Unfortunately, we can’t say the same about all flavors because many reviewers on Amazon did not like the taste of the chocolate flavor.
Protein type: Faba bean, pea, and pumpkin seed protein
Types of flavors: 4 options to choose from
Ingredients: Plant-based protein blend, acacia fiber, beetroot powder, thickener, sweetener
Taste: Light and refreshing
Cost: US$12(270g)
User Ratings: 4.1/5
4. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Plant Protein
Optimum Nutrition is a classic brand for protein powders. It is one that many bodybuilders and gym users alike, are familiar with. One of the most classic flavor is vanilla protein powder and chocolate protein powder. It is not as creamy or sweet as typical brands might be in our opinion. If you like something creamy but not too heavy, this is an option to consider.
Protein type: Pea and rice protein
Types of flavors: 2 options to choose from (chocolate or vanilla)
Ingredients: Pea protein, rice protein, natural flavors, fat-reduced cocoa powder, thickeners, l-ascorbic acid, sodium chloride, sweetener (sucralose), cinnamon, pomegranate fruit powder, cyanocobalamin
Taste: Thick and creamy, but not too sweet nor grainy
Cost: US$23.99-$36.99
User Ratings: 4.1/5
5. Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Powder
Nutiva’s organic hemp protein powder is another great source for vegan protein. According to their website, it has been gently cold-pressed and hemp seeds are very digestible. This powder it great for those who are on a vegan diet or those who are on sensitive diets. In case you’re wondering, hemp does not have the same psychoactive effect as marijuana which makes it safe for consuming.
What we like most about this is that is it natural and easy to blend. The only downside is that it tastes rather grassy and has a gritty texture. Some reviewers have also described the taste to be similar to yeast.
Protein type: hemp seed protein
Types of flavors: 2 flavors to choose from (natural or vanilla)
Ingredients: 100% raw organic hemp protein powder
Taste: grassy, natural taste
Cost: US$23.99-$36.99
User Ratings: 4.4/5
Benefits of Plant-Based Protein
Plant-based protein offers numerous benefits for both health and the environment. Here are some key advantages:
1. Aids in digestion
As it is made with plants, it contains a lot of fiber which is great for digestion. At the same time, it can be a lot more tolerable and easy to digest in comparison to regular protein powders with dairy.
2. good for cardiovascular health
They are typically lower in cholesterol and saturated fat because of its content. They are rather heart-friendly which can be great for maintaining a healthy heart function.
3. Hypoallergenic
One good thing about plant-based powders is that they tend to be hypoallergenic. It is free from dairy and gluten. There are also non-soy options. These are the common allergens that people tend to have.
4. It is nutrient-dense
Many of the plant-based powders are rich in essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Powders are typically made with pea, soy, hemp, chia seed, pumpkin seed, or brown rice for essential nutrients.
How To Choose The Right One?
After knowing all of this information, you might still be unsure about what makes a good plant-based protein powder and which you should choose. Well, here are some things that you should consider before making your pick:
- Quality of protein: Ensure that the quality of protein is of high quality and has a complete amino acid profile [1].
- Protein content: Choose a protein powder that is able to meet your nutritional requirements. If you need a lot of protein, the amount of protein shouldn’t be too low.
- Allergen-friendly: If you have any sensitivities or allergens, you should ensure that the product doesn’t contain any irritants or allergens.
- Opt for clean, natural ingredients: You should opt for clean, natural ingredients when possible. Skip those with a bunch of additives or fillers because those are essentially bad for health.
- Avoid added sugar or artificial sweeteners: Try to avoid any products with artificial sweeteners or sugars because those will decrease the nutritional quality.
Conclusion
Therefore, if you are looking for a protein powder that can supplement your protein requirements or your fitness needs, you might want to consider this list of powders. Do note that this list is not exhaustive and there may be other options that are much better and affordable. You should also combine your diet with some workouts to make it more effective. Try the JustFit app, an affordable home workout option for your fitness needs!
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