Best Vegan Protein Powder (2023): No Whey, No Problem

One of my favorite pastimes is dispelling old wives’ tales. For example, you can swim right after eating food, it’s not taboo to rub your chopsticks together at a sushi restaurant, and you can build muscle on a vegan diet. You can disagree all you want, but there are countless athletes and everyday people who thrive without meat or milk.   

So now that you’re more willing to find the best vegan protein powder for your training or lifestyle goals, we’ll give you a rundown of our top picks of the best proteins. 

We’ve personally researched and tested multiple brands to help those living a plant-based lifestyle, lactose-intolerant gym-goers, or those just looking to shake up their diet. 

Just Like Vegan Protein Powders, We Don’t Give You Any Bull 

I’m what they call a “flexitarian,” meaning I eat animal-based products but there have been times where I primarily drink vegan protein powders. On top of my personal experience, and that of my trustworthy GGR teammates, I’m also a certified nutrition coach and personal trainer who’s spent years in the wellness publishing industry. 

In other words, you can trust that when I say something about a product I know what I’m talking about. Our team and advisors includes other certified personal trainers, CrossFit Level 1 Trainers, and nutritionists. 

RELATED: Best protein chips

The 12 Best Vegan Protein Powders 

• Best Vegan Protein Powder Overall: Vega Sport Premium Protein 
• Best Vegan Protein Powder For Weight Loss: KOS Organic Plant Protein
• Best Organic Vegan Protein Powder: Orgain Organic Protein
• Best Vegan Protein Powder with Pea Protein: Kaged Plantein Plant-Based Protein Powder
• Best Gluten-Free Vegan Protein Powder: Swolverine Plant Protein
• Best Unflavored Vegan Protein Powder: Bulk Supplements Soy Protein Isolate
• Best Vegan Protein Powder for Active People: Garden of Life Organic Plant-Based Protein
• Best Budget Vegan Protein Powder: Now Sports Plant Protein Complex
• Best-Tasting Vegan Protein Powder: Truvani Plant Protein Powder
• Best Vegan Protein Powder for Muscle Building: Innermost The Health Protein
• Best Vegan Protein Powder With Hemp Seed: Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Max Protein
• Best Vegan Protein Powder for Weight Gain: MyProtein Vegan Protein Blend

A Word About Vegan Protein and Amino Acids 

While we maintain that you can build muscle and get stronger on a vegan diet, it’s important to note that vegan protein differs from animal-based protein sources in a pretty significant way. Some vegan protein lacks compounds known as essential amino acids¹, or amino acids that our body can’t produce in substantial amounts by itself and thus must be obtained through our food. 

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein—essentially, they’re little puzzle pieces that work to create a picture (in this case, a protein molecule). Animal-based protein sources, like whey protein powders, have all the pieces, but vegan-based protein sources, with the exception of soy, are missing some. 

This is why vegan protein is sometimes called “incomplete protein,” and why it’s more challenging—but again, not impossible—to build muscle on a vegan diet. 

There are two ways to address this issue, the first being to mix two or more complementary proteins together. This is why you’ll sometimes see vegan protein powders with pea and hemp protein, because one has the essential amino acids that the other doesn’t. Manufacturers can also add amino acids to their protein powder to create a complete protein. 

RELATED: Best Protein Powder

We’ll have Laila Ouldibbat, a New York City-based registered dietitian who’s pursuing a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, examine the amino acid profile of each powder on this list to ensure they’re as complete as possible.  

Best Vegan Protein Powder Overall: Vega Sport Premium Protein

Good for: People who want a vegan protein shake that is actually tasty, and high in protein and nutrients

Best Overall

Vega Sport Premium Protein

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Multi-source vegan protein powder
• NSF Certified for Sport, vegan, and gluten-free 
• Includes BCAAs, probiotics, and tart cherry

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 30 grams of protein per serving
• Contains all essential amino acids but two that are made by the body
• 5 flavor options
• Supports recovery with tart cherry, probiotics, and turmeric extract

Cons

• Customers share new formula doesn’t blend well
• Pricey at over $2 per serving

Bottom Line

The Vega Sport Protein has mixed reviews on taste and blendability, but a higher protein content than most other vegan protein powders.

Beyond being one of the best-tasting protein powders on the market, Vega Sport Premium Protein also has some of the best macros we’ve seen in any protein powder. A one-scoop serving comes with 30 grams of protein (the second-highest amount of protein on this list), 5 grams of carbs, and 3 grams of fat. Laila points out that it contains all of the essential amino acids but is lacking in two that are made by the body (no biggie). 

I went with the Mocha flavor and actually enjoyed it, and it reminded me of those instant cappuccinos you can get from Italian vending machines. And if you’ve never been to Italy, imagine chocolate with a hint of coffee. I’ve started mixing it with almond milk and it’s a nice way to start the day. 

In terms of protein, it comes from a blend of pea, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and alfalfa (a type of legume, or bean). 

The powder also comes with 2 billion CFUs of probiotics for easier digestion. Speaking of digestion, I should let you know that shortly after drinking this powder I noticed some…rumblings. So maybe don’t take this right before going on a date. 

Vega advertises that its powder is made with tart cherry, which has been found² to support muscle recovery, though they don’t disclose how much is in it so it’s unclear if it’s enough to make a difference. 

Read our full Vega protein powder review for the rest of our thoughts on this protein powder.

Best Vegan Protein Powder For Weight Loss: KOS Organic Plant Protein

Good for: Anyone looking for a protein powder that can help them achieve a caloric deficit 

Best for Weight Loss

KOS Vegan Protein Powder

GGR Score: 3

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Product Highlights

• Multi-source vegan protein powder 
• USDA-certified organic, soy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO
• Digestive support via DigeSEB to help maximize absorption

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Manufactured in the USA
• Superfood-infused
• 20 g protein per serving
• Chocolate flavor is rich
• Enhanced with digestive support enzymes
• Under $1.50 per serving

Cons

• Customers say it has a gritty/chalky flavor
• Some users reported protein gave them stomach issues
• Reports of strong sweetness and bad aftertaste

Bottom Line

KOS is a vegan protein with a lot of positive reviews, but a number of people experienced stomach issues using this protein powder.

In Laila’s opinion, the KOS Organic Plant Protein is, “Actually an ‘all-in-one’ protein shake that can be used as a meal replacement, within reason and once a day.” So if you’re looking to lose weight, drinking this in place of a meal or snack can help you achieve a caloric deficit. 

For each scoop, you get 160 calories, 20 grams of protein (which comes from a blend of protein sources including pea protein, flaxseed, quinoa, and pumpkin seed protein), 9 grams of carbohydrates, and 6 grams of fat. There are also several vitamins and minerals, which people who are trying to lose weight may often be deficient in, and all essential amino acids though the company doesn’t say how much of each is in a scoop. 

There’s also a high-quality blend of fruits, vegetables, and superfoods added to the powder for additional fiber, which has been shown to help aid weight loss³.

The chocolate flavor wasn’t the worst that Amanda tried. “It’s pretty rich, which I feel is rare with plant-based protein powders,” she says. “Even with water the taste is decent. It’s not great but it’s not terrible.”

Read Amanda’s full KOS vegan protein review to find out more.

KOS is also included in our roundup of the best protein powders for weight loss.

Best Organic Vegan Protein Powder: Orgain Organic Protein

Good for: Those who prefer to buy everything organic

Best Organic

Orgain Organic Protein Powder

GGR Score: 3

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Product Highlights

• Multi-source vegan protein powder 
• USDA organic, non-GMO, dairy-free, kosher, and no artificial ingredients 
• 21 grams of protein per serving

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Wide variety of flavors, including seasonal options
• Under $2 per serving
• Coffee flavor with caffeine

Cons

• Only 21 grams of protein per serving
• Some reviewers found flavors too sweet
• Reviewers reported upset stomach

Bottom Line

Orgain protein doesn’t have as much protein per serving as its competitors, but it has the widest variety of flavors. Some users did experience upset stomachs after using the protein.

For those who don’t know, vegan doesn’t always mean healthy or organic. There are some products that are just as unhealthy as animal-based products, but that doesn’t apply to Orgain Organic Protein. 

The powder is made from a mix of pea protein, brown rice protein, and chia seeds, giving you 21 grams of protein, 4 grams of fat, and 15 grams of carbs (five of those are from erythritol sweetener, which isn’t digested in the same way as other carbs and shouldn’t be counted if you’re tracking caloric intake). It’s also naturally sweetened with stevia and is certified organic and non-GMO. 

RELATED: Best Organic Protein Powder

Orgain has also worked to reduce the amount of plastic used in its products, so it’s organic in more than one way.

The company claims it has a “complete” amino acid profile, though it doesn’t specify how much of each is present in a serving.  

Unfortunately, this was another powder that fell short in the flavor department. 

“It’s a hint of vanilla with just straight grass flavor,” says GGR senior editor and product tester Nicole Davis. “I subbed this for my regular vanilla whey and couldn’t drink it.”

If flavor is important to you, you should know that Orgain makes one of the best protein shakes—and we’re actually fans of how it tastes!

Read our full Orgain protein powder review for the rest of our thoughts.

Best Vegan Protein Powder with Pea Protein: Kaged Plantein Plant-Based Protein Powder

Good for: Anyone looking for a good-tasting and nutritious protein powder 

Best With Pea Protein

Kaged Plantein

GGR Score: 3

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Product Highlights

• Pea protein isolate vegan protein powder
• Soy-, dairy-, and gluten-free 
• Third-party tested for quality

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Best-tasting plant protein you’ll ever try or your money back
• Customers say mixes well
• Free from banned substances

Cons

• Limited reviews
• Customers complain too sweet
• Reports of strong aftertaste

Bottom Line

Kaged Plantein is a vegan protein option with a high protein content and a money-back guarantee.

Pea protein powder is popular among fitness enthusiasts because it’s easily digestible and comes with more micronutrients than other plant-based protein sources. And while that’s one of the secrets behind Kaged’s Plantein Plant-Based Protein Powder, it’s not the only one. 

The word Plantein refers to Kaged’s own plant-based protein blend that uses organic pea protein with the added benefits of BCAAs and all essential amino acids. Kaged claims its Plantein blend is 300-percent more bioavailable (meaning your body can more easily absorb it) than other pea protein powders. 

Kaged also adds medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), or fat molecules derived from coconut, to help with the taste. There are some claims that MCTs may support athletic performance, heart health, and weight loss.  

Each tub only has 15 servings, which comes out to about $2 per scoop, so it’s not the most affordable on a per-serving basis, but that can go down if you put it on a subscription basis. 

I went with the Cinnamon Roll flavor and felt like it tasted like a cinnamon roll that came without any icing. So still good, but not quite what was advertised. It’s fairly easy to mix but I’d suggest using a shaker ball to ensure there are as few clumps as possible. 

Best Gluten-Free Vegan Protein Powder: Swolverine Plant Protein

Good for: People who need something that is vegan and also gluten-free

Best Gluten-Free

Swolverine Plant Protein

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Uses pea protein isolate and pumpkin protein
• Delivers 22 g of protein per serving
• Sweetened with stevia
• Subscribe-and-save option

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 22 g of plant protein per serving
• Users love Chocolate Cake and Salted Caramel flavors
• Under $2/serving
• 3:1 balance of omega 6 to omega 3
• Third-party tested

Cons

• Only 2 flavor options available

Bottom Line

Swolverine Plant Protein is an affordable vegan protein powder that delivers 22 g of protein per serving. Sweetened with stevia, it has a taste most users seem to enjoy.

Swolverine Plant Protein gets high marks from the GGR team for being higher in protein than most vegan protein powders (22 grams per serving), for being third-party tested, and for being gluten-free. 

The protein blend in this powder contains pea protein isolate and pumpkin seed protein, along with inulin from chicory root fiber, which serves as a great prebiotic that can help with digestion. Swolverine Plant Protein is also high in many micronutrients, including niacin and iron. 

GGR head of content and product tester Kate Meier tried the Salted Caramel flavor, and she reported back that she was “pleasantly surprised!” 

“You definitely taste the salted caramel,” she says. “There is a bit of that plant-protein flavor there, especially in the after taste. I mixed this with water, and I could easily down the entire thing. I think it would be even better in a smoothie/with another base.”

It mixes a little grainy, but there are no clumps, so that’s a win in Kate’s book. The downside is that this plant protein is only available in two flavors, albeit two good ones: Salted Caramel and Chocolate Cake.

Best Unflavored Vegan Protein Powder: Bulk Supplements Soy Protein Isolate

Good for: Anyone who wants an unflavored protein supplement

Best Unflavored

Bulk Supplements Soy Protein Powder

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

• Soy protein powder
• Manufactured in FDA-registered and inspected facility
• Unflavored

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Cheap at $0.82 per serving
• Third party-tested
• Unflavored

Cons

• Makes mess when you open bag
• Customers state doesn’t blend well
• Doesn’t come with a scoop

Bottom Line

Bulk Supplements Soy Protein Powder is a cheap vegan protein option, but reviewers share it isn’t the best-tasting option.

After tasting many so-so or just not good flavors of vegan protein powder, I was a little excited to actually try out the unflavored Bulk Supplements Soy Protein Isolate. There’s nothing fancy about this protein powder, it’s simply just a big bag of soy protein powder. 

This makes it a great choice if you want an easy way to add extra protein to your morning smoothies or perhaps some baked goods (protein cookies anyone?) without adding any extra flavor to the product. 

It contains all the essential amino acids, has 27 grams of protein per serving, and only 1 gram each of fat and carbs. There’s very little in the way of micronutrients, though it does have a decent amount of iron to help support oxygen delivery to your muscles. 

This next bit goes out to the people at Bulk Supplements: Why on Earth was this sent without a scoop? Please let me know. 

And now that I’m off my soapbox, I agree with some of the Amazon customer reviews that stated there was a slight aftertaste with this powder. It’s nothing too noticeable, but I’ve started putting in a small amount of vanilla extract to disguise it. 

In terms of mixing, I found minimal clumps after shaking it for a few seconds in a shaker bottle.  

Best Vegan Protein Powder for Active People: Garden of Life Organic Plant-Based Protein

Good for: Plant-based gym-goers who need a complete protein source

Best for Active People

Garden of Life Organic Vegan Sport Protein Powder

GGR Score: 3

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Product Highlights

• Multi-source vegan protein powder
• NSF Certified for Sport, certified Informed Choice for Sport, Non-GMO Project-verified, USDA Organic, and gluten-free
• Includes BCAAs, probiotics, and antioxidant blend

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 30 grams protein per serving
• NSF Certified for Sport and certified Informed Choice for Sport
• Probiotics for immune support

Cons

• Only 2 flavors
• Very mixed reviews on taste and blendability
• Pricey at nearly $2 per serving

Bottom Line

Garden of Life Plant-Based Protein has a relatively high protein content and a variety of other healthy ingredients, but this comes at a cost; it is more expensive than other vegan protein powders.

The Garden of Life Organic Plant-Based Protein powder not only comes with a complete amino acid profile, Laila says, but it’s also packed with a number of vitamins and minerals such as zinc, selenium, and iron that help support an active lifestyle. 

This vegan protein powder has a number of protein sources to ensure all amino acids are present, and it gets bonus points for showing how much of each amino acid is present in a serving. Speaking of servings, Garden of Life prints nutrition information for those who want to use one or two scoops of protein.

If you only go for one, each serving comes with 15 grams of protein, 3.5 grams of carbs, 1.5 grams of fat, and no added sugar. If you’re planning on taking two, there is a diverse digestive enzyme and live probiotic blend that, according to Laila, can help support digestion. 

The flavor options are limited to chocolate and vanilla, which leads us to the bad news. 

Amanda Capritto, GGR senior staff writer and expert product tester, couldn’t swallow this powder—literally. “It tastes like dirt, with a side of leaves. It’s hard for a flavor as subtle as vanilla to mask the taste of organic sprouted navy beans, I guess.” 

She also found the powder hard to mix and said that there were “chunks everywhere.”  

Best Budget Vegan Protein Powder: NOW Sports Plant Protein Complex

Good for: People on a budget

Best Budget

Now Sports Plant Protein Complex

GGR Score: 3

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Product Highlights

• Multi-source vegan protein powder
• Informed Sports-certified, Non-GMO project verified, gluten-free, vegan, and kosher 
• 22 grams of protein per serving

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Under $1.50 per serving
• Packaged in USA
• Reviewers say blends well

Cons

• Only available in 2 flavors
• Sweetened with xylitol

Bottom Line

Now Sports Protein Powder has very mixed reviews on taste, but people like the price point and that it uses a variety of protein sources.

At around $1.26 per serving, the NOW Sports Plant Protein Complex is one of the most budget-friendly vegan protein powders on the market that we’d recommend. The combination of yellow pea, hemp, and quinoa proteins deliver 22 total grams of protein, 7 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of fat per serving.

All essential amino acids are in this powder and clearly labeled on the tub, though it lacks micronutrients. 

In addition to being vegan-friendly, the NOW Sports Plant Protein Complex is soy-free (soy is a common allergen) and is free of artificial sweeteners, instead being sweetened with both xylitol and stevia. 

As NOW Sports mentions on its websites, athletes who have to go through routine drug screening should check with their organization’s sanctioning body to check on its hemp policy. Hemp contains small traces of THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana, and while it’s incredibly rare, there have been cases⁴ where THC has shown up in athletes’ urine samples after they ingested hemp protein. 

This shouldn’t be a reason for you to stray away from NOW Sports, however, as it would require a large amount of hemp protein for this to happen, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re a competitive athlete. 

I tried the Creamy Vanilla flavor, and it was just OK. I got a very gritty mouthfeel, even after shaking it up for quite some time.

Best-Tasting Vegan Protein Powder: Truvani Plant Protein Powder

Good for: Those who want their vegan protein shake to actually taste good 

Best-Tasting

Truvani Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Made with 6 organic ingredients
• Rich chocolate flavor
• A USDA-certified organic, vegan, dairy-free, soy-free, and non-GMO product
• 20 grams of protein per serving
• Has 4.4/5 stars on Amazon and 14,000+ reviews
• #4 in Sports Nutrition Pea Protein Powders on Amazon
• Store in a cool and dry place

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No added sugars or stevia
• Does not have a chalky or grainy taste
• Reviewers love the chocolate flavor
• Paleo-friendly
• Organic
• Vegan
• Certified gluten-free

Cons

• Expensive (about $2.50 per serving)
• Made in a facility that processes wheat, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, peanuts, and eggs

Bottom Line

The chocolate flavor is a fan favorite, especially on Amazon, as Truvani’s Chocolate Protein Powder is rated #4 in Sports Nutrition Pea Protein Powders at the time of writing. We’ve found that reviewers love this product for its taste and simple ingredients.

If you’ve read closely thus far, you’re already aware that our team of near-carnivores is not a fan of plant-based protein powder in terms of taste. (Although we do recognize the plethora of non-taste-related benefits to vegan protein powder.) 

That being said, product tester and GGR senior staff writer Amanda Capritto tried Truvani plant-based protein powder and actually likes it—yes, really, truly, actually likes it. It came as a surprise to her and us, too! 

Amanda says Truvani is the only vegan protein powder she’ll willingly drink and praises it for its extremely rich chocolate flavor and smooth texture. 

As for the nutrition facts, Truvani gets kudos there, too. Made with just six organic ingredients, Truvani protein powder provides 20 grams of protein, 5 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, and just 2 grams of sugar. It’s sweetened with organic monk fruit extract.

The ingredients list is very simple and reads: organic pea protein concentrate, organic alkalized cocoa, organic vanilla powder, organic pumpkin seed concentrate, organic monk fruit extract, and organic chia seed protein.

Our one complaint is that it’s on the pricey end at a very intense $3.00 per serving. That’s really high, but if you want an all-organic product and one that actually tastes good, Truvani is a good bet.

Best Vegan Protein Powder for Muscle Building: Innermost The Health Protein

Good for: Gym-goers looking to build muscle

Best for Muscle Building

Innermost The Health Protein

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Multi-source vegan protein powder
• Added ingredients for immune support
• Formulated by nutritionists  

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Added ingredients to to support immune system
• Vegan, GMO-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free, soy-free, and halal
• Packaging 100% recyclable

Cons

• Added ingredients to to support immune system
• Vegan, GMO-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free, soy-free, and halal
• Packaging 100% recyclable

Bottom Line

Innermost The Health protein powder is an expensive vegan protein powder with high protein content and great taste.

The Health Protein by Innermost comes packed with 31 grams of protein per scoop, with only 2.5 grams of carbs and 1.4 grams of fat. So most of the calories come from protein, which can help lead to muscle growth. 

More importantly than the high protein content, it contains all of the essential amino acids and 12 grams of branched-chain amino acids, or BCAAs, which can potentially help support muscle growth and post-workout recovery, Laila says.

Laila also pointed out that the powder contains a number of organic compounds: glutamine, shiitake, maitake, reishi, cordyceps, bilberries, camu camu, and acai berries. All of these ingredients, she says, have anti-inflammatory properties to help mitigate muscle pain, and are also great for hair, skin, and nail health.  

Lauren Strong, GGR writer and expert product tester, was impressed by the protein’s macronutrient profile and said the chocolate flavor was inoffensive, but not great.

“It has a plant-based/earthy flavor but it’s not offensive,” she says. “It felt a little grainy at first, but I just shook it more in the shaker bottle and it was fine.”

Best Vegan Protein Powder With Hemp Seed: Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Max Protein

Good for: People who prefer hemp seed protein over other plant-based sources

Best With Hemp Seed

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah!

GGR Score: 3

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Product Highlights

• Hemp protein vegan protein powder
• 3 available flavors 
• Certified USDA organic, Non-GMO Project verified, dairy-free, soy-free, and kosher

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Pros
• Only two ingredients in unsweetened flavor
• 3 flavors available
• Good for environment

Cons

• Cons
• Hemp-based protein may not be acceptable for competitive athletes getting tested
• Customers report it has chalky/gritty texture
• Some users found oregano extract to have overwhelming taste

Bottom Line

Hemp Yeah! Protein is a protein powder with a short list of ingredients that is good for the environment.

Hemp seed protein has been associated with improved heart health, according to some studies⁵,  and that’s where Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Max Protein gets all of its 20 grams of protein from. 

While that’s on the lower end of the protein spectrum, it’s still enough protein to support your training goals, and it only has 2 grams of carbs and 6 grams of fat. If the latter number sounds high to you, Laila points out that the fat is in the form of heart-healthy Omega-3 and Omega-6, which are the fats that contribute to improved cardiovascular health⁶. 

She was also impressed by the amount of micronutrients found in the powder, such as copper, zinc, iron, and potassium. “Well-rounded with good sources of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and micronutrients,” she says. 

It also contains the smallest ingredient list of any vegan protein powder on this list: just organic hemp protein concentrate and oregano extract. 

We have not yet tasted Manitoba Harvest Hemp Yeah! Max Protein but we will update this review when we do. 

Best Vegan Protein Powder for Weight Gain: MyProtein Vegan Protein Blend

Good for: People who are bulking or just trying to put on more weight 

Best for Weight Gain

MyProtein Vegan Protein Blend

GGR Score: 3

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Product Highlights

• Multi-source vegan protein
• 6 available flavors 
• Made in USA

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Under $2 per serving
• Includes digestive aid enzyme complex
• Variety of flavors

Cons

• Limited reviews
• Reviewers state bad taste
• Users complain about bad texture

Bottom Line

MyProtein Vegan Protein Blend doesn’t have the best taste, but it is cheaper than other vegan protein options.

Dairy-free lifters looking to bulk should look into MyProtein Vegan Protein Blend, which per scoop comes with 150 calories, 1 gram of fat, 14 grams of carbs, and 21 grams of protein from pea protein isolate and brown rice protein. The company claims it’s a great source of essential amino acids, though it doesn’t specify how much of each comes in a scoop. 

Laila says this powder is a good choice for those looking to gain weight because it comes with an enzyme and probiotic blend that can support digestion in those who are increasing their food and protein intake. It also comes with “more protease than any other [protein] on the market,” according to MyProtein (again, they don’t specify how much). 

Protease is an enzyme that can help support protein absorption, which can be especially important when working with plant-based protein sources. 

“This tastes like peas, but sweet,” Nicole explains. She also said it had a rather chalky texture, which was unpleasant.

Other Vegan Protein Powders We Tried 

• Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Rice & Pea Protein: GGR editor Frieda Johnson tried this protein, and while we are generally fans of Transparent Labs products, Frieda experienced some stomach upset from this one and says it smells and tastes artificial.
• NorCal Organic Pea Protein: Frieda also tested this one and says, “It has a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower fruit flavors in a smoothie. I’m actually pretty surprised at how mild this is for pea protein.”
• Anthony’s Premium Pea Protein: This is “pretty standard for pea protein,” Frieda says. “If you’re not used to it, it might taste a bit strong. It mixes fine in smoothies and baked goods, but some of the pea flavor is likely to come through.”
• Naked Pea: According to our product tester, this one has a strong pea protein flavor, and a serving is two pretty large scoops. It will make whatever you mix it with taste like pea protein unless you really double-down on the sweeteners.
• NOW Sports Pea Protein Isolate: This pea protein was one of the best for baking, our tester says, but the pea flavor comes through too strongly in beverages.
• Bulk Supplements Pea Protein Isolate: Another that’s good for baking, but not so much for drinking.
• Nutiva Hemp Protein: “It has a slightly nutty, bitter flavor. I thought it was quite good with oatmeal with some dried fruit, cinnamon, and a drizzle of maple syrup,” Frieda says. She didn’t use the full serving amount, however, as it’s a whopping 4 tablespoons, which is a bit much for a bowl of oatmeal. 

How We Picked and Tested

We researched dozens of vegan protein powders before choosing our top 10. If you’re curious how we were able to eliminate so many, here’s a look at our criteria: 

• Price: How much did the protein cost per serving? 
• Amino acids: Can all essential amino acids be found in the product? 
• Flavors: How many flavor options were there? 
• Allergens: We looked for vegan protein powders free from allergens such as soy to give everyone an option. 
• Micronutrients: Did the protein powder come with vitamins and minerals? 
• Protein content: How much protein does each scoop contain? 
• Ingredients: Does the vegan protein powder contain high-quality ingredients, or is it filled with artificial sweeteners and thickeners?

RELATED: Muscle Milk review

Benefits of Vegan Protein Powder

This one’s more aimed at people who are considering going plant-based, vegetarian, or dairy-free but may not have made the jump yet. Here are a few reasons why you might consider vegan protein powder over whey or casein protein. 

• Easier digestibility: Whey and casein protein contain lactose, which can be hard for some people to digest even if they’re not lactose intolerant. For that reason, some people prefer vegan protein powders over dairy-based protein. 
• Price: Many of the vegan protein powders we tried out were more budget-friendly than their whey and casein counterparts.   
• Environmental: Vegan and plant-based foods are often better for the environment and result in fewer carbon emissions when compared to animal products. 

RELATED: Best protein bars

What to Look for in Vegan Protein Powders 

The best protein powder for men may differ from what women, but in some cases they’re the same. Here’s a look at what to keep in mind before going up and down the supplement aisle. 

• Price: How much does each serving cost? 
• Protein source: Where does the vegan protein powder get its protein content from? Does it have all essential amino acids? 
• Total calories: How many calories, carbs, and fats are in each scoop? 
• Serving size: Those who need more protein day-to-day, like athletes, older adults, and those with muscle-building goals, may need two, if not three or four, scoops of vegan protein to get an adequate amount because they are incomplete proteins.
• Taste: Does it taste good? 
• Allergens: If you’re allergic to soy be sure to read the nutrition label extra carefully. Some vegan protein powders may also not be gluten-free. 

RELATED: Best Greens Powder

FAQs

References 

1. Lopez MJ, Mohiuddin SS. Biochemistry, Essential Amino Acids. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; March 18, 2023.
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Anthony O'Reilly, CPT

Anthony O'Reilly is a NASM-certified nutrition coach and personal trainer whose work has been featured in Muscle & Fitness and BarBend, and previously was an award-winning reporter and photographer for newspapers on Long Island and Queens, NY. After spending most of his life overweight, he dropped 80 pounds and took control of his health and fitness. Outside of work, he still enjoys Little Debbie cakes but offsets them with rigorous hikes and workouts. He's an avid Manchester United supporter, through thick and thin.

Further reading

Rogue Westside Scout Hyper Review: Foldable Home Gym Reverse Hyper

by Cooper Mitchell

The Westside Barbell Scout Hyper by Rogue Fitnessis a foldable reverse hyper created and patented by powerlifting legend Louie Simmons. Veering quite dramatically from the direction of most Rogue Fitness equipment, the Scout Hyper neither made in the USA or an ‘over-built’ product. Despite these differences from typical Rogue Fitness Equipment, the Scout Hyper is a decent, budget-friendly hyper that saves both space and cash. Read more

Reebok Legacy Lifters Review

by Cooper Mitchell

The Reebok Legacy Lifters are the best weightlifting shoe Reebok has ever made and one of the best currently available. This is not a CrossFit lifter, this is a true weightlifting shoe and we think you'll like it as much as we did. Read more

How To Build Muscle: 7 Expert Tips to Achieve Results

by Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC

One of my favorite pastimes is dispelling old wives’ tales. For example, you can swim right after eating food, it’s not taboo to rub your chopsticks together at a sushi restaurant, and you can build muscle on a vegan diet. You can disagree all you want, but there are countless athletes and everyday people who thrive without meat or milk.   So now that you’re more willing to find the best vegan protein powder for your training or lifestyle goals,  » Read more about: Best Vegan Protein Powder (2023): No Whey, No Problem  » Read more

Revolution Balance Boards Review

by Cooper Mitchell

Revolution Balance Boardsis currently making the best value balance boards on the market. They offer a wide-range of different board styles focused on different audiences. The Revolution FIT Balance Board is one we received for review. After a month of various usage, we can confidently recommend Revolution Balance Boards for anyone looking to improve their balance in a fun way. Read more