Whether you’ve only just ditched meat and dairy or you don’t get on well with traditional protein powders, there are a wide range of vegan protein powders on the market.
But which to choose? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the choices, we’ve listed our top 10 favourites with their key features and reviews from our customers to help you decide.
Difference between vegan and plant based protein powder
Generally speaking, the key difference between the terms ‘vegan’ and ‘plant based’ is that veganism involves avoiding animal products in everything, whereas plant based usually just refers to diet.
When taking this into consideration with protein powders, they should be the same as they’ll both be made from plants.
However, some plant based products may use ingredients like honey to sweeten them, so that’s something to watch out for.
When to take protein powders
You might be wondering, when is the best time to take protein powder? In order to get the most out of it, you need to consider why you’re having it in the first place.
If you’re having it to try and eat less throughout the day, have your protein shake in between meals.1
If you’re taking it to build muscle mass, have it any time up to two hours after your workout session.2
And finally, if you’re taking it for endurance training and muscle recovery, it’s likely worth consuming it during your session.3
10 of the best vegan protein powder 2022
Read on to find out our best vegan protein powders of 2022
One great vegan protein powder with a full range of essential amino acids is the Vegan Pro Protein from Applied Nutrition in the Vanilla flavour is a top contender.
Key features
- Over 25g protein per serving
- Soya, pea and rice protein
- Less than 1g sugar
- 108 calories per serving
Nutritional information
| Per | 30g serving |
|---|---|
| Energy (kj) | 459kj |
| Energy (kcal) | 108.2kcal |
| Fat | 0.73g |
| Of which saturates | 0.24g |
| Carbohydrates | 1.93g |
| Of which sugars | 0.10g |
| Fibre | 0.47g |
| Protein | 25.41g |
| Salt equivalent | 0g |
What our customers thought
Laoise - Great value for money, taste, and macros – 5/5 stars
“I love this protein, and wish it was in stock more! The big tub lasts for ages and is really good value compared to most protein powders.
The calories:protein ratio is great too, no matter what your fitness goals are. Being vegan also is a huge plus. I usually get vanilla protein powder to use in recipes rather than on its own, so I can't say how it is with just water, but I find it really versatile mixed with different ingredients (e.g. carrot cake oats with cinnamon and grated carrot).
Vegan proteins usually take more water than whey anyway, so keep in mind that you'll probably have to mix it quite well to get rid of lumps.”
Olivia23 - Amazing macros great taste! – 5/5 stars
“I will definitely be buying this again and would recommend! No artificial taste, great in protein oats!”
High in protein, but without the dairy, the Vega Clean Protein Chocolate Flavour is one of our favourite vegan protein powders.
Designed for use alongside an active lifestyle and healthy eating, this plant based protein powder is made of a winning mixture of alfalfa, pumpkin and hemp protein to help build a high quality amino acid profile.
| Per | 37g serving |
|---|---|
| Energy (kj) | 613kj |
| Energy (kcal) | 145kcal |
| Fat | 2.3g |
| Of which saturates | 0.9g |
| Carbohydrates | 3.2g |
| Of which sugars | 0.3g |
| Fibre | 3.3g |
| Protein | 26.3g |
| Salt equivalent | 0.15g |
What our customers thought
MayaTsi - Tasty protein – 5/5 stars
“Very tasty and easy to digest protein powder. I use it after exercise of when I want to increase my protein intake. I usually mix it with almond milk sometimes including fruits and it tastes great. It also makes you feel full.”
Margaret OL - New to Protein drinking. – 5/5 stars
“I’m new to taking protein drinks but have found the Vegan Clean chocolate protein drink enjoyable and more importantly drinkable.”
Looking for a vegan vanilla protein powder that is also designed for women?
Look no further than the Women’s Best Vegan Protein. With a well-balanced combination of ingredients, this plant based protein blend helps you to recover after exercise, as well as growing and maintaining your muscle mass.
Key features
- 104 calories per serving
- 21.2g protein per serving
- Low carb
- Less than 0.2g sugar per serving
| Per | 30g serving |
|---|---|
| Energy (kj) | 442kj |
| Energy (kcal) | 104kcal |
| Fat | 1.2g |
| Of which saturates | 0.2g |
| Carbohydrates | 1.4g |
| Of which sugars | 0.1g |
| Protein | 21.2g |
| Salt equivalent | 0.98g |
What our customers thought
Leahmy - Great taste – 5/5 stars
“The taste of this protein supplement is awesome."
Neelix285 - A Great Shake – 5/5 stars
“A great product that supports me very well with my diet. The taste is really natural and delicious. The composition of the shake is great for the price.”
If wholefoods are important to you, you’ll love this vegan protein powder.
Purition have come up with a natural, healthy way to get more protein into your diet from real, wholefood sources.
But it doesn’t end there. Their Wholefood Nutrition Vanilla protein powder is also packed with fibre, healthy fats and contains no added sugar.
Key features
- 184 calories per serving
- 14.8g protein per serving
- Made with natural ingredients
| Per | 30g serving |
|---|---|
| Energy (kj) | 729kj |
| Energy (kcal) | 184kcal |
| Fat | 13g |
| Of which saturates | 3.2g |
| Carbohydrates | 3.6g |
| Of which sugars | 0.9g |
| Fibre | 7.7g |
| Protein | 14.8g |
| Salt | 0.2g |
What our customers thought
sarah140586 - Fantastic product – 5/5 stars
“This is by far the best and cleanest vegan protein powder I've found.
Yes, it does contain flax seeds and other nutty ingredients meaning it needs to be blended rather than shaken to achieve a nice consistency but it's worth the effort."
Another favourite from Vega, is the Essentials Nutritional Powder in Vanilla.
Not only is it high in protein, but it is also nutrient dense in other ways.
For example, using this vegan protein powder will also provide you with extra fibre, fruits, green vegetables and Omega-3 ALA.
Key features
- Gluten free
- 22g protein per serving
- 16 vitamins and minerals
- Gluten free
- 139 calories per serving
| Per | 30g serving |
|---|---|
| Energy (kj) | 571kj |
| Energy (kcal) | 136kcal |
| Fat | 3.3g |
| Of which saturates | 0.7g |
| Carbohydrates | 4.3g |
| Of which sugars | 0.7g |
| Fibre | 3.2g |
| Protein | 22.2g |
| Salt | 0.10g |
What our customers thought
Zoe Row - Love this stuff – 5/5 stars
“This is the core of my morning smoothie, the taste is amazing. packed with nutritional goodness form fruit and veg that you may be missing in your diet. Have been using for over a year. And still not bored.”
joycats - The best on the market! – 5/5 stars
“I've been searching for a way to quickly add protein AND nutrients to my smoothie and this works perfectly with a great flavour!”
After a plant protein formula designed specifically for women?
The Free Soul Dual-Use Vegan Blend offers just that.
With a combination of Peruvian Maca, Ginseng, Guarana, Vitamins B1, B3, B6 and B12 – as well as many other minerals – you can expect a lot of nutrients from one of these vegan protein shakes.
Key features
- All natural ingredients
- Gluten free
- 14g protein per serving
- Less than 3g sugar per serving
- Added calcium, magnesium and iron
| Per | 34g serving |
|---|---|
| Energy (kj) | 548kj |
| Energy (kcal) | 131kcal |
| Fat | 1.6g |
| Of which saturates | 0.2g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Of which sugars | 2.9g |
| Fibre | 0.8g |
| Protein | 14g |
| Salt | 0.4g |
What our customers thought
Empa234 – Free soul powder blend – 5/5 stars
“It’s delicious, the vanilla flavour smells and tastes like custard plus it’s vegan and has all the benefits of nutrients and minerals. Great with pancakes, porridge and shakes.”
lm233 - finally! – 5/5 stars
“I’ve tried so many vegan protein powders over the years and have yet to find one that I liked. Too chalky or too sweet etc. this is perfect. I blend a scoop with a banana and oat milk and a few berries and it tastes great!”
With all the same goodness as the vanilla flavour, the Applied Nutrition Vegan Pro Protein in Chocolate is ideal if you want to try a vegan chocolate protein powder with a high dose of protein.
Key features
- 106 calories per serving
- Less than 0.1g sugar per serving
- 24.6g protein per serving
- High Source of BCAAs
| Per | 30g serving |
|---|---|
| Energy (kcal) | 106.6kcal |
| Fat | 0.86g |
| Of which saturates | 0.28g |
| Carbohydrates | 1.95g |
| Of which sugars | 0.07g |
| Fibre | 0.33g |
| Protein | 24.61g |
| Salt equivalent | 0g |
What our customers thought
HopeM – Tastes great! – 5/5 stars
“Personally I loved the taste of this protein powder and considering it is vegan, it has a high amount of protein in”
Andy James - Great blend and mixes well in a proper shaker. – 5/5 stars
“Great vegan protein, good blend of plant based proteins. This will be my go to after trying about 10 different ones since turning to a plant based diet 13 months ago.”
And last but by no means least, we have another Wholefood Nutrition organic vegan protein powder from Purition, but this time in the Strawberry flavour.
If you’re a fan of a fruity protein shake, then this could be the perfect option for you, as it is flavoured with real strawberries instead of anything artificial.
Key features
- Made from natural ingredients
- 184 calories per serving
- 2.4g sugar per serving
| Per | 30g serving |
|---|---|
| Energy (kj) | 729kj |
| Energy (kcal) | 184kcal |
| Fat | 11g |
| Of which saturates | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 5.7g |
| Of which sugars | 2.4g |
| Fibre | 7.2g |
| Protein | 14.5g |
| Salt | 0.2g |
What our customers thought
Dan t – Really good! – 5/5 stars
“Great with some fruit and soya milk and dairy free yogurt added to it and done in a good blender so yummy! Not over sweet and sickly at all like other protein powders.”
KateStr – Best Protein – 5/5 stars
“I love purition. No sugar and no artificial additives.”
Another fan favourite from Vega, is the Clean Protein Vanilla flavoured powder.
With all the same benefits as the chocolate flavour, what’s not to love?
Also the classic Vanilla alternative means it can be easily incorporated into your other smoothies and shakes without affecting the overall taste.
Key features
- 140 calories per serving
- 26.3g protein per serving
- Less than 0.3g sugar
- High in BCAAs
| Per | 35g serving |
|---|---|
| Energy (kj) | 593kj |
| Energy (kcal) | 140kcal |
| Fat | 2.1g |
| Of which saturates | 0.7g |
| Carbohydrates | 3.1g |
| Of which sugars | 2.0g |
| Fibre | 2.3g |
| Protein | 26.3g |
| Salt | 0.14g |
What our customers thought
Freddy01 - Nice vanilla flavour, not too sweet – 5/5 stars
“This is my go-to protein powder now. Taste isn't overly sweet or overpowering like other ones I have used before. Reasonable price for the amount you get in each bag.”
Jdub - Vega clean protein – 5/5 stars
“Great flavour and blends well into Smoothies! I’ve used this powder with loads of different frozen fruit and it always enhances the taste. A fab way to easily add protein into a vegan diet.”
Another plant based protein powder from the Vega Essentials range, but this time in a Chocolate flavour.
Offering a balanced approach to protein powder, that’s not all you’re getting in this packet. You’ll also be receiving a healthy dose of fibre and Omega-3 ALA.
Key features
- 145 calories per serving
- 4.1g fibre per serving
- 21.7g protein per serving
- Gluten free
- Contains 13 essential vitamins
| Per | 34g serving |
|---|---|
| Energy (kj) | 509kj |
| Energy (kcal) | 145kcal |
| Fat | 3.6g |
| Of which saturates | 0.9g |
| Carbohydrates | 5.0g |
| Of which sugars | 0.8g |
| Fibre | 4.1g |
| Protein | 21.7g |
| Salt | 0.11g |
What our customers thought
Rosie204 - Really delicious! – 5/5 stars
“I am addicted to this stuff, I buy it all the time. I put it in smoothies and it's sooooo good. The delivery was fast as well :)”
Canterbury Cat – Great quality product – 5/5 stars
“Love this. The quality of the ingredients is great and it makes a nutritious and easy to digest drink when you are on the run with no time to fix a meal or snack, or if it is too close to exercise to have anything too heavy in your tummy!”
er01930 – Great Protein Powder! – 5/5 stars
“Best vegan chocolate protein powder I have ever tried - I like to blend it with a frozen banana, spinach, flaxseeds and almond milk and it is A M A Z I N G. Really good texture, not chalk-y.”
How to choose the best plant-based protein powder for you
When choosing which is the best vegan protein for you, there are a few things you should clarify first:
1
Are you looking for a high level of protein in the powder?
2
Do you plan on using your protein powder in baking as well?
3
Do you want your protein powder to be low in sugar?
4
Will you be using your protein powder as a meal replacement?
The final say
Vegan protein powders are great for fueling your body with essential amino acids to aid muscle repair and growth.
We hope you found our guide useful for choosing the best vegan protein powder to suit you and your health goals.
You also asked...
Nope! A lot of vegan protein sources come from the ground, meaning they’re often made with a range of natural ingredients, which is a good thing.
In some instances though, they might not make up all the amino acids that dairy protein powders contain, but this is easily combatted by choosing a vegan protein powder that contains a blend of ingredients to ensure you get all the essentials.
Since the vegan diet has boomed in popularity, getting good quality, vegan protein powder is becoming a lot easier.
While choices may still be limited in supermarkets, health food shops should offer a range of vegan protein powders from different brands to help your find your favourite.
No, they’re not, as some of the most popular protein powders contain whey, which is a protein that is derived from cow’s milk.
The healthiest vegan protein usually contains the following:
- A good amount of all essential amino acids
- Low sugar
- Low carbohydrate
- All organic ingredients
Last updated: 11 January 2022
