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09 Aug 2023 • 14 min read
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.
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.
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 or snacks in between meals.1,2
If you’re taking it to build muscle mass, have it any time up to two hours after your workout session.3
And finally, if you’re taking it for endurance training and muscle recovery, it’s likely worth consuming it during your session.4
Read on to find out our best vegan protein powders of 2023…
One great vegan protein powder with a full range of essential amino acids is the Form Performance Protein in the Vanilla flavour is a top contender.
Key features
Nicp12 – Nice taste, easy to drink – 5/5 stars
“I really like this powder with a little soy milk, berries and water. I have always been put off powders in the past due to them being thick and having a processed taste but this is really nice and works for me.”
High in protein, but without the dairy, the LEAN Superfood Protein Powder 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 pea protein, coconut protein, Chia seeds and flax seed powder, as well as a selection of added vitamins and minerals.
Key features:
Jellyfish92 – Great Taste – 5/5 stars
“Love this protein. It tastes so good with water or milk depending on preference. Will definitely be buying this from now on.”
Looking for a vegan vanilla protein powder that is also enriched with vitamin B12, B6, folic acid and biotin?
Look no further than the Foodspring Vegan Vanilla Protein. With a well-balanced combination of ingredients, this plant-based protein blend is ideal for weightlifters, endurance athletes, yogis or anyone who could use some extra protein in their diet.
Key features
If wholefoods are important to you, you’ll love this vegan protein powder.
USN have come up with a simple, healthy way to get more protein into your diet from real, wholefood sources like oats, rice and sweet potato.
But it doesn’t end there. Their Wholefood Gainer All-in-One protein powder is also packed with fibre, healthy fats and is a low sugar option.
Key features
Another favourite is the Mighty Ultimate Vegan Plant Protein in Superberry.
Not only is it high in protein, but it is also nutrient dense in other ways.
For example, this vegan protein powder uses a combination of four different plant proteins, three super greens and 15 different vitamins and minerals.
Key features
PaulJ – Great tasting protein – 5/5 stars
“Bought this to try along with the other flavour, really great flavour & not grainy.”
After a plant protein formula designed specifically for keto diets?
The Pulsin Vanilla Keto Protein Powder offers just that.
With a combination of medium chain triglyceride (MCT) fats from coconut, plant-based protein powders and vitamins, this protein powder is perfect for low to no-carb lifestyles.
Key features
LalaLou – Enjoyable and tasty – 5/5 stars
“This product Exceeded my expectation , taste delicious. Rich taste and so filling full of nutrients perfect for keto diet.”
Looking for a nutritionally complete vegan protein powder? Look no further than the NU26 Nutritionally Complete Real Food Shake in the raspberry flavour. With 26 vitamins and minerals, 10 billion live friendly bacteria and high fibre contents – this plant-based protein is perfect for busy lives.
Key features
Cb5875 – Perfect on the go meal – 5/5 stars
“This shake tastes so good and is a perfect breakfast substitute for me on the go. Would definitely recommend”
Looking for a macro friendly vegan protein powder? PhD Nutrition have got you covered with their Diet Plant High Protein Lean Matrix in Salted Caramel.
Low sugar, high protein and a lower calorie option compared to a lot of protein powders, this one is super for slotting into any nutrition plan.
Key features
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.”
Last up in our list of the best vegan protein, is the Performance Plant Protein in Vanilla Cream from PE Nutrition.
Deliciously creamy and packed with protein, this plant-based protein powder is ideal for a whole range of recipes, thanks to its versatile flavour.
Key features
Varinder - Yammmy vegan protein – 5/5 stars
“I love vegan protein the taste is amazing you can put if in anything I love it it’s so creamy texture I’m glad they gave back in stock.”
When choosing which is the best vegan protein for you, there are a few things you should clarify first:
To get the most out of your protein powder, you need to consider why you’re using it in the first place, such as using it to help you build and maintain lean muscle mass.
If you’re consuming protein powder to try and eat less throughout the day, you’ll likely want to have your protein shake in between meals.11
Or, if you’re taking it to build muscle mass, ensure to have it any time up to two hours after your workout session.12
And finally, if you’re taking it for endurance training and muscle recovery, it’s likely worth consuming it during your session.13
Vegan protein powders are great for fuelling 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.
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24670946/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4190484/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28919842
4. https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8
5. https://www.nutrition.org.uk/healthy-sustainable-diets/protein/
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4586535/
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3529694/
8. https://www.carolinerobertson.com.au/uploads/1/0/0/8/10080309/wbg161_054-057_plant_protein.pdf
9. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/nutritional/lactose-intolerance
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7400098/
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4190484/