11 Best Vegan Protein Powders in 2024

If you regularly work out or are following a particular nutrition plan, adding a protein powder supplement to your routine could help you smash your fitness and wellness goals. “Protein is an essential part of our diet. We need protein for our immune system, for muscle, for strength, and just for good overall general health,” Dana Hunnes, PhD, MPH, RD, senior clinical dietitian at UCLA Health and author of Recipe for Survival tells SELF. ””Proteins are made up of building blocks called amino acids. There are 9 essential amino acids that we must get from food and cannot make for ourselves.”

Many people think of animal products like meat, fish, eggs, cheese, and yogurt as being great sources of protein. And they are! But if you follow a vegan diet, those are off the menu. That doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. “With a properly balanced plant-based diet, filled with a variety of plant-proteins and complementary-protein foods, we can more than adequately meet our daily requirement,” says Dr. Hunnes.

If you’re falling short of your daily protein goal by noshing on nuts and legumes, adding a vegan protein powder to your meal can help. Here, we’ve rounded up tasty, nutrient-rich options for those who say “no way!” to whey and other animal-derived foods. And, spoiler alert, every one on this list is a complete profile,” meaning they contain all nine of those necessary amino acids.

To bring you the list of the best vegan protein powers, our testers tried them out; we also got tips from registered dietitians for picking the best one for your needs. With at least 20 grams of protein per serving, every powder below should work like Super Mario power-ups for your shakes, smoothies, and sweet treats.

Top picks for the best vegan protein powders

• Best Overall Vegan Protein Powder: Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Rice and Pea Protein
• Best-Tasting Vegan Protein Powder: Gainful Customized Protein
• Best Vanilla Vegan Protein Powder: Future Kind Organic Vegan Protein Powder
• Smoothest Vegan Protein Powder: Ritual Daily Essential Shake
• Best Vegan Protein for Exercise: Ora Organic So Clean & So Lean Plant-Based Superfood Protein
• Best Vegan Protein Powder to Mix With Water: Onnit Plant-Based Protein
• Best Chocolate Vegan Protein Powder: Transparent Labs 100% Pea Protein Isolate
• Best Value Vegan Protein Powder: Nutricost Organic Pea Protein Isolate
• Best Naturally-Sweetened Vegan Protein Powder: Legion Plant+ Vegan Protein Powder
• Vegan Protein Powder With Highest Protein: Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder
• Best Vegan Protein Powder for Baking: Ghost Vegan Protein Powder

Best Overall Vegan Protein Powder: Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Rice and Pea Protein

Pros

• Powder dissolves easily
• Contains no artificial sweeteners
• Gluten-free

Cons

• May not be sweet enough with just water, according to testers
• Chalky texture
• Limited flavor options

Why we picked it: This rice and pea protein powder from Transparent Labs has a complete protein profile and a super-simple ingredients list—a rarity in the protein powders space. It’s been third-party tested for safety from contaminants, like arsenic or harmful bacteria, and the test results are available to view right on the product page. Talk about peace of mind! Plus, our taste-tester found it easy to mix and quick to dissolve—great for making a shake on the go.

What it’s made of: This powder combines organic rice protein and organic pea protein isolate to deliver an impressive 24 grams of the macronutrient per serving. The brand also adds in natural flavors, salt, and stevia for taste—plus cocoa powder in the chocolate version.

Just so you know: Our tester thought the texture was pretty chalky, which some folks might find off-putting. She also preferred the powder’s taste when using almond milk as a base instead of water.

Best-Tasting Vegan Protein Powder: Gainful Customized Protein

Pros

• Lots of flavor options available
• Low lactose whey is also available, if you’re not strictly vegan

Cons

• Not third-party tested
• Our tester found the packets difficult to tear open
• Fairly expensive per serving compared to other brands on this list

Why we picked it: Gainful’s model is pretty unique: The protein powder itself is flavorless, but you can combine it with single-serve “flavor packs” to customize your protein’s taste for the day. (Choose two flavors at checkout, or a variety pack that includes all eight options.) Our tester was “happily surprised” by the chocolate peanut butter flavor she tried, which she found to be “pretty sweet” in both water and milk (stick to alt milk to keep your blend vegan). She added that it would probably taste even better when chilled or with ice.

What it’s made of: The plant-based protein is made from organic pea and brown rice proteins, with some extra ingredients, depending on the specific formula you choose. The Build Muscle formula, for example, includes organic tapioca maltodextrin and gluten-free oat powder.

Just so you know: This powder separated and clumped after our tester mixed it into her base. She suggests drinking it immediately after preparing it for a smoother experience.

Best Vanilla Vegan Protein Powder: Future Kind Organic Vegan Protein Powder

Pros

• Third-party tested with results shown on product page
• Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
• Comes in a compostable pouch

Cons

• Not ideal for people with strict allergies
• Reviewers had trouble resealing the pouch

Why we picked it: Future Kind’s complete-profile protein powder has a vanilla flavor that’s supplemented with stevia, a natural sweetener that can be a great alternative for folks looking to consume less sugar.

What it’s made of: This powder contains 20 grams of organic pea protein isolate. Isolates are the purest form of protein and may be easier to digest than concentrates. This formula also contains guar gum, which Rhyan Geiger, RDN, founder of the Phoenix Vegan Dietitian, notes can be a gut irritant for people with issues like IBS.

Other winning options: If you’re more of a chocolate lover, Future Kind also makes this vegan protein powder, which has the same 20-gram protein content.

Smoothest Vegan Protein Powder: Ritual Daily Essential Shake

Pros

• No thick foam layer on top after mixing, according to tester
• Consistency stayed smooth, even after a rest period

Cons

• Our tester says the seal didn’t fully close after a few uses
• Only one flavor option
• Fairly expensive for the size

Why we picked it: Sometimes protein powders stay chunky even after tons of mixing. (Gross, TBH.) Not the case with this Ritual shake, which came out “totally smooth and very thick” after our tester mixed it with water for just 10 seconds. The texture was “not gritty at all,” which can be hard to find in a vegan protein powder, she says, adding that “its mixability is next level.”

What it’s made of: Organic pea protein takes center stage in this powder’s ingredients list. It’s joined by a small handful of additions, including fermented sugarcane and monk fruit for a hint of sweetness. It’s also certified by the Clean Label Project to be free of harmful chemicals and contaminants (like heavy metals and pesticide residue).

Just so you know: While this shake has a vanilla flavor, our tester thought it had more of an earthy taste. Mixing it with a sweetened milk alternative or adding your own sweetener of choice might help if you’re not satisfied with the flavor.

Best Vegan Protein for Exercise: Ora Organic So Clean & So Lean Plant-Based Superfood Protein

Pros

• Unflavored, unsweetened option won’t clash with certain drinks
• Get 15% off with code 15ORAORGANIC on Amazon

Cons

• Tester experienced separation after mixing

Why we picked it: We picked So Clean & So Lean as the best vegan protein powder for exercise because its protein-per-serving amount is among the highest on this list—23 grams! It’s also packed with protein-rich ingredients, like quinoa and amaranth, which is important for athletes and gym rats who may have trouble reaching their protein needs with food alone.

What it’s made of: In addition to quinoa and amaranth, this pea-and-rice formula includes digestive enzymes like amylase, which helps break down carbs, and antioxidant-rich fruits and greens, like organic kale, to help you supplement your nutritional needs.

How it tastes: Our tester found the unflavored variety to have a “plant powder taste” that she didn’t love when stirred into just water or milk; she recommends trying it in a fruit smoothie. You can also grab this pick in three flavored options to avoid that grassy natural profile.

Best Vegan Protein Powder to Mix With Water: Onnit Plant-Based Protein

Pros

• Tester says there was no clumping
• Can save 25% on first order and 15% on future orders with subscription

Cons

• Can only get free shipping on orders $100 or more
• Limited flavor options
• Texture might be too thick with almond milk (or other milks), testers say

Why we picked it: Our tester preferred the texture of this powder mixed with water over plant-based milk. She used 10 ounces of water (Onnit recommends at least 8), and notes that the mixture blended well with her shaker cup: “10 seconds was the perfect amount of time to get this powder completely dissolved.”

What it’s made of: It’s no surprise to see pea protein in this powder, based on how often it appears on this list (hint: it’s in every. single. pick.). But Onnit adds in less-expected protein types too, including pumpkin, sunflower, and watermelon seeds, for more variety.

Just so you know: Our tester says this protein option left a film on her tongue, so consider keeping a water bottle handy to help rinse any residue down. And while she was into its consistency when mixed with water, she wasn’t a fan of its thickness when shaken with almond milk.

Best Chocolate Vegan Protein Powder: Transparent Labs 100% Pea Protein Isolate

Pros

• Contains no artificial sweeteners
• Great flavor
• Higher in protein compared to other options on this list
• Third-party tested
• Gluten-free

Cons

• Limited flavor options

Why we picked it: Chocolate lovers, this protein powder is for you. Made with organic cocoa powder, our tester found that this pick’s taste was mild and natural with no aftertaste. “It was not gritty, unlike other shakes on the market,” she adds. Try it in a creamy shake or in a comforting cup of hot cocoa.

What it’s made of: This Transparent Labs powder is made with organic pea protein isolate, which gets a thumbs up for its complete profile. Geiger points out the 6.8 milligrams of iron per serving on the nutritional label as another plus. “Vegan women need about 32 milligrams of iron per day, and this can help them reach that goal,” she says. (Iron deficiency can lead to weakness, fatigue, impaired cognitive function, and other potential health issues.)

Just so you know: If you’re watching your sodium intake, know that this protein powder contains 550 milligrams per serving. (The daily value for sodium is under 2,300 milligrams a day.)

Best Value Vegan Protein Powder: Nutricost Organic Pea Protein Isolate

Pros

• More affordable per serving than other options on this list
• Complete profile

Cons

• Not the best choice if you like flavored powders

Why we picked it: Protein powders can be pricey, but with this option from Nutricost, you get more bang for your buck. Depending on the size you purchase, you can pay as little as $0.58 per serving. (Compare that to Gainful, which is $3.50 per serving.)

What it’s made of: This pick contains just one ingredient: organic pea protein isolate. This might help keep the cost low, but price isn’t the only factor to consider. This powder “lacks vitamins and minerals like calcium or iron and likely lacks taste, making it difficult to consume as a shake,” Geiger tells SELF. She says it would “likely need to be mixed with ingredients with strong flavors” for a better flavor (many reviewers recommend adding it to flavored beverages or blending it with fruit for that reason).

Other winning options: Nutricost makes multiple other vegan, one-ingredient proteins, including a rice protein and a soy protein, if pea protein isn’t your thing.

Best Naturally-Sweetened Vegan Protein Powder: Legion Plant+ Vegan Protein Powder

Pros

• Comes in fun flavors
• Mixes easily and stays smooth, per our tester
• Complete profile

Cons

• Tester thought it was too thick when mixed with almond milk
• May not taste sweet enough on its own

Why we picked it: This third-party-tested protein powder contains no added sugars or artificial sweeteners, instead using natural ingredients like monk fruit to enhance the flavor. The formula also contains zero artificial flavors, food dyes, or fillers.

What it’s made of: Pea protein isolate and rice protein concentrate join together to power up this powder. You’ll also spot salt in the ingredients, which can enhance taste, and xanthan gum, to help whip up a thicker texture.

Just so you know: Regardless of whether she used water or almond milk as the base, our tester noticed that the product left a filmy aftertaste on her tongue. You may want to blend this powder into a smoothie (with whole-food ingredients like fruit or nut butters) to help.

Vegan Protein Powder With Highest Protein: Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder

Pros

• Tester says it dissolves easily in both water and milk
• Mixture didn’t separate when left to rest
• Complete profile

Cons

• Limited flavor options
• May need some extra shaking for a smoother consistency
• No evidence of third-party testing

Why we picked it: This Orgain supplement is the only option on our list to reach 30 grams of protein per serving (every other pick is between 20 and 28.) This high protein content is noteworthy for athletes whose exercise and training routines might make it difficult to hit their daily dietary goals with food alone.

How it tastes: This product does contain sugar, but our tester says the vanilla version “did not taste sweet at all.” She prefers it with a milky base; remember, you can always opt for a pre-sweetened alt-milk to change up the flavor.

Other winning options: If you wish your PSL doubled as a protein supplement, check out Orgain’s pumpkin spice plant-based protein powder. (Just note it has less protein per serving—21 grams instead of 30.)

Best Vegan Protein Powder for Baking: Ghost Vegan Protein Powder

Pros

• Comes in unique flavor options
• Complete profile
• Gluten-free

Cons

• Not third-party tested

Why we picked it: With dessert-friendly flavor options like banana pancake batter and chocolate cereal milk, this Ghost powder is a prime pick for baking protein-rich treats. Protein powder isn’t solely for shakes, after all; try adding this one into a muffin or brownie mix.

What it’s made of: This powder is made with multiple types of vegan protein. Geiger points out that Ghost discloses the exact amount of each protein in the blend, which isn’t the case for most other options. “They use pea, pumpkin, and watermelon seeds, which add other nutrients like calcium and iron,” she says, which are beneficial for your bone health and energy production, respectively.

Just so you know: This probably won’t come as a surprise, but the peanut butter cereal milk flavor does contain peanuts. If you have a peanut allergy, check out the other options.

Benefits of vegan protein powder

Vegan protein powder has many similar benefits to animal-based protein powder, such as building muscle mass and boosting recovery. That said, it also has its own specific advantages—for vegans and non-vegans alike.

Convenience

We don’t always have time to prepare a protein-rich meal. Plus, we don’t necessarily want to feel mega-full before our workouts (vom alert). Protein powder makes it easier to meet our goals and feel comfortably full whenever we need a boost. It only takes a few seconds to shake up a blend; all you need is water, a plant-based milk, or another liquid of your choice as the base.

Animal-friendly

Vegan protein powders do not use any animal products, unlike other formulas that feature proteins like whey (derived from milk), egg whites, or casein (made from dehydrated milk curd). Many people go plant-based for the sake of keeping dairy cows and other animals free from harm and mistreatment. These products are a big plus for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone else who wants to reduce their impact on animals.

Environmentally-friendly

Plant-based protein powders and foods have a lower environmental impact when compared to animal products. Animal production requires more resources, like water and land, and leads to icky outputs, like sewage and greenhouse gasses.

For example, research has demonstrated that producing 100 grams of milk-derived protein can use nearly eight times as much land and over 10 times the amount of freshwater as manufacturing the same amount of pea protein.

How to find the best protein powder for you

Finding your new ride-or-die vegan protein powder should involve more than just picking out a flavor you love (though that’s super important too). Consider the following factors when it’s time to shop.

Protein content

This refers to the amount of protein you’re getting per serving. The higher the number, the faster you might be able to reach your daily protein minimum. As a baseline, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) in the United States is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of your body weight. That’s 0.36 grams per pound, per day. (You might already get to this amount with your regular diet.)

If you lead an active lifestyle, or you’re an athlete or gym buff, however, this number may be too low. A serving of at least 20 to 30 grams has been found to produce the most consistent results for anyone who regularly exercises, which is why we make sure our picks have at least 20 grams per serving. That said, we recommend speaking to a registered nutritionist or dietitian to determine the best number for you.

Recommended protein content “always depends on the person and/or the activity,” says Dr. Hunnes, adding that your weight, personal goals, and training routines can be very important in determining the right amount for you.

Ingredients

“Ideally, a protein powder will only contain a few ingredients,” Grace Kelley, MS, RDN, LD, sports dietitian and owner of Nourished Endurance, tells SELF. You’ll want to search for protein sources high in essential amino acids—like soy or peas—while avoiding certain other ingredients that may mess with your stomach. “Protein powders with sugar and other additives could also cause constipation,” Kelley says, especially if you’re not hydrated enough.

She recommends looking for a product without certain ingredients, like artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols (like xylitol and erythritol), and chicory root, if you’re prone to gastrointestinal distress (like bloating, stomach pain, and nausea).

Certifications

“Supplements like protein powders are not regulated by the FDA,” Kelley says, which means they’re not necessarily screened for ingredients like stimulants, diuretics, and masking agents. “Third-party certifications assure that supplement labels match the contents of the product and don’t contain any banned substances.”

She says to look for the NSF Certification, which demonstrates food safety, animal wellness, and best practice, or the Informed Choice Certification, which demonstrates that a product has been regularly tested for prohibited substances and meets the demands of dietary supplement and nutrition manufacturing.

Vegan protein powder versus whey protein powder

While they’re both formulated to provide similar results, vegan formulas differ from whey-based powders—and not just because the former ditches the dairy. Learn more about their main differences below.

Vegan

Vegan protein powders contain no ingredients derived from animals, instead sourcing protein from plant-based foods such as peas, pumpkins, and chia seeds. This is a win for vegans and vegetarians, as well as anyone with a dairy intolerance or allergy. However, many vegan proteins tend not to have all of the essential amino acids your body needs, which is why it can be helpful to search for options that combine multiple types into one powder. Think of it like adding different food components to your dinner plate for a well-rounded meal.

Whey

Whey protein is created by adding enzymes to milk, most often from cows. It’s extremely popular, as it naturally has a complete protein profile, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies can’t naturally create. (Most plant-based proteins are incomplete on their own.) If you’re vegan, this dairy option is a true no-go. If you’re lactose intolerant, however, you could consider a pick with whey protein isolate, which contains practically no lactose at all. (Bye, protein farts!)

What is the best source of protein in a vegan protein powder?

“Many plant-based proteins are considered incomplete because they lack one or more of the essential amino acids,” Kelley tells SELF. But that doesn’t mean it’s complete or bust. She says finding a beautifully balanced blend is often key: “Combining plant proteins in your diet can help you meet your daily requirements.”

Kelley recommends combining proteins from ingredients like beans, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds to nail nutrition requirements and add some variety to your diet.

If you want to keep it simple, pea protein is a great way to go. It has a complete profile and, as Kelley points out, is highly digestible, “making it suitable for athletes or those with sensitive digestive systems.” She says the reason you’ll sometimes see it combined with other proteins is that, while complete, it does have smaller concentrations of some amino acids compared to other complete proteins, like whey. “Some pea protein powders blend with other plant proteins (like brown rice or hemp) to improve the amino acid profile.”

“While pea protein is an excellent supplement,” Kelley adds, it “shouldn’t replace a balanced, whole foods diet.” Remember—supplement, don’t substitute.

How we test protein powders

Our testers personally try the plant-based powders to see how they shake out IRL. They taste them with different bases, check for texture changes, examine the packaging, and more. Below are seven factors our team considers when testing protein powders:

FAQs

Fast facts on vegan protein powders? You got it. Get all of the answers you need in one fell scoop below.

What is the absolute best vegan protein powder?

There isn’t a straightforward answer here (sorry!). The best plant-based protein powder for you will depend on factors like how active you are, your fitness goals, and your diet (as well as your own personal taste preferences). Our overall favorite pick is the Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Rice and Pea Protein, but a nutrition professional can help you narrow things down based on your individual health needs.

Who is vegan protein powder best for?

Vegan protein powders are great options for vegans and anyone with lactose intolerance—but don’t take that as a prescription. “Most people do not need a protein supplement or powder in their diet,” Dr. Hunnes says. She adds that they can, however, be great for athletes who don’t easily meet their daily calorie (and protein) needs.

Are vegan protein powders healthy?

“I don’t really consider any ‘isolated nutrient’ healthy, per se,” says Dr. Hunnes, adding that it’s best to get your nutrients from their original source (a.k.a. peas rather than pea protein). She notes that vegan proteins contain fiber, which can be a big plus for anyone whose constipation has them, well, down in the dumps.

Does vegan protein powder work as well as whey?

“Working well” doesn’t translate to a simple hierarchy in protein. “There may be a slight difference in amino acid composition,” says Dr. Hunnes, referencing how animal protein typically has higher levels. “However, with a varied diet, you won’t be deficient in any of the essential amino acids. So, I don’t personally believe it matters much which you use.”

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