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9 of the best vegan protein powders 2023
Vegan protein is growing in popularity, so more and more options are springing up. But which is the best plant-based protein for you? Find out in this article.
Our tops picks
Gluten Free
Form Nutrition
Form Nutrition Performance Protein Vanilla 520g
€34.00
Vegan
Pulsin
Pulsin Vanilla Keto Protein Powder 252g
€23.99
Vegan
NU26
NU26 Nutritionally Complete Real Food Raspberry Shake 1kg
Buy 1 Get 1 Half Price
€23.49
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 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
10 of the best vegan protein powder 2023
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.
- 30g protein per serving
- Pea, hemp and brown rice protein
- Less than 1g sugar
- 154 calories per serving
| Per | 40g serving |
| Energy (kj) | 645kj |
| Energy (kcal) | 154kcal |
| Fat | 2.9g |
| Of which saturates | 0.2g |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Of which sugars | 0.1g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Salt equivalent | 1g |
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.”
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.
- Keto-friendly
- Over 9g protein per serving
- Less than 1g sugar per serving
- Added vitamin complex
| Per | 28g serving |
| Energy (kj) | 545kj |
| Energy (kcal) | 130kcal |
| Fat | 9g |
| Of which saturates | 8.3g |
| Carbohydrates | 1.1g |
| Of which sugars | 0.3g |
| Protein | 9.2g |
| Fibre | 4g |
| Salt equivalent | 0.44g |
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.
- 404 calories per serving
- Less than 2g sugar per serving
- 35g protein per serving
- Contains 26 essential vitamins and minerals
| Per | 100g serving |
| Energy (kj) | 404kj |
| Fat | 13g |
| Of which saturates | 2.2g |
| Carbohydrates | 39g |
| Of which sugars | 1.6g |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fibre | 7.2g |
| Salt equivalent | 0.94g |
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.
- 94 calories per serving
- 20g protein per serving
- Contains 0.05g sugar
- High in BCAAs
| Per | 25g serving |
| Energy (kj) | 593kj |
| Energy (kcal) | 140kcal |
| Fat | 2.1g |
| Of which saturates | 0.7g |
| Carbohydrates | 3.1g |
| Of which sugars | 0.05g |
| Protein | 26.3g |
| Fibre | 2.3g |
| Salt | 0.14g |
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.”
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:
- Are you looking for a high level of protein in the powder?
- Do you plan on using your protein powder in baking as well?
- Do you want your protein powder to be low in sugar?
- Will you be using your protein powder as a meal replacement?
When is the best time to take protein powders?
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
FAQs
Nope! A lot of vegan protein sources come from the ground, meaning they’re often made with a range of natural ingredients.
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.
The healthiest vegan protein usually contains the following:
- A good amount of all essential amino acids
- Low sugar
- Low carbohydrate
- All organic ingredients
The ideal amount of protein varies from person to person, but you can calculate how much protein you need by following the guidance of 0.75g of protein for each kilogram of your body weight. So, for instance, if you weigh 65kg, your estimated daily protein intake would be around 49g of protein per day.5
Yes! You don’t have to be a vegan to enjoy vegan protein powders, but you can be confident that they don’t contain any animal-derived products, so they’re suitable for vegetarians too.
Many vegan protein sources come from the ground, meaning they’re often made with a range of natural ingredients - which is a good thing!
However, some people may experience some potential side effects after consuming protein powders. These can include stomach upset like bloating and cramps and allergic reactions.6
Vegan protein powders must be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet and should not be relied on as this can lead to further issues like deficiencies in certain nutrients.7
You should always check with a doctor before taking any supplement, and protein powders are no different. Your doctor can advise whether adding whey protein to your diet is safe for you and guide you on how much you should take.
It’s thought that vegan protein powders could actually be easier for your body to digest than normal protein powders. Dairy products, like whey, are thought to be harder to digest, so swapping to plant protein could be the key if you feel you struggle with normal protein.8,9
Hemp as a protein source is believed to be the most digestible type of protein for humans as it is made up of two highly digestible proteins, edestin and albumin.10
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 some places, we offer a vast range of vegan protein powders online and in-store for you to explore.
No, not always. Some of the most popular protein powders contain whey, which is a protein that is derived from cow’s milk – a no-go for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant.
The healthiest vegan protein usually contains the following:
- A good amount of all essential amino acids
- Low sugar
- Low carbohydrate
- All organic ingredients
The final say
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.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24670946/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4190484/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28919842
- https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8
- https://www.nutrition.org.uk/healthy-sustainable-diets/protein/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4586535/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3529694/
- https://www.carolinerobertson.com.au/uploads/1/0/0/8/10080309/wbg161_054-057_plant_protein.pdf
- https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/nutritional/lactose-intolerance
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7400098/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4190484/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12831698/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4258944/
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