If you’re looking for an easy source of complete protein without the bloat, it might be worth investing in a dairy-free protein blend.
Whether you’re avoiding dairy due to allergies, intolerance or lifestyle choices, the key is to select one that supports your health and fitness goals without compromising on taste or nutrition.
So to get the best advice, we spoke to Myprotein's nutritionist, Jamie Wright, who offers his insights and tips for choosing a good-quality dairy-free protein powder.
Consider the protein source
Dairy-free protein powders are made from a variety of plant-based sources, each with its own benefits. Wright says: “Pea protein is a popular choice due to its high protein content and complete amino acid profile. Rice protein is easy to digest but lower in lysine, so it’s often blended with other proteins”.
Hemp protein is rich in omega-3s but has a grainier texture. “Pumpkin seed and sunflower seed proteins offer a natural source of vitamins and minerals, while soy protein is a complete protein, though some prefer to avoid it due to potential hormonal effects,” he adds.
Check the protein content
Some plant-based powders contain around 15g per serving, while others can have upwards of 25g. Wright says: “If you’re using it post-workout, a higher protein content may be beneficial, whereas a lower amount might be fine for general supplementation.”
Look at the ingredient list
A short ingredient list with recognisable, natural ingredients is usually a good sign. Avoid powders with artificial sweeteners, excessive gums or unnecessary fillers that can cause bloating or digestive discomfort. “If you prefer a flavoured option, check whether it’s naturally sweetened with stevia, monk fruit or coconut sugar,” advises Wright.
Consider digestion and gut health
Some plant-based proteins can be harder to digest, especially if they contain legumes or grains. If you experience bloating or discomfort, opt for a blend with added digestive enzymes or fermented proteins, which can improve absorption.
Think about texture and taste
Wright says: “The biggest complaint with dairy-free protein powders is their texture. Some can be chalky, gritty, or overly thick. If texture matters to you, look for ones with positive reviews regarding mixability. Unflavoured options are also available if you prefer to blend them into smoothies rather than drink them with water.”
Check for third-party testing
Quality matters when it comes to supplements. Choose a protein powder that has been third-party tested for heavy metals, contaminants and accuracy in labelling. Certifications from organisations like Informed-Sport or NSF can provide extra peace of mind.
Match it to your lifestyle
“If you follow a specific diet, make sure the protein powder aligns with your needs,” says Wright. “Some are certified organic, gluten-free or soy-free. Others are designed for specific goals, such as weight loss (with added fibre) or muscle gain (with higher protein content).”
How we tested
To help you choose the best dairy-free protein powder, the ES Best Shopping team tested a variety of options based on the expert input from Myprotein nutritionist, Jamie Wright. We focused on several key factors: protein content, mixability and taste. For each powder, we assessed how well it blended into post-weight training shakes and how it held up when mixed into breakfast oats.
We also paid close attention to the texture (was it smooth or gritty?) and the flavour (was it too sweet, too bland, or just right?). Additionally, we considered how each powder made us feel in terms of energy levels and digestion, so it met our health and fitness goals without causing any discomfort.
Read on for more.
Myprotein Impact Pea Protein
This pea protein supplement from Myprotein is low in fat and only 116 calories per serving, making it a great option for anyone focused on their fitness goals without compromising on flavour.
Unlike many protein powders, it contains no added sugar, which I really appreciate. The flavour options, such as sweet strawberry and salted caramel, blend well into smoothies and shakes and offer variety if you fancy trying out a few different flavour options.
Buy now £38.49, Myprotein
ESN Vegan Designer Protein Powder with Soy
Made primarily from soy, this protein powder delivers a smooth texture, rich flavour and a complete amino acid profile, making it a reliable choice for muscle building and maintenance. Each serving provides up to 24g of protein, including 2 to 3g of leucine from soy and an additional 3g of leucine for optimal muscle support.
Not just for shakes, this protein powder is incredibly versatile; stir it into porridge, blend it into smoothies, or even use it in baking for a high-protein boost. With no added sugars and a focus on quality ingredients, it’s perfect for anyone aiming to meet their daily protein needs, whether during a training phase or while dieting.
Buy now £32.99, Amazon
Warrior Fruity Clear Whey Isolate
One of the most popular options around, the Warrior Fruity Clear Whey Isolate has 25g of protein per serving and comes in a range of vibrant flavours including Blue Raspberry, Fruit Punch, Pineapple and Sour Apple.
It was designed to offer a fruity new twist without the heavy style of traditional protein: best for when you want a rapid digesting protein to hit without the bloat and in a nice, easy-to-drink, hydrating fruit taste.
Buy now £15.89, Amazon
Bio-Synergy Lean and Green
A favourite with professional athletes including David Coulthard and James Cracknell, Bio-Synergy has been creating sports supplements and well-being products since 1997. They have since supplied everyone from the Commonwealth Games to the British & Irish Lions so you’re in good company as you sip.
The vegan protein powder is unlike many others as it’s entirely free from soya and hemp but packs in 22g of protein from pea, buckwheat and brown rice proteins. Each 30g serving also has 2.3g fat, no sugar and just 104 calories, with L-glutamine for its amino acid profile.
Available in peanut, chocolate and mint and butterscotch flavours, it smells so good, we found it hard to believe it wasn’t chock-full of calories. The mint chocolate (almost!) made us feel like we were tucking into ice cream but we found the peanut the most versatile, particularly in smoothies and even in baking.
If you’re not keen on drinking protein powder mixed with water, this is a game-changer.
Buy now £34.99, Decathlon
Welle Co Nourishing Protein
Naturally, we’re willing to try anything to help us look even vaguely like supermodel Elle Macpherson. This protein powder from her beauty and wellness brand sadly can’t work miracles but is at least packed with good stuff including pre and probiotics, B vitamins and herbal extracts.
A blend of plant-based proteins including pea and sprouted brown rice provides just over 20g of protein per serving with all nine essential amino acids needed for muscle recovery. It’s available in chocolate and vanilla flavours and we found it didn’t taste gritty at all, but blended especially well with plant-based milk for a surprisingly satisfying post-workout drink.
It also made a noticeable difference to our mid-morning sugar cravings when we threw it into our breakfast smoothie and it seemed to help reduce bloating too. We’re still waiting to wake up looking like Elle though…
Buy now £29.00, Cult Beauty
Free Soul Vegan Protein Blend
Free Soul’s soy and gluten-free vegan protein powder is formulated specifically for women, and the addition of the vitamin B complex gives this option an extra special edge. Containing thiamin, folic acid, biotin (shown to promote hair growth) riboflavin and vitamins B12 and B6, the concept behind Free Soul is targeted at your mental well-being just as much as your physical.
The metal blender, which can be bought alongside the powder, is also worth the mention as it proved better than anything at keeping our vegan blends chilled and well mixed.
The Vegan Collection makes for a lovely gift and includes a metal shaker, protein powder and two containers of tea for waking up and getting to sleep. It’s all beautifully packaged and whilst protein powder might not naturally conjure thoughts of gifting, the Vegan Collection from Free Soul is a wonderful exception.
It contains pea protein, white hemp protein, maca powder, Siberian ginseng, guarana, calcium, magnesium, flaxseed powder, iron and vitamin B complex.
Buy now £19.99, Free Soul
Supernova Living Life Blend WOMAN 01
Protein powders don’t have to come in giant ugly tubs you need to hide away in the kitchen cupboard. This stylish, understated tube in white and taupe looks more like a high-end beauty product than the typical bodybuilder staple. It’s designed by luxury wellness company Supernova Living which was founded by Premiership footballer Jermaine Beckford and his wife, TV presenter Laura Beckford. Products are developed by a naturopathic nutritionist and catered specifically to either female or male bodies. They are entirely organic and chemical-free.
The women’s protein powder we tested aims to support tired, busy women and delivers a decent 17g of protein from organic brown rice and fermented pea proteins with a full amino acid complex. More unusual ingredients include agave inulin powder to promote digestive health, medicinal mushroom wild Chaga to ease fatigue and enhance skin health and raw camu camu – an Amazonian berry with 60 times more vitamin C than an orange.
Together, they had an almost immediate effect on our energy levels and digestion and helped us feel fuller for longer too. Though it’s flavoured with 18 per cent raw organic cacao, it tasted a little earthy for us when blended with only water, so we’d recommend mixing it with almond or hazelnut milk or adding a scoop to a smoothie with a banana and peanut butter.
Buy now £38.99, Supernova Living
MyProtein Clear Whey Diet
My Protein's Clear Whey Diet is a refreshingly light and impressively juicy alternative to your everyday protein shake. Packed with at least 17g of protein per serving, it's low in sugar and has less than 100 calories per serving.
The powder also has added ingredients including chromium, BioPerine and green tea extract designed to support increased muscle mass without the extra calories. If you're cutting but still need to hit those protein goals, this is a great clear whey protein to plump for.
Buy now £22.36, MyProtein
Battle Ready Fuel Vegan Warrior Protein Powder
This Vegan Warrior protein powder is the brainchild of SAS: Who Dares Wins star Ollie Ollerton, formerly of The UK Special Forces. While we can’t guarantee this will give you his muscles (or steely stamina), it’s a no-frills, does-what-it-says-on-the-tin product that claims to hydrate your body, build muscle and repair damaged muscles and tissues. It includes 10.8g of hydrolysed pea protein per serving, which is designed to be easier for the body to break down and absorb. This is paired with B vitamins, biotin and folic acid to improve metabolism and reduce fatigue.
Though protein content is lower than some other powders we tested, this is a good option if you’re already eating a good diet and don’t want to take on excessive protein, or want to split protein intake over two shakes during the day. It also has one of the lowest calorie contents of all the tested powders at just 51.2 kcal per serving and comes in either lemon & lime flavour or tropical punch with pineapple and grapefruit. Both are flavoured using real fruit juice for a zesty alternative to the more common chocolate and caramel flavours often used in protein powders.
Buy now £24.99, Battle Ready Fuel
Form Nutrition - Superblend Protein Chocolate Salted Caramel
Containing pea, brown rice, hemp and whole algae protein, we couldn’t believe we were drinking something that was actually good for us. We tested the Chocolate Salted Caramel with unsweetened almond milk as well as water and the results were unanimous: Yum. This multi-plant-based formula is so truly delicious we forgot it was actually good for us too.
Ideal as a post-workout recovery drink as well as a mid-afternoon workday boost, we found it helped maintain energy post-workout (and pre-office lunch) while providing that perfect amount of fullness.
Full of amino acids this excellent blend also contains maca and spirulina which have been shown to help manage stress and fatigue. Form also offers a discount on monthly subscription packages if you’re committed to a protein regime. The brand also makes one of the best blender bottles we tried.
Buy now £23.40, Healf
Pulsin Hemp Protein
If flavoured protein drinks aren’t your thing, Pulsin makes a very adaptable unflavoured protein perfect soups, stews and general baking.
Sometimes drinking an entire shake might not fit into your meal plan but adding a scoop or two of Pulsins unflavoured protein powder still provides a wealth of vitamins and minerals without you really knowing it’s there.
It might sound strange but I blend this powder with either oat, almond or rice milk then pour it over cereal. It doesn’t change the flavour of the cereal but makes it a lot more nutritious.
Made with hemp protein and produced from whole seeds cold pressed for superior nutrition. Pulsin also produces an excellent array of flavoured powders with the chocolate option particularly nice and void of any artificial aftertaste.
It is made up of 100 per cent Hemp Protein Powder. Rich in omega 3, fibre and essential vitamins including B1, B3, B6, B9, iron, zinc, copper and manganese.
Buy now £11.00, Holland & Barrett
Wyldsson Vegan Protein - Chocolate
As the top-rated vegan protein powder on Amazon we had high expectations for this one, and in a week-long testing phase filled with haphazard breakfasts and missed lunches it came to the rescue and did not disappoint.
We tried the vanilla flavour as well as the chocolate with both oat and rice milk — the chocolate/oat milk being the clear winner and receiving more mmmmms overall compared to the vanilla.
The taste is chocolatey but the interesting thing about this flavour is that it actually tastes like raw chocolate and not the fake sugary stuff. There is, in fact, no artificial flavours in this one whatsoever.
You get the benefits of organic blend of pea, pumpkin, coconut and sunflower plus an organic fruit blend of dates, strawberry, and banana. Also contains cinnamon and turmeric.
Buy now £28.49, Amazon
Bulk Vegan Protein Powder
Here’s the thing about Bulk Powders vegan line, hands down it’s the best strawberry flavour out there - after a month of mixing and shaking our way towards a healthier lifestyle we can safely say this one takes the non-dairy berry cake. Free from soy and gluten, this low-sugar vegan option has a consistently smooth and silky texture. Add frozen strawberries and suddenly it feels like a dessert.
Not only did it knock out our late afternoon sugar cravings but for a special at-home treat, we used frozen almond milk from our ice tray to blend one heck of a healthy dessert, topped with a bit of vegan rice whip.
Priced at £16.99 for a 500g bag, this is one of the best top-quality options you can afford to get each month.
The contents include pea protein isolate, quinoa flour, brown rice protein, pumpkin protein and flaxseed powder.
Buy now £17.99, Bulk
The Fast 800 Keto Protein Powder
Britain’s unofficial weight loss guru, Dr Michael Mosley revolutionised the diet industry with his best-selling book The Fast Diet. He’s since become a regular face on television and is now on a mission to convert us all to The Fast 800, a programme that combines intermittent fasting with time-restricted eating and a healthy Mediterranean diet for a long-term healthy lifestyle.
There’s also a range of shakes, soups and vitamins to help us along the way. The protein powders in chocolate or vanilla flavours are designed to be especially useful on the diet’s fasting days although anyone can use them. They have no added sugar, artificial additives or preservatives but 22g of protein from peas to help keep you full, build muscle tone and release energy steadily. We could detect a slightly chalky aftertaste when we mixed with just water, but the chocolate flavour worked a treat in smoothies and with Greek yoghurt for an easy hit of protein whenever it’s needed.
Buy now £22.99, The Fast 800
Verdict
We chose Myprotein Impact Pea Protein as our favourite dairy-free protein because the flavours are genuinely delicious, the texture is smooth, and it doesn’t cause any bloating or have that odd aftertaste some plant-based proteins do. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a great-tasting, gut-friendly option.
