Finding the right protein powder can be an endless maze of conflicting reviews, oddly creative flavours and prices similar to a checked piece of luggage.
When it comes to protein powders, vegan or otherwise, the verdict is often split between Well I guess it's not that bad and Why did you make me put this in my mouth? By the time you've added honey, frozen berries and milk alternative, you are left with a mostly tasty, entirely healthy beverage that you probably still have to force yourself finish. Sound familiar?
Between confusing ingredients and superpower like health claims the options seem endless.
Should you get the tub with the large, flexed biceps sweating in neon? Or maybe the one with iridescent font and a symbol that looks like it has something to do with chemistry? And let’s not forget that totally convincing, not-at-all-a-gimmic new flavour called Celebrity Maple Crepe. But before we talk about flavour lets ask why vegan?
Why should you buy a vegan protein powder?
Vegan protein powders are excellent for a variety of reasons. Lower in cholesterol and saturated fat, they are packed with heart healthy plant sterols. Plant based foods also contain a higher pH and tend to have a less acidic effect on the body as well as having a higher level of fibre—unlike animal protein which contain very little.
One of the most common reasons for choosing a vegan protein power is the avoidance of hormones and antibiotics often found in meat and factory farming. Ultimately the ingredients are more straightforward with a clear understanding about what you're actually putting into your body.
So whether you're looking to add lean, healthy mass for training purposes, or perhaps just need a reliable way to add vitamins and protein to your daily routine, we've taken the guesswork out of choosing the perfect vegan protein powder.
Tested on meat eaters, vegetarians and of course vegans, we mixed blended and gulped our way to find the best of the best. Skip the long aisles of pouches and tubs, and get all the plant based benefits delivered straight to your door, it’s a small addition to your kitchen with some seriously big benefits.
Pro tip for silky-smooth results: Add 1/3 milk alternative to your glass or shaker before adding the powder. Then add half of the recommended serving, stir or shake (shaking works best) then top with the remaining liquid followed by the last bit of powder. Shake again and serve.
Form Nutrition - Superblend Protein Chocolate Salted Caramel
The all around flavour winner, our testers couldn't believe they were drinking something that was actually good for them. We tested the Chocolate Salted Caramel with unsweetened Almond milk as well as water and the results we 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 has shown to help manage stress and fatigue. Form also offer a discount on monthly subscription packages if you’re committed to a protein regime. They also make one of the best blender bottles we tried.
What’s in it: Pea, brown rice, hemp and whole algae protein.
160 calories with 20g of protein per 40g serving and 8 grams of fibre.
Motion Nutrition - Peanut Butter Protein Shake
Using organic peanuts roasted to reduce the fat to only 12 per cent, by comparison pure peanuts are around 50 per cent fat, Motion Nutrition have concocted a incredibly delicious and very peanuty protein powder. When tested with water it produced a surprisingly thick texture and had an authentic nutty taste.
We also tested it with almond milk and a banana which in the words of one tester created a “dream vegan milkshake” but without the refined sugar and post milkshake guilt. Overall this product delivered excellent taste and texture that went beyond the realm of protein supplement. Discount available when you buy three or more.
The brand has also launched a new sustainable packaging that is entirely free from plastic.
What’s in it: Yellow pea protein, raw pumpkin seed protein, and hemp seed protein. All organic and with whooping levels of amino acid.
97 calories with 17g protein per 25g serving.
Free Soul - Chocolate
This soy and gluten free vegan protein powder is formulated specifically for women, and the addition of the vitamin B complex gives this option from Free Soul an extra special edge. Containing thiamin, folic acid, biotin (shown to promote hair growth) riboflavin and vitamin B12 and B6, the concept behind Free Soul is targeted at you 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.
What's in it: Pea Protein, White Hemp Protein, Maca Powder, Siberian Ginseng, Guarana, Calcium, Magnesium, Flaxseed Powder, Iron, Vitamin B Complex.
160 calories with 20g of protein per 30g serving
Gorilla Juice - Game, Set, Matcha
This pale green powder contains a wide range of superfoods as well as green tea for a little extra oomph. The flavour is surprisingly sweet but without any trace of vanilla or chocolate to help it along.
Blending with almond milk proved to be the most delicious in our office taste test, but several of us noted that rice milk was preferred when fruit was added as it made the thickness goldielocks perfect—not too thin, not too thick.
Certified by the Vegan Society and made in the UK, Gorilla Juice also offer their superfood protein powder in Strawberry Shebang and Caramel Latte Crush.
But it's the Game, Set, Matcha that has won us over. A protein powder that doesn't try to taste like a candy car but maintains a level this tasty definitely gets our vote.
What's in it: Pea and brown rice protein powder, broccoli, spinach, watercress, green kale, yucca root, garden herbs, avocado and matcha (green tea) powder.
18g of Premium Protein In Every 25g Serving
Supernova Protein Man 02 - Chocolate
Targeted at men, Supernova vegan protein powder has some of the most specialised ingredients out there - the only flavouring in this variety is raw organic Peruvian cacao. Impressed? So were we.
Full of adaptogens, which are essentially herbal pharmaceuticals, Supernova's vegan protein contains superfoods such as black maca and medicinal mushroom cordyceps, an immune system booster of the highest order. The flavour is pleasant with no trace of any fake sweetener - thank you Peruvian cacao. Bonus: you can pick this one up on Amazon prime.
What's in it: Fermented Pea protein (from organically grown peas), Organic Brown Rice protein, Raw Organic Cacao, Organic Ashwagandha, Organic Black Maca, Raw Organic Camu Camu, Raw Organic Agave Inulin, Premium MSM (biologically active sulphur) Schisandra Berry, Organic Cordyceps, Stevia Plant.
109 calories with 17g of protein per 30g serving.
Bulk Powders - Strawberry
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 and
Priced at £15 for a 500g bag, this is one of the best top quality options you can afford to get each month.
What's in it: Pea Protein Isolate, Quinoa Flour, Brown Rice Protein, Pumpkin Protein and Flaxseed Powder
130 calories with 23g protein per 35g serving.
Nuzest - Vanilla
Our favourite from the Nuzest line easily goes to the smooth Vanilla. Similar to the flavour of vanilla bean ice cream this golden pea based protein from Nuzest was surprising flavourful when mixed with everything from water to almond and soy milk.
Our favourite combo was chilled almond milk with just a touch of mint. Great for those with a sweet tooth who want to skip on the sugar without compromising the taste.
What’s in it: European pea protein isolate, natural vanilla flavour and katemfe fruit extract.
90 calories 21g of protein per 25g serving
Pulsin Pure Protein - Unflavoured
If flavoured protein drinks aren’t your thing Pulsin make a very adaptable unflavoured protein perfect soups, stews and general baking.
Sometimes drinking an entire shake might not fit into you 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 produce an excellent array of flavoured powders with the chocolate option particularly nice and void of any artificial aftertaste.
What’s in it: 100% Hemp Protein Powder. Rich in omega 3, fibre and essential vitamins including B1, B3, B6, B9, Iron, Zinc, Copper and Manganese.
88 calories with 12.5g protein per 25g serving
PhD Protein Superfood - Berry
Combining super leafy greens with lean plant based protein PhD protein contains some serious superfood. We tried the berry flavour with both water and oat milk with a shock win towards the water only option which seemed to concentrate the flavour.
Sweet potato, pumpkin and quinoa are part of what makes this protein powder a great all around option for healthy living. With a clean natural taste containing less than 1g of sugar per 25g serving PhD protein is excellent for both post exercise routines as well as appetite control.
What’s in it: Blend of brown rice, pea and hemp protein with yerba mate, matcha tea, goji, acai, baobab & pomegranate powders.
95 calories with 14g of protein per 25g serving
Vega Essential Nutritional Powder - Vanilla
This multi plant source protein powder was one of the easiest to blend delivering silky, smooth delicious results. Vega is made from both real fruits and vegetables is high in minerals and contains 13 essential vitamins.
Containing mostly pea protein the vanilla option is also a great addition to baking by swapping 1/8 to 1/4 of the flour in your favourite recipe. We tried it out in a banana bread recipe and found no difference in flavour and with an added kick of protein and vitamins it was an easy way to inject some healthy benefits in your favourite bakes and cakes. Currently 25 per cent off online from Holland & Barrett.
What’s in it: Blend of pea, flaxseed and hemp as well as leafy greens and green algae.
133 calories with 20g of protein per 34g serving
Wyldsson Vegan Protein - Chocolate Orange
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 orange chocolate with both oat and rice milk — the orange and chocolate/oat milk being the clear winner and receiving more mmmmms overall compared to the vanilla.
The taste is more choc than orange but the interesting thing about this flavour is that it actually tastes like raw chocolate and not the fake sugary stuff. There is, infact, no artificial flavours in this one whatsoever.
What’s in it: Organic blend of pea, pumpkin and sunflower plus an organic fruit blend of dates, strawberry, baobab, and banana. Also contains cinnamon and turmeric, reduced fat cocoa, flax and chicory root fibre.
20g Protein, 3.7g Fibre, 153 Cals per 40g serving
Verdict:
The chocolate salted caramel option from Form Nutrition takes our top pick based on excellent ingredients and unparalleled taste. The organic roasted peanut option from Motion Nutrition was neck and neck in our taste tests, and makes for a wonderfully nutty shake.
