Best Tasting Vegan Protein Powder of 2023
What according to you matters the most while finding the best vegan protein powder? The Amino-acid profile? Mixability? Cost per serving? Protein to carb ratio? Easy digestibility? Presence of sweeteners or preservatives? While all of these factors may have some influence when you’re trying to narrow down on a plant-based protein powder, the top selling point for most people still seems to be the taste.
Well, rightly so! What good is a perfect blend of all essential amino acids that you’ve to cover your nostrils to gulp down?You know protein powders aren’t known to taste all that great. With limited natural flavoring substances to incorporate in order to keep their ingredient profile clean, vegan protein powder manufacturers often have to compromise on the taste aspect.
However, it is also true that no opinion is absolute when it comes to the taste of something. Taste is fairly subjective, isn’t it? Today, I’m going to share with you all a list of the best tasting vegan protein powders that I’ve discovered through the years. Because I understand the joy of finally getting your hands on a vegan protein powder that tastes good.
I have also ensured to only include the ones that are minimally processed, are fully transparent about their ingredients and cause no harm to animals at any stage of production.
Aren’t these the very boxes that you want your plant-based protein shake to check?
The 7 Best Tasting Plant Based Protein Powders
1. Future Kind Organic Vegan Protein Powder
Clean, green and healthy; the company uses these exact terms to describe their Vegan pea protein powder to their customers. While I agree with them, I kind of see a lack of emphasis on the taste factor.
They ought to be trying to make it a selling point too; because this one is hands down, the best tasting pea protein powder I’ve tried in a while!
I personally like this brand a lot. They’re a truly vegan company through and through, manufacture in the USA, have a clean ingredient profile for all of their supplements and genuinely care about the environment (reflects in their eco-friendly packaging standards).
Coming back to our point of interest, the protein powder comes in two different flavors, both equally delicious. Both variants are sugar-free and give you 20 grams of easily digestible plant-based protein per serving.
Also, being sourced from peas which happen to be naturally rich in iron, each serving of this vegan protein powder lends you up to 40% of your recommended daily iron intake! An absolute win for vegans in my opinion.
PROS —
- Free of artificial sweeteners
- Is easily digested
- Rich in Iron
- Eco-friendly packaging
CONS —
- Pea protein is argued to lack in methionine
2. Snap Supplements Plant Protein Powder with Nitric Oxide
Addressing the minor cons of some protein powders below, the snap supplements plant protein powder brings together brown rice, peas and lentils to pack all 9-essential amino acids in the right proportions.
The usual con of plant-based proteins being ‘incomplete’ is effectively taken care of. One serving of the snap supplements plant protein powder gives you 21 grams of balanced plant protein, helping you in post workout recovery and promoting muscle growth.
I’ve only tried this one very recently and found it to be really good in taste. Easily one of the best tasting plant-based protein powders I’ve tried. The company manufactures the supplement as three different variants, namely banana, chocolate and vanilla flavors. Each of these are sweetened with stevia, a natural sweetener and hence, are free from artificial flavors and preservatives.
Further, users have reported that this vegan protein powder makes smooth shakes and doesn’t have that gritty texture and I can confirm. So much for a reasonable price, we just might have a winner here.
PROS —
- Complete amino acid profile
- Sweetened with stevia, a natural sweetener
- Doesn’t have the usual chalky texture
CONS —
- Stevia sweetened drinks have an after tastes that you may dislike
3. Naked Nutrition Pea Protein Powder
Honest to their name, naked nutrition supplements have absolutely nothing to hide about their ingredients. They’re the one to go for if you happen to have a sensitive digestive system and just can’t tolerate the sweeteners, preservatives and artificial flavors that come with other protein powders.
The naked pea, an easily digestible plant-based protein is a single-ingredient supplement; giving it enough credibility in eyes of allergic plant-based fitness enthusiasts.
The company sources the protein from organically grown yellow peas, lending the supplement a superior amino-acid profile and a high iron content. Being manufactured as three different variants, you have the option to choose from unflavored, vanilla and chocolate flavored 100% vegan-friendly protein powder supplements.
Goes without saying that the unflavored variant isn’t the crowd-pleaser we’re looking for. On the other hand, both chocolate and vanilla flavors pass the taste check. Recommended to anyone looking for a plant based protein powder that tastes good.
Each 30 gram serving gives you an impressive 27 grams of protein with negligible carbs and fats. Pretty clean nutrient profile for anyone trying to lose a few pounds while keeping their hard-earned muscle mass.
PROS —
- 27 grams of easily digestible protein per serving
- Non-GMO ingredients
- No Artificial flavours
CONS —
- Low in methionine, needs to be combined with a rice protein
4. Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
This one right here takes me back in time. It happens to be the first protein powder I ever tried that was suggested by a close friend. I was fascinated to see and feel the mind-boggling difference between vegan protein powders and normal protein powders.
It is gluten free and soy free. So for those who are allergic to soy, it will serve as the best plant-based protein powder ever made.
Coming to our point of interest, the taste is heavenly and you will enjoy drinking every sip; and you might even be tempted to increase your serving size.
My past self would’ve easily labelled it to be the best tasting vegan protein powder. Now, I like some others betters but this one goes down as the OG! There is no added sugar unlike what animal whey serves you. You get your organic protein from hemp, brown rice, chia and pea.
All the aforesaid happens to be immensely rich in protein and constitute the healthiest components in flora. It makes delightful shakes when mixed with vegan milk alternatives. To get this protein powder at best rate do look for it during black Friday sale for vegan protein.
PROS —
- Highly rated by existing users
- Has a good taste
- Superior amino-acid profile
CONS —
- Chalky texture
5. Vega Essential Plant-Based Protein Powder
“Tastes great and vegan”, says dave when sharing his first thoughts about the Vega Sport Vegan Chocolate Protein Powder. Isn’t these the very aspects we’re looking for, today? A plant-based protein powder that tastes good! With my personal experience too, I can confidently get behind it.
The plant protein powder mixes very well, has a smooth texture and isn’t overly sweet unlike some. Flavored with cocoa powder and stevia extract, this one hits the taste buds at just the right spot.
I’ve tried making smoothies using the chocolate variant and those were some of the smoothest in texture I’d had in a while.
Combining pea protein, pumpkin seed protein and sunflower seed protein, this one boasts a complete amino acid profile with all 9 EAAs present. Besides, unlike some other options on this list, you get a respectable 30 gram serving of protein with each scoop. Being easily digested, the Vega Sport Plant based protein powder makes for a tasty post-workout shake
PROS —
- Good mixability
- Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals
- Vegan certified
- Non GMO ingredients
CONS —
- A little on the costlier side
6. PlantFusion Complete Plant Based Pea Protein Powder
Towards a leaner protein to carb ratio, the Plant fusion complete pea protein powder is a tasty vegan protein powder for those looking to pinch calories. Further benefits that the brand boasts include easy digestibility owing to the enzyme fortification and a complete amino acid profile.
And naturally, without any added preservatives or artificial sweeteners, this one certainly happens to be one of the best tasting plant based protein powders on this list.
PlantFusion came into my life right then and I must say it was a delightful find. It will give you ample energy for working muscles and facilitate muscle growth. L-glutamine present in it will channelize your immune system, keep you fit and healthy and make sure you stay away from diseases.
PROS —
- Complete plant protein
- Several flavors to choose from
- No rice or soy
CONS —
- Makes a lot of froth sometimes
Recommended:How To Gain Muscle Mass As A Vegan Ectomorph
7. Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein
Comes straight from the Garden of Life is an exhilarating protein powder that not only tastes good but also packs in energy – all from raw ingredients. If you are aware of how much protein raw organic sprouted things have, you will be excited to find out that raw sprouted stuff makes this protein powder.
Churned with all the good stuff that your body needs, this is vegan protein smoothie you should be having on a daily basis whilst you pick up those dumbbells.
PROS —
- 22 gram protein per serving
- Fortified with probiotics
- Tastes good
CONS —
- Has a grainy texture
Buying the Best Tasting Vegan Protein Powder – A Comprehensive Guide
Adopting the vegan lifestyle can offer many benefits to human health. While people often have this misconception that being vegan means cutting off several food choices and basically missing out on good stuff, let me assure you, it is not. While there may not be any animal product involved in your daily diet, there are many vegan options that provide similar or more benefits in comparison. Plus, who can deny, vegan food is indeed very delicious.
To begin with, going vegan was the best decision in my life, and ever since I adopted this lifestyle, I switched everything, starting from my makeup, clothes, food habits, etc., to vegan-friendly materials.
Although I was not born a vegan, I did my research over the years, and when I found out about the cruel actions of humankind to nature and the animals, I could not resist myself from contributing my part for whatever little I could do to save the planet. I can’t deny, I feel like my body has become more active, fresh, and better since that day.
However, many people find it difficult to look for proper options when they go vegan hunting to buy available food options. This also includes people like me, who love to go to the gym and work out but find it difficult to select the best vegan protein powder available in the market. Even tougher of a job, getting your hands on a plant based protein powder that tastes good!
Hence, follow through my blog to find out my tricks and tips in order to select the best tasting vegan protein powder for yourself and educate as many people as you meet on the go.
Different Plant-based Proteins to Consider
1. Pea Protein
Pea protein-based supplement powder is made by extracting protein from yellow and green peas. Due to its hypoallergenic and vegan qualities, pea protein is a great fit for people adopting the vegan lifestyle.
Interestingly, it is not only an excellent source of high-quality protein but also an equally great source of iron that helps in weight loss, good heart health, and proper muscle growth. Additionally, they work well with any given diet and are highly beneficial for overall growth.
2. Rice Protein
Now, rice protein is awfully popular among skincare and hair care products due to the amino acids present in it. These amino acids are popularly known to protect the body from high sugar and blood pressure levels. Often rice protein is used as a substitute for milk to feed infants, who may be allergic to cow’s milk.
As a formula, rice protein is usually broken down into simpler particles, and additional necessary nutrients are added to it to make it a complete source of nutrients.
3. Soy Protein
Soy is the best source of protein and offers many health benefits as well. Soy helps in controlling bad cholesterol, weight loss, and good heart health. Soy is also believed to have the capabilities to reduce the chances of cancer; however, there is no research available yet to back this statement.
4. Hemp Protein
Hemp protein is an excellent source of plant-based protein and is derived from the cannabis plant. It is a rich source of protein and fiber that helps in boosting immunity and keeping bad cholesterol and saturated fats far away.
Hemp protein is also a great source of amino acids, which helps to regulate the nervous system, repair muscle cells and monitor brain functions. Hemp seeds are rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 that help to protect and regulate the proper functioning of your heart.
5. Mixed Proteins
Mixed protein foods often result in the provision of a better amino acid balanced diet, minimizing the tendencies to develop a particular amino acid deficiency and attributing to improving the overall health of an individual.
Amino acids are responsible for developing a proper body structure and providing strength to an individual, along with building enzymes, a proper immune system, and monitoring healthy hormonal functions. There are 20 amino acids in total, and therefore, fixed protein is a great way to ensure the accurate intake of each one of them.
Animal Protein Vs. Plant Protein
Animal-based protein powders are usually derived from cow’s milk which, as we all know, can be difficult to digest sometimes. However, vegan protein powders do not contain dairy or soy. This means that people who are lactose intolerant can easily opt for vegan protein powders.
Since normal whey protein is derived from animal byproducts, it is often observed that people are likely to get infected or exposed to certain antibiotics, hormones, or other toxic substances through these animal bodies that were previously injected into their bodies. On the contrary, there is no such threat in using vegan protein powders.
While normal protein powders often expose you to certain additives, such as flavors, sweeteners, etc., vegan protein powders are naturally tasty and are available in a variety of types. Normally processed whey protein can strip down its nutritional values, whereas vegan protein is mostly unprocessed.
Vegan protein powders are hypoallergenic and, therefore, are a lot healthier in general. Vegan protein powders are also considered safe to intake in comparison to animal-based protein powders, which often contain harmful elements such as arsenic, lead, etc.
What to Look for While Buying A Vegan Protein Powder?
1. Amino Acid Profile
Most often, the single-source protein powders do not contain all the necessary amino acids required for overall growth and development. Therefore, it results in an incomplete intake of your protein profile. To solve this problem, you can easily opt for the options that come with a blend or mix of different plants and, therefore, provide a proper and complete protein profile for your healthy body.
2. Source of Ingredients
As they say, you are what you eat; it is important to learn about every single ingredient that you put into your body. Similarly, it is equally important to understand the sources of the ingredients of your protein powder.
Things that you must look for while going through the ingredients list are artificial coloring, artificial flavors, synthetic sweeteners, etc. You must also avoid coconut sugar, agave, sucralose, and brown rice syrup.
As a rule of thumb, always prefer vegan protein powders that have natural sweeteners in them. This also ensures that your plant protein powders actually tastes good and you don’t have a gag reflex every time you gulp down a serving.
3. Protein Per Serving
Another thing to keep in mind is that to keep an eye on the ‘protein per serving.’ Like we discussed previously, many single-source protein powders usually lack the quantity of protein required to provide a healthy nutritional balance. Hence, one must check the ingredients list of the particular product to find out which one serves more at one time.
4. Cost per Serving
While trying to look for the best vegan protein powder in the market, people also usually look for its cost per serving to suit their budget. It is wise to learn about how much nutrition you’re consuming per serving and how much you’re paying for it, which brings us to an old saying, all that glitters is not gold. Often many companies charge more than the nutrition they are offering per serving.
5. Non-GMO, allergen-free ingredient profile
Whether you select a protein source with or without a GMO profile will affect your health accordingly. Using a non-GMO protein intake for your daily dose of good nutrition is usually a better option because, although there has not been any scientific research to prove the statement, the idea of consuming something with extraordinary levels of pesticides may not be very appealing.
Conclusion
It is made up of highly digestible substances and will make sure you bide by a proper digestive diet as it is made up of lots of live probiotics to keep your body in shape.
For different people probiotics may work differently as discussed here. If you are working on a low carb diet, rein in this brilliant vegan shake at once. Have a go at this unique vegan supplement to add to your life with proper nutrients. At the same time keep your taste buds alive.
The sheer power to rule the planet has made us reckless. We do as we please without giving a second thought to our blunt acts. Now that you get a shot at embracing your truest sentient self, it is never too late to start living as a vegan. Start off with the aforementioned magnificent vegan products and pave way for a future bereft of animal cruelty.
