Budget-Friendly Cheap & Affordable Vegan Protein Powder
Protein has always been an essential part of our daily diet. It’s necessary that we take in a certain healthy amount of protein with our daily diets to maintain good equilibrium in our bodies. For the vegan community, natural protein sources often become a challenge to come by.
To add to it, rich vegan protein sources are often incomplete in nature. Not disregarding the multiple benefits of vegan protein though. However, this notion of inadequacy cannot entail a protein deficit. Currently, with the booming vegan market, cheap vegan protein powders have made a name for themselves.
They are available in various forms, doses, and flavors, and they serve a singular purpose: to ensure that your body gets a healthy dose of protein every day.
Affordable vegan protein powders are one of the best ways for bodybuilders who are preparing their own vegan meals to optimize the nutritional intake. Packed with antioxidants and fiber, they are great for our gut health. While the benefits of vegan protein powders are many, they are never with losing a fortune.
This article has listed the 5 best affordable vegan protein powders in the market.
5 of the Cheapest Vegan Protein Powders
1. Anthony’s Premium Pea Protein
One of the best affordable protein powders is Anthony’s Premium Pea Protein. It is an unflavored pea protein made solely from yellow pea protein isolate, singularly sourced from Canada and then packed in California.
When juxtaposed with other protein powders with the same protein value per dollar, this one is available in a small 2Ib container, without any need to go for huge expensive tubs.
With a fairly minimalistic approach and a focus on offering trustworthy and pure products, this company does not include any flavors, additives, or sweeteners in its vegan protein powders.
This also makes their product more affordable, with maximum protein per serving. This can be a great alternative for those with celiac or gluten intolerance.
It is batch-tested and 100% certified gluten-free. It is also marketed as a no cross-contamination product. Note that since it only contains pea protein isolate, there isn’t much of a taste per se. You can add it to smoothies, soups, or baked goods to make good use of it.
PROS —
- Dissolves easily
- Natural plant-based protein source
- Non-GMO
- Certified Gluten-free
CONS —
- Doesn’t have much of a taste
2. Bulk Supplements Pea Protein Isolate
One of the best affordable vegan protein powders in the market, this is made solely from pea protein and is an amino acid-rich clean, and natural dietary addition.
It supports muscle growth and recovery following a strenuous workout. It contains no additives and has been thoroughly tested in the laboratory. With 21 g of protein per 30 g of serving, it is priced in a way that keeps it an available option for all.
The powder is unflavored, so feel free to add it to baking and smoothies. This is a great budget-friendly alternative, and this one has been a household name in the vegan community. The fact that it includes the complete amino acid profile is a cherry on top.
PROS —
- Free from fillers
- Extremely budget-friendly
- Unflavored and can be added to other food items
CONS —
- Does not have any discernible taste
- 450 mg sodium per serving
3. Zammex 100% Planted Based Organic Pea Protein Powder
Zammex Nutrition’s HydroPea Protein is yet another highly affordable vegan protein powder made from a single ingredient: 100% pure yellow pea protein. It is a smooth, hydrolyzed, ultra-soluble vegan protein made from raw peas from Canada.
The company uses its own patented technology to hyperhydrolyze the protein powder. This helps eliminate the grainy texture characteristic of plant-based protein powders.
It is a 100% natural product with no artificial ingredients or chemicals used in the manufacturing process. It is completely non-GMO and gluten-free.
PROS —
- 100% vegan
- Climate-friendly
- Hyperhydrolyzed pea protein technology
CONS —
- Not organic
4. NOW Sports Nutrition Organic Pea Protein
Now Sports has confidently curated an extremely minimalist, affordable vegan protein powder containing but one ingredient: pea protein.
This affordable vegan protein powder is lactose, gluten, additives, artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors-free.
The powder is largely unflavored and natural tasting and goes on to mix well with any liquid. It dissolves and digests easily within our bodies.
It is a complete source of protein, with all 9 amino acids being present in it. Throw it in some smoothies or baked goods, and you are good to go!
PROS —
- Made from 100% pea protein
- Contains 24g of protein
- Includes BCAAs, which are beneficial for building muscles
- Over 4,200 mg of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)
- Over 2,000 mg of L-Arginine.
CONS —
- Unflavored
5. True Nutrition Pea Protein Powder Isolate
The True Nutrition Pea Protein Isolate powder is similar to the products mentioned earlier in numerous ways, including its affordability. However, its unique features set it apart from the rest.
The company takes a rather minimalistic approach with the inclusion of one but one ingredient: 100% non-GMO pea protein isolate.
The fact that there is no extensive list of preservatives, sweeteners, or colorings, all you are putting in your system is a ton of natural plant ingredients, which are more often than not extremely helpful to us.
PROS —
- Made from high-quality ingredients
- Encourages lean-muscle building and a more strenuous workout
- Budget-friendly
CONS —
- Only available on the True Nutrition website
How to Find the Best Affordable Vegan Protein Powder | Buying Guide
Narrowing down on the Cheapest Vegan Protein Powder | The Math
Searching for the cheapest plant protein powder is the same as trying to get your hands on the lowest price point for the biggest jar available. However, supplement companies tend to use numerous techniques and tactics to confuse their customer base into thinking they are getting the best deal out of their purchase.
The factors that matter in deciding the integrity of the protein powders are the value for money measured in terms of the number of servings per container and the amount of protein in each serving.
How can you objectively compare all the available brands and find out which one is the best shot? Simply calculating the amount of protein per dollar will give you a consistent metric to measure the value for money.
Here’s the basic formulae:
Protein per serving • Servings per container / Price
For instance. if a product has 30 servings per container, including 25 grams of protein per serving, and costs $29, the protein per dollar amount is 2590 / 29 = 25.9 gig
Other Factors to Consider While Selecting the Best Value Vegan Protein Powder
1. Calorie to Protein Ratio
This is a rather important thing to take note of while making a decision about protein powders. Always see the calorie to protein ratio and understand from the labels if the protein is lean enough. If a lot of fat or carbs contribute to an elevated calorie count, it might not be the best choice.
2. Taste
Hemp protein, soy protein, pea protein, rice protein, all have their typical taste when unflavored. Artificial flavors added to them later on give them their taste. The fact of the matter is that most budget protein powders are usually unflavored. This can be a bummer if you like a little taste of your supplements.
No need to worry as there are tasty vegan protein powder available in market but unflavored protein powders are the best option if you want to throw them in some smoothies or baked goods. Simply turn your protein powder into a delicious milkshake with some nut butter and fruits.
3. Mixability
It’s true that nobody likes a lumpy protein shake, so always ensure you get yourself a protein powder that mixes well into the ingredients. If you plan to prepare your protein shake on the go, having a powder that mixes well is essential. Of course, if you decide to use a blender or a shaker, you might be on the safe side completely.
4. Digestion
If you have been looking up supplements and powders to make up for your dietary deficiencies, one of the most common complaints you will come across in customer reviews is their stomach issues caused by these products.
Digestion is crucial for dietary supplements; not all products will suit your stomach, and if they do not go well together, you might experience numerous kinds of stomach upset. Hence, it is best to consult with a physician or dietitian before making the call.
Closing Thoughts
Here’s the takeaway: Beware as numerous companies market their product in a vegan-friendly way, only to be found out later that they are not even organic, to begin with.
That aside, always try to consult with a physician about which protein powders will be the best for you. If you are a little low on budget, the Bulk Supplements Pea Protein powder is a great affordable yet efficient option when compared as per protein per dollar value. Simply throw in some in your daily breakfast or other meals, and you will be having a nutritious and tasty meal or drink.
