For a long time, whey protein reigned supreme in my kitchen. It was easy to mix, tasted pretty neutral, and aligned perfectly with my love for weightlifting. However, the rise of plant-based options piqued my curiosity. Could I find a vegan protein powder that wasn’t just tolerable, but actually delicious?
As someone who prioritizes both food and fitness, I embarked on a mission to discover the best vegan protein powder available. My journey wasn’t just about finding a supplement; it was about exploring a world of flavors and ingredients that aligned with my values and satisfied my taste buds.
Why Choose Vegan Protein Powder?
“Vegan protein powder isn’t just for vegans,” says Taylor Wolfram, MS, LDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist. “It’s a great option for anyone who has trouble digesting animal-based proteins or is concerned about animal welfare and environmental impact.”
Vegan protein powders are derived from various sources like legumes, seeds, and grains. “Powders based on legumes like soy and pea protein generally offer the highest quality and most bioavailable protein,” Wolfram explains.
My Quest for the Best Vegan Protein Powder
My kitchen transformed into a testing lab as I lined up tubs of vanilla protein powder (or the closest approximation I could find). I was determined to find the best-tasting option, putting aside any preconceived notions from my past experiences.
The Top Contenders: Flavor and Texture Take Center Stage
Here’s a breakdown of the brands that stood out, each offering a unique blend of flavors, textures, and nutritional profiles:
Future Kind Organic Vegan Protein Powder
This pea-based protein powder is an excellent starting point for those new to vegan options. It’s mild, subtly sweet, and lives up to its vanilla flavoring. It blended effortlessly in a shaker bottle (a major plus!), delivering 20 grams of protein per 85-calorie serving.
KOS Organic Plant Protein
This USDA-certified organic protein powder boasts an impressive ingredient list, featuring everything from flaxseed and quinoa to shiitake mushrooms and tomato. Although I wasn’t a fan of the stevia-forward flavor, my partner (a notorious protein shake experimenter) enjoyed it with his usual additions.
BEAM Be Amazing Vegan Protein Powder
BEAM takes the crown for innovative and delicious flavors. Their Cinnamon Cereal flavor, a blend of pea, pumpkin seed, and mung bean protein, tastes like the milk at the bottom of a cereal bowl—in the best way possible.
About Time Vegan Protein
About Time’s vanilla protein powder, crafted with pea, brown rice, and pumpkin seed protein, impressed me with its clean flavor and smooth texture. It blended seamlessly into my morning oatmeal, a true testament to its versatility.
Anthony’s Premium Pea Protein
Sometimes, simplicity reigns supreme. Anthony’s Premium Pea Protein, with its single ingredient—pea protein isolate—offers a straightforward and unflavored option that allows for customization and versatility.
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein
This brand is a staple in health food stores, and for good reason. Made with an organic plant formula and a whopping 14 protein sources, it’s a testament to those seeking a truly “raw” and nutrient-rich option.
PlantFusion Complete Protein
This finely milled powder surprised me with its luxurious, creamy texture and subtle sweetness derived from monk fruit, lucuma, and yacon powders. With 21 grams of protein per serving, it’s a blend of pea protein, quinoa, amaranth, artichoke, algae, and BCAAs.
Orgain Organic Protein
Orgain delivers both affordability and taste. This pea, brown rice, and chia blend boasts a surprisingly delicious vanilla flavor, reminiscent of soy milk, and offers 21 grams of protein per 150-calorie serving.
No Cow Protein Powder
Living up to its sleek packaging, No Cow provides a well-balanced vanilla flavor and a smooth texture. Made with pea and brown rice protein, each 130-calorie serving contains 22 grams of protein.
Vega Sport Premium Protein
This brand caters to the “lift heavy, eat clean” crowd with its potent 30 grams of protein per 160-calorie serving. Made from pea, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, and alfalfa, it offers a surprisingly smooth and rich flavor.
Bowmar Nutrition Vegan Protein
Bowmar’s Cookies & Cream flavor surprised me with its deliciousness. It blends well, leaving behind pleasant cookie crumbles, and boasts 20 grams of protein per 100-calorie serving.
OWYN Plant Protein Powder
OWYN’s vanilla protein powder stands for “Only What You Need,” and it delivers on its promise. With 20 grams of protein from pea, pumpkin, and chia, it blends into a decadent, egg cream-like beverage that’s both indulgent and nutritious.
Conclusion: Embracing the Versatility of Vegan Protein Powder
My journey through the world of vegan protein powders was an eye-opening experience. From mild and neutral to surprisingly decadent, each brand offered a unique take on plant-based protein. Remember, finding the best vegan protein powder is subjective—it’s about what tastes good to you and fits your dietary needs and preferences.
Have you tried any of these vegan protein powders? Share your experience and your favorite ways to enjoy them in the comments below.
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