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Our favorite vegan protein powders are third-party tested and taste great muscle isolate protein
Isabel Vasquez is a freelance writer and bilingual registered dietitian practicing from an intuitive eating, culturally sensitive framework.
Vegan protein powders are made of protein sourced from plants—think peas, hemp, rice, and soy—so they skip animal-based ingredients like whey or casein. This makes them a perfect choice if you follow a plant-based diet or experience bloating from animal-based proteins. Supplementing with protein can also help if you struggle to eat enough protein, are always on the go, or exercise regularly. According to Mary Wirtz, MS, RD, CSSD, a board-certified sports dietitian, it’s one of the easiest, most affordable ways to pack in extra protein—especially after a workout to help with muscle recovery.
But not all protein powders are created equal, so we dug deep. We considered different plant sources, ingredients, and third-party testing certifications. After testing more than 60 different protein powders for taste, texture, smell, and mixability in our lab, we've narrowed it down to the 10 Best Vegan Protein Powders on the market.
One of the debates surrounding vegan protein powder is whether it is as good as whey. A common misconception about vegan protein powder is that it lacks all the essential amino acids that whey does, making it less effective. However, many vegan protein powders actually do contain all nine essential amino acids, making them complete protein sources.
It's also important to remember that vegan protein powders are made from plants and can collect and absorb nutrients, such as metals, from the soil they're grown in. That’s why we recommend choosing ones that have been third-party tested for heavy metals and contaminants.
Last but not least, taste matters! Some of my current favorites are our Best Overall pick, Ritual Daily Shake, and our Best Vanilla pick, Sprout Living Epic Protein. Both taste great in smoothies and are not overly sweet. For chocolate peanut butter fans, KOS Organic Protein (our Best Texture pick) scored high points with our testers for its flavor and smooth consistency.
—Amy Fischer, MS, RD, CDN, senior nutrition editor for Health.com
Dietary supplements are minimally regulated by the FDA and may or may not be suitable for you. They also may interact with other supplements or medications you are taking. Our team of medical experts reviews supplements according to our rigorous dietary supplement methodology. We also had a registered dietitian review this page for its scientific accuracy. Please always speak with a healthcare provider to discuss any supplements you plan on taking.
We love that Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ pea-based protein powder is not only third-party tested but also delicious. It blended well with other ingredients and made a thick, pleasant, creamy smoothie. The flavor isn't overpowering and has a slight sweetness. One of our testers found this is very smooth, has no aftertaste, and tastes more like a treat.
This protein powder is higher in calcium and choline than other vegan protein powders. Choline is a key nutrient for brain health, and calcium helps promote bone strength, which can be especially important in lowering the risk of osteoporosis as we age. We love the thoughtful, research-backed nutrients in this powder. We also appreciate that Ritual has a Daily Shake Pregnancy & Postpartum blend with the same delicious taste and ingredient quality we love.
When a product is third-party tested, you know that the product is not contaminated with high levels of heavy metals or other harmful contaminants. This protein powder is both Informed Protein certified and Informed Sport certified, meaning it has been tested to ensure its protein content is accurate and doesn’t contain any banned substances for athletes. Plus, all of the ingredients in this product are traceable, meaning you can check their website to see exactly where the ingredients are sourced from.
If you're mixing this protein powder with just water, you might notice a bit of an artificial vanilla taste, but this isn't present when mixed with any sort of milk - plant-based included.
If you’re looking for a protein powder that blends perfectly without a blender, we recommend KOS Organic Plant Protein. Throw a scoop of this in a shaker bottle, and you have a great-tasting shake without the added fuss. We love that this blend has no grittiness, and you can't tell it's a vegan option, unlike some others where that earthy flavor is overwhelming. Plus, this has no aftertaste.
The main protein in this 5-protein blend is pea protein. This is a complete protein, which means it contains all nine essential amino acids that our body can’t produce on its own. You get 20 grams of quality protein and each serving also includes an impressive 30% DV of Iron. Iron is needed for the transport of oxygen throughout your body, including muscle cells.
KOS contains a fruit and veggie blend and a vitamin and mineral blend, providing a boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is USDA Organic and non-GMO certified and free of soy, gluten, artificial sweeteners, and colors.
This protein contains a probiotic blend that isn't necessary for everyone. It is also higher in sodium compared to some other choices, with a 16% Daily Value per serving; though this could be helpful for replacing electrolytes after exercise, as sodium is lost in sweat. However, some may not want or need the higher sodium level.
Sprout Living’s Epic Protein Vanilla Lucuma Powder uses its plant protein blend mixed with vanilla lucuma blend to make a tasty, protein-packed powder. This supplement is third-party tested for ingredient amounts and safe levels of heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury.
In our testing, we were pleased with the delightful taste of this protein powder—it scored some of the highest ratings for taste. It is subtly sweet even when just mixed with water. The lucuma and baobab fruit, cinnamon, ginger root, and vanilla bean give it a creamy and spiced flavor that is unique compared to your traditional vanilla.
We also like that each serving has 20 grams of protein and 30% DV of iron from a blend of yellow peas, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sacha inchi, and cranberry seeds. This supplement is also a good source of vitamin C (30% DV). This is note-worthy because vitamin C can help absorb iron more effectively, is needed to make collagen, and is an antioxidant.
One of the sources of fiber—Jerusalem artichoke—may cause some digestive discomfort, like bloating, for those who are sensitive to inulin or who follow a low FODMAP diet for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Soy is another good vegan protein source, and Now Sports won our top spot for soy protein because it has one simple ingredient–soy protein isolate. It also has strong third-party testing, as it is Informed Sport certified. It contains 20 grams of protein per serving and is lower in sodium than many competitors, with only 7% Daily Value (DV) of sodium per serving. We also like that it’s a good source of calcium and iron, with one serving providing 15% DV each for calcium and iron.
You may have heard about the fears of phytoestrogens with soy, but research suggests soy is generally safe and may even benefit heart health. This is through its ability to significantly reduce total and LDL cholesterol, or "bad" cholesterol." So, if you're not a fan of the more common pea protein as a vegan option, this pick could be a good fit for you.
If you aren’t a big fan of the taste of soy, then this may not be your ideal protein powder because we found the soy taste to be quite noticeable even when mixed into a smoothie. We tested the unflavored option, but Now Sports also has soy protein powder in chocolate and vanilla flavors.
Typically, vegan protein powders tend to have higher amounts of fiber in comparison to whey-based proteins, but unfortunately, this one doesn't have any fiber. If you blend it in a smoothie, make sure to add some fruit, leafy greens, chia seeds, or ground flaxseeds to increase the fiber content.
NorCal Organic’s pea protein powder contains one simple ingredient–organic yellow pea protein isolate. Some competitors’ pea protein powders have a strong, earthy taste that can be off-putting, but we found that this one had a more mild flavor. So, if you’re looking for a vegan protein boost in your favorite baked goods or oatmeal, this could be a great option. It blends smoothly so it won't leave any clumps, especially in your baking.
We love that this protein powder is low in sodium, with only 4% Daily Value per serving, and each serving has 22 grams of protein. However, if you're an athlete looking to replenish sodium and get adequate protein after a sweaty workout, you may want to consider adding electrolytes to your post-workout shake as well.
This powder can be a good option if you have a common food allergy, as it is free of dairy, gluten, and soy. The peas are sustainably sourced from Canadian organic farms, and the company reports third-party testing of their supplements.
The package indicates this powder has been third-party tested, but we don’t see specifics on their testing processes, just that an independent lab is used.
Nutiva’s Organic Cold-pressed Raw Hemp Seed Protein Powder is third-party tested and tastes pleasant when mixed into a smoothie. It is lower in protein than some alternatives, with 15 grams per serving, but it is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. It also has the bonus of being a good source of fiber—including six grams per serving. Fiber is important for digestive health, cholesterol management, and blood sugar stability, but it also keeps you feeling fuller for longer.
We like that the only ingredient is hemp seed protein, as hemp seeds provide a good source of fats, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Omega-3s are a standout heart-healthy fat in these seeds, helping reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease. There are higher amounts of omega-3s in fatty fish, but if you aren't a fan, hemp seeds are another great source. When it comes to minerals, this supplement is a good source of iron (35% DV), zinc (35% DV), and magnesium (60% DV). These nutrients can be hard to get enough of from food alone, so a benefit of using this choice is getting a mineral boost. Zinc plays a role in the immune and digestive systems, while magnesium can help with blood sugar levels and the functioning of muscles and nerves.
Through our testing, we found that this powder definitely tastes better in a smoothie, which is how Nutiva recommends using it. We felt that its earthy flavor and grittier texture were more noticeable when just mixed with water.
If you want a deliciously sweet chocolate protein powder that is high in protein, we recommend Vega’s Premium Sport Protein Powder. It has the highest protein content—30 grams per serving—of all the protein powders we tried. This high protein can help active people—specifically strength-based athletes—repair and strengthen muscles after a tough workout. This protein powder is also NSF certified for sport, meaning it has been third-party tested to ensure its label is accurate and that it doesn’t contain unsafe levels of contaminants or banned substances for athletes.
We found this protein had a thick, rich, creamy texture that we loved when blended as a smoothie, and it has a sweet, tootsie roll smell. It uses protein sources, including peas, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, and alfalfa, which leads to a well-rounded and complete amino acid profile. It also provides 6% DV calcium and 40% DV iron per serving. Calcium can be especially important for athletes to maintain strong bones and support muscle contractions during exercise. Iron is needed to deliver oxygen to muscles during exercise, and it can be harder to get enough iron when following a vegan diet.
This athlete-targeted protein powder also has tart cherry powder, beetroot powder, and turmeric extract added to provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Some research suggests these ingredients may help promote muscle recovery. Athletes will appreciate that each serving is higher in sodium—17% DV—which can help restore electrolytes after sweating in longer or intense workouts.
This protein powder contains probiotics and digestive enzymes, which may not be helpful for everyone, especially if you have underlying digestive issues. It is sweetened with stevia, but we found that no aftertaste lingers very long compared to some other protein powders.
Manitoba Harvest’s Hemp Yeah! Max Protein powder is a great option for those who want a boost of both protein and fiber. It has an impressive 13 grams of fiber per serving, making it easy to have a high-fiber breakfast or snack when added to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or baked goods. Plus, it's unflavored, so we found it works well in a variety of foods and drinks. Fiber is a carbohydrate that we cannot digest and gets fermented in our large intestine by gut bacteria. This process produces beneficial compounds like short-chain fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and give gut bacteria the energy they need to survive.
In addition to the high fiber content, this pick is also a great way to get more minerals in your diet. Each serving provides 30% of your daily needs (DV) of iron, 40% of your DV of magnesium, 25% of your DV of zinc, and 80% of your DV of copper. It also provides lesser amounts of potassium and calcium.
While we love that this powder is high in fiber and minerals, it is on the lower side for protein—13 grams per serving. However, if you were to blend it in a smoothie with non-dairy yogurt or nut butter, that could help boost the overall protein amount. Manitoba Harvest also has hemp protein powders that are higher in protein and lower in fiber if you want a more balanced blend between the two nutrients.
In our testing, we did find that this protein powder had a gritty texture that was not very visually appealing. It was mostly masked when blended into a smoothie, but it was still more noticeable than some other picks. One of our testers reported this works well mixed into yogurt.
When we spoke with Manitoba Harvest, they reported their products are internally and third-party tested for levels of heavy metals.
Navitas Organic’s Hemp protein Powder has only one ingredient: hemp protein powder. It’s also rich in fiber and iron. It has no sweeteners—including stevia—making it versatile and easy to add to baked goods, oatmeal, smoothies, and more. It’s a great option if you want a boost in fiber and protein.
Similar to other simple hemp powders, it is lower in protein than other options, with 13 grams per serving, but it's also a great source of fiber, with seven grams per serving. Each serving also provides 35% of your daily needs (DV) of iron and 4% DV calcium.
Navitas Organics’ website says this product is third-party tested, but we don’t have more detailed information on that testing.
We loved that this hemp powder’s earthy flavor was neutralized in a smoothie, and it had a more pleasant texture than other hemp powders we tested. However, it did have a somewhat earthy aftertaste.
Sometimes you may want more than a protein boost; you may also be looking for a boost in nutrients from green vegetables. Vega’s Protein and Greens Plant-Based Protein Powder does just that. It includes a blend of vegetables and other plant foods to provide a good source of micronutrients like vitamin K, calcium, and iron. It also provides a small amount (6% of your daily needs) of vitamins A, C, and potassium.
The protein in this powder is from peas, providing all essential amino acids and making this a complete protein, and each serving has 20 grams of protein. The greens in this powder come from powdered spinach, kale, alfalfa grass, and broccoli. An added bonus is it has two grams of fiber per serving—7% of your daily needs.
It’s important to note these powdered greens may interfere with some medications, so you should talk to a healthcare professional before taking this choice if you’re on any medication. In particular, Vitamin K can interact with medications like blood thinners, those for lower cholesterol, or controlling seizures.
It does not appear this product is third-party tested, but other products by Vega have been approved by third-party testers. Since it is sweetened with stevia, we found it had a pretty sweet, somewhat artificial aftertaste. But we still liked it when blended as a smoothie.
Vegan protein powders can be a beneficial addition for those with higher-than-average protein needs or who don’t consume enough food sources of protein. They could be especially beneficial for:
Vegan protein powders are generally safe for most people, but the following people may want to warrant caution before using a protein powder and consult a healthcare professional.
Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here. We support supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science. We value certain product attributes that we find to be associated with the highest quality products. We prioritize products that are third-party tested and certified by independent, third-party certifiers such as USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab.com.
It's important to note that the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market. Our team of experts has created a detailed, science-backed methodology to choose the supplements we recommend and gives more details on what we specifically look for in supplements.
To get our top-rated picks, we have personally taste-tested more than 60 protein powders and continue to test different powders continuously. We research the top brands on the market and any new products, looking for different main protein sources and options across various price points. Our staff dietitians carefully look through the ingredients and if a powder is third-party tested. We tasted each protein powder blended with just water and as a smoothie with plant-based milk, banana, and nut butter.
We evaluated these powders based on how they performed on the following attributes.
We use expert advice at every stage of writing, reporting, and testing the products in this story. Here are the people we consulted for this piece.
It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included, relative to the recommended daily value of that ingredient. Please bring the supplement label to a healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications you are taking.
The biggest difference in form between vegan protein powders is the protein source. Common sources are soy, peas, seeds, brown rice, hemp, or a combination of these sources. Soy, pea, and hemp proteins are considered complete proteins because they contain all nine essential amino acids.
Vegan protein powders can also come in raw form, meaning the protein source is as close to its natural state as possible. Beans, nuts, and seeds can also be sprouted which could help ease the way be digest nutrients from these foods.
Flavored protein powders can contain artificial sweeteners that, in large amounts, may cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Vegan protein powders may also contain adaptogens, digestive enzymes, probiotics, and other herbal-based ingredients that are not as well-researched and may not be safe for some people, especially in large amounts.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance for adults is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day. For a 150-pound individual, this means 55 grams of protein, and for a 200-pound individual, this means 73 grams of protein. However, your protein needs can vary greatly based on your physical activity level, whether you are pregnant or lactating, or if you have other medical conditions that affect protein needs.
The protein needs of a competitive athlete can be 1.4 to 2 grams per kilogram of body weight–over double that of a sedentary person. For this reason, athletes may benefit more from protein powders to help make sure they are getting the recommended amount of protein.
While it can be safe to take vegan protein powders daily, we recommend also consuming a variety of food sources of protein. Food sources of plant-based protein will contain other important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and fiber that protein powders don't have.
While there is no tolerable upper limit (UL) for protein, research has shown that consuming over 2 grams per kilogram long-term could increase the risk for kidney, heart, or digestive problems. Some people who have been told to follow a lower protein diet, like those with kidney disease, can have a lower upper limit for daily protein. Ultimately, a healthcare professional can help you determine what specific protein amount is best for your health.
Vegan and non-vegan protein powders will also naturally contain some heavy metals since heavy metals are naturally found in soil. So, if you consume many servings of protein powder daily, you could risk getting higher amounts of heavy metals, especially if the powder is not third-party tested for heavy metal amounts. Keep this in mind, especially if you are pregnant and considering adding a protein powder to your eating routine.
Another consideration for how much vegan protein powder is too much is the amount of fiber or other added ingredients in vegan protein powders. Getting a lot of fiber, thickeners, or sweeteners in protein powders could cause some side effects for some people when eaten in high amounts.
Risks of consuming too much vegan protein powder could include:
Research on some vegan protein sources is sparse since they are relatively new compared to whey protein. Soy, peas, and hemp are complete proteins like whey, while protein sources like brown rice are not complete proteins like whey protein.
Blair Persyn, MS, RDN, LDN, CNSC, registered dietitian and owner of Bites With Blair, LLC, explains that pea protein powders can be as helpful as whey protein in maintaining and building muscle. She further explains that people with lactose intolerance can have issues tolerating whey and may benefit from switching to a vegan protein powder. Wirtz highlights soy protein, saying, “Consuming soy and whey protein has no significant differences in muscle growth and strength development. Furthermore, soy is a complete protein and contains all essential amino acids.”
Persyn says, “My favorite vegan protein powders are pea-based protein powders because they often have a more optimal nutrition breakdown. Look for vegan protein powders that have 120–130 calories and 20–30g protein per scoop. This will ensure that your protein powder is mainly just protein and doesn’t include excess fat or carbohydrates.” Overall, the best source of vegan protein for you will depend on your unique nutritional needs, taste preferences, and budget.
Isabel Vasquez RD, LDN is a Latina registered dietitian who counsels clients through the private practice Nutritiously Yours LLC. Her work is especially focused on helping individuals divest from a one-size-fits-all approach to health and connect with their unique needs.
Shushy Rita Setrakian, MS, RDN, CDN, is a registered dietitian and one of our nutrition and supplement commerce editors. She sifts through all the data from testing protein powders to make sure we are recommending the top picks, and she has tried many of these powders herself.
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