Protein powders have been around for a long time. But up until recently, most products were made with whey, casein or other animal-derived ingredients. Today, plant-based options are everywhere, making it easy to get that extra boost of protein from high quality plant sources such as soy, hemp, brown rice, peas, chia and more.
Why choose plant-based protein powders?
Besides providing just as much protein as other sources (sometimes even more!), plant-based protein powders are easy to digest, packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and fiber, and they’re suitable for just about any specialty diet.
Plus, according to the Plant Based Foods Association, one out of four American consumers reported eating less meat in the last 12 months. With more people cutting out meat and looking for alternate protein sources, plant-based protein powders come in especially handy.
So how does one choose from the plentitude of plant protein powders available? Let people who’ve tried them help you make that decision! Here are six of the very top-rated products you can get at Vitacost.com.
Sprout Living® Simple Pumpkin Protein Powder
If you’re looking for a super clean, 100% pure plant protein powder, look no further. Sprout Living® Simple Pumpkin Protein Powder is so simple it contains a single ingredient: cold-pressed organic pumpkin seeds. It’s packed with 20 grams of complete protein along with powerful essential fatty acids. Entirely hypoallergenic, this powder is dairy, nut, grain, soy and gluten free. Zero sugars, no added sweeteners or flavors, and 30% of your daily iron round this out to a top pick.
What customers are saying…
“Great taste and clean ingredients. Mixes well, and one of the few I can find without any sweetener added.” -Rachel
“Best autumn oatmeal addition. I absolutely love this protein powder! This fall, my favorite use is in oatmeal. It pairs perfectly with fall seasonal fruits in my oatmeal, like pears and apples. During the warmer months, this protein powder is a fantastic addition to any smoothie. I find it helps me feel full longer than other protein powders. It also seems easy to digest. Great product!” -RayRay
Sunwarrior® Warrior Blend Plant-Based Organic Protein – Vanilla
Organic fermented pea protein, goji berry protein, hemp seed protein and MCTs from coconut are the four main ingredients giving Sunwarrior® Warrior Blend its high-performance power. With 27 grams of protein in only 1½ scoops and a full amino acid profile (6 grams of BCAAs) it is the perfect plant-based protein for building lean muscle and for recovery post workout. Warrior Blend is easy to digest and assimilate, dairy and gluten free, non-GMO, contains no sugar and is kosher and vegan.
What customers are saying…
“Great Taste. I've been using Sunwarrior Vanilla Protein for years. It has been my breakfast drink with fruits, greens powder and unsweetened almond milk added, for years. I can tell a difference in my energy if I don't take it. It works well for weight control along with exercising and healthy eating. I think it’s the best.” -linda56
“Excellent product. Mixes well and the taste is great. I make green smoothies with fruit, using unsweetened vanilla almond milk and Sunwarrior. This product gives me everything. Love it. I have food allergies and this works perfectly for me.” -Terryberry127
Nature's Plus® Spiru-Tein® High Protein Energy Meal – Vanilla
Spiru-Tein® is a complete broad spectrum protein complex with spirulina that provides a wide range of minerals, BCAAs and an incredible 100% of the Daily Value of all vitamins. This plant protein blend, made from non-GMO pea protein, rice protein, isolated soy protein and fermented soy, gives you14 grams of protein and zero fat. Spiru-Tein® High Protein Energy Meal is a nutritious way to attain higher levels of energy in a delicious shake.
What customers are saying…
“BEST Protein Shake!! My all-time favorite shake! Never get tired of it. It’s a delicious vegetarian shake. Highly recommend!!!” -Poohbx
“Love this product!! This is one of the best tasting protein powders I have tried. It mixes smoothly, combines with fresh fruit seamlessly, and since I have been drinking it, never have dips in my energy levels.” -4Ginger
Garden of Life® RAW Protein & Greens™ Organic Plant Formula – Real Raw Vanilla
This clean, organic plant-based protein powder checks all the boxes. It offers 20 grams per serving of raw, organic plant protein from sprouted brown rice, peas, chia, navy beans, lentil beans and garbanzo beans. Garden of Life® RAW Protein and Greens™ is loaded with six organic greens and veggies including alfalfa grass juice, spinach, kale, broccoli, carrots and beets, along with 1.5 billion CFU of probiotics and 13 non-GMO enzymes. All this with only one gram of naturally occurring sugar!? That’s a lot of power in one scoop!
What customers are saying…
“Yummy! Love that this contains pure ingredients and tastes great.” -Missy20
“Great vegan protein – just great protein period! Started on Garden of Life RAW protein when I moved to cut out dairy completely. I do serious training, weights & high-intensity intervals so I was expecting to be lacking some in recovery, compared to whey... not the case AT ALL. If anything, recovery time has gotten better, imagine that!” -CB in CT
PlantFusion® Complete Protein – Rich Chocolate
PlantFusion® has a purity promise, which means “no bad stuff.” This plant-based protein is certified non-GMO, gluten free and vegan, with no artificial flavors and colors. 21 grams of plant-based proteins including pea, artichoke, algae and organic superfoods help sustain energy during the day. PlantFusion® Complete Protein is free of all major allergens and fortified with digestive enzymes, making it easy to digest. With great taste, texture, potency and digestibility, this is a top choice with customers.
What customers are saying…
“Tastes Excellent! I bought this product after having cycled through numerous plant-based protein powders and being so disappointed in how chalky and gross they tasted. I wasn't digesting them well, either. This powder is SO good and digests excellently. I recommend it for anyone who seeks out clean, healthy and plant-based protein powder!” -kmart615
“Best gluten-free, dairy-free protein powder. Love the taste of this. Digests well. Plant based. Even my kids love it!” -twin
Orgain® Organic Protein™ Plant-Based Protein Powder – Vanilla Bean
Say goodbye to gritty protein powder and energize your body with ultra clean, organic nutrition with a complete amino acid profile. Orgain® Organic Protein™ powder is packed with 21 grams of protein sourced from organic brown rice, pea protein, and chia seeds. Whether you need pre-or post-workout fuel, a mid-day pick-me-up or a smoothie booster, this dairy free, vegan, non-GMO protein powder delivers.
What customers are saying…
“Great taste. This protein powder is my favorite of all that I have tried! The flavor does not taste like chemicals or fake. It is not too sweet. Because the flavor is not too overpowering, I am able to mix it with many other ingredients to make delicious smoothies and I can even bake with it. I find I digest it very well.” -Suzthedoxiemom
“Energy Boost! Tastes good, gives me energy to last the entire day, plant based - couldn’t ask for anything more.” -mamagel
