The 8 Best Vegan Protein Powders, According to Nutritionists

Best Overall: Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder Unflavored

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One of Stroker’s go-to's, she lauds the simple ingredient list and whopping 22 grams of protein per serving, derived from a blend of peas, brown rice, amaranth sprout, quinoa, flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, and garbanzo seeds.

“It has a smooth texture, good for adding to smoothies or shakes,” she adds. This unflavored option is stevia-free, Stoker’s personal choice, though it also comes in chocolate, vanilla, and vanilla chai flavors. It’s a winner for Alana Kessler, MS, RD, too, who also gives it big points for the high amount of protein.

Best Value: Tone It Up Plant-Based Protein Powder

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There’s both pumpkin seed and pea protein in this affordable powder; pea protein is generally well-digested and contains all essential amino acids, so that’s a plus, says Stroker. Kessler also likes that it uses pea protein and notes that it has a pleasant texture as well, not always the case with vegan protein powders.

It’s sweetened with stevia and monk fruit, and although some people may be sensitive to the taste of those, they won’t affect blood sugar, Stroker adds. (Though she doesn’t love that the formula uses guar and acacia gums as thickeners.)

Best for Athletes: Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder

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This formula boasts the highest amount of protein of any of these powders, 30 grams in each scoop. Snyder calls this a “superior product,” and adds that she also likes that it’s non-GMO. Along with the ultra-high protein content, this also has ingredients—tart cherry, turmeric extract—to help with muscle recovery post-workout.

Best On-the-Go: Four Sigmatic Superfood Protein Packets

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“I find the taste of this one quite palatable and non-chalky. It has some medicinal mushrooms, yet offers a fairly robust 18 grams of protein per serving,” says Snyder. (To get specific, there are five different types of mushrooms, as well as adaptogens ashwagandha and eleuthero to help combat stress and support stamina. Yes, please.) Not to mention that the convenient, single-serve packets are easy to keep on hand and mix up with your milk of choice or water whenever you need a quick protein fix.

Best for Minimalists: Vega Protein Made Simple Powder

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Stroker recommends choosing protein powders with, “the fewest ingredients you can find,” and this one fits the bill. It contains just four to eight ingredients, depending on which of the four flavors you choose (options such as dark chocolate, vanilla, strawberry banana, and caramel toffee). It does contain a small amount of cane sugar for sweetness, but, unlike many artificial sweeteners, “your body knows exactly what to do with this and it can give you an extra boost of energy,” she says.

Best Splurge: The Beauty Chef Body Inner Beauty Chocolate Matcha Powder

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“I love the ingredients in this powder,” says Kessler. It has complete protein from pea and brown rice, as well as nutrient-dense, fibrous, and anti-inflammatory properties.” It’s pricey for sure but does boast a long list of good-for-you ingredients. Stroker just points out to be cautious with this formula if you’re not already eating a diet high in fiber. “Many of these ingredients seem to be fiber-rich. Depending on what someone’s fiber intake is, that could be a shock to the system and cause some GI distress.”

Best Pre-Workout: Metagenics Perfect Protein Pea & Rice

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Kessler recommends this as an effective option before a workout, calling out the high-quality blend of pea and rice protein that packs 20 grams of protein per serving. More specifically, that pea protein contains a 9% concentration of an amino acid known as leucine, which is key for muscle building, she says. On top of all of that, “this also contains 3.5 grams of BCAAs, branch chain amino acids, to make it a complete protein source.”