The 8 Best Vegan Protein Powders, According to Nutritionists

It’s well-known that protein is an essential nutrient, crucial for maintaining healthy and strong muscles and bones. It plays a role in your looks, too, a key component for healthy skin, hair, and nails. But contrary to what many people might think, you can get your daily dose of protein from sources other than steak and eggs. There are plenty of plant-based protein sources, which are the stars of the show in vegan protein powders. While protein powders in general (vegan or not) shouldn’t be considered a direct replacement for whole foods, they can be a great supplement to a healthy diet. “When you’re in a time crunch or you need to boost your protein content because you’re an avid athlete, protein powders can come in handy,” explains registered dietitian Tory Stroker.

So, why should you consider opting for a vegan formula over a traditional whey-based protein powder (even if you don’t follow a vegan diet)? “Plant-based protein has been shown to have higher bioavailability than animal protein sources,” says celebrity nutritionist Kimberly Snyder, who is also a member of the Byrdie Beauty & Wellness Review Board. “A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that the body can more efficiently absorb certain plant proteins in comparison to animal proteins.”

Basically, vegan protein is easier for our bodies to digest, absorb, and use, not to mention that it also has a ton of added nutrients—think vitamins, enzymes, and fibers, she adds. When picking a powder, ideally you’ll want one that combines different sources of protein. One plant-based protein source doesn’t always contain all the essential amino acids you need; by combining sources you ensure you’re getting a complete protein, points out Stroker. Other important criteria: A simple ingredient list, and little or no artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols (which can cause digestive distress), she adds.

Of course, there are a few other factors to consider when shopping for a vegan protein powder, which Snyder outlines below.

What to Look For in a Vegan Protein Powder

Protein Bioavailability

Snyder considers a supplement’s protein bioavailability, or its ability to be absorbed and used by the body, as the most important factor in deciding which product to use. While whey protein—which isn’t vegan—is considered to be one of the most bioavailable proteins, Snyder only recommends reaching for plant-based protein supplements made from a variety of plant-based bioavailable sources. “I recommend at least some sprouted sources, but hemp protein and brown rice protein are also great choices,” she says. “I also don’t recommend soy protein powders.” Other highly bioavailable vegan protein sources include pea, pumpkin, sunflower seed, sacha inchi, and chia proteins.

Non-GMO and Organic

Snyder also stresses the importance of choosing a formula that’s non-GMO and organic. As someone who supports a food system that values both animal welfare and the environment, she only recommends protein powders made from ingredients grown without toxic fertilizers or pesticides. Plus, these are clearly the much better choice for your personal health, too.

Quality

How well a product performs depends a lot on what ingredients it's formulated with. As you should with any supplement, Snyder recommends choosing protein powders that are made from clean, quality ingredients. This includes products that exclude synthetics and fillers from their formula. While it’s easy for a supplement brand to claim its products are clean and high-quality, you’ll need to thoroughly read through the ingredient list and do your own research on a company’s practices to ensure it’s truly top-notch. 

Ready to pick up the best vegan protein powders? Check out these expert-approved options.