The 9 Best Vegan Protein Powders, Reviewed and Tested
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Before testing over 60 vegan protein powders, I’ll admit they weren’t necessarily part of my everyday routine—even as a registered dietitian. Many can be chalky, earthy, and tough on my stomach. But the thing about protein powders—vegan or not—is that they aren’t one-size-fits-all. Taste, dietary preferences, and digestion vary from person to person. That said, vegan protein powders are a great option if you follow a plant-based diet or struggle with digesting whey. I was pleasantly surprised when I found a few that I really liked, including Drink Wholesome Chocolate Vegan Protein Powder for its simple, clean ingredients and digestibility and Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ for its high protein content.
To find the best vegan protein powders worth recommending, our team continuously tests and evaluates them in both our testing lab and homes, assessing their taste, smell, and mixability. We carefully analyze ingredient lists and labels and whether a company conducts independent verification for contaminants. Based on our research and hands-on testing, we’ve narrowed it down to the 9 best vegan protein powders we personally use and recommend. I even discovered a few that blend perfectly into my morning smoothie—without upsetting my stomach.
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. Please always speak with a healthcare provider to discuss any supplements you plan on taking.
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Why We Like It
Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ earns our top spot because of its traceable ingredients (their website lists where all products come from) and its pleasantly sweet but not overpowering taste. I love blending it with frozen fruit to make a thick, not-gritty, creamy smoothie.
This one is unique because, besides 20 grams of protein, it’s a good source of choline—each serving provides 27% of the Daily Value (DV). Choline is a key nutrient for healthy metabolism and brain health, but most people don’t get enough in their diets.
This protein powder is both Informed Protein and Informed-Sport certified. This means it undergoes independent verification to ensure accurate ingredient amounts, safe levels of heavy metals or microbes, and no banned substances for athletes.
It’s Worth Noting
Ritual has a Daily Shake Pregnancy & Postpartum and a Daily Shake 50+ blend for these unique life stages with the same delicious taste and ingredient quality we love.
Nutrition info: 120 calories per serving, Protein 20 g, Carb 3 g, Fat 3 g | Protein sources: organic pea protein | Diet considerations: gluten-free, soy-free, non-GMO | Sweetener used: rebaudioside M, monk fruit
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Why We Like It
If you’re looking for a protein powder you can take on the go that blends perfectly without a blender, we recommend KOS Organic Plant Protein. We love that this blends effortlessly with no grittiness, and you can’t tell it’s a vegan option, unlike some others where that earthy flavor is overwhelming.
Amy Fischer, MS, RDN says, “The texture of this powder is smooth and not chalky. It blends well into smoothies or just mixed with almond milk. I found it to be on the sweet side, and I think it’s an excellent choice for people who like a sweeter protein powder. It has a slight aftertaste of stevia and monk fruit, so people that don’t like these sweeteners might not like this choice.”
Each serving provides 20 grams of quality protein and an impressive 30% Daily Value (DV) of iron—a nutrient that can be lacking in plant-based diets.
KOS has a superfood fruit and veggie blend and a vitamin and mineral blend, which boosts vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—a nice addition if you want more than just protein. It is USDA Organic and non-GMO certified and free of soy, gluten, artificial sweeteners, and colors.
It’s Worth Noting
While we like the chocolate flavor, it’s lighter and not decadent. Besides chocolate, vanilla, and unflavored, KOS has other unique flavors like chocolate peanut butter, blueberry muffin, salted caramel coffee, and strawberries & cream.
Nutrition info: 160 calories per serving, Protein 20 g, Carb 9 g, Fat 7 g | Protein sources: pea protein, flaxseed, quinoa, pumpkin seed, chia seed | Diet considerations: organic, kosher, soy-free, dairy-free, non-GMO | Sweetener used: coconut sugar, monk fruit extract
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Why We Like It
In our testing, we loved the taste of Sprout Living’s Epic Protein Vanilla Lucuma Powder—it scored some of the highest ratings for taste, both mixed with water and as part of a smoothie. The lucuma and baobab fruit, cinnamon, acerola, and vanilla bean give it a creamy, natural-spiced flavor different from the traditional, single-note vanilla taste most protein powders have. Fischer says, “This protein powder has a mid-level of sweetness, which I appreciate, with hints of caramel. It has a smooth texture and works well in smoothies or on its own.”
Sprout Living doesn’t use natural or artificial flavors, so you can taste the fruit, cinnamon, and vanilla bean flavors. While it does have stevia, it’s the last ingredient on the label (meaning it’s added in the lowest amount of all ingredients), which helps the taste stay natural.
We also like that each serving has 20 grams of protein and 30% DV of iron. This supplement is also a good source of vitamin C (30% DV). This is note-worthy because vitamin C can help your body absorb iron more effectively, is needed to make collagen, and is an antioxidant. This powder is independently verified for ingredient amounts and safe levels of heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury.
It’s Worth Noting
One of the ingredients—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).
Nutrition info: 140 calories per serving, Protein 20 g, Carb 13 g, Fat 3 g | Protein sources: yellow pea, sunflower seed, pumpkin seed, sacha inchi, cranberry seed | Diet considerations: organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, kosher | Sweetener used: lucuma, cinnamon, baobab fruit, acerola, vanilla bean, stevia
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Why We Like It
If you love chocolate, we highly recommend Truvani Plant-Based Chocolate Protein. It has a rich, decadent, sweet chocolate flavor and only six organic ingredients: pea protein, cocoa, vanilla powder, pumpkin seed, monk fruit extract, and chia seed protein. The protein smells and tastes consistent with its ingredients—natural and straightforward, although it is on the sweeter side. We also like that it blends well, leaving no clumps and a smooth texture.
We did notice a slight aftertaste, but it was pleasant, like hot cocoa. Each serving provides 20 grams of protein and two grams of fiber. We liked this as a post-workout drink mixed with water and blended as a fruit and oat milk smoothie.
It’s Worth Noting
Truvani is independently verified for safe levels of contaminants. However, it’s worth mentioning that ConsumerLab.com flagged the sodium level was higher in the vanilla flavor than what was listed on the ingredient label.
Nutrition info: 130 calories per serving, Protein 20 g, Carb 5 g, Fat 3 g | Protein sources: organic pea pumpkin seed, and chia seed protein | Diet considerations: organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free | Sweetener used: organic vanilla powder and monk fruit extract
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Why We Like It
NorCal Organic’s pea protein powder contains one ingredient: organic yellow pea protein isolate. Some unflavored protein powders have a strong, earthy, off-putting taste, but we appreciate this one’s milder flavor. It blends smoothly and won’t leave any clumps, especially if you want to use it for baking.
Each serving provides 22 grams of protein and 30% DV of iron, making it a great choice if you follow a mainly plant-based diet. It’s also on the lower end of calories and carbs for protein powders—a serving has only 100 calories and one gram of carbs. This powder is 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 independent verification to ensure ingredient accuracy and purity.
It’s Worth Noting
While we appreciate this one’s mild flavor, we recommend mixing it into a smoothie. It doesn’t taste great mixed only with water.
Nutrition info: 100 calories per serving, Protein 22 g, Carb 1 g, Fat 1.5 g | Protein sources: organic yellow pea protein isolate | Diet considerations: organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free | Sweetener used: n/a
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Why We Like It
Nutiva’s Organic Cold-Pressed Raw Hemp Seed Protein Powder has only one ingredient: organic hemp seed protein. Hemp seeds are rich in minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, so you’ll also get all these in this protein powder. It is lower in protein than other picks, with 15 grams per serving, but you also get six grams of fiber per serving.
This simple, powerful powder is also a good source of iron (35% DV), zinc (35% DV), and magnesium (60% DV). It can be hard to get enough of these minerals from food alone, so we like that this pick helps you get many key nutrients. 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.
It’s Worth Noting
Through our testing, we found that this powder tastes better in a smoothie than when mixed with water alone.
Nutrition info: 110 calories per serving, Protein 15 g, Carb 8 g, Fat 3 g | Protein sources: organic hemp seed protein | Diet considerations: organic, non-GMO | Sweetener used: n/a
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Why We Like It
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 vegan protein powders we tried. It’s also a good source of iron (30% DV) and calcium (20% DV). This protein powder is NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it has been verified that the ingredient label is accurate and doesn’t contain unsafe levels of heavy metals or banned substances for athletes.
This protein has a thick, rich, creamy texture that we love when blended into a smoothie. It also has a sweet tootsie roll smell.
This athlete-targeted protein powder also contains tart cherry powder, beetroot powder, and turmeric extract, which may help with muscle recovery because of their anti-inflammatory benefits. Athletes will appreciate that each serving is higher in sodium (17% DV), which can help restore electrolytes after sweating during longer or intense workouts.
It’s Worth Noting
This pick is on the sweeter side, and some may detect a slight stevia aftertaste.
Nutrition info: 170 calories per serving, Protein 30 g, Carb 4 g, Fat 3.5 g | Protein sources: pea, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, alfalfa | Diet considerations: non-GMO | Sweetener used: natural flavor, stevia
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Why We Like It
Vega’s Protein and Super Greens Plant-Based Protein Powder is the best choice if you want a boost of protein and nutrients from green veggies. In addition to the 20 grams of protein power serving, the greens powder made up of spinach, kale, alfalfa grass, and broccoli provides a good source of micronutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C, iron, and an extra gram of fiber.
This is also a great pick if you prefer a sweet protein powder. It is sweetened with stevia, so it may be too sweet for some, but it is perfect if you want added sweetness without any added sugar. We also noticed the sweetness wasn’t as strong when blended as a smoothie with other ingredients.
It’s Worth Noting
The extra vitamin K from the powdered greens may interfere with some medications, so if you take any medication, specifically blood thinners, speak with a healthcare professional before trying it.
Nutrition info: 120 calories per serving, Protein 20 g, Carb 5 g, Fat 2 g | Protein sources: pea protein | Diet considerations: non-GMO, gluten-free | Sweetener used: natural flavor, stevia leaf extract
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Why We Like It
Drink Wholesome Vegan Protein Powder doesn’t use the traditional pea, soy, or blend of plant proteins; it only uses almonds as a protein source. I like this powder because it only has almonds, coconut, vanilla, monk fruit, and nothing else. I don’t do well with pea or soy-based protein powders, so I tend to stay away from vegan protein powders. But, this one does not give me any stomach issues, and I love the subtle, sweet flavor. While it doesn’t completely blend when stirred in water, it tastes good with either just water or mixed in a smoothie. And it smells delicious—like almonds and vanilla.
As an added bonus, each serving also provides five grams of fiber and a surprising 33% DV of vitamin D.
It’s Worth Noting
Because of the almonds and coconut, it is higher in fat than other protein powders—8.5 grams per serving.
Nutrition info: 160 calories per serving, Protein 15 g, Carb 11 g, Fat 8.5 g | Protein sources: almonds | Diet considerations: non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free | Sweetener used: vanilla, monk fruit
Vegan protein powders can be a beneficial addition for those with higher-than-average protein needs, people who are always on the go, or those who don’t consume enough food sources of protein. They could be especially beneficial for:
- Plant-based athletes. Athletes, especially those doing a lot of strength training, have higher protein needs than less active individuals. Vegan protein powder can help vegan athletes who struggle to meet their high protein needs with food or want a more convenient means of getting protein after workouts.
- Older adults. Getting enough protein from foods may be challenging for this age group, especially if they have a reduced appetite. Protein powders may be especially helpful to boost protein intake.
- Pregnant individuals. Meeting increased protein needs during pregnancy can be difficult, especially if you have nausea. If a healthcare provider has recommended using a protein powder as part of a well-balanced diet, always choose one independently verified for contaminants and heavy metals.
Vegan protein powders are generally safe for most people, but if you have kidney issues, aren’t active, or already eat enough protein, you probably don’t need them.
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 vegan 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 independently verified. We tasted each protein powder blended with just water and as a smoothie with plant-based milk, banana, and unflavored nut butter.
We evaluated these powders based on how they performed on the following attributes.
- Flavor: We judged each product on its overall taste. Was it overly sweet, bitter, or artificial? We also rated each powder on whether it tasted enjoyable, had unexpected flavors, or was off-putting.
- Texture: We noted whether the powder was smooth, finely milled, and easy to drink or clumpy, grainy, or unpleasant. We also considered mixability and how long it took to shake the protein powder with liquid before it dissolved enough to be drinkable.
- Aftertaste: We considered whether there was an aftertaste after consuming the protein powder and how long it lasted. We also noted whether there was a smell upon opening the protein powder and whether it was consistent with the flavor listed on the packaging. Because taste and smell are linked, we considered whether the smell of the powder impacted taste when consumed.
- Value: We considered a range of price points that could accommodate various budgets. We asked our testers to evaluate the appropriateness of each price point for each product they tested.
- Nutrition: Our dietitians reviewed the ingredients and assessed the nutritional profile of each product.
- Independent verification: As mentioned above, we prioritize products that have been successfully independently verified for heavy metals, banned substances, and other harmful ingredients, purity, potency, and labeling accuracy.
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.
- Amy Fischer, MS, RDN, senior nutrition editor for Health.com.
- Allison Knott MS, RDN, CSSD, a board-certified sports dietitian and founder of Anew Well Nutrition, helped us research what to look for in a vegan protein powder and which powders to test.
The biggest difference 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 higher-quality complete proteins because they contain all nine essential amino acids.
Flavored vegan protein powders may contain artificial sweeteners that, in large amounts, may cause gastrointestinal symptoms. They may also contain adaptogens, digestive enzymes, probiotics, and other herbal-based ingredients that require more research and may not be best for everyone, especially in large amounts.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance for adults is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day. However, protein needs vary significantly between individuals based on multiple factors, including physical activity, pregnancy or lactation, and other medical conditions. Athletes’ protein needs can be 1.4 to 2 grams per kilogram of body weight–over double that of a sedentary person. Getting more than this amount isn’t beneficial, and remember that some people may need to be on a lower-protein diet for medical reasons.
Taking vegan protein powder daily can be safe for most people and help you meet your daily protein needs. Just remember to eat a variety of high-protein foods, which contain essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and fiber that most protein powders don’t. It’s also important to consider any other ingredients in the powder. Getting a lot of fiber, thickeners, or sweeteners in protein powders could cause unpleasant digestive issues when eaten in high amounts.
Vegan and non-vegan protein powders can contain some heavy metals naturally found in soil. Fischer says, “That’s why we recommend choosing products that have been independently verified for heavy metals and contaminants.”
Having multiple servings of protein powder daily increases the risk of unsafe heavy metal levels, particularly if not independently tested. This is crucial to remember, especially during pregnancy.
A 2025 report found organic and chocolate protein powders at higher risk for high heavy metals levels. So, if you really want to minimize your exposure to heavy metals from vegan protein powders, look for independent verification for heavy metals and opt for non-chocolate flavors most of the time.
Is a vegan protein powder just as good as whey protein?
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 and can help build muscle.
If you have a lactose intolerance or don’t tolerate animal-based protein powders, a vegan protein powder can still help you build muscle and get enough protein. A main difference between whey and vegan protein powders is whey is higher in calcium, but vegan protein powders are typically higher in iron.
What is the healthiest protein powder?
The healthiest protein powder is subjective and can vary from person to person, depending on their needs. The good news is that there is no one-size-fits-all best pick. If you follow a plant-based diet or don’t tolerate whey, a vegan protein powder will probably be your best choice, but the best option within that category will depend on your individual needs and goals. The best powder for you will also depend on the type of protein (vegan or not), sweetener used, and other ingredients added.
Holly Klamer, MS, RDN is a Health.com nutrition editor with over a decade of experience in writing and editing nutrition content. She is involved with picking the vegan protein powders we test and rating them for nutrition and independent verification. Her favorite vegan protein powders are Ritual and Drink Wholesome.
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