The 11 Best Vegan Protein Powders of 2024

Key Specs

Protein Type: Pea protein, flax seed, quinoa, pumpkin seed protein, and chia seeds | Protein Per Serving: 20 grams | Added Sweeteners: Monk fruit extract | Other Noteworthy Nutrients: Iron, B12 and selenium

Why We Recommend It

KOS Organic Superfood Protein proves vegan protein powders can taste good. Each serving has 20 grams of protein per serving from a mix of pea protein, flax seed, quinoa, pumpkin seed protein, and chia seeds. KOS also includes an organic superfood blend from apples, carrots, cranberries, oranges, broccoli, shitake mushroom extract, and tomato. These ingredients drive up the nutritional value of this supplement, and on top of that, KOS added a vitamin and mineral blend to the mix. This means that not only is this high in protein, but also a good source of other nutrients such as iron, B12, and selenium. Vitamin B12 is a vitamin you typically want to supplement on a vegan or vegetarian diet since it is found in animal products, and you get 40% of your daily needs from one serving of this vegan protein powder. 

Each serving has 330 mg of sodium, which is on the higher end for protein powders. This amount may be higher than some people want or need, but this could be a good fit for after-exercise to help replenish the sodium lost in sweat.

Taste and Texture

The chocolate flavor is subtle rather than overwhelming, and we like that it has no after-taste. We also found that it mixes well without any grittiness in both water and smoothies. While we love the chocolate flavor we tested, KOS protein comes in several other flavors, including vanilla, chocolate peanut butter, and salted caramel coffee.

Keep In Mind

KOS contains a digestive enzyme blend, which is safe for most healthy people, but some people may not want this in their supplement. The superfood blend contains inulin, which is a fiber that is considered high in FODMAPs and may cause some people to feel bloated. While we prefer supplements that are third-party tested, this one is not third-party tested.

Key Specs 

Protein Type: Pea | Protein Amount: 24 grams | Added Sweeteners: No | Other Noteworthy Nutrients: Iron

Why We Recommend It

If you want to buy a quality vegan protein powder but want something that is budget-friendly, we recommend NOW Sports Pea Protein. This comes with 96 servings, and you pay less than half the cost of most other vegan protein powders.

This protein is Informed Sport Certified, meaning it’s been third-party tested for over 250 substances banned in sports and meets high manufacturing quality standards. NOW even tests their own products to make sure they are free from contaminants. The reputable testing and high protein content—24 grams per serving—makes this suitable for athletes. It is also particularly high in iron, providing close to half your daily requirements per serving. 

We appreciate that this isn’t manufactured with ingredients such as soy, gluten, milk, corn, eggs, fish, shellfish, or tree nuts for those who are allergic or sensitive.    

Taste and Texture

Although this protein powder has a neutral flavor, it is not completely unflavored. The pea protein taste still comes through, and it doesn’t have the smoothest texture out of all our picks—it is slightly gritty. We recommend it in smoothies with other flavors to balance the taste and texture.

Keep In Mind

While not completely unflavored, we like that this protein powder can still be used in various ways—sweet or savory. We recommend mixing it into shakes, baked goods and even soups for added protein. 

Key Specs 

Protein Type: Yellow pea, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, sacha inchi, cranberry seed | Protein Amount: 20 grams | Added Sweeteners: Lucuma, baobab fruit, and stevia leaf  | Other Noteworthy Nutrients: Fiber, iron, calcium, and vitamin C

Why We Recommend It

If you’re looking for a great-tasting, vanilla-flavored protein powder, our top pick is Sprout Living’s Epic Protein Vanilla Lucuma Powder.

This protein powder does not contain artificial ingredients. Instead, its flavor comes from vanilla bean, cinnamon, and ginger root. Two other key ingredients you may not be familiar with are lucuma and baobab fruit. Lucuma is a South American fruit, and baobab is an African plant used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as coughs and infections.

The 20 grams of protein per serving comes from yellow peas, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, cranberry seeds, and an interesting ingredient called sacha inchi. Sacha inchi is a seed rich in omega-3s and 6s, protein, and antioxidants. This protein powder is also a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin C.

Taste and Texture

Even when just mixed with water, this powder received some of the highest ratings for taste, as it isn’t overwhelmingly sweet and has a warm vanilla flavor. It also scored high when blended into a smoothie although it does have a slightly grainier texture than some of our other picks. Nonetheless, we appreciated the lack of after-taste and the fact that real food ingredients are the reason for the grittier texture. 

Keep In Mind

If you are following a low FODMAP diet or sensitive to certain fibers, note that this protein powder contains Jerusalem artichoke, which may cause irritation if you are sensitive to FODMAP foods. 

Be mindful that 320 milligrams of sodium per serving can be beneficial for those who sweat during exercise, but this may be higher than you want if you are watching your sodium intake. 

If you are concerned about third-party testing, this may not be the best choice for you as Sprout Living is not clearly third-party tested.

Key Specs

Protein Type: Peas, pumpkin seed, and chia seed | Protein Per Serving: 20 grams | Added Sweeteners: Monk Fruit Extract | Other Noteworthy Nutrients: none

Why We Recommend It

A rich chocolate flavor can be just the thing to get you to want to drink a protein shake, and the Truvani Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder does not disappoint. We like that Truvani keeps things simple with only six organic key ingredients: pea protein, alkalized cocoa, vanilla powder, pumpkin seed, monk fruit extract, and chia seed protein. The monk fruit extract gives this its sweet flavor without any additional calories, meaning this is considered to have no added sugar. 

This brand is also committed to sourcing top-quality ingredients and testing each ingredient for heavy metals and other contaminants (according to GMP standards). 

Taste and Texture

We rated this one 5/5 for taste, as we love its very natural cacao flavor. It is also smooth, leaving behind no clumps, and has a thicker smoothie-like consistency even when mixed with just water. We detected just a slight but pleasant aftertaste that quickly went away.

Keep In Mind

We like that some of our other picks provide other nutrients like fiber or minerals, but Truvani isn’t a good source of other nutrients. However, this may be a good option if you are taking a multivitamin or don’t mind if your protein powder just gives you protein. 

For anyone who has severe allergies, keep in mind that this product is manufactured in a facility that processes other products that contain common allergens like milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, sesame, and soy.

Key Specs

Protein Type: Hemp Seed | Protein Per Serving: 15 grams | Added Sweeteners: None | Other Noteworthy Nutrients: Fiber, magnesium, iron and zinc

Why We Recommend It

An unflavored protein powder gives you more options to mix and match different flavors, and Nutiva Organic Cold Pressed Raw Hemp Seed Protein Powder gives you a great base as a truly unflavored protein supplement. Given that this is made with one ingredient, hemp seeds, you also have the option to add your own flavors and change up the sweetness as needed.

Each serving of this hemp seed protein powder has a 35% Daily Value for zinc and iron. Iron is an essential nutrient for muscle function and circulating oxygen in our bodies. According to Flores, “females of childbearing age, those that are pregnant, vegans, and vegetarians may benefit from including more foods that are high in iron.” Each serving also provides six grams of fiber, 21% Daily Value.

While this protein powder isn’t high in sodium, it is higher in magnesium (60% Daily Value), another electrolyte. Magnesium has also been found to be helpful in reducing different markers of inflammation, improving sleep quality, and maintaining muscle health. This powder can, therefore, come in handy if you consistently exercise and need extra support for recovery from exercise.

You can trust that this product is free of any contaminants since it is third-party tested.

Taste and Texture

We found that the flavor is truly mild, with no aftertaste or smell, so you don’t have to worry about masking its taste. We recommend using this in a smoothie to help balance out the grittier texture.

Keep In Mind

You can also use a higher-protein plant-based milk like soy milk to boost the protein content since it is lower in protein per serving (15 grams) than some of our other picks. Also note the higher fiber amount may not sit well if you take it right before working out.

Key Specs

Protein Type: Pea and pumpkin seed | Protein Per Serving: 20 grams | Added Sweeteners: Stevia leaf extract | Other Noteworthy Nutrients: B vitamins, vitamins A, C, D and K, fiber and probiotics

Why We Recommend It

Remembering to take multiple supplements into your daily routine can be daunting, but if you are thinking about including a protein shake in your diet, consider trying the Vega Organic All In One Vegan Protein Shake for both a protein and greens powder in one.

The added greens in this product come from spinach, chard, kale, and lettuce, but also some fruits such as cherry, pomegranate, and blueberries. So while you’re getting 20 grams of protein from this protein powder, the greens and fruits also bump up its vitamin and mineral content. Some noteworthy nutrients include B vitamins, vitamins A, C, and K. It’s also a great source of fiber, with six grams per serving. 

The Vega All In One Shake even contains 10 micrograms of Vitamin D, which is 50% of Daily Value. This vitamin can help with muscle and bone health, but also immune function and mood. The addition of vitamin D is great if you follow a vegan diet or have limited sun exposure, as these factors can make it more difficult to reach the recommended amounts of vitamin D. 

Taste and Texture

We found that this protein powder is pretty sweet due to the stevia. If the flavor or sweetness level isn’t your favorite, we recommend blending it into a smoothie with other ingredients. If you blend it with just water, we like that it blends easily with no clumps left behind. 

Keep In Mind

Powdered greens can interfere with certain medications, particularly vitamin K with blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering medications, or those for controlling seizures. It’s best to speak to a healthcare professional before trying this product. This powder also has probiotics, but it’s not clear exactly how much.

Keep in mind that this product is not third-party tested, although Vega has other products that have been approved in third-party testing.

Key Specs 

Protein Type: Primarily pea protein with pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, and alfalfa | Protein Per Serving: 30 grams | Added Sweeteners: stevia leaf extract | Other Noteworthy Nutrients: Iron

Why We Recommend It

If you regularly workout or have higher protein needs, you may want a protein powder with the highest amount. We like Vega Sport Premium Protein because it contains 30 grams of protein per serving—the highest on our list—with additional nutrients to support muscle recovery. Whether blended as a post-workout shake or just mixed with water any time of the day, this powder offers a convenient and delicious way to replenish protein stores.

Vega is a well-known brand in the plant-based nutrition space, and they’ve carefully crafted this protein to help support muscle growth and recovery. The blend of protein includes five grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which research shows can help improve muscle soreness and repair after exercise. Other notable ingredients for muscle recovery include turmeric, beetroot, and tart cherry. 

We like that this protein is non-GMO and free from artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners. If you’re an athlete, note that this is NSF Certified for Sport, meaning there are no harmful contaminants or substances banned for competitions. This is a strong third-party testing certification and the only one recognized by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). 

Taste and Texture

We like its sweet, Tootsie Roll-like flavor and smell, but it may be too sweet for some. We also noted an artificial aftertaste, but it didn’t linger too long. We also like its thick, creamy texture.

Keep In Mind

Keep in mind that turmeric and tart cherry may interact with certain medications, so be sure to speak to your healthcare provider before trying this protein powder. Alfalfa is another ingredient you want to be cautious of. Check to see if other supplements you take contain alfalfa because high doses may be unsafe for breastfeeding or pregnant women, and it can also interact with certain medications. 
This protein includes a probiotic blend that may not be wanted by some people.

Key Specs 

Protein Type: Pea, peanut, pumpkin seed, almond, and chia seed | Protein Per Serving: 20 grams | Added Sweeteners: | Other Noteworthy Nutrients: iron

Why We Recommend It

If you’re looking for an organic vegan protein powder, we recommend Orgain Organic Protein Powder. Organic doesn’t necessarily mean better, but organic foods certified by the USDA are produced according to certain standards. Some of these include how animals are fed and raised, fertilizer and pest control use, and additive use. Given this certification, this protein powder is free from any artificial flavors or preservatives. 

Orgain stands out among vegan protein powders because it is sweetened with coconut sugar, which is great if you don’t like the taste of stevia or other sweeteners.

Taste and Texture

We found that it isn’t overly sweet and has more of a nutty taste; this may be because some of the protein comes from peanuts and almonds. It wasn’t an unpleasant taste, but surprising given that we can taste the nuts more than the chocolate. This protein powder dissolves thoroughly and has a creamy texture. We like that the smell matches the flavor, making us more enticed to drink this. 

Keep In Mind

There are five grams of sugar per serving, which is higher compared to some of the other powders on our list. This is not a good option for peanut or tree nut allergies. 

Key Specs 

Protein Type: Sprouted and fermented pea and brown rice, sprouted amaranth, quinoa, buckwheat, millet and chia | Protein Per Serving: 20 grams | Added Sweeteners: Erythritol and stevia leaf extract | Other Noteworthy Nutrients: MCTs, iron, prebiotics and probiotics 

Why We Recommend It

Vegan protein powders have a poor reputation for being grainy and not mixing as well as whey protein powder, but we found Garden of Life’s Organic Creamy Protein with Oatmilk Powder to be quite the opposite.

This texture is likely from the coconut oil, coconut water, and oat milk powders used in this formula. The coconut oil provides MCTs (medium-chained triglycerides), which have gained popularity in recent years. MCTs are saturated fats that can be absorbed directly from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver, unlike other fats that undergo a much longer process. Some athletes use MCTs in hopes of enhancing athletic performance, but the research isn’t strong for that benefit. 

The sodium content is 340 mg per serving, making this one of the higher-sodium options. This can be beneficial for replenishing electrolytes post-workout, but be mindful if you are watching your sodium intake. 

Taste and Texture

We love that this mixes extremely well, even with just water, and forms a rich and thick drink, similar to a milkshake. However, the sweetness is a bit overwhelming and artificial-tasting, with more of the vanilla flavor coming through rather than the cookie. 

Things to Consider

Erythritol and stevia are the two sweeteners in this protein powder, meaning there is no added sugar. This is a good option if you have diabetes or are watching your sugar intake since blood sugar levels won’t be impacted like regular sugar. However, erythritol is a sugar alcohol and can cause digestive symptoms like bloating and diarrhea for some people, especially if consumed in higher quantities.

While we appreciate the five grams of fiber from the prebiotic blend (inulin, acacia gum, xanthan gum, and guar gum), this can also cause digestive upset in some people. This protein powder also contains a probiotic that may not be necessary for everyone.

Key Specs 

Protein Type: Pea, rice, cranberry, sacha inchi, amaranth and sprouted quinoa  | Protein Per Serving: 21 grams | Added Sweeteners: Monk fruit extract and stevia leaf extract | Other Noteworthy Nutrients: Iron and sodium

Why We Recommend It

So Lean & So Clean Plant Based Superfood Protein is our favorite choice for smoothies due to its blendability, high-quality ingredients, and flavor profile. This protein powder provides a nutritious boost to your smoothie without compromising on taste or texture.

In addition to protein, this includes a blend of superfoods and greens such as apples, blackberries, broccoli, kale, and turmeric. So, if you’re curious to try a greens powder, this may be a good place to start. Theoretically, this superfood blend should add additional vitamins and minerals to this powder, but the nutrition label does not indicate anything more than iron. 

Out of all our picks, this is the highest in sodium, with 390 mg per serving. This is great for anyone who sweats a lot, especially during exercise, and can be a great way to replenish electrolytes after a long or sweaty workout. Ali McGowan, MS, RD, LDN recommends getting drinks higher in sodium, like So Lean & So Clean, after a hard workout. These can help replenish electrolytes, help prevent muscle cramps, and maintain proper nerve signaling.

So Lean & So Clean prioritizes strong third-party testing, and you can read more about which labs they use on their website. This is also an allergen-friendly choice and suitable for many food sensitivities.

Taste and Texture

We tried the vanilla chai flavor, and we love that the taste is accurate—vanilla with a blend of spices. The flavor sort of dissipates as you drink it, which works well when blended with other ingredients. We found this powder blends easily, even in just water. We did notice that when just mixed in water, this powder separates from the liquid after a while, so we recommend using a blender.

Keep In Mind

Keep in mind that the superfood blend can interfere with certain medications, particularly vitamin K, with blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering medications, or those for controlling seizures. It’s best to speak to a healthcare professional before trying this product.

This also contains digestive enzymes that may or may not be beneficial. Some people may find this helps with feeling less bloated.