Choosing a good protein powder is hard enough. However, choosing a good vegan protein powder is even harder. For many vegans looking to build muscle, protein powder is key to help them hit their protein goals. Below are some details to look for in the best vegan protein powders. We also share some vegan protein powder recommendations for various needs.
There are many different protein sources available for vegans. As such, the protein content of vegan protein powders can vary based on the source. The most common vegan powder protein sources are pea, hemp, soy, and brown rice. Some of these like soy can have an aftertaste, and may not work for all dietary needs. Ensure you choose vegan protein powders with the best protein source for your body.
Often protein powders are not known to have the best taste. That is why the flavor you choose can make all the difference. The flavors offered by most companies include vanilla, chocolate, and natural/unflavored. Others mix in specialty flavors such as strawberry, caramel, or mocha. Most people mix their protein powder into oatmeal or smoothies, thus disguising the flavor further.
Ensure you read the full list of ingredients for your chosen protein powder. If you are looking to lose weight while bulking, ensure that the powder you choose hasn’t got additional sugar in it. Some protein powders also add extra carbohydrates to make it more of a meal replacement. Consider whether you will be using it before or after a workout. If you will be using it before, consider a protein powder without a high fiber content. However, if you are looking to use it as a meal replacement, the higher fiber content can be more beneficial.
Knowing and following protein powder serving recommendations is important. After all, you want to ensure you are getting the right amount of protein each day. Serving sizes and protein quantities vary from brand to brand, and can even vary within brands depending on the formula. Work out how much additional protein you need to meet your goals and only use that amount.
Below are just a few recommendations of vegan protein powder for helping you to bulk up.
This protein powder offers 21g of protein per serving in the regular versions and 30g of protein per serving in the Sport Powder. It is a pea and brown rice protein powder with chia seeds, no grams of sugar, and comes in a wide variety of standard and exotic flavors. There is even Horchata and Peppermint Hot Cocoa!
This protein powder offers 19g of protein per serving scoop. It contains no additional sugar and the protein comes from a mix of pea and hemp protein. Goji berries add essential amino acids and ground coconut adds essential fatty acids to assist with muscle recovery. The protein powder is available in natural, vanilla, chocolate, mocha, and berry flavors.
This protein powder is combined with a green superfoods powder, fruit, and vegetables. The protein sources are pea, quinoa, chia, and hemp. The greens included are barley, wheatgrass, alfalfa, spinach, broccoli, and spirulina. With no added sugar, all the sugars come from fruit and vegetables. One serving contains 20g of protein, 2.5g of fat, 2g of fiber, and 6mg of iron. It is available in 3 flavors; natural, vanilla, and chocolate peanut butter.
This protein powder only contains pea protein, making it vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free. Each serving contains 27g of protein. The unflavored powder blends well with any liquids, however, the aftertaste is unpleasant to some. An additional benefit of NAKED Pea Protein is its certification from Informed Choice, which means it is a safe protein powder for athletes competing at any level.
When choosing the best vegan protein powder, focus on your needs and dietary requirements. Choose a protein blend that helps you meet your fitness and health goals. Consider discussing your needs with your personal trainer or a dietician if you are unsure about your protein needs.
