I’m sure that you’re not surprised to find yourself reading a vegan protein powder review. Unless you’ve locked yourself in a cave for the past decade, it’s hard to miss the ethical revolution in world eating choices. By the same token, the trend towards moral and sustainable consumption leaves many having to rethink and revamp their supplement game.
Being vegan means more than just making ethical choices. Professional vegan athletes are continually challenging the triviality of carnivore diets.
Notably, ultra-athlete Rich Roll has followed a plant-based diet for over 11 years. In that time, Rich has been a successful Ultraman competitor and athlete. Furthermore, Men’s Fitness Magazine has even included him in their list of “25 Fittest Guys in The World.”
Long gone is the image of a vegan diet as a hindrance to athletic performance. In fact, many are embracing the lifestyle for its distinct health benefits.
Do I Really Need Protein Powder?
Most dedicated vegans will argue that there is an abundance of plant-based whole-foods that will help you meet your protein requirements. However, those leading a busy lifestyle often opt for the convenience of powdered supplements.
But hey, that’s why you’re reading a vegan protein powder review, right?
It is important to note, however, that one should consult a doctor or nutritional expert before making any significant dietary changes. This includes supplements mentioned in this vegan protein powder review.
Nutrition: Protein for vegans
Whether the swap to a vegan diet stems from general health or moral concerns, the majority of new vegans experience positive health and wellbeing benefits. Principally driven by misinformation spread by the fitness industry, the considerable focus on protein intake is largely misplaced.
In fact, the average person will only require roughly 1 calorie out of 10 to be protein. In saying that, we aren’t all built equal. For instance, athletes or those who exercise more often may require a slightly higher number to aid in muscle recovery.
Additionally, individuals who have traditionally eaten a substantial amount of meat might find it challenging to get enough protein from plants. However, this is generally due to a lack of knowledge of plant-based protein sources rather than the diet change itself.
For new vegans and fitness-junkies alike, plant-based protein powder can help to boost your protein intake to meet your nutritional goals conveniently.
Benefits of protein
Although we don’t need as much protein as the supplement companies tell us, there are good reasons not to skimp out. Essentially, protein is a broad term given to organic compounds made up of chains of amino acids. While that might seem like jargon to many, rest assured the average person doesn’t need to stress too much about the chemistry.
Fundamentally speaking, these amino acids are the building blocks of muscle. That means that when you consume protein, your body utilizes the chains to build muscle, repair your body from injuries, and boost your metabolism.
What, you knew that already?
Well, protein might have some benefits that you haven’t heard of. Adequate protein intake has also been proven to lower blood pressure, maintain weight loss, reduce appetite, and contribute to healthy hair and nails.
So, while the fitness and supplement industries might exaggerate our protein requirements, it’s easy to see why many are looking to up their intake.
What to Expect from Plant-Based Protein Powders
Finally, the world is waking up to the need for sustainable and ethical consumption.
Luckily, the cogs and gears that are demand and supply are responding. In essence, vegans now have a plethora of different plant-based protein powders to choose from.
But, are they all made equal?
Is whey protein powder vegan?
When browsing for protein powders, whey protein seems to be everywhere. Basically, whey protein is a byproduct of the cheese industry consisting of different proteins separated from milk. Therefore, whey is not vegan and isn’t part of this vegan protein powder review.
Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives.
Vegan vs. non-vegan protein supplements
Traditionally in the fitness world, many have pointed at whey as being the best protein supplement for building muscle. In particular, this is due to the amino acid profile having the most complete scope of essential amino acids.
These are the specific chains that the body is unable to produce. As a result, we need to consume them in food or through supplements to reap the benefits.
In light of that fact, vegans can quite easily get a complete amino acid profile by consuming a wide range of plant-based foods throughout the day. Additionally, supplements such as these vegan protein powder review options can be a convenient boost that can be part of a balanced diet.
These vegan proteins come from a wide range of plant sources. As a result, they will have different amino acid profiles. Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly found examples.
Pea protein powders
Typically made of whole yellow peas, pea protein isolate is a popular industry choice. Pea protein powders are an excellent choice as it is easy to digest and is hypoallergenic. The protein extraction process is also quite easy and can be done naturally without additives and harsh chemicals.
Even so, consumers might not enjoy the chalky and often dirt-like taste. One great idea is to add pea protein to a fruit smoothie to enhance the flavor.
Rice protein powders
Similar to pea protein, brown rice protein powder is a common ingredient in several vegan protein supplements. That’s another excellent hypoallergic protein source that is easy to digest. Rice is also gluten-free, which is a bonus for those looking to reduce gluten intake.
Again, isolated rice protein is not the best option for those looking for great flavor and texture.
Seed-based protein powders
Naturally, seeds are high in protein. As a consequence, the supplement industry has created a wide range of vegan protein powders sourced from seeds.
Sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds are some of the most commonly found protein sources. The main downside to seed-based protein powders is that they naturally lack the essential amino acid, lysine.
Therefore, you will often find these protein powders as part of a mixed-source supplement, found in many products in this vegan protein powder review.
Mix-source protein powders
To create a complete amino acid profile that rivals traditional whey protein, many companies opt for a mix-source protein powder. As the name suggests, this is a plant-based protein powder that utilizes several different plants.
Besides providing a more diverse amino acid profile, customers will also benefit from better mixability, flavor, and a healthier nutritional profile. For these reasons, the majority of products listed on this vegan protein powder review are mix-source protein powders.
Vegan Protein Powder Review
While we know all protein powders will boost your overall daily intake, not all are created equal. Included in this vegan protein powder review are some of the best choices to hit your protein goals.
What we look for in this vegan protein powder review
If you’re anything like me, then you care about what goes into your body. Additions to our vegan protein powder review were selected and examined based on their amino acid profiles, lack of unwanted additives, price, taste, mixability, and sustainable sourcing.
While protein powder supplements don’t typically break the bank, we have included options that cater to everybody’s budget. The following list is in no specific order.
Vega Sport Premium Protein
Vega Sport’s protein powder is a mixed source vegan protein supplement from a company known for delivering clean, plant-based supplements.
Product specifications and features
This excellent protein powder contains 30 grams of protein per serving and is made using plant-based protein from sources including pea, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, and alfalfa proteins. Vega markets this protein to active vegans looking for performance.
As a result, this supplement contains five grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). These are unique amino acid chains that have been proven to increase muscle growth and speed up recovery time. Furthermore, this product contains added probiotics, contains no artificial flavors, and is vegan certified and Informed Choice certified.
How it stacks up
Those reading this vegan protein powder review in hopes of finding a tremendous muscle-building protein powder that rivals whey can’t look past this choice. With 30 grams of protein per serving, it’s the most you’ll find on this vegan protein powder review. Coupled with the inclusion of five grams of both BCAAs and glutamic acid, this supplement is a great muscle-building option.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% organic plant-based protein powder
In the supplement industry, a name like Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard is highly respected for high-quality and great tasting products. Consequently, when they announced the release of a plant-based, vegan protein powder, many were delighted.
Product specifications and features
This product is another mixed-source vegan protein powder, utilizing organic pea, rice, and Sacha Inci proteins. Included in each serving is 24 grams of protein, containing no artificial sweeteners, four grams of BCAAs, and added vitamin C.
Also, in an attempt to stand out from the crowd, Optimum added ancient grains such as Amaranth, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, and chia for added, all-natural nutritional value.
How it stacks up
Optimum Nutrition’s vegan protein powder is an excellent choice for first-time buyers as well as those familiar with their whey protein alternatives. The nutritional profile indicates a great muscle-building complex with a large amount of protein per serving.
The inclusion of ancient grains makes it a favorite with those that swear by the health benefits.
The only downside is the inclusion of certain gums that could cause digestive issues for some people.
Naturade Vegansmart All-In-One Nutritional Shake
For those looking to get the complete nutrition of a meal in the convenience of a shake, Naturade’s Vegansmart is a popular choice from this vegan protein powder review.
Product specifications and features
While not a standalone protein supplement, this shake instead aims to provide a complete nutritional profile, with 20g of plant-based protein per serving. Naturade market this product as a meal replacement shake. As a result, you will find included six grams of dietary fiber, omega 3, digestive enzymes, and added vitamins and minerals.
In terms of protein, Naturade has utilized a mixed source of five different protein sources including grains and seeds. However, Naturade has not included any BCAAs.
How it stacks up
For those looking for a meal replacement shake rather than a simple protein shake, this is a no brainer. Other supplements included in this vegan protein powder review are designed to be a standalone protein supplement.
Naked Nutrition Naked Pea vegan protein powder
The first single-sourced supplement on this vegan protein powder review is the Naked Pea by Naked Nutrition.
This protein powder is an excellent option from an American company that is known for environmentally friendly and sustainably sourced products.
Product specifications and features
Each serving of Naked Pea contains 27 grams of yellow pea protein isolate. Like the other powders mentioned in this vegan protein powder review, Naked Pea also includes no artificial sweeteners.
Equally important, North American Farms stress their land-conscious farming practices and transparency in added ingredients. They have also thrown in 5.7 grams of BCAAs, making it a great, no-frills protein supplement that is great for muscle building.
How it stacks up
Vegans looking for a pure, straight-forward protein powder seem to love Naked Pea. It is a favorite amongst environmentally conscious consumers who want to support ethical farming. However, fitness-junkies looking to get a complete amino acid profile may prefer a mix-source protein powder.
In spite of this, Naked Pea contains one of the highest BCAA contents per serving out of those listed on this vegan protein powder review.
Considering this, combined with the simplicity and purity of the ingredients, Naked Pea stacks up to be one of the best single-source vegan protein supplements in the market.
SAN Nutrition RawFusion Plant Protein Powder
Another great addition to this vegan protein powder review is Rawfusion by SAN Nutrition. This is another fantastic vegan protein powder review option that doesn’t break the bank.
Product specifications and features
Similar to others on the roundup, Rawfusion utilizes a mix-source matrix of protein. However, uniquely, this particular matrix includes artichoke protein as well as the more commonly found pea and rice protein isolates. Each serving contains 21 grams of protein, as well as a modest 4.5 grams of BCAAs.
How it stacks up
Rawfusion has one of the lowest protein content per serving when compared to the other protein powder offerings. In fact, it only contains one more gram than the Vegansmart meal replacement shake. In saying that, 21 grams is more than sufficient for a single serving.
Coupled with the added BCAAs, it’s still an excellent muscle-building supplement for vegans.
Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
Vegans who want a boost in dietary fiber out of their protein shake tend to love Orgain’s vegan protein. That also happens to be one of the most popular protein powders on the market.
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Product specifications and features
Similar to Rawfusion, this organic vegan protein supplement features 21 grams of mix-source plant protein, primarily from pea, rice, and chia proteins.
Additionally, Orgain has packed in 5 grams of organic fiber while still maintaining a low 150 calorie count per serving. However, there is no added benefit of included BCAAs in this vegan protein powder review option.
How it stacks up
Orgain’s products are popular in the vegan supplement industry. Many customers are loyal to the brand.
This result is mainly due to great taste across the 10 available flavors, easy mixability, and the excellent value for money.
SMART138 Pea Protein
Another great pea-based protein option is SMART138’s Pea Protein. It’s a direct competitor to Naked Nutrition’s Naked Pea protein powder.
Product specifications and features
Similar to Naked Pea, SMART138 uses purely non-GMO yellow peas as the primary source for this vegan protein powder. Secondly, you will again find 27 grams of protein per serving and no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors in this product.
What stands out about this particular pea protein is the whopping 6.1 grams of BCAAs per serving. That’s the highest amount out of all other products on this vegan protein powder review.
How it stacks up
The high amount of BCAAs is popular with those looking for a clean protein powder that delivers muscle-building results.
Picking the Best Vegan Protein Powder for You
No doubt, everybody’s nutritional needs are different. In saying that, the diverse inclusions listed in this vegan protein powder review should cater to the needs of most.
Whether you’re looking to add some plant-fueled muscle mass to your physique, or just trying to meet your general protein requirements, there’s a plant-based supplement for you.
Our pick from this vegan protein powder review is Optimum Nutrition’s vegan protein. This tops the list due to excellent value for money, the high protein content per serving and the included five grams of BCAAs.
However, an honorable mention goes out to Naked Nutrition’s Naked Pea. It’s an excellent option for those looking to support an environmentally friendly and sustainable company with a no-frills, raw pea protein product.
What has your experience been with vegan protein powders? We’d love to hear your story. Don’t forget to let us know by leaving a comment below.
Last update on 2022-04-02 at 19:42 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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