The best vegan protein powders

Chicago Tribune

29-05-2025

With the popularity of plant-based diets booming, the time for stereotypes about weak or sickly vegans is over. Vegan protein powder is perfect for gym-goers and those looking to build muscle.
Plant-based protein powders can be made from a variety of protein sources and come in many flavors. Whether you follow a vegan diet or have experienced unpleasant digestive issues from whey protein in the past, you have plenty of options to choose from.
While nonvegan protein powder is usually made with whey from milk, vegan protein powder is made from plant-based protein sources. It's a great alternative to dairy-based powders for vegans, those who are lactose intolerant or anyone who simply doesn't get on well with whey protein. Common protein sources include pea, soy, brown rice and hemp, but most contain a blend of several proteins.
Like whey-based protein powders, vegan versions come in a wide range of flavors. Chocolate and vanilla are two of the most common options, but you'll also find flavors such as berry, tropical fruits, chai and birthday cake. You can also buy unflavored protein powder, which is great if you like to flavor your own protein shakes or blend protein powder into smoothies.
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder
Made from a blend of raw, organic protein sources, this is a great choice for anyone who is health-conscious. It contains 22 grams of protein per serving and is available in chocolate, vanilla, vanilla chai and unflavored versions.
Vega Protein Made Simple
With just four to eight ingredients (depending on which flavor you choose), this is a simple protein powder. It's great for people who don't like consuming things with long ingredient lists. It contains no gums and no stevia.
Isopure Vegan Protein Powder
This plant-based protein powder is made from a blend of pea and brown rice protein with no sugar or artificial sweeteners. It's chocolate-flavored and boasts 20 grams of protein per serving.
KOS Organic Plant Based Protein Powder
Certified USDA organic, this is the perfect protein powder for people who prefer to eat organic where possible. The vanilla flavor is pleasant and not too sweet, and the blend of added vitamins and minerals boosts its nutritional value.
Ghost Vegan Protein Powder
If you're sick of basic flavors, this might be the protein powder for you. This one comes in chocolate cereal milk, peanut butter cereal milk, pancake batter and banana pancake batter flavors. Each serving contains 20 grams of protein.
Orgain Plant-Based Protein Powder Plus Oatmilk
Alongside its blend of organic pea and brown rice protein, it contains oat milk powder for a creamier shake. It's certified organic and contains 20 grams of protein in each serving.
Vega Sport Vegan Performance Protein + Recovery Powder
With 30 grams of protein per serving, this is a great powder for those looking for serious gains. You can choose from chocolate, mocha and peanut butter flavors. Its protein comes from a blend containing pea, pumpkin seed and sunflower seed protein.
Garden of Life Organic Vegan Sport Protein Powder
This USDA-certified organic protein powder is made for athletes and serious gym-goers, with 30 grams of protein per serving. It contains more than five grams of BCAA amino acids, glutamine and glutamic acid for post-workout recovery.
Orgain Vanilla Sport Plant-Based Protein Powder
Thanks to its protein blend of pea, brown rice and chia seed proteins, you'll get an impressive 30 grams of protein in every serving. It's USDA-certified organic and contains an array of healthy ingredients, including tart cherry, turmeric and ginger.
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