We Asked Dietitians What the Best Vegan Protein Powder Is — Here’s What They Said

Hemp might not be the first thing that comes to mind when choosing a protein powder, but it’s a nutrient-dense ingredient that’s great for those seeking a simple, unflavored, plant-based option. Nutiva’s organic hemp protein powder delivers 15 grams (g) of protein per scoop, all derived from cold-pressed hemp seeds. Unlike animal proteins, many plant-based sources of protein are not complete, meaning they do not contain all nine essential amino acids. What sets this protein powder apart is its single-ingredient formulation and complete amino acid profile, a rare find in the vegan supplement space.

Each serving of Four Sigmatic protein powder provides 20 g of organic protein from a variety of sources, including pea, hemp, pumpkin seed, chia, and coconut, ensuring that this protein powder includes all nine essential amino acids for a complete amino acid profile.

This protein powder is flavored, but rather than vaguely listing “natural flavors” in the ingredients like other blends sometimes do, Four Sigmatic flavors its powders with ingredients like organic vanilla, cacao, and peanuts for a more authentic taste. Sweetened with coconut sugar and monk fruit, it contains almost no added sugar (one serving contains only 1 g of added sugar). This powder blends nicely into smoothies or oatmeal, though it may feel a bit thick if mixed with plain water alone.

When shopping for a vegan protein powder that tastes good and provides all of the protein you want, it’s best to look for products that use recognizable ingredients for flavor. Some products vaguely tout their use of “natural flavors,” and although natural flavors are generally recognized as safe, they are often created using chemicals and other additives, making it hard to know what is actually in your product.

High-quality vegan protein powders do not need to have a hefty price tag. This organic pea protein isolate from NOW Sports is the most affordable on our list, without sacrificing quality. Unlike regular pea protein, pea protein isolate has gone through an extra processing step, removing most carbohydrates and fats and leaving a more concentrated form of protein behind. Because of this, the protein powder has very little fat (only 1.5 g per serving) and only 1 g of carbohydrates. The protein from peas is a complete protein source, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids, and it’s a great option for those with nut allergies.

We love that this protein powder has a very simple ingredient list — just organic yellow pea protein isolate. One serving of this powder provides 15 g of protein in an unflavored powder, which makes it a versatile supplement that can be added to smoothies, baked goods, or your favorite drink. This protein powder is Informed Sport certified, meaning it’s been tested for common banned substances in athletics, making it a trustworthy pick for anyone who wants a simple, reliable protein powder on a budget.

Traveling or having a hectic schedule can make getting an optimal amount of protein tricky, especially as a plant-based eater. To hit your protein requirements as a vegan, planning meals and snacks is key, and being on the go can make that challenging. For that reason, we like Ka’Chava as the best on-the-go protein option. “It tastes good and it has a good amount of fiber and protein,” Rifkin says. “It’s also a complete protein.”

One serving provides 25 g of protein from a variety of plant-based ingredients, including yellow pea protein, brown rice protein, quinoa, amaranth, and sacha inchi, a plant native to South America.

An important note: This is the most expensive product on our list, but you can stretch out the amount of servings per bag by cutting the serving size in half.

Nuzest’s Clean Lean Protein is not third-party tested, but an LGC-screened version for athletes is available, and according to Nuzest’s website, their products are regularly tested for safe microbial activity, heavy metals, pesticides, and most common allergens.

The super simple ingredient list makes this a great option for vegans or plant-based eaters with specific dietary needs. Sprout Living’s pumpkin seed protein powder is third-party tested, Whole30 approved, kosher, and paleo-friendly. The protein mixes well into smoothies and oatmeal. It does have a slightly nutty flavor, so we recommend mixing it with your favorite milk instead of water.

Sunwarrior’s Warrior Blend Protein + Greens is an organic, vegan protein option that delivers 17 g of protein per serving as well as the equivalent of one serving of vegetables. When reading the ingredient list of this product, consumers will be able to identify every ingredient. The protein in this powder is sourced from organic peas, and the blend also includes organic greens, including kale, spinach, and spirulina, for added nutrients. Like many other picks on this list, this protein powder contains a good amount of iron (5.2 mg), which is important for vegans and plant-based eaters.

This protein powder comes in three flavors: unflavored, vanilla, and chocolate. We prefer the unflavored option because it is free of stevia, but we know that sometimes unflavored protein powders can have an overwhelming taste. This product is kosher as well as gluten-free and nut-free, but it is produced in a facility that also processes peanuts and tree nuts, so those with strict dietary needs may need to be mindful.

This protein powder comes in five different flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, berry, peanut butter, and mocha, and while “natural flavors” are not our favorite type of ingredient, the 30 g of protein makes up for it. It’s also sweetened with stevia, so it’s free of added sugars. This protein powder should mix well with liquids, thanks to the xanthan gum (a food thickener), and it’s good for using in smoothies or baked goods.