The 11 Best Vegan Protein Powders, Editor-Tested & RD-Approved

Key Specs:

Protein Type: Hemp | Protein Amount: 15 grams | Added Sweeteners: No | Other Noteworthy Nutrients: Iron, magnesium, zinc, fiber

Who’s It For

Best option if you want to create a variety of flavored smoothies with this protein as a base.

Why We Recommend It

We picked Nutiva Organic Cold Pressed Raw Hemp Seed Protein Powder as the best overall unflavored protein powder because of its subtle flavor and nutrition profile. We appreciated its mild flavor when blended as a smoothie and noted minimal to no aftertaste or smell. This protein powder does not have any added sugar or sweeteners, so if you want a sweeter smoothie, try adding naturally sweet fruits or a touch of honey or maple syrup.

This hemp protein powder also earns top marks because it is independently verified, which means the product was tested to ensure the ingredients match what is on the ingredients list without potentially harmful contaminants. “Nutritionally speaking, this protein powder really stands out. While many protein powders strip away nutrients other than protein, this powder keeps many nutrients in hemp seeds. For example, it provides a third of the daily recommendation of iron, a mineral many vegetarians and vegans struggle to get enough of,” says Autumn Rauchwerk, MS, RDN, E-RYT.

It also provides 60% of the daily value (DV) of magnesium, 35% of the daily value of zinc, and an impressive six grams of fiber. It also has three grams of heart-healthy omega-3 fat, a nutrient that vegetarian diets sometimes lack.

Things To Consider

Hemp protein powders can have a slightly grittier texture compared to other types of protein powder. This is why we recommend blending Nutiva’s hemp protein powder into a smoothie rather than mixing it into water or non-dairy milk.

Key Specs:

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

Who’s It For

Best for those who want a protein powder that provides the perfect flavor when mixed with just water.

Why We Recommend It

If you want a vegan protein powder that tastes good but doesn’t contain fillers or artificial ingredients, we recommend Sprout Living’s Epic Protein Vanilla Lucuma Powder. This powder scored the highest average for taste when mixed with water and also received one of the highest average scores for taste when blended as a smoothie. It adds a subtle sweetness and vanilla taste.

This protein powder’s main flavors are vanilla bean, cinnamon, and ginger root. It is sweetened with lucuma (a South American fruit), baobab fruit (an African plant), and stevia. For flavor and texture, it also contains interesting whole-food ingredients such as coconut sugar, heirloom red banana, Jerusalem artichoke (for fiber), and Himalayan sea salt.

Because of the careful ingredient formulation, we noted the vanilla flavor wasn’t overpowering or too sweet, and the powder didn’t have a strong aftertaste. However, it might have a slightly grittier texture because it has fewer processed ingredients than many of the other flavored protein powders. 

Besides the taste, we like that this powder has (per serving) 20 grams of protein from yellow peas, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, sacha inchi, and cranberry seed. A serving also provides 8% of your daily calcium needs and is a good source of fiber, iron, and potassium. If you want other flavors besides vanilla, this protein powder is also available in chocolate maca and green kingdom (with powdered green) flavors.

Things To Consider

This protein powder has 320 milligrams of sodium per serving, which is higher than other options. If you are an athlete or active individual, this can help replenish salt lost in sweat.

Key Specs:

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

Who’s It For

Another great option for those who want a higher protein pick without the hefty price tag, especially athletes.

Why We Recommend It

Another pea protein powder that tops our list is NOW Sports Pea Protein. It is higher in protein—24 grams per serving—and is one of the highest iron options, providing almost half of your daily requirements per serving. Plus, it has a neutral flavor that isn’t as chalky as some other protein powders. We like this unflavored protein powder to mix into smoothies and baked goods for an added protein boost.

This option is budget-friendly, as it is roughly half the cost (or less) per serving than other vegan protein powders. In addition, NOW is a reputable brand that thoroughly tests all of their supplements to ensure label accuracy and that products are free from potentially harmful contaminants. On top of that, this product is Informed Choice Verified, making it an excellent choice for athletes who want to be extra certain no banned substances sneak into their smoothies.

Things To Consider

Similar to Naked Pea protein powder, this unflavored powder may add thickness when blended with a smoothie. While it has a fairly neutral flavor in a smoothie, you may still be able to pick up the pea flavor notes and grittier texture.

Key Specs:

Protein Type: Pea, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, alfalfa | Protein Amount: 30 grams | Added Sweeteners: Stevia leaf | Other Noteworthy Nutrients: Iron, calcium

Who’s It For

Best for those who want a high protein option that supports muscle growth, repair and recovery.

Why We Recommend It

We like Vega Sport Premium Protein for athletes because it has one of the highest protein levels of all the powders we tested. It is also NSF Certified for Sport. When blended as a smoothie, we like the sweet, Tootsie Roll-like flavor, but we noticed a slight aftertaste. 

NSF Certified for Sport verifies that what’s on the label accurately reflects what’s in the container, with no potentially harmful contaminants. It also undergoes extra verification to ensure it doesn’t contain any substances banned for athletes. This certification is the only independently verified certification program recognized by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). 

In another nod to athletes, Vega Sport includes tart cherry and beet root powder, which some research suggests may be beneficial for muscle repair. However, the exact amount of each ingredient in this protein powder is not listed. This powder is another pick that is higher in sodium, at 400 milligrams per serving, which could be beneficial for replacing electrolytes after exercise, but those who do not exercise intensely may not appreciate the higher amount. 

Besides having 30 grams of protein, a serving provides 5 grams of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids, which are useful for muscle growth and repair) and provides a good source of iron and calcium. The protein is mainly from pea protein as the first ingredient, but other protein sources include pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, and alfalfa protein. 

Things To Consider

This powder has alfalfa listed at the end of the ingredient list, which may be an important consideration, especially if you are taking other supplements with alfalfa. However, high doses of alfalfa may be unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding people, those with other medical conditions, or those on certain medications. 

Other ingredients include xanthan gum, stevia leaf extract, turmeric extract, black pepper extract, bromelain (a digestive enzyme found in pineapples), and a probiotic blend, which some may not want or need.

Lastly, we wanted to note this protein powder is free of common allergen ingredients, but it is processed in a facility that also processes milk, peanuts, soy, eggs, and tree nuts. Therefore, it may not be the best choice if you have a common food allergy.

Key Specs:

Protein Type: Pea | Protein Amount: 27 grams | Added Sweeteners: No | Other Noteworthy Nutrients: Iron, calcium

Who’s It For

Best for those who want a single-ingredient protein powder that provides a thicker smoothie consistency. Also good for those who are looking for a much higher protein amount per serving.

Why We Recommend It

Peas are a really concentrated source of vegan protein and minerals. But pea protein—maybe more than other vegan protein sources—can have an off-putting flavor or texture for some people. We like Naked Pea Protein because it’s made from just one ingredient—yellow pea protein isolate—and we mostly noted it did not have a strong flavor when mixed into a smoothie. Pea protein can also thicken a smoothie, so it can have the side benefit of preventing a watery smoothie.

Another reason Naked Pea tops our list is that it provides a source of iron (16% DV) and calcium (7% DV). Compared to other options, it’s one of the highest in protein, with 27 grams per serving, and it lists the specific amounts of amino acids on the label. 

Naked Pea Protein Isolate is Informed Choice Certified, meaning it is independently verified for banned substances. Naked Pea also states it does independent verification for heavy metals. We like that this option is unflavored, so you can sweeten or flavor it to your preference, but they also offer chocolate or vanilla flavors sweetened with organic coconut sugar.

Things To Consider

If you’re planning on mixing your protein with just water, this isn’t our favorite pick, as you can still taste the peas a bit.

Key Specs:

Protein Type: Organic yellow pea protein isolate | Protein Amount: 22 grams | Added Sweeteners: No | Other Noteworthy Nutrients: Phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium

Who’s It For

Best option if you value organic ingredients and environmentally-friendly packaging on top of a great tasting protein powder.

Why We Recommend It

We recommend NorCal Organic Premium Pea Protein if you are looking for a single-ingredient vegan protein powder but don’t want a strong taste or smell. This protein powder received some of the highest scores for having minimal to no aftertaste, smell, or texture when blended in a smoothie. 

NorCal Organics undergoes independent verifications to check for contaminants and heavy metals in its products. The general results of this process are available on its website. NorCal also claims to undergo independent verification for ingredient amounts and purity.

The company, founded by a dietitian, uses only organic ingredients and prioritizes environmentally friendly packaging and ingredients. The peas used to make this product are only sourced from organic farms in Canada.

A serving of this protein powder provides 22 grams of protein, trace amounts of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and 25% of your daily phosphorus needs. It provides an impressive 4.8 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which can play an important role in building and maintaining muscle mass.

Things To Consider

While pea protein is typically a good source of iron, the amount of iron in each serving is not listed on the package, suggesting that this particular powder does not contain significant amounts of iron.

Key Specs:

Protein Type: Pea, brown rice, hemp, pumpkin seed | Protein Amount: 18 grams | Added Sweeteners: Coconut sugar, monk fruit extract | Other Noteworthy Nutrients: Iron, fiber

Who’s It For

Best for those who are okay with a few grams of added sugar in their protein powder and would like a good source of fiber.

Why We Recommend It

It can be hard to find a flavored protein powder without stevia. If you are looking specifically to avoid stevia but want a good flavored protein powder, we suggest trying Aloha Vanilla Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder. The five grams of added sugar per serving come mainly from coconut sugar, with some added monk fruit extract. We also appreciate that this powder doesn’t smell bad. So, if smell is important to you for a vegan protein powder, we like this one.

In addition to 18 grams of protein per serving, this powder provides 5 grams of fiber and 35% of the daily value of iron. The fiber comes partly from blue agave inulin, which acts as a prebiotic fiber in the gut. While this can help promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, inulin may have unpleasant digestive side effects for some people, especially in higher doses.

The protein blend consists of pea, brown rice, hemp, and pumpkin seed protein. Other fillers or flavoring ingredients for this powder include cinnamon, unspecified natural flavors, xanthan gum, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), and ground vanilla bean.

Things To Consider

Aloha does not state if its products are independently tested for ingredient amounts or contaminants.

Key Specs:

Protein Type: Hemp | Protein Amount: 13 grams | Added Sweeteners: No | Other Noteworthy Nutrients: Fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium

Who’s It For

Best for those who don’t need a very high protein option and want a single-ingredient product.

Why We Recommend It

Navitas Organic Hemp Powder is another hemp protein powder we love. Navitas had the highest ratings for taste for all the unflavored vegan protein powders. It would pair well with a green smoothie or tropical flavors such as pineapple, mango, or coconut. If you like to make tropical or greens-based smoothies, Navitas Organic Hemp Powder can boost protein without overpowering other flavors.

We love that this protein powder contains just one ingredient: organic hemp seeds. It’s also cold-pressed, which means it retains more nutrients. This protein powder is high in fiber, iron, and magnesium and provides potassium. 

Things To Consider

Navitas states it does independent testing, but the testing details are unclear. Note this pick is one of the lowest in total protein at 13 grams per serving. Also, remember that hemp can have a more gritty texture compared to other types of protein powder.

Key Specs:

Protein Type: Organic pea protein, organic and sprouted brown rice protein, amaranth, buckwheat, millet, chia seed, chlorella, quinoa, garbanzo,lentil, adzuki bean, flaxseed, sunflower seed, pumpkin seed, sesame seed | Protein Amount: 22 grams | Added Sweeteners: Erythritol, stevia leaf | Other Noteworthy Nutrients: Vitamin D, E, iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium

Who’s It For

Best for those who typically experience digestive issues with protein powders and prefer a slightly sweeter flavor.

Why We Recommend It

Garden of Life’s Raw Organic Vanilla Protein Powder may be a good choice if other vegan protein powders cause digestive discomfort. Protein powder can sometimes cause stomach issues due to the fiber amount, protein type, or other added ingredients.

This protein powder may be easier for your body to digest, as the nuts and grains used in the protein blend are sprouted. Sprouting can increase the bioavailability of certain nutrients and make it easier for the body to digest nuts and grains. 

There is also a raw probiotic and digestive enzyme blend added, but these ingredients may not be best for everyone—especially people who are on certain medications and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Read more about probiotics and digestive enzymes to see if these ingredients are safe for you.

This protein powder provides 22 grams of protein per serving from pea protein and a variety of sprouted nuts, seeds, and grains. The nuts, seeds, and grains make this powder especially a good source of many nutrients, including vitamin D, vitamin E, iron, zinc, manganese, and selenium. 

We also love that it is NSF contents certified, which means it has been independently tested for purity, potency, labeling accuracy, and levels of heavy metals.

Things To Consider

This protein powder has a strongly sweet flavor, which may work best in a plain protein shake. While it may be too sweet for some, it does have a pleasant, creamy, not-too-thick texture. Other flavor options besides vanilla include chocolate, vanilla chai, or unflavored.

Key Specs:

Protein Type: Pea, brown rice | Protein Amount: 20 grams | Added Sweeteners: Stevia leaf | Other Noteworthy Nutrients: Iron, calcium, vitamin A, C, K, and potassium

Who’s It For

Best for those who want additional vitamins and minerals from their protein powder.

Why We Recommend It

If you are looking for a vegan protein powder with powdered greens, try Vega Protein and Greens Vanilla. This choice has a great texture and a nice level of sweetness without being overpowering when blended with water and into a smoothie. Some may appreciate that this protein powder’s sweetness comes from stevia leaf, so there is no added sugar. However, stevia can have an aftertaste, which may be especially noticeable when blended with plain water.

This protein powder is unique in that it contains spinach, kale, broccoli, and alfalfa grass powder; these handy additions mean that one serving provides 20% DV of vitamin K. In addition, a serving provides a good source of iron and smaller amounts of vitamins A, C, and potassium. While some may like that this protein powder has added powdered greens, if you take medication—especially blood thinners—note that the additionalvitamin K could affect the way your medication works. Similarly, high amounts of alfalfa taken long-term may be unsafe for people with autoimmune disorders or those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking certain medications.

If you like this product but want a less-sweet option, Vega offers plain, unsweetened plant protein with greens. They also have chocolate, berry, and coconut almond flavors.

Things To Consider

Vega does independent testing on some of their products, but this protein and greens powder is not clearly independently tested. Vega notes that they test all of their products in-house for safety, texture, nutritional value, and taste. While this protein powder is free of common food allergens, it should be noted it is processed in a facility with milk, soy, peanuts, eggs, tree nuts, and sesame.

Key Specs:

Protein Type: Organic pea protein, organic sprouted navy bean, lentil bean, garbanzo bean, cranberry seed | Protein Amount: 30 grams | Added Sweeteners: Organic stevia leaf | Other Noteworthy Nutrients: Calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, magnesium, molybdenum, magnesium

Who’s It For

Best for those who want a product that is noticeably sweet with just water and the highest amount of protein per serving compared to all of our picks. Also good for those who want additional ingredients to support recovery.

Why We Recommend It

If you want a protein powder that is noticeably sweet and can stand alone when mixed with water, we recommend Garden of Life SPORT Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder. This choice ranked higher in flavor and texture scores when just mixed with water.

We like that a two-scoop serving provides a high amount of protein—30 grams—from organic pea protein, sprouted beans, and cranberry seed. This blend of protein from peas, nuts, and seeds provides a good source of minerals: calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, manganese, and molybdenum.

It’s also worth noting this protein powder is particularly high in BCAAs—crucial building blocks of protein. While research doesn’t support taking a BCAA supplement for muscle growth, it is recommended to focus on consuming foods high in BCAA to help provide the building blocks the body needs to maintain muscle.

This protein powder gets high marks for being independently tested by not just one but two high-quality organizations—Informed Choice and NSF Certified for Sport. Like Vega Sport Protein, this choice also provides nutrients that might help to support muscle recovery and possibly help lower inflammation (though more research is needed), by including tart cherry, blueberry, turmeric, and goji berry.

Things To Consider

This has an added probiotic blend intended to help support immune health, but not everyone may want or need this. GI dietitian Suzie Finkel notes that there is currently no evidence-based probiotic supplement recommendation for the general population.