Top Vegan Protein Powders Recommended by a Dietitian

If you are following a vegan diet and find it difficult to meet your protein needs through food alone, there are many vegan-friendly protein powders on the market. These powders are derived from plant-based protein sources including peas, hemp, pumpkin seeds, brown rice, soybeans, chia seeds, and flaxseeds.

In addition to total protein intake, getting the right amount of essential amino acids is also important to keep in mind for a vegan diet, as it requires incorporating a variety of plant-based proteins. “Most plant proteins are not ‘complete,'” says Nathalie Rhone, MS, RD, which means they don’t contain all of the essential amino acids we need. incorporating plant-based protein sources in their diet, or if a client requires a higher protein intake and for some reason can’t get it through whole foods, I can recommend plant-based protein supplements.”

It’s important to note that all plant-based protein powders are not necessarily vegan, as some may contain animal-derived products such as honey. When choosing our list of the top vegan protein powders, we considered flavor, protein content, amino acid profile, and added ingredients.

How we choose supplements

Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; You can read more about our dietary supplement approach here.

We support supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science. We evaluate certain product attributes that we find relevant to the highest quality products. We favor products that are third-party tested and certified by one of three independent third-party certifiers: USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab.

It’s important to note that the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market. Our team of experts has created a detailed, science-backed methodology for selecting the supplements we recommend.

What are you looking for

Smell

While many protein powders contain many essential nutrients, some powders can be lacking in flavor. Luckily, there are a wide variety of flavors out there. You can also mix many of them with different drinks, fruits and vegetables to tailor the flavor exactly to your liking.

Type of protein

There are many sources of vegan protein, including peas, soybeans, brown rice, and hemp. Some may agree with you more than others; You may also have to make a choice based on any dietary restrictions you have. Luckily, some varieties can fit into most diets (including organic formulations).

Fillers

When it comes to protein powders, you want to make sure you know what else is included in addition to protein. Some brands contain fillers that add extra calories from carbs, while other formulas provide complete protein.

Vegan protein powder dosage

The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine defines the DRI (Recommended Daily Intake) for protein as 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight for healthy adults. However, an individual’s protein needs depend on many factors including height, weight, age, physical activity level, and overall health status. For example, some athletes may need between 1.2-2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight.

Consider talking with a healthcare provider or working with a Registered Dietitian to assess your individual protein needs. While you can meet your daily protein needs through plant-based foods (including nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains, tofu, and pea-based proteins). soy), protein powder can help achieve your goal. Evaluate how much protein you are getting from foods and supplement with protein powder as needed to achieve optimal individual intake.