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Best vegan protein powders to buy at a glance
- Best vegan chocolate protein powder: WelleCo Nourish Protein, £29/300g
- Best vegan protein powder on a budget: MyVegan Pea Protein Isolate £13.19 for 1kg
- Best fruity vegan protein powder: Protein Works Vegan Wondershake Mango Smoothie, £29.49 for 3o servings
- Best vegan protein powder for women’s health: Free Soul Vegan Protein Blend Vanilla, £22.49 for 600g
- Best vegan protein powder for men’s health: Bodyism Male Optimum, £60 for 600g
- Best vegan protein powder for a morning pick-me-up: Nuzest Clean Lean Protein Coffee Coconut & MCTs, £36 for 500g
- Best clear vegan protein powder: MyVegan Clear Vegan Protein – Strawberry, £13.74 for 20 servings
- Best vegan protein powder for flavour connoisseurs: Jrny Plant-based Protein Vitality Blend – Raspberry Ripple, £29.95 for 500g
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Best vegan protein powders 2024
WelleCo Nourish Protein – chocolate
Best vegan chocolate protein powder
More like this
- Grams of protein per serving: 15g per 33g serving
- Calories per serving: 123 kcals
- Type of protein: organic pea, brown rice
- Type of sweetener: xylitol, fructooligosaccharides
Testers were impressed by the smooth chocolate flavour achieved here by the blend of cocoa and cacao powder – the latter has a rich taste which comes through when shaken with a blend of oat milk and water. Our testers noted that unlike other vegan powders they had used themselves, this one doesn’t taste artificial or overly sweet.
On the nutrition side, the inclusion of pre- and probiotics as well as riboflavin, turmeric, açai fruit powder and psyllium will give a boost of energy and support gut health. If these are two key factors to your health regime, this could be the perfect powder for you.
Available from:
WelleCo (£29/300g)
Naturisimo (£29/300g)
MyVegan Pea Protein Isolate – chocolate
Best vegan protein powder on a budget
- Grams of protein per serving: 23g per 30g serving
- Calories per serving: 107 kcals
- Type of protein: pea protein isolate
- Type of sweetener: sucralose
Not only is this protein powder budget friendly – just 44p per serving – but, because it’s pure pea protein isolate, it results in a very smooth shake, even when mixed with water alone (however, our preference is definitely when it’s blended with some milk, ice and a banana – it tastes like a chocolate milkshake).
If you’re the type of person who enjoys versatility and control over their flavours, try the unflavoured version of this and add your own fruits, spices and sweeteners in smoothies, porridge and even pancakes.
Available from:
Protein Works Vegan Wondershake Mango Smoothie
Best fruity vegan protein powder
- Grams of protein per serving: 20g protein per 25g serving
- Calories per serving: 94 kcals
- Type of protein: pea protein isolate, soy protein isolate, pumpkin seed protein, brown rice protein
- Type of sweetener: sucralose
Although a little more expensive than other protein powders on the market, you really do pay for quality when it comes to this luxury shake. The texture is thick and velvety smooth and the powder mixes well in a shaker, giving a milkshake-like consistency. The flavour of mango is delicious and doesn’t take too artificial or overpowering.
What’s most impressive is that one serving only comes in at 94 calories, with 0.1 grams of sugar and is keto-friendly. So you don’t have to worry about undoing all the work you did in the gym. Just what you’d expect from supplement specialists, Protein Works.
Available from:
Free Soul Vegan Protein Blend Vanilla
Best vegan protein powder for women’s health
- Grams of protein per serving: 20g protein per 30g serving
- Calories per serving: 118 kcals
- Type of protein: pea protein isolate, white hemp protein
- Type of sweetener: steviol glycosides
More than just a protein shake, this product is formulated specifically to support women’s nutritional needs, providing several key vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, iron, calcium and vitamin B12. Free Soul also include a few extra ingredients – including Peruvian maca, ginseng, guarana and L-Carnitine – so you get more bang for your buck.
It was also the best tasting vanilla powder in the test, with a very subtle, natural flavour that’s not too sweet and pairs well with a banana. It did taste a little bit floury but not in an unpleasant way – it was reminiscent of cake batter, which is no bad thing.
Available from:
Bodyism Male Optimum
Best vegan protein powder for men’s health
- Grams of protein per serving: 13g protein per 20g serving
- Calories per serving: 81 kcals
- Type of protein: pea protein isolate, brown rice protein
- Type of sweetener: steviol glycosides
If you’re looking for a daily multivitamin and protein powder combination that’s designed specifically to support common male health concerns, then this one might be for you. Bodyism’s Male Optimum is designed to increase testosterone, raise libido, support the creation of lean muscle mass and reduce body fat with its unique blend of Tribulus, vitamins, minerals and maca.
While this powder doesn’t have the highest level of protein per serving compared to other products on the market, the addition of an array of nutrients makes it a great choice for those looking for a supplemental powder with a slight protein boost. It comes in a deep cacao flavour which we really enjoyed whizzed into a smoothie or mixed into our morning oats.
Available from:
Nuzest Clean Lean Protein Coffee Coconut & MCTs
Best vegan protein powder for a morning pick-me-up
- Grams of protein per serving: 18.2g per 25g serving
- Calories per serving: 106 kcals
- Type of protein: pea protein isolate
- Type of sweetener: steviol glycosides
Coffee fans, this might be the protein powder for you. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, lectin-free, non-GMO and contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) – a type of fat-based supplement popular among athletes and body builders, and said to be more easily digested than the longer-chain fatty acids found in other foods.
The powder has quite a strong coconut flavour and a more subtle coffee kick, making it a perfect option after a morning workout. It dissolves nicely, isn’t gritty and had no lumps, even when mixed briskly by hand in the shaker. When mixed with water it’s on the thin side, but can easily be thickened up by mixing with almond milk instead.
Available from
MyVegan Clear Vegan Protein – Strawberry
Best clear vegan protein powder
- Grams of protein per serving: 10g per 16g serving
- Calories per serving: 52 kcals
- Type of protein: hydrolysed pea protein
- Type of sweetener: sucralose
If you’re not a fan of the traditional creamy consistency of most protein shakes and would rather your protein to come disguised as a glass of fruit squash, then this is definitely a must try. While it may not be the top choice for athletes or weight lifters due to its lower protein content, we found this to be a light and refreshing afternoon pick-me-up that just happened to offer us a little protein boost on the side.
Our favourite flavours were the strawberry and blackcurrant. They tasted delicious on their own and also added a super berry boost to our favourite breakfast smoothie.
Available from:
Jrny Plant-based Protein Vitality Blend
Best for flavour connoisseurs
- Grams of protein per serving: 21g per 30g serving
- Calories per serving: 122 kcals
- Type of protein: pea protein isolate, hemp protein
- Type of sweetener: xylitol, stevia
Surprisingly delicious even when made with water.
We tried this protein powder with water, oat milk and as part of a fruit smoothie and were pleasantly surprised by how smooth and palatable it was even when mixed with water alone. The raspberry ripple flavour was distinct, with a good balance of sweet and tart notes. Blended with some frozen raspberries, banana and just a touch of milk, it tasted like a healthy raspberry ripple ice-cream.
Moreover, the addition of B vitamins, iron and an electrolyte complex make this vegan protein powder a great choice for those in need of extra support for energy and recovery. One scoop offers 50% of your magnesium, calcium and zinc for the day. While the protein powder doesn’t come with a scoop in an effort to cut back on disposable plastics, you can purchase a reusable wooden scoop (£4.99) on the brands site as desired.
Special highlights: gluten-free, vegan, low sugar, added vitamins and electrolyte complex, eco-conscious.
Available from:
Protein health advice
How to use protein supplements safely
Dietary supplements such as protein bars should be consumed as part of a healthy, balanced diet and not used as a substitute for whole food.
Nutritionist Kerry Torrens explains: “Protein supplements, such as powders, are highly processed and lack the micronutrients and other beneficial nutrients of whole, natural food. We should all aim to achieve our protein requirements from a well-balanced diet, but, for short-term use or in certain circumstances, protein supplementation may be considered.”
It’s important to remember that powders are a concentrated source of energy and can be high in sugar, carbohydrates and fats.
Consider your individual health and fitness goals, your personal dietary requirements and your reason for including protein powders in your diet when deciding which product to buy and how often to drink them.
Discover how to eat a balanced diet and the best protein sources, including options for vegetarians and vegans.
Who could benefit from using a protein supplement?
If you’re regularly getting enough protein from your diet, adding a supplement might not make a noticeable difference to your health. However, those who are either unable to regularly eat enough protein due to decreased appetite or illness, or who have increased protein needs as a result of high-intensity exercise might benefit from taking a supplement.
Kerry explains: “One example, which is probably not an obvious one, is the elderly. This group often has a greater need for protein, but a lower appetite. Increasing protein intake in a form that is palatable and suits their lowered appetite may be effective in protecting against muscle loss.
That said, in this group other aspects, such as kidney health and osteoporosis, need to be considered and monitored – it’s worth checking with a GP that protein supplements are safe and suitable for each individual.”
Who shouldn’t take protein supplements?
Children shouldn’t take protein supplements unless directed by a dietitian. The NHS advises that consuming too much protein in the long term is linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis, and may worsen existing kidney problems.
Some people find protein shakes difficult to digest – it’s best to include them gradually into your diet, and see how you get on. Although allergens should be stated on the label, anyone with allergies should be cautious about using a new supplement, as there is a risk of cross-contamination in factories.
Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for existing medical conditions should consult their GP before starting new supplements.
Is it possible to take too much protein?
Yes. The Department of Health advises adults to avoid consuming more than twice the recommended daily intake of protein (55g for men and 45g for women).
Always read the label of any protein supplement carefully, stick to the recommended serving size, and be mindful of other protein sources in your diet. If you’re concerned that you might be consuming too much protein, speak to your GP.
Buyers’ advice
How to choose a vegan protein powder
Choosing a suitable vegan protein powder will depend on your personal requirements and goals. For example, if you’re looking to gain weight or build muscle, you might want to consider a ‘mass-gainer’ product that is higher in calories and carbohydrates. Look for a product to fit your dietary requirements and double-check allergen labelling on the packet.
Make sure that you buy from a reputable company, ideally based in Europe, as those based outside of Europe may not pass the same safety standards as those within. If you’re in any doubt about the safety of a product, speak to your pharmacist or GP.
How we tested vegan protein powders
All powders were taste tested on the same day, with notes made according to the testing criteria. We included samples from a range of manufacturers with differing nutritional information, protein types and price points for this review.
What we looked for in the vegan protein powders
- Taste and texture: is the flavour pleasant? Is the texture palatable?
- Type of protein: pea, brown rice, hemp, peanut, soya, or another plant-based protein?
- Nutrient profile: how much protein per serving? What about calories, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates and sugars?
- Type of sweetener: does it contain sugars, artificial sweetener or neither?
- Dietary requirements: vegan, gluten-free, soy-free?
- Value for money: how does it compare to others on a cost-per-shake basis?
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