If you want to elevate your fitness performance, but you don't want to consume any animal-based products in the process, you may be interested in the best vegan powder. The last decade has seen a sharp increase in people adopting plant-based lifestyles and the demand for cruelty-free supplements is growing rapidly.

It was difficult a decade ago to find a good vegan powder. We want something that supports our fitness goals, tastes nice, and contributes to our health, all while not breaking a bank. We tested dozens of products to help you decide which vegan powder is the best. You can find our complete guide to the best vegan powder here.

The experts say what they say.

When it comes to building muscle or improving your body composition, the key is in the amount ofProtein. An additional benefit is that it helps steer you away from temptations.

Why is it so important? The main building block of our body is theProtein is the main building block of our body. Without an adequate intake of this important macronutrient, our bodies would not be able to grow, create new tissues, heal wounds or recover from injuries. It is important for sports performance and weight management.

The more you train, the more damage you can do to your muscles. It's always best to cover your diet with healthy food, but sometimes it's not practical. That's when the powder steps in.

RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU...

It's an incredibly convenient way to supplement extra nutrition into your daily diet, says a certified personal trainer. The recommended daily intake for a male is 40% of the daily recommended intake for a standard shake.

You may have heard that plant-based protein is not as good as animal-based equivalents. It's true that some vegan proteins can be missing one or more essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of the molecule. It is possible to meet your requirements on a plant-based diet. Multiple studies have shown that vegan and animal-based nutrition are equally good for strength training and muscle building.

If you mix and match different vegan sources, you can easily avoid deficiency of the amino acids. One of the biggest differences between vegan and animal-based powders is the amount of ingredients used. The best vegan powders contain a variety of different types of protein, which is vital for optimal muscle repair and recovery.

If you are willing to try vegan powders, read on. In our guide, we have pulled together the top choices, along with the information you need to pick the right one to suit your fitness regime.

We have a guide to the best protein powder if you are looking for one. If you want to supplement your workouts with the best resistance bands and rowing machines, you may also want to look at the best powder for it.

How we tested

The Live Science team has tried and tested all of the vegan powders in this guide. The texture of the powder was looked at first. We looked at how well it was mixed into water, plant-based milk, or a smoothie bowl. The taste test was used to determine if the taste was bitter or sweet. The packaging was noted for its convenience.

Best vegan protein powder

Huel protein powder

(Image credit: Future)

Huel, better known for its plant-based meal replacement powders, has branched out into flavored products and nutritionally balanced snacks, including this impressiveprotein powder, which pulls off the rare feat of achieving excellent flavor and texture in a plant-based product alongside a complete nutrition package.

What users say.

One reviewer said that the taste of the drink was the best they had tried. The price is the main objection in the reviews. They mostly acknowledge that the quality of the ingredients and the nutrition profile justify the price.

It is not intended as a meal replacement or sole source of nutrition, as it has a lower calories andCarbohydrate profile than would be recommended for a complete meal, but it is a high quality snack. It contains all the vitamins and minerals recommended by the UK and the EU and is a good source of macro- and micronutrients.

There are some potential issues. It doesn't come in sample sizes, which might make you hesitant to commit to a particular flavor. Not every area will recycle this kind of tub, and it doesn't have the sustainable credentials of some vegan powders.

protein works vegan protein powder

(Image credit: Future)

A blend of five different types of protein is what this powder is made of.

What users say.

It scored 4.2 stars of 5 on Amazon. One reviewer rates the flavor as "insanely terrible". At the other end of the scale, a fan says that he has tried a few plant based shakes and they all tasted like old carpet. I was expecting the same thing with this one, but I was hoping it would be a new carpet flavor.

The largest serving of this powder is 25.1g per serving. Dr Dehghan recommends soy as one of the sources of protein, but it is also a common allergy.

It isn't the easiest vegan powder to blend - we found that you really need a metal spiral or a blender to get a smooth consistency - and it's definitely designed for those with a sweet tooth. It worked well with water and plant-based milks, and did not feel overwhelming when blended with fruit or peanut butter. There are two different versions of TheProtein Works, one with less calories and one with a mineral and vitamins blend. Strict vegan and vegetarian should know that this brand also makes products such as fish oils.

Plant Max vegan protein powder

(Image credit: Future)

Anyone who competes in athletic events knows how important it is not to take banned substances.

What users say.

It scored 4.1 out of 5 in reviews on Amazon. It's expensive compared to other vegan powders. There are cheaper vegan supplements out there, but the ones I have checked out tend to compromise on the quality, so you get what you pay for.

You can be confident that you won't break any regulations with this powder. The batches are screened for banned substances.

The flavor and texture are pretty good, although it only comes in chocolate and banana flavor, and it only comes in one size, which makes it more eco-friendly than a tub. Strict vegan may have reservations about purchasing from a manufacturer that also makes non- vegan products.

bulk vegan protein powder

(Image credit: Future)

The vegan version of Bulk's good value powder is no exception.

What users say.

Reviewers gave it 4.1 stars of 5 overall. Fans praise it for not including artificial ingredients, and many find it delicious. Critics of the caramel latte flavor say it tastes like green peas in coffee and is more chemical than a caramel latte.

It provides 23g ofProtein per serving, but with a higherCarbohydrate content than some others. It comes in a variety of flavors, plus an unflavored version, and has a small list of ingredients. Meat products such as beef jerky, fish jerky and fish oils are also produced by Bulk.

In our opinion, the flavor is what makes it fall down. The flavor is very sweet, but without much depth of flavor, which many reviewers like. It is easy to enjoy this powder on its own with water or milk, or as a part of fruit smoothies and desserts, because of its thick, creamy consistency. One of the reasons they can keep the cost down is that it is made by a manufacturer that makes non- vegan products.

Myprotein vegan protein powder

(Image credit: Future)

MyProtein's products offer no frills for money. This is the bill for its vegan powder.

What users say.

It scores 4.2 of 5 on Amazon and has many fans. The ingredients are all good and have a low amount of sugar and fat. For the taste. It tastes nothing like any chocolate I have ever tasted before. If the flavor you get is perfume, soap or crushed up vitamins, I can't work it out.

It is made in a wide range of flavors and has a hefty 22g ofProtein per serving for just-110 calories.

It is not as natural as some of the more expensive vegan powders. It contains processed ingredients such as high-oleic sunflower oil, xanthan gum and sucralose, and strict vegan and vegetarians should know that MyProtein also produces products.

We found the chocolate flavor to be artificial and unchocolatey. Some of our testers had a cotton mouth sensation after trying this powder. When blended with fruit, peanut butter or other ingredients, it mixes well.

innermost vegan protein powder

(Image credit: Future)

Innermost Health takes aholistic approach to its products - it claims to use science, research and best practices from Asian medicine in crafting its products.

What users say.

Most reviewers give glowing feedback on the taste of it, and it scores an impressive 5 stars on the Innermost website. One reviewer was disappointed with the flavor, but most reviewers are positive about the flavors.

This plant-based powder has an extremely high 31g ofProtein per serving with immune-supporting ingredients such as glutamine and Medicinal mushrooms. It has a slightly higher calories per serving than most of the other vegan powders.

There is a strong emphasis on natural and non-GMO ingredients, but the powder is sweetened with sucralose, an artificial sweetener, and some of their products are not vegetarian.

We found the flavor pleasant, though we were aware of a slightly unusual underlying flavor, and it mixed well.

Optimum Nutrition gold standard plant protein

(Image credit: Future)

When it comes to powders for the body, this one ticks most of the boxes.

What users say.

Some reviewers think it's too sweet and sickly, but most think it's one of the best-tasting vegan powders out there.

It is made by a giant in the industry, and it is Informed Choice and vegan society certified so you can be sure of the ingredients. The flavor and texture are pretty good, but it only comes in two flavors, chocolate and vanilla.

It's not a vegan company because it also makes and sells fish oils. It only comes in a plastic tub with a plastic scoop, which makes it tarnish its plant-based eco-credentials.

This is a review of the UK version of the powder. The US recipe is different. The US version will be reviewed.

Form performance protein

(Image credit: Future)

There is much to love about this powder.

What users say.

Most of the reviews can be summed up in the words of this reviewer: The taste is great, it is a quality product with added extras like probiotics, it has responsible eco packaging, and whilst it is pricier than others on the market, all of the before mentioned make this worth it.

It tastes pretty good and is made from high quality, plant-based proteins. The texture was smooth and creamy. Some of the flavors may come across as too sweet, though the powder is easy to mix. When blended with other ingredients, they may make the taste worse. Form is worth trying. Their powder is enriched with 5g of glutamine and 5g of BCAA, making it a great muscle building supplement. It is free of artificial flavorings and thickeners, which can be helpful for people with gastrointestinal issues. The addition of Curcumin to combat inflammation is a nice touch.

It comes from a business that only sells plant-based products. It is not cheap, but most flavors are available in smaller sample sizes, and you are getting a product that is kind to the environment in every way.

It is not surprising that it has won awards. Reviewers are enthusiastic about the flavors. It's not to everyone's taste, but there are complaints about the texture and taste.

misfits vegan protein powder dark chocolate

(Image credit: Future)

There is a trade-off with this powder.

What users say.

It has a somewhat disappointing 3.9 stars on Amazon. Some customers find the flavors too sweet and one complains that the taste was artificial and like eating wet sand.

While three of the four flavors come in at under 100 calories, it may appeal to anyone watching their calories intake, but the lower-than-average amount ofProtein may be a problem. It has a pleasant, subtle flavor that works well with a wide range of ingredients. You need to shake it or stir it before serving it because it doesn't blend easily.

The ethos and product range of Misfits will appeal to vegans. Even the ink used is eco-friendly. Climate partner works with Misfits to offset its emissions. This is not the cheapest and it is only available in one size.

Best vegan protein powders: Now Sports Pea Protein Powder

(Image credit: Amazon)

If you want a reliable, pure source of GMO-free protein and you don't like fancy flavors, this is the product for you.

What users say.

One reviewer sums it up: "Now makes no pretenses or attempts to mask or enhance the pea taste or texture." This is a large amount of base nutrients and it is very cheap. Does it deliver on the nutrition of peas? Yes. Are you getting it for a fraction of the cost? Yes.

It is made from just one ingredient and has an impressive list of vitamins and minerals. Athletes will be happy to know that it is Informed Sport-approved so they don't need to worry about accidentally consuming a banned substance.

It doesn't taste great, but at the same time it's neutral enough to mix with other ingredients without obscuring their flavors. The distinctive orange tub doesn't seem to be recycled.

It has a 4.5 star rating on Amazon. There are some complaints about the taste and texture and some suggestions that some batches are better than others. Fans point out the value for money.

How to choose the best vegan protein powder for you

The first step in choosing the best vegan powder is to decide on your source.

If you have an allergy to or don't tolerate certain ingredients, discard any products that contain them. Soy is a popular component of many plant-based supplements. Many people are allergic to it, don't tolerate it well or have a thyroid condition that may be made worse by eating more of it. If this applies to you, look into brown rice or pea as they may be better suited to your needs.

It is free of allergens and made out of yellow peas. It is very high in branched chain amino acids. According to a review article published in the Nutrients journal, BCAAs promote muscle fiber synthesis and can be a good addition to many different heavy resistance training routines. Brown rice is one of the most hypoallergenic sources of protein. Brown rice doesn't have a complete amino acid profile, so it has to be coupled with different vegan sources.

woman drinking a protein shake using the best vegan protein

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Many of the best vegan powders contain extracts from the plantHemp, which is a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals. It may not be to everyone's liking that hemp has a strong, earthy aftertaste. It is a general rule to combine several different sources of the same type of food to make sure that you get all of the essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs.

Finding a product that fits with your health and fitness goals is the next step. There are two categories of powders: supplements and gainers. Mass gainers are designed to deliver a hefty dose of calories and a lot of different vitamins and minerals to support muscle growth. If you want to lose weight, you should aim for the regular powders that are lower inCarbohydrate. Mass gainers may be better suited for your goals if you train very hard to shape up your body.

Supporting ingredients is one aspect to look into. The best vegan powders will come with a host of vitamins, minerals and other functional ingredients.

A product that blends well with other ingredients is what you should choose. The price should be considered. The best vegan powders don't have to come with a hefty price tag, but they are usually better quality and may include more support. If you have a specific fitness goal, you may be better off investing in a more expensive product.

The benefits of using vegan protein powder

Your body weight, age, and how active you are are all factors that can affect the amount ofProtein you need. In the over-65s, an average person will need between 0.75g and 1.2g of protein per kilogram of body weight. About 1.2-2g per kilogram of body weight is needed by people who train a lot.

The easiest way to increase your intake is to start with regular food.

There are deals related to Peloton.

If you want to add more muscle to your body, then you should consider using soy or pea powders. Pea and brown rice are two of my favorites for using a combination of different sources of protein.

There is a lot of advice out there on when to eat, but Dr. Dehghan said to focus on getting enough calories and protein. Increasing calories should be the top priority for anyone who is engaging in physical activity.

The article is only for informational purposes, and not for medical advice.