The Best Vegan Protein Powders For Taste, Weight Loss, and More

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Meat-eaters and plant-based eaters don’t always have much in common when it comes to what’s on their plate, but one fact remains — both need protein. If you’re a serious strength athlete, who is looking to push yourself on the platform or in a box, you need ample protein to help your muscles recover and fuel tough workouts.


However, vegans don’t drink whey protein (as it is sourced from animal products), so they need a plant-based formula with ample protein. On top of that, it may be beneficial to have added micronutrients in their protein powder that they may not be getting from their regular vegan diet. The good news is that these days, plenty of companies put out top-notch vegan protein powders. However, since a main ingredient in protein powders is whey — a byproduct of dairy — it’s harder to come across a high quality vegan protein formula, which is why you may find that many of the options on this list are repeated. We’ve gone ahead and broken down our top vegan protein finds into specific categories to help you choose your ideal vegan protein powder.


Best Vegan Protein Powders

Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it shouldn’t take the place of advice and/or supervision from a medical professional. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. Speak with your physician if you have any concerns.


Best Vegan Protein Powder Overall
A great vegan protein powder will have a robust formula that boasts protein, nutrients specific to plant-based eaters, and relatively few carbs and fats. Plantein hits all these marks.


Kaged Muscle Plantein
What sets Plantein apart from other vegan proteins is its macronutrient breakdown. Typically, plant-based powders contain more carbs than powders derived from animal products since the protein comes from sources like hemp or oats. Kaged Muscle has managed to reduce those numbers down, so a single serving delivers 26 grams of protein, five grams of carbs, and just four grams of fat. It’s a lean protein comparable to whey protein powder. Plantain is made from pea protein, organic quinoa, and peanut flour mainly.




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Kaged Muscle Plantein





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This plant-based formula is made from pea protein and boasts a macronutrient profile similar to whey — 26 grams of protein, four grams of carbs, and five grams of fat. Use code BARBEND10 for 10% off your purchase.









Who Should Buy Kaged Muscle Plantein
  • People who want a plant-based protein that mimics the macros of a whey-based formula — typically, a breakdown that’s lower in carbs and fats and higher in protein.
  • Anyone who also wants a supplementation of amino acids — this offers nine essential aminos.
  • Vegans who need a lot of protein. At 26 grams per serving, Plantein offers a generous amount of protein.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Kaged Muscle Plantein
  • People who like basic flavors. Plantein comes in Peanut Butter Cookie, Cinnamon Roll, and Banana Bread.
  • Lifters who like to buy in bulk. Kaged Muscle only offers 15 servings at a time (though you can opt to “subscribe and save”).
  • Anyone who wants more carbs and fats. While some athletes want to keep protein high and carbs and fats low, other folks may be on the hunt for a more satiating shake.
With three delicious flavors, 26 grams of protein, and plenty of branched-chain amino acids, Plantein isn’t just the best vegan protein — it can go head to head with any formula on the market.


Best Tasting Vegan Protein Powder
If you’re drinking protein powder every day, then you want to enjoy it. Here’s our pick for the tastiest vegan protein powder available.


Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein
This powder only comes in two flavors — Chocolate and French Vanilla — but Transparent Labs gives meaning to the saying “quality over quantity.” Neither flavor has the distinct earthiness and grittiness that is obvious in a lot of vegan powders. Its formula comprises a 2:1 ratio of rice to pea protein powder; it has four grams of fiber (to aid in digestion), and it contains 24 grams of protein and three grams of net carbs (meaning minus the fiber) per 37-gram serving.




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Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein





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A surprisingly delicious vegan protein powder that's totally free from artificial ingredients and soy, Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein contains a 2:1 ratio of rice to pea protein powder, and four grams of fiber. Use the code BARBEND10 to get 10% off!









Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein
  • Frequent protein drinkers. You want to enjoy what you’re using, and Transparent Labs offers two delicious flavors.
  • Bulk buyers. Transparent Labs allows you to buy two or three tubs at once for a discounted rate. It’s more money upfront, but you can save $24 by buying three tubs, which is helpful if you regularly take this formula.
  • Anyone who needs iron. Of course, you should talk to a doctor if you’re deficient in any nutrient, but Transparent Labs does provide 30 percent of the recommended daily serving of iron — a nutrient that is abundant in red meat.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein
  • Folks who don’t like chocolate or vanilla. You’ll need to look for another product with more flavors.
  • People who don’t necessarily care whether they get artificial flavorings, colorings, and sweeteners. Though this formula is free of those things, you are paying for that.
This vegan powder — which boasts 150 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, seven grams of carbs, and 24 grams of protein per serving — doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or coloring, and is free of both gluten and GMOs.


Best Vegan Protein Powder for Weight Loss
Many people who are looking to lose weight may want to cut back on carbs, fat, and sugar. This pick has a great macronutrient profile for anyone trying to burn fat or slim down a little bit.


KAGED Plantein
Plantein’s macronutrient breakdown tamps down carbs and sugar while still upping the protein. Kaged Muscle Plantein has 26 grams of protein, five grams of carbs, four grams of fat, and only one gram of sugar per serving. It’s made from a blend of pea protein and organic quinoa and this lean protein powder is free of soy, as well as, of course, dairy and lactose. Plus, this pea protein is treated with Ingredient Optimized® Technology, which may make it 300 percent more bioavailable and easily absorbed than your average pea protein because, according to KAGED, it “increases the surface area of protein, dramatically enhancing amino acid absorption and utilization.”




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Kaged Muscle Plantein





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This plant-based formula is made from pea protein and boasts a macronutrient profile similar to whey — 26 grams of protein, four grams of carbs, and five grams of fat. Use code BARBEND10 for 10% off your purchase.









Who Should Buy KAGED Plantein
  • Vegans who want a protein with very few carbs, fats, and sugars to potentially help with weight loss.
  • Anyone who wants a solid dose of amino acids in their protein powder.
  • Athletes who want an easily absorbed protein — Kaged’s Ingredient Optimized Technology helps with digestion.
Who Shouldn’t Buy KAGED Plantein
  • People who want to buy their protein in bulk — this product only comes in 15-serving containers.
  • Lifters looking to gain weight. That’s not to say, this formula can’t supplement a bulking diet, but anyone who needs a lot of calories may prefer a more calorically dense shake.
Kaged Muscle offers up a lean vegan protein powder that may help you get or stay, well, lean. It’s also naturally flavored and contains coconut MCT oil to give it a thicker, more full-bodied mouth feel.


Best Vegan Protein Powder for Bodybuilding
If you’re a bodybuilder who follows a vegan diet, it may be harder to eat the proper macro ratio to consistently make muscle gains. This pick is heavy on the protein, and easy on the carbs, fats, and sugars.


Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein
This protein powder has a 2:1 rice to pea protein ratio — making for a less gritty texture — and packs 24 grams of protein per serving. In addition, it only contains two and half grams of fat, seven grams of carbs (three when you subtract the insoluble fiber), and two grams of sugar per scoop. Though sometimes overlooked in protein powders, this pick also contains four grams of fiber. Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein has no artificial flavoring or sweeteners, and comes in two delicious chocolate and vanilla flavors. Though, it’s worth noting that there are only 150 calories in each serving of this powder, so if you’re looking to bulk, you may want to look for a vegan mass gainer.




Save 10%






Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein





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A surprisingly delicious vegan protein powder that's totally free from artificial ingredients and soy, Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein contains a 2:1 ratio of rice to pea protein powder, and four grams of fiber. Use the code BARBEND10 to get 10% off!









Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein
  • Bodybuilders who are looking for a protein powder with macros that are better suited to facilitate muscle growth with minimal fat gain.
  • Customers looking for a product with delicious flavors — these chocolate and vanilla flavors are standouts.
  • Anyone who wants added fiber in their protein powder to help with digestion.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein
  • Folks who want more than two flavors to choose from will want to look for a blend with more flavor variety.
  • Athletes looking to bulk who may want a higher calorie count in their protein powder.
This protein powder packs a solid 24 grams of protein, and its rice to pea protein ratio keeps the grit texture down, so it’s easy to consume to keep you on track with your bodybuilding goals.


Best Vegan Protein Powder for Women
Some women tend to lean toward proteins that track on the lighter side — meaning they’re lower in carbs, fats, and sugars, still high in protein, and easy to digest. This Kaged Muscle pick is a great match for all of these traits.


KAGED Plantein
At 160 calories per scoop, this pea protein powder packs a whopping 26 grams of protein per serving with just five grams of carbs, four grams of fat, and no sugar at all. Many women may also value additional fiber in their supplement to help with digestion, and this product contains an extra two grams. Kaged Muscle also implements Ingredient Optimized® Technology, which may make this protein more bioavailable, as it increases the surface area of protein, which can help enhance amino acid absorption and utilization. In fact, the amino acid bioavailability — including leucine, BCAAs, and EAAs — in this pea protein was comparable to that of whey protein, making it one of the more powerful vegan options on the market.




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Kaged Muscle Plantein





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This plant-based formula is made from pea protein and boasts a macronutrient profile similar to whey — 26 grams of protein, four grams of carbs, and five grams of fat. Use code BARBEND10 for 10% off your purchase.









Who Should Buy KAGED Plantein
  • Women who may want to limit the carbs, fats, and sugars in their protein powder.
  • Athletes looking for a protein powder that is easily absorbed and comparable to whey protein.
  • Folks who prefer unique flavors in their protein powder, rather than basic vanilla or chocolate.
Who Shouldn’t Buy KAGED Plantein
  • Anyone who doesn’t value having BCAAs in their protein powder — Kaged puts a big focus on amino acid bioavailability.
  • Those who want more basic flavors like vanilla or chocolate that they can mix into smoothies.
With the help of Kaged Muscle’s Optimized Technology, this protein powder is easily absorbed, and at only 160 calories, with 26 grams of protein, and zero sugar, it’s a great option for women who don’t want a protein shake to weigh them down.


Best Vegan Protein Powder for Athletes
Athletes require a balanced intake of both protein and carbs to facilitate intense training sessions, as well as a complete formula that covers their micronutrient needs.


KAGED Plantein
Kaged Muscle made good with their pea-based protein powder. This formula boasts a terrific amino acid profile — complete with nine essential amino acids — and micronutrients like calcium, potassium, and iron. These nutrients are vital as vegans may not ingest as much iron or calcium from natural red meat sources or dairy products as those who do consume animal products. Each serving packs 26 grams of protein with only five grams of carbohydrates.




15% Off






Kaged Muscle Plantein





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This plant-based formula is made from pea protein and boasts a macronutrient profile similar to whey — 26 grams of protein, four grams of carbs, and five grams of fat. Use code BARBEND10 for 10% off your purchase.









Who Should Buy KAGED Plantein
  • Plant-based dieters who want a nutrient-dense protein powder that contains added iron and calcium.
  • Bodybuilders (or anyone on a fat-loss diet), as Kaged has just five grams of carbs.
  • If you’re concerned about absorption, Kaged’s “Ingredient Optimized” technology might help increase bioavailability.
Who Shouldn’t Buy KAGED Plantein
  • Customers who are looking for a basic vanilla or chocolate protein powder — this product comes in Banana Bread, Cinnamon Roll, and Peanut Butter Cookie.
  • Athletes who partake in vigorous exercise and need a lot of carbohydrates may want to look for a product higher in carbs. Yes, this formula can facilitate tough training, but five grams of carbohydrates may be too few for some people.
Kaged Plantein is a lower-carb formula with plenty of protein to help athletes recover from tough training sessions. It also has a host of vitamins and other supplements to facilitate performance.


Best Vegan Protein Powder for Probiotics
Though having probiotics in protein powder may not be super common, this pick provides a solid dose of them. Probiotics are thought to help revitalize your gut health for better digestion and nutrient absorption.


Pure Food Plant-Based Protein Powder
In terms of its protein content, Pure Food’s formula has 20 grams of protein, which is a little less than other options on this list — so that’s something to keep in mind. It also contains nine grams of carbs. However, this plant-based powder has far more redeeming qualities. That is four grams of branched chain amino acids — the building blocks of protein — four grams of glutamine and fiber, and one billion colony forming units (or CFUs) of probiotics.






Pure Food Plant-Based Protein Powder





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With one billion colony forming units (CFUs) of probiotics, Pure Food's vegan protein powder should be your pick for more optimal gut health. This powder also contains 20 grams of protein and four grams of BCAAs.









Who Should Buy Pure Food Plant-Based Protein Powder
  • People who want a protein powder with probiotics will appreciate the one billion CFUs of probiotics in this formula.
  • People with digestive issues. The probiotics may help improve your digestion.
  • Those who aren’t looking for a high dose of protein will like that this powder only offers 20 grams per serving — a dose much lower than most powders on this list.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Pure Food Plant-Based Protein Powder
  • Athletes who want as much protein as possible; other vegan protein options on this list dole out more protein at a similar cost.
  • Diet-focused folks. Depending on the type of diet you’re following, the nine grams of carbs may be unwanted.
A healthier gut can mean improved digestion, performance, and maybe even overall health. If that’s a concern for you, then this formula — packed with probiotics — is what you’ll want to buy.


Best Vegan Protein Powder to Replicate Whey
Whey protein powders are notorious for being lower in fat and carbs, making them one of the most protein-dense formulas. We found a vegan formula that is low in both fat and carbs and still high in protein.


Legion Plant+
This formula uses a pea and rice protein blend, which may be as effective as whey for building muscle. Macro-wise, it’s on par with traditional whey powder. Each serving contains just 140 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, five grams of carbs, and 25 grams of protein. Just like whey, it also contains 5.6 grams of BCAAs, and boasts calcium, iron, and potassium. For those who care about how their protein is sweetened, Legion Plant+ is naturally sweetened and doesn’t contain any artificial dyes or flavors. It comes in Chocolate, Vanilla, and Mocha Cappuccino.




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Legion Plant+





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Legion's Plant+ has 25 grams of protein per serving, just four grams of carbs, and is packed with vitamins and minerals that plant-based eaters may want more of. Use code "BARBEND" for 20% off!









Who Should Buy Legion Plant+
  • Plant-based athletes who want the low-fat, low-carb macros typically found in whey protein powders.
  • Folks who want a naturally sweetened product will appreciate that this product uses sweeteners like monk fruit and stevia.
  • If you’re looking for a protein powder that may be just as effective as whey for building muscle, this product’s rice and pea protein blend may do the trick.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Legion Plant+
  • Athletes who may want more carbs to fuel intense conditioning workouts or lifting sessions.
  • If you don’t really care about artificial sweeteners, then you may want to look elsewhere. Typically, natural sweeteners jack up the price a bit.
This low-fat, low-carb pick is the perfect pick for the person — plant-based eater or not — who wants to consume fewer animal products but maintain the macros that a whey protein powder provides.


Best Vegan Protein Powder for Antioxidants
Antioxidants can help battle inflammation and protect against free radicals. If you’re concerned about either of those things, then you want a vegan protein that’s packed with nutrients and antioxidant vitamins.


Vega One Organic: All-in-One Shake
Vega One Organic is an absolute nutrient powerhouse. It has 18 vitamins and minerals, nine of which offer half or more of your daily recommended intake. As far as antioxidants go, it offers vitamins A, C, and D, which can help boost your immune system to help protect against illness and ward off inflammation. Also, it boasts a hefty dose of probiotics for more optimal gut health. One thing to note, this is marketed as an “all-in-one” formula. While it does offer 20 grams of protein, it also has five grams of fat and 10 grams of carbs at 150 calories per serving.






Vega One Organic All-in-One Shake





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This plant-based shake boasts 140 calories, 20 grams of protein, and an ample amount of the antioxidants Vitamins A, C, and D — which help boost your immune system and fight inflammation.









Who Should Buy Vega One Organic: All-in-One Shake
  • People who are hyper-focused on overall vitamin and nutrient intake. This is by far the most robust vitamin and mineral formula on the list.
  • Those who want to consume more probiotics may appreciate the two billion CFUs of probiotics in this formula.
  • People who like flavor options. Vega offers seven different flavors — berry, chocolate mint, plain, coconut almond, mocha, chocolate, and French vanilla.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Vega One Organic: All-in-One Shake
  • Athletes who want fewer grams of fat and carbs. This formula is similar to a meal replacement shake compared to other protein powders on this list.
  • Budget-conscious shoppers. This is the most expensive option on this list.
Also, it boasts a significant dose of probiotics for more optimal gut health. One thing to note, this is marketed as an “all-in-one” formula. While it does offer 20 grams of protein, it also has five grams of fat and 10 grams of carbs at 150 calories per serving.


Best Vegan Chocolate Protein Powder
With so many chocolate protein powders on the market, it’s a difficult task to narrow it down and find the best tasting options. We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to try a lot of chocolate powders, and this pick is one of our absolute favorites.


Legion Plant+
A chocolate protein powder goes great in a peanut butter-banana smoothie, blended with an iced coffee, or even on its own. The Chocolate flavor of Legion Plant+ stands out. This formula also has a solid blend of protein and nutrients to boot. With 25 grams of pea and rice protein, 5.6 grams of BCAAs, 160 calories, calcium, iron, potassium, and no sugar, this delicious blend may be one of the most effective vegan options out there. If you want to spice things up after you’re done savoring their chocolate flavor, Legion Plant+ also comes in Vanilla and Mocha Cappuccino.




Save 20%






Legion Plant+





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Legion's Plant+ has 25 grams of protein per serving, just four grams of carbs, and is packed with vitamins and minerals that plant-based eaters may want more of. Use code "BARBEND" for 20% off!









Who Should Buy Legion Plant+
  • Athletes who want a great chocolate protein powder that they can blend in a smoothie or drink on its own.
  • Vegans who are looking for a protein powder that also contains nutrients like iron and calcium (that are harder for them to incorporate into their plant-based diet) will like the micronutrient blend in this powder.
  • If you’re conscious of your sugar intake, and want a protein powder free of added sugars, this pick is for you.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Legion Plant+
  • Buyers looking for a wide variety of flavor options — there are brands out there that offer more than three flavors to choose from.
  • Athletes looking to bulk who may want a powder that’s higher in calories and carbs.
If you’re looking for a delicious chocolate flavor that may also help fill some gaps in your vegan diet, look no further than Legion Plant+.


Best Vegan Vanilla Protein Powder
Vanilla protein powder is one of the most versatile flavors on the market — you can mix it into pretty much any smoothie or shake for an added boost of protein, and this pick is one of the best-tasting vanilla flavors we’ve tried.


Transparent Labs Organic Vegan
Transparent Labs Organic Vegan protein powder only comes in two flavors, and while both are quite tasty, their French Vanilla definitely steals the show. On top of its great flavor, Transparent Labs also boasts a 24-gram 2:1 rice to pea protein ratio, which creates a smooth texture that’s easier on the digestive system than many vegan protein powders. In addition, this pick contains fiber, calcium, iron, and potassium for a well-rounded fixing of nutrients. It’s also great for those looking to buy their vanilla powder in bulk as you can buy up to three tubs at once for a discounted price.




Save 10%






Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein





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A surprisingly delicious vegan protein powder that's totally free from artificial ingredients and soy, Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Protein contains a 2:1 ratio of rice to pea protein powder, and four grams of fiber. Use the code BARBEND10 to get 10% off!









Who Should Buy Transparent Labs Organic Vegan
  • Anyone who wants a great-tasting vanilla protein powder to mix into their smoothies or simply drink on its own.
  • Vegans looking to sneak an added dose of nutrients like calcium and iron into their protein powder to supplement their plant-based diet.
  • Those who favor a protein blend that contains both pea and rice proteins will like this formula.
  • Customers looking to buy their protein powder in bulk — you can buy up to three tubs of this powder at once for discounted bulk pricing.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Transparent Labs Organic Vegan
  • Buyers who want more than two flavors to choose from — this pick only comes in Chocolate and French Vanilla.
  • Athletes who are looking to gain weight may want a protein powder higher in carbs or calories.
For a great vanilla flavor, a solid blend of nutrients, and 24 grams of protein, this vegan powder packs a punch without the gritty texture that many vegan protein powders have.


Best Vegan Protein Bars
If you’d rather chew your protein than drink it, but still want something convenient you can take with you if you’re running out the door, these bars are the way to go.


Vega Protein Snack Bar
With 10 grams of protein and four to five grams of carbs (depending on the flavor you choose), these filling protein bars still pack a solid punch for their size. They’re both crispy and chewy, and only 190 calories, which makes for a great snack pre- or post-workout. They come in four tasty flavors, which include Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Caramel, Blueberry Oat, and Coconut Almond. However, they do contain more fats, carbs, and sugars than the other protein powders on this list, so if you’re looking to cut back on any of those ingredients, you’ll want to look elsewhere.






Vega Protein Snack Bar





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Vega Protein Snack Bars contain 10 grams of protein and four to five grams of carbs (depending on...

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