Protein is an essential nutrient that should be consumed every day, though needs vary by person depending on their body type, activity levels, etc.
It’s a common misconception that vegans don’t get enough protein; this is based on the false assumption that meat and dairy are the only things high in protein.
It certainly doesn’t help that many photos cycle social media, showing emaciated vegans with a salad bowl in front of them, an unhelpful display.
The truth is, the plant world is abundant in protein, including nuts, seeds, beans, and more - but sometimes we need a little help. Plant-based diets offer numerous nutritional benefits, including high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron.
While protein powder shouldn’t be your only source of protein, it’s an easy and effective way to supplement your needs. Smoothies are a common use of protein powder, but it can also be baked into cookies, bars, energy bites, pancakes, soups, and more!
With so many products out there, it can be hard to know what’s best. So in this review, we’ve carefully curated a handful of ethical, well-made, healthy products that you can trust to provide potent, high-quality protein.
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What is Vegan Protein Powder?
Vegan protein powder is a dietary supplement crafted from plant-based protein sources like pea protein, hemp protein, and brown rice protein. It’s designed to provide a convenient and efficient way to boost protein intake, especially for those following a vegan or plant-based diet. Whether you’re an athlete, a busy professional, or someone looking to enhance their nutritional profile, vegan protein powders offer a versatile solution to meet your protein needs.
Definition and Benefits of Vegan Protein Powder
Vegan protein powder is a type of dietary supplement derived from various plant-based protein sources. It’s particularly beneficial for individuals adhering to a vegan or plant-based diet, helping them meet their daily protein requirements. Here are some key benefits:
Choosing the Right Vegan Protein Powder
Selecting the right vegan protein powder can be a daunting task given the plethora of options available. However, considering a few key factors can help you make an informed decision.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Vegan Protein Powder
The Best Types of Vegan Protein Powder
Even narrowed down to vegan products specifically, the world of protein powders is vast. There is much to sift through, from different brands and flavors down to the type of protein powder.
While many companies like to use buzzwords to get you interested, the reality is that not every protein powder is made equal. For example, soy protein powders can be hard on the digestive system, with many people experiencing bloating and stomach upset.
When it comes to a protein powder’s source, here are some types that stand out:
Pea Protein
Most often made from yellow split peas, organic pea protein powder is rich in essential amino acids - particularly branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) - and offers numerous benefits such as high nutritional content and suitability for various life stages, including pregnancy and postpartum.
It’s also hypoallergenic, meaning it’s a great option for those allergic to soy or gluten. Lastly, it’s an easily digestible protein that won’t leave you feeling heavy, weighed down, or bloated.
Hemp Protein
Hemp protein powders are perhaps the most robust, as they are a true nutrient powerhouse.
Made from ground hemp seeds, hemp protein powder is packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, fiber, and a complete profile of all nine essential amino acids.
Brown Rice Protein
Like pea protein, brown rice protein powder is a good choice for anyone with a sensitive digestive system, as it’s very gentle and easy to digest.
Unlike hemp, it’s not quite a complete protein, but its smooth texture blends exceptionally well with smoothies. This makes it both a healthy and a convenient choice. To ensure a complete amino acid profile, it is important to combine different plant protein sources.
Seed Protein
Seed protein powders are a hidden gem. Derived from powerhouse seeds like pumpkin, sunflower, chia, and flax, these proteins pack a serious punch of essential nutrients. For example, Pumpkin seeds contain a significant amount of zinc (great for immunity), and chia seed protein is packed with omega-3 fatty acids (great for brain health).
The downside here is that some people have seed allergies, so just be cautious when using it.
The Best Types of Vegan Protein Powder
Incorporating vegan protein powder into your diet can offer numerous advantages, especially for those committed to a plant-based lifestyle. Here are some of the key benefits:
By considering these factors and benefits, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your nutritional needs and ethical values.
Our Best Vegan Protein Powder Picks
Especially when you want your products to align with your vegan diet and lifestyle, it can be incredibly hard to find not only items that are suitable, but brands that care.
Many brands try to pander the “plant-based crowd” by offering a few vegan options, but still carrying others that continue to exploit animals.
That’s why we’ve done the research for you and can verify that these three protein powders are not only vegan but made by a fully aligned vegan company with high morals and standards.
- 1Leafy Body: The goal is to understand which foods are healthy, to become disciplined in consuming only what you need, and to live a long and healthy life. Is it truly vegan?
- 2Leafy Mind: The goal is to educate oneself on the principals of sustainability, to make decisions in favor of mother Gaia, and to teach others to do the same. Is it earth-friendly?
- 3Leafy Heart: The goal is to recognize the value of all living creatures in our world, to be inspired by the actions of others, and to emulate them in our lives. Are the ingredients and manufacturing practices transparent?
Let's get into the review, shall we?
Nuzest Clean Lean Protein
Nuzest Clean Lean Protein
It doesn’t get much cleaner than Nuzest; their “just natural” protein powder contains one single ingredient: 100% pea protein isolate.
Clean Lean Protein is a plant-based protein powder made from European golden peas. It’s a complete protein source with all 9 essential amino acids and a natural source of iron for vitality and muscle recovery.
Plant-based protein isolates, like those in Clean Lean Protein, are particularly beneficial for athletes due to their high protein content, comprehensive amino acid profiles, and third-party certifications ensuring safety and efficacy.
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Here is how Nuzest fits with the Leafy Souls ethos:
Key Features:
You can rest assured you’re not getting anything extra! This protein powder contains 21 grams of protein per serving with a solid assortment of naturally occurring amino acids, as well.
High Quality Ingredients
Made from European golden peas for a premium and eco-friendly product.
Digestibility
Gluten free, soy free, dairy free, no gums, fillers or artificial additives. Easy to digest.
Nutrition Profile
Low carb and fat for healthy weight management and faster recovery.
Flavors and Sizes:
Clean Lean Protein is available in many flavors including Smooth Vanilla, Rich Chocolate, Wild Strawberry, Just Natural, Real Coffee, Salted Caramel and Mocha. Available in 10, 20, 40 and 100 serving sizes to suit your needs.
Testimonials:
Customers have rated Clean Lean Protein 4.9/5 based on over 2,100 reviews on their website. They love the bendability, taste and digestibility.
Where to Buy:
You can buy direct from the Nuzest website or from retailers like Amazon, Walmart and Kroger.
Our Take on It
It isn't a bad protein powder, but we find that the texture is a bit gritty for our liking. Still, it is a very clean and healthy option, which is great for adding to smoothies and baking recipes.
Vega Sport Plant-Based Protein Powder
Vega Sport Plant-Based Protein Powder
Vega Sport® Premium Protein powder is pea-protein-based but is mixed with pumpkin seed protein and brown rice protein, offering a robust nutrient profile, including tart cherry and 1 billion CFUs of probiotics to support the gut.
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Here is how Vega fits with the Leafy Souls ethos:
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Vega Sport® Premium Protein is a plant-based protein powder for muscle recovery and performance. Here’s the breakdown:
High Protein Content
Delivers 30 grams of protein per serving, sourced from peas, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and alfalfa.
Enhanced Recovery Support
Contains 5 grams of BCAAs for muscle repair and growth.
Tart cherry extract is included to help manage inflammation post-exercise.
Probiotics (2 billion CFUs) promote gut health.
Nutritional Profile
Low sugar with stevia as the primary sweetener. Includes a full amino acid profile, making it suitable for those needing complete protein.
Flavors and Sizes:
Available in popular flavors like Vanilla, Chocolate, Mocha, and Berry. Offered in various sizes, including standard tubs (19–20 servings) and XL tubs (45 servings).
Testimonials:
Customers appreciate the clean ingredient profile and additional recovery benefits. Many highlight the convenience of getting protein and BCAAs in one product. However, some users report bloating or stomach discomfort after consumption.
Where to Buy:
You can buy direct from the MyVega website or from most local grocery chain and boutique retailers.
Our Take on It
We love how easy it is to find this product locally, and they've got a ton of options to choose from! Still, the flavor is a bit off. I attribute it to the use of Stevia. If mixed in with honey or peanut butter, the flavor improves. Some people like the taste of stevia, so this is just an opinion.
Sunwarrior Classic Protein
Sunwarrior Classic Protein
The Sunwarrior Classic Protein is the optimal choice for those who want a clean, gentle protein powder. Their unflavored classic protein powder contains one ingredient: organic brown rice powder, but we love the chocolate. With a strong amino acid profile, it offers about 20 grams of protein per serving.
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Key Features:
Sunwarrior's Classic Protein is a plant-based protein powder crafted from whole-grain brown rice, offering a clean and straightforward nutritional profile. Here's an in-depth analysis:
High Quality Ingredients
The primary ingredient is organic fermented brown rice protein, complemented by organic vanilla flavor, organic guar gum, sea salt, and organic stevia extract for sweetness.
Digestibility
Designed to be gentle on the digestive system, it's hypoallergenic and free from common allergens like gluten, soy, and dairy. The fermentation process enhances its bioavailability, boasting a 98.2% digestion efficiency.
Nutritional Profile
Each serving provides 18-20 grams of plant-based protein, containing all essential amino acids. It's low in fat and carbohydrates, with no added sugars, making it suitable for various dietary needs, and great for Keto!
Flavors and Sizes:
Available in 3 popular flavors like Natural Unflavored, Chocolate, and Vanilla. 750g is the standard size for these flavors, which accounts for about 30 servings. They do offer single serve packs and bulk options too on their website.
Testimonials:
Customers appreciate the clean ingredient profile and how easy it is to digest, mentioning that it doesn't cause bloating or digestive discomfort, unlike the Vega Sport Protein. It is also very versatile as a protein source if used in recipes like smoothies, baked goods, or soups. But with this versatility comes a subtle flavor that many users just don't find that appealing.
Where to Buy:
You can buy direct from the Sunwarrior website or from platforms like Thrive Market, iHerb, Vitacost, and Amazon. You can also get it locally from Whole Foods, Sprouts, and your local Co-op markets.
Our Take on It
While we don't necessarily enjoy the natural unflavored version of this product, the chocolate isn't too bad when mixed with coconut milk or cashew milk. Still, the unflavored option works great to spruce up recipes with extra protein, something all vegans need.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Finding a clean, healthy protein powder is important, but so is finding a brand that matches your values. The three we’ve listed here check all the boxes - their ingredients are simple, their practices are sustainable, and they care about both their customers and Mother Nature - including her animals.
