Share

Are you looking for the best vegan protein powder for your bodybuilding needs? With so many options out there and without the ability to try them all before committing, the decision can be overwhelming.

Luckily, demand and technology have made it possible to count with high-quality plant-based protein powders that help vegans (and nonvegans) bodybuilders reach their daily protein needs or have an easy protein-dense snack on the go.

These protein powders are made from a variety of plant-based sources such as legumes, grains, or seeds, including peas, brown rice, hemp, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, soy, and hemp.

Since most plants don’t contain all essential amino acids, brands combine different kinds of plant proteins to form a complete protein powder

. Therefore, vegan protein powders end up having a similar amino acid profile to that of whey and other animal proteins, giving you all the amino acids you need to build muscle and stay lean.

Best Vegan Protein Powders For Bodybuilding: Editor’s Choice: Liv Body Vegan Protein

✓ Easily digestible and complete plant-based isolated pea protein.

✓ 6 delicious flavors free of artificial sweeteners

✓ Added anti-inflammatory nutrients, probiotics, and digestive enzymes.

✓ Contains Organic Superfoods blend.

✓ Best Protein – Carb Ratio

Best Vegan Protein Powders For Bodybuilding

1. Our Top Pick: Liv Body Vegan Protein

2. Best Ingredients: VivoLife PERFORM Raw Plant Protein & BCAA

3. Highest Protein Per Serving: Vega Sport Premium Protein

4. Best Neutral Flavor: Transparent Labs Organic Vegan

5. Best Keto Friendly: Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Vegan Protein Powder

6. Cleanest Blend: Ora Organics Vegan Protein Powder

7. Best Low-Calorie: Nuzest Lean Clean Protein

8. Best Vegan Protein Powder in The UK: The Protein Works Wondershake

9. Best Vegan Protein Powder in Australia: Botanika Blends

How to Pick the Best Vegan Protein Powder?

1. Value (Protein) for your Money

The main reason you are looking into a protein powder is to get a significant amount of protein in a convenient way, so it’s logical to look at how much protein you can get for a certain amount of money.

The quickest way to find out how much protein you get per dollar/your currency is by using the following formula:
Protein per serving * Number of servings per container / Price

While this might not be a decisive factor, it is important to consider it if you are looking for a budget-efficient option.

2. Type of protein and amino acids

When it comes to plant-based proteins, there is a variety of sources —and mix of sources— they can be made of, including peas, soy, brown rice, and hemp. This is especially important to consider if you have some type of allergy or intolerance.

You also want to pay close attention to the amino acid profile to make sure you’re getting a complete protein. Since this is an important factor for consumers, most trustable brands will display the detailed information of the amino acids and the amounts of each they contain.

Finally, you may want to consider choosing between protein isolate and concentrate. Concentrates usually have a slightly lower protein per serving content but are definitely cheaper than isolates.

3. Percentage of Protein and Fillers

When choosing a protein powder, you want to check what other ingredients it has besides protein. Some brands contain fillers that add extra calories and carbs, while others offer more pure formulas.

The higher the percentage of protein, the fewer carbs, fats, and other macronutrients a formula has. Read the ingredients carefully and choose one that supports your goals.

If you’re purchasing a protein powder, chances are you’re looking for a high percentage of proteins above other ingredients. However, if you are bulking and trying to consume a ton of calories, you might be benefited from those other ingredients or from taking a vegan mass gainer.

Keep an eye out for additives, sweeteners, fillers, gums, carbs, and other unnecessary nasties. If the ingredients list is unpronounceable and unrecognizable, then you’re probably best off going with something simpler.

4. Flavor & Texture

With so many alternatives out there, there is no reason to settle for a chalky or yucky protein powder. Depending on if you plan to consume it on its own or to blend them with other drinks, you can choose between a range of delicious flavors or go for a neutral one that doesn’t interfere with your foods.

Also, if you had been consuming whey protein before, keep in mind that plant-based protein tends to have a different texture that it might take a little getting used to. However, a good brand will solve easily and have a very pleasant texture.

5. Nutrition

Finally, you can choose a protein powder that has added advantages according to your goals. For example, peas ​have the added benefit of BCAAs that help to further improve muscle gains and hemp is a great source of omega-3s for better cardiac health.

8 Best Vegan Protein Powder for Bodybuilding

1. Best Vegan Protein Powder for Bodybuilding Editor’s Choice: Liv Body Vegan Protein

• 24g Protein
• 110 Calories Per Serving

Why do we like it?
✓ Easily digestible and complete plant-based isolated pea protein.

✓ Best Protein – Carb Ratio

✓ 6 delicious flavors free of artificial sweeteners

✓ Added anti-inflammatory nutrients, probiotics, and digestive enzymes.

✓ Contains Organic Superfoods blend.

Our overall top pick is for LivBody Lean Vegan Protein. It uses the purest form of pea protein isolates, an easily digestible and complete plant-based protein-packed with muscle-building amino acids.

It comes in 6 delicious flavors that are free of artificial sweeteners and packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory nutrients, and added probiotics and digestive enzymes to enhance gut health and improve digestion.

LivBody Vegan Protein offers an amazing protein to carb ratio giving you the most protein for your money with the fewer carbs which is the main point of a protein powder.

It also includes an Organic Superfoods blend consisting of Apple, Kale, Broccoli, Spinach, Carrot, Parsley, Beet, Green Cabbage, Blueberry, Raspberry, Strawberry, Tomato) with the addition of the potent antioxidant Tart Cherry Extract.

Customer Review

“I’ve tried several vegan proteins after transitioning from whey. Up until now, I haven’t really found one that I liked without artificial ingredients. This one is natural and has high quality ingredients. Highly recommend this vegan protein!”

2. Vegan Protein Powder for Bodybuilding Best Ingredients: VivoLife PERFORM Raw Plant Protein & BCAA

• 25g Protein
• 138 Calories Per Serving

Why do we like it?

✓ Raw Formula that preserves nutrients better.

✓ Blend of 4 organic plant protein sources.

✓ Added BCAAs.

✓ Three great flavors.

✓ 100% organic.

✓ Bio-available and nutrient-dense protein.

This protein is on the higher end when it comes to price but besides that, it is really an amazing product and proves that you get what you pay for.

The high-performance blend of four plant proteins and BCAA, provides 25g raw plant protein per serving with a complete amino acid profile. 

They combine the highly unique bio-fermented pea protein —which unlocks the power of pea protein without the use of heat. —with raw organic hemp protein, raw organic spirulina, and raw organic chlorella, creating an exceptionally bio-available and nutrient-dense protein blend to upgrade your fitness performance. 

Customer Review

‘I’m very happy with my VIVO Life order! The Products are made of 100% quality ingredients and the tastes are unreal (Big fan of ACAI & BLUEBERRY!)…I will be ordering more for sure 😀 Thanks VIVO LIFE Team! Doing a great job, not just for your customer but for the world 🙂“

3. Best Vegan Protein Powder for Bodybuilding Protein Per Serving: Vega Sport Premium Protein

• 30g Protein
• 170 Calories Per Serving

Why do we like it?

✓ Focused on muscle repair

✓ High protein content per serving

✓ Added BCAAs and L-Glutamine

✓  High in leucine, an amino acid that helps prevent the deterioration of muscle.

✓ Added probiotics.

✓ Added tart cherry and turmeric

Offering a whopping 6 grams of BCAAs and 6 grams of l-glutamine per serving, this is one of the most advanced blends for accelerated muscle repair ideal making it ideal for bodybuilding

Made from a mix of peas, pumpkin, organic sunflower seeds, and alfalfa, one 22-gram scoop of this protein powder contains 30 grams of protein and 2.9 grams of leucine—more than you’d find in many whey protein powders.

It’s also infused with an anti-inflammatory recovery blend that contains turmeric, bromelain, tart cherry and probiotics. It does contain Stevia, so perhaps is ideal if you don’t like it.

Customer Review

“Love this protein, especially mixed with almond milk. The Vanilla is an amazing flavor, mixed with almond milk, a banana, and frozen strawberries. Chocolate or Mocha go great with a banana and some peanut butter. It’s great to have for breakfast or after a workout. I don’t find it too sweet, and the amino acids are great. The only difficulty is deciding which flavor to get!”

4. Best Vegan Protein Powder for Bodybuilding Neutral Flavor: Transparent Labs Organic Vegan

• 24g Protein
• 140 Calories Per Serving

Why do we like it?

✓ A neutral flavor that mixes with anything.

✓ USDA Organic Certified.

✓ Best dollar per gram value.

✓  Free of artificial flavoring and sweeteners.

✓ Blend of rice and pea protein.

✓ 4 grams of fiber.

Transparent Labs Vegan Protein has quite a clean flavor with no aftertaste and non-gritty texture that combines easily with other drinks and foods without issues.

This protein powder has a blend of 2:1 rice to pea protein and is 100% free of artificial flavoring and sweeteners, it is also USDA Organic Certified.

In addition to offering 24 grams of protein, Organic Vegan also contains 4 grams of fiber per serving (one of the most underrated components of a plant-based protein).

They also use Stevia which could make it too sweet for some people, if you prefer your protein powder unsweeten then this one might not be ideal for you.

Customer Review

“Recently I ordered both flavors of the vegan protein so I could switch between it and whey (also a transparent labs product which is great). I have to say that it is similar to a lot of other vegan protein powders I’ve had as far as consistency, though the flavor is absolutely delicious! By far the best tasting vegan protein I’ve had by far. The Chocolate is great and a personal favorite of mine, the powder is a little gritty but mostly smooth with a great taste. Highly recommended.”

5. Best Vegan Protein Powder for Bodybuilding Keto Friendly: Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Vegan Protein Powder

• 25g Protein
• 150 Calories Per Serving

Why do we like it?

✓ Perfect for people on keto diets.

✓ Contains brain-boosting MCT oil for an immediate ketone supply.

✓ Free of added sugars, artificial sweeteners, soy, and gluten

✓  Provides 6mg of iron per serving, which is commonly low in vegan diets

This vegan protein powder is perfect for anyone on a keto diet since it is low in carbs, high in protein, and contains brain-boosting MCT oil for an immediate ketone supply.

In addition to containing keto-promoting MTC oil, its blend of pea, hemp, and goji berry sources offering 25 grams of complete protein with every essential amino acid.

The protein blend is also free of added sugars, artificial sweeteners, soy, and gluten. Each scoop also provides 6mg of iron, which is helpful for those following a vegan diet that is commonly low in iron.

Customer Review

“Great! I’m very happy with this shake, it’s not overly sweet and I use one scoop of this in my shaker cup with cold water and I’m good to go! I do add 1tbsp PBFit if I want a change. Overall this made lunch at work a breeze, I keep everything at my desk and can make it in minutes which gives me time to relax or run errands and not have to spend time/money-grabbing lunch. Keeps me full for hours and is affordable.”

6. Best Vegan Protein Powder for Bodybuilding Cleanest Blend: Ora Organics Vegan Protein Powder

• 22g Protein
• 130 Calories Per Serving

Why do we like it?

✓ Contains 20 organic superfoods

✓ No added sugar, no gluten, no soy.

✓ Free of filler ingredients, artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, and preservatives.

✓ Two servings of organic greens in every shake.

✓ Full spectrum of digestive enzymes.

This protein powder is made with 20 organic superfoods to deliver a complete amino acid profile.

In addition to containing only organic and non-GMO ingredients, it has no added sugar, no gluten, no soy. no filler ingredients, artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, or preservatives.

This plant-powered powder also has two servings of organic greens in every shake, for proper cognitive and muscle function and a full spectrum of digestive enzymes to support digestion and bioavailability of nutrients for absorption.

Customer Review

“I have tried many vegan protein powders and this is the only one that tastes good and doesn’t bother my stomach. I was worried it would have a “too sweet” taste but I was so surprised it doesn’t. That being said I have only tried the chocolate. I am not sure how the others compare for taste. Any others I have tried have affected myself and my baby while on our breastfeeding journey. This one does not affect us. Hallelujah!! I LOVE IT!”

7. Best Low-Calorie Protein Powder for Bodybuilding: Nuzest Lean Clean Protein

• 20g Protein
• 90 Calories Per Serving

Why do we like it?

✓ Ideal for low-calorie diets

✓ Very low in fats and sugars.

✓ Good for baking.

✓ Free of all nasty ingredients.

✓ 5 flavors to choose from.

Nuzest Clean Lean Protein is made up of pure pea protein isolate, so it’s free from any allergens like soy, gluten, and of course, dairy.

With 90 grams of protein and 90 calories per serving this protein powder has the lowest amount of protein per serving on this list. The low-calorie content is also due to the fact that it only offers 1 gram of carbs and 1 gram of fat so if you are on a low-calorie diet, this might be. a good option.

They use a natural sweetener derived from the West African Katemfe fruit which extract is a fruit protein isolate. The taste is subtle without any aftertaste.

Consumers also reported it to be good for baking however it doesn’t seem to work as well when mixed with just water.

Customer Review

“This stuff is creamy and smooth with just water! Not chalky. All the flavors I’ve had have been delicious! Most protein powders are full of junk I can’t, and wouldn’t, put into my body. Not Nuzest. Clean and amazing! And it fills me up for the whole morning!“

Most of the Vegan Protein Powders mentioned in this article are available worldwide but shipping can get expensive outside of the United States. So, I wanted to make an especial mention to my favorite protein powders from the UK and Australia that are SO good it is even worth shipping them to the US.

8. Best Vegan Protein Powder for Bodybuilding in The UK: The Protein Works Wondershake

• 21g Protein
• 89 Calories Per Serving

Why do we like it?

✓ Great taste and texture.

✓ Low in calories.

✓ 4 plant protein sources

✓ Low sugar and low-fat

✓ Delicious flavors

The premise behind this Protein powder by The Protein works was to create a protein shake that tasted just like a dairy shake and they deliver on it. While plant-based protein powders tend to have a more natural texture, Wondershake is smooth and creamy and offers 21g of plant-powered protein per serving on just 89 calories.

Its innovative QuadPlant™ technology combines premium pea protein, brown rice protein, hemp protein, and soy protein resulting in a high protein, low sugar, and low-fat shake that is GMO-Free, Dairy-Free, Lactose-Free and Gluten-Free.

Customer Review

“I have been a fan of the vegan protein and vegan protein extreme for many years now, but this?! This is INSANE! It is soooo good, so creamy, so rich and the macros are amazing. I legit have to limit my daily intake because I just want to drink it all the time. Currently on my fourth batch and I need more. Double Chocolate is definitely my favorite, but both Strawberries & Cream and Salted Caramel are award-worthy and delicious. Just mix water and oat milk and boom, vegan milkshake. Feeling frisky? Mix Double Chocolate with Salted Caramel”

9. Best Vegan Protein Powder for Bodybuilding in Australia: Botanika Blends

• 24g Protein
• 148 Calories Per Serving

Why do we like it?

✓ Amazing, out-of-the-ordinary flavors.

✓ Feels like dessert.

✓ Easy to digest.

✓ Great customer support

✓ Cheaper than most US-based brands.

✓ 100% Organic.

Botanika Blends is on the very top of my favorite protein powders. The flavors are out of this world and they and have a variety you don’t find anywhere else including Blueberry Pancakes, caramelized Popcorn, and Chai Latte.

‘Plant Protein’, is an organic protein powder that aims to be the best tasting and most functional powder. They are all about bringing back the art of botany and linking it to food science.

The blend is a mix of pea and brown rice protein, which also includes digestive enzymes and that offers 24 grams of protein on 148 calories per serving.

If you are looking for a great tasting protein powder this is definitely the one. They also ship to the US and Canada.

Customer Review

“The most beautiful, creamy, delicious protein I have ever tasted in my entire life. Can’t believe it’s vegan. Absolutely no chalky, dusty or chemical after taste to indicate that it is vegan protein- you would never know. I am obsessed and I am now the number one fan customer for life. Had I known it would be so good I would have bought the whole store out. I am addicted and obsessed… I crave this for breakfast daily now. This stuff is groundbreaking and life- changing.”

Vegan Protein Powder Benefits

1. Vegan Protein Powder is an Excellent Source of High-Quality Protein

Protein is made of amino acids some of which are called “essential amino acid’ since our body can’t produce them on its own so we must get them from foods. Protein sources which contain all essential amino acids are called complete proteins but just a few plant sources of protein are ‘complete proteins’.

Vegan can easily get all their essential amino acids from whole foods by making sure to eat a wide variety of plant-based proteins. But consuming a vegan protein powder is another great to get some complete proteins in your diet.

Almost every plant-based protein powder available out there uses either a complete plant-based protein source or has a blend that combines a few of them to create a complete protein and fulfill your body’s essential needs.

2. Vegan Protein Powder Can Help You Lose Fat

Increased consumption of protein is linked to weight-loss and especially fat-loss since a high protein intake can help to boost your metabolism and burn more calories as a result.

Eating more protein also helps you stay full for longer, suppressing your appetite, and leading to reduced calorie intake.

Finally, vegan protein powder can help with fat loss when combined with an exercise regime and a caloric deficit. By helping you preserve your muscle mass, you will lose fat instead.

3. Vegan Protein Powder Promotes Muscle Growth

Since protein is made of amino acids which are the building blocks for muscle, protein powders can play an essential role in muscle growth when paired with resistance training.

Studies suggests that protein supplements significantly improve muscle size and strength in healthy adults who perform resistance exercise training, such as lifting weights.

4. Vegan Protein Powder Helps Recovery after exercise

IN the same way as vegan protein powder supplements can help promote muscle growth, they can also help repair damaged muscles and tissues.

Actually, when performing resistance training, athletes create micro-damage to the muscle which encourages its growth when they are resting. As a result, athletes may use protein powder to speed up recovery from muscle soreness after exercise.

This is why taking protein supplements after exercise can aid recovery by aiding in muscle repair and damage and improving muscle performance and muscle protein synthesis.

Vegan Protein Powder for Bodybuilding Frequently Asked Questions

1. Am I Getting a Complete Protein by choosing a Vegan Protein Powder for Bodybuilding?

While this is a valid concern, I’ll start by saying that every protein powder listed on this page is a complete protein source. So no matter which one you pick, you’ll be getting all your essential amino acids.

Note: Proteins are made up of amino acids and there are 8 that the body can’t produce hence are called essential amino acids, and proteins that contain all 8 of them are called complete proteins.

The blends on this list use a variety of different plant sources to create a complete protein. If you end up buying another brand that is not a complete protein want to ensure you’re also incorporating quinoa, lentils, or another complete protein in your diet to maintain a healthy vegan diet.

For more information on vegan protein sources make sure to check this article.

2. Do vegans need protein powder?

https://veganfitguide.com/vegan-female-bodybuilders/The short answer is, no. Adding protein powder to your vegan diet is not essential, in the same way that is not essential in for people on an omnivore diet. If your plant-based diet is properly planned, you certainly can meet your daily protein requirements with whole-foods only. However, a vegan protein powder can be a part of your diet. It is an easy, efficient, and convenient way to increase your protein intake, especially if you are an athlete or bodybuilder with higher protein needs than the average person.

3. How much vegan protein to take for Bodybuilding?

There has been a lot of research on the ideal amount of protein to take. If your goal is to build up muscle mass, research shows that it’s best to consume 0.73 to 1.1 grams of protein per pound of body weight each day (or 1.6 to 2.4 grams per kilogram of weight).²

On the other hand, if you’re wanting to lose fat, studies show that consuming 0.36 to 0.73 grams of protein per pound of body weight is best (or 0.8 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight).⁴ 

4. Can you build muscle with vegan protein powder?

Recent studies agree that that plant-based protein is just as beneficial for muscle mass and strength as animal protein. The main difference between vegan and non-vegan sources of protein is the amino-acids and most good quality plant-based protein powders have been created by using a complete protein source or using a few different sources to create a blend with all the essential amino acids. Basically you can get the same benefits without any of the disadvantages.

5. Does vegan protein make you fart?

While protein itself doesn’t increase flatulence, some plant-based protein powder may be made with protein sources that contribute to flatulence like include beans, grains, and legumes. This can be even more common in the case of regular protein powder which contains casein and lactose. Luckily, most vegan protein powders are now created to avoid flatulence and bloating by adding probiotics and digestive blends.

6. What happens if you drink protein shakes without working out?

Since protein shakes contain calories, if you consume them on top of your regular meal without working out, instead of helping you build or maintain your build they can actually make losing weight more difficult. The key to losing weight is a caloric deficit and it is always recommended that you pair a healthy diet with exercise to achieve it.

7. Is vegan protein better than whey?

Plant protein shakes can help you build muscle and aid in recovery as well or better than whey protein. In this sense, they have all the benefits of whey without any of the downsides.

In addition to that, they contribute to your overall health and performance and deliver a broader range of beneficial nutrients while allowing you to stick to your chosen diet whether it is by ethical, health, or environmental reasons.

Wondering how to make the yummiest smoothies with your protein powder? Make sure to check this article!

Best Vegan Protein Powders For Bodybuilding: Editor’s Choice: Liv Body Vegan Protein

✓ Easily digestible and complete plant-based isolated pea protein.

✓ 6 delicious flavors free of articial sweeteners

✓ Added anti-inflammatory nutrients, probiotics, and digestive enzymes.

✓ Contains Organic Superfoods blend.

✓ Best Protein – Carb Ratio

Takeaway

There are a lot of factors to considering when choosing the best vegan protein powder for your bodybuilding goals whether you are looking to gain muscle or to lose fat.

Luckily, you can find a huge variety of high-quality vegan protein powder to meet your preferences in flavor, texture, protein source and added benefits.

Finally, remember that by choosing a vegan protein powder you are making a healthier choice for yourself that also benefits the planet and the animals.

Related Posts

• Orgain Organic Protein Review | What Everyone Should Know Before Buying (2020)
• 23 Vegan Protein Powder Recipes That Aren’t Smoothies
• The 5 Best Vegan Mass Gainers: Top Weight Gainers To Put On Muscle
• Vegan Collagen? | Best Supplements, Boosters & Breakthrough Discovery
• Best Vegan Multivitamin (2020) What Every Vegan Should Know Before Buying

Share