6 Best Vegan Protein Powders To Hit Your Weight Loss Goals

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We have talked before about the best vegan protein powder and also about vegan weight loss. However, we certainly haven’t yet looked at vegan protein powders with the goal of finding the most suitable and effective for this goal.

In its origins, protein powder was created for meat-eating bodybuilders who wanted to supplement their protein intake. Back then, the only option available was whey protein since it was a byproduct of the meat and dairy industry.

Luckily, we have come a long way from that and now vegans can enjoy the benefits of protein powder and choose the one that supports their food choices as well as weight loss goals.

In this article, I’ll share my recommendation for the best vegan protein powders that can help you lose weight and get the best results.

Can a vegan protein powder help with weight loss?

When it comes to weight loss, the most important factor is to create a caloric deficit. But assuming you are already doing that, there are some benefits that adding a protein powder can have to support your weight loss goals:

1. Vegan protein powder can help reduce hunger and cravings

Protein can help you stay full for longer which will result in you eating less and maintaining a caloric deficit that helps you lose weight.

In a similar way, drinking a protein shake can help you avoid cravings since you’ll be full and not thinking about snacking or when is time for your next meal.

2. They can help boost your metabolism

Compared to fats or carbohydrates, digesting and using protein requires your body to use more energy. In consequence, you’ll be burning more calories overall and it’ll be easier to create and sustain a caloric deficit.

Additionally, protein is the only macronutrient that can not be stored as fat so you can replace other snacks with a protein shake and get twice the benefits.

3. Vegan protein shakes help maintain muscle mass

If you didn’t know, you ability to look lean and burn fat is closely related to how much muscle mass you have.

However, if you are not careful with your diet and workout regime, you can end up losing some precious muscle when trying to lose fat.

This is why some people who have been on diets for a big part of their lives have a harder and harder time losing and maintaining the lost weight. When you lose muscle your metabolism slows down and you end up needing fewer calories.

The good news is that drinking a protein shake and doing resistance training, can help maintain your muscle mass while you lose weight. This means that’ll you be losing fat instead of muscle and will achieve a leaner look.

4. Helps you stick your diet

Besides the metabolic benefits, a vegan protein powder is a good alternative to have handy when you know you’ll be out and won’t have any healthy meal options around.

This way you will not be hungry which will avoid you eating something that doesn’t support your long term goals.

Recommended: 23 Vegan Protein Powder Recipes That Aren’t Smoothies

What to look for on a vegan protein powder for weight loss?

1. Calories

Despite the growing number of new diet trends appearing every year claiming to be the holy grail of weight loss, the truth is there is only one determining factor when it comes to losing weight: caloric balance. This basically means:

• If you eat more calories than you burn, you will gain weight
• If you eat less calories than you burn, you will lose weight

Because of this principle, the number of calories a vegan protein powder provides should be one of the first factors to consider. I would say a protein powder for weight loss should have less than 150 calories consider the following factor.

2. Protein ratio

This one might seem a bit obvious but most protein powders have inevitably some percentage of carbohydrates and fats depending on their ingredients.

There is nothing wrong with having some fats and carbs on your protein shake but when it comes to weight loss, the less of these the better.

A vegan protein powder with a low amount of carbs and fats will allow you to get all the protein you want without the added calories. Additionally, it leaves you more room to have other foods in your diet or make a protein shake with added ingredients.

Ideally, I would recommend a protein powder with at least 20 grams of protein, less than 4 grams of fat and less than 10 grams of carbohydrates.

3. Sugar

Some protein powders will use sugar to improve the taste and while we don’t want to demonize a couple of grams of sugar, you can always same some calories by choosing a sugar-free product.

In these cases, manufacturers will use sweeteners like xylitol, sucanat or stevia so make sure to check the ingredients if you have any allergies or simple don’t like their taste.

4. Flavor and Texture

I don’t know about you but I think a good-tasting protein shake with a non-chalky texture is definitely not too much to ask for. A good iced protein shake should feel like dessert so that’s what I am going after.

While some vegan products are still catching up (*cough* cheese *cough*), there are some great high quality and delicious vegan protein powder so you don’t have to settle for anything less.

Suggested Read: All You Need To Know About Losing Weight As A Vegan

Best Vegan Protein Powder for Weight Loss

You now know how to look for a protein shake that helps you with your weight loss goals but we have also done the work for you so here are the best x vegan protein powders for weight loss.

1. Garden Of Life Fit High Protein For Weight Loss

Why we like it

• 28 grams of protein, more than all the other on this list
• Just 2 grams of fat
• High in fiber
• Added ingredients to support fat loss and fight cravings.
• Niche texture and flavor.

With 170 calories and 28 grams of protein Garden Of Life Fit High Protein For Weight Loss has a great calorie to protein ratio that will help support your muscle mass and keep you full for longer and fight cravings.

It is one of the only protein powder that has been formulated specifically to support weight loss. It contains ingredients that have been proven to promote fat loss such as Green Coffee Bean Extract, Chromium (a mineral that has been linked to lower appetite), and Cinnamon to burn fat and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

It also includes Organic Ashwagandha, a herb that reduces stress and cortisol levels improving eating behaviors and helping to reduce cravings

All their ingredients are USDA certified organic, non-GMO verified, certified vegan, kosher certified, dairy-free, and soy-free.

It comes in four flavors available: original, chocolate, coffee, and vanilla. It also has sachet packs, available besides its regular tub sizes.

What are customers saying?

This stuff seems to actually work. My diet doesn’t change much at all day to day – I’m pretty strict about what I put in. Whenever I feel stuck (I’m on a weight-loss journey), I use this for about a week, and wham: results. It’s actually kinda scary that this is that effective. It tastes pretty good, and I like that the protein profile of this old version is balanced (not all pea). I’m going to be a bit sad when this product is all gone 🙁 The new version is just all pea protein. I’ll enjoy it while I can, though! 🙂

2. Liv Body Lean Vegan Protein Powder

Why we like it

• 24g of Pea Protein
• Low in fats, carbs, and sugar
• Organic Superfoods Blend
• Greens Blend
• 7 Great flavors to choose from
• Easily Digestible – Added Probiotics + Digestive Enzymes

LIV Body’s Lean Vegan Protein (formerly known as Lean Protein & Greens) is low in calories, carbs, and fat while providing whit a great dose of protein.

It is made out of pea protein isolates and contains added probiotics and digestive enzymes to enhance gut health and improve digestion. New vegans can experience bloating as an effect of the fiber they were not used to eating so this is a great added benefit if that is your case.

It also contains Superfood and Antioxidant Blend  with ingredients like Acai Juice Powder and Goji Fruit Extract Powder and a Greens Blend with ingredients like Wheatgrass Powder and organic Kale Powder.

This benefit-packed protein powder comes in 8 delicious flavors all free of artificial sweeteners and packed with anti-inflammatory nutrients. They all have slightly different nutritional values so make sure to check the label.

Last but not least, this plant-based pea protein includes 4g of BCAA to help speed up your recovery after workouts which will help avoid soreness and help you to continue with your exercise regime.

What are customers saying?

“I started purchasing this a few months back. I didn’t have much time for breakfast and would get hungry long before lunch hour. I blend this with water and sometimes peanut butter for some extra protein. It tastes great with just water. I start to get hungry about an hour before lunch, but that’s pretty good for me with any breakfast. It also has my digestion on a more routine schedule.”

3. Vivo Life Perform Vegan Protein Powder

Why we like it

• 25g protein and 6g BCAA per serving
• Low in carbs and fats
• 100% raw, plant-based ingredients.
• Smooth texture and great taste
• Fermented protein for optimal digestion
• Heavy Metal Tested

Vivo Life is a British based brand who pride themselves in their ingredients and their quality control. The caloric profile is certainly a great one with only 3.5 carbs and 2.1 fats delivering 25 grams of protein with only 142 calories.

This protein powder is made of a raw organic blend of bio-fermented pea protein, hemp protein, chlorella, and spirulina. They claim it to have a “Superior amino acid profile to whey!”

It also contains 6g plant-based BCAAs per scoop with no artificial colors, sweeteners, flavorings, preservatives, fillers, or binders.

All the ingredients are certified non-GMO and batch tested upon their arrival for heavy metals and contaminants.

Vivo Life Perform contains added ingredients like antiinflammatory turmeric extract for faster recovery and digestive enzymes (Ginger Extract, Papain, Peppermint Leaf) for better digestion and absorption

The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if the product doesn’t work for you or you don’t like the taste and we have seen reviews of customers confirming they stood by their promise.

What are customers saying?

I was so impressed with Vivolife. I’ve always dreaded protein powders. The maca flavour blew my mind! I had to get in touch and leave my comments because I am so happy I’ve found a supplement that tastes so good! It mixes great too! Amazing job guys! Customer for life“

4. Vedge Plant Protein Vegan Protein Powder

Why we like it

• 25g protein
• Low in carbs and fats
• Mixes really well
• Non-Chalky texture
• Certified Organic
• Customers love the taste
• One year money-back guarantee

Vedge is the brand of Bianca Taylor and Nimai Delgado. While the vegan couple’s products haven’t been on the market for too long, they are already receiving great praise and compliments from the vegan bodybuilding community.

Their Plant Protein contains only 3g of carbs and 2g of fat making it a great option for your weight loss goals. It is made of an organic blend of Organic Pea Protein, Organic Pumpkin Protein, and Organic Sunflower Seed Protein, prioritizing the optimal amino acid profile for muscle protein synthesis.

They have another flavor of peanut butter cup with a little bit more fat so we recommend choosing the vanilla one if you are looking for the best macros possible.

They take pride in the high content of the amino acid leucine, which supports muscle growth and provides better protein absorption. This makes Vedge Protein Powder ideal for those who have an intense workout regime and are looking to build and maintain muscle while losing fat.

The company unlike most plant-based protein sources, pea protein provides a very high bioavailability, making it easy to digest without the need for added digestive enzymes.

It contains no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. No cheap fillers and according to the “no marketing BS”. They also offer a 365-day money-back guarantee so you can try it without risk.

What are customers saying?

“Great plant-based protein powder! I ordered the vanilla flavor and it mixes well with absolutely anything. There isn’t an after taste like many other vegan protein powders which is why I’m going to order another one. There’s a slight chalky taste, very slight but you can expect that with any protein powder so don’t let that scare you away. I would 100% recommend ordering this! I’ve tried many vegan protein powders and none of them compare as far as taste, after taste, chalkiness, and not clumpy when blending!”

5. Naturade Veganslim Vegan High Protein Weight Loss Shake

Why we like it?

• 25g of protein
• Includes Garcinia Cambogia which has been linked to weight loss.
• Certified Vegan
• Free of artificial sweeteners and flavors.
• Added digestive enzymes.
• Good fiber content
• Contains Omega 3 for heart and brain health.

Naturade is known for its VeganSmart so it is not surprising that they also have a great alternative when it comes to a vegan protein powder for weight loss.

Their Vegan Slim High Protein Weight Loss Shake provides 25g of plant-based protein per 180 calories. It contains 13 grams of carbs but 6g of those are fiber so it comes down to 7 net carbs. The fiber also helps you stay full and support your digestion so its a double win.

This protein powder has a weight loss blend with the main ingredient being the South Asian fruit Garcinia Cambogia, which appears to block an enzyme the body uses to make fat. It also increases levels of serotonin, which may make you feel less hungry.

Additionally, it contains B12 and omega 3, two nutrients that are hard to get in a vegan diet and are essential to support a nerve and blood cells health, a healthy brain, heart, and circulatory system.

It is available in vanilla and chocolate flavors and comes in a large 728g pouch with approximately 14 servings.

What are customers saying?

“First, the taste is excellent. I have always been a fan of the original VeganSmart, so I expected the taste to be great. However, I didn’t realize that a serving would actually satisfy my appetite. It also burns fat. My research showed that the South Asian fruit Garcinia Cambogia was one of the best natural weight loss remedies. I didn’t realize that it was in the product because they’re calling it SuperCitrimax. But it’s essentially Garcinia Cambogia which is excellent. I’ve lost 6 pounds the first week. I highly recommend the product.“

6. Naked Nutrition Naked Pea Protein Powder

Why we like it?

• 27g of protein in only 120 calories
• Great value for money
• 90% protein
• Available flavored and unflavored
• Heavy Metal tested
• Only One Ingredient: Yellow Pea Protein

You gotta love a brand that stands for its name. Naked pea from Protein Nutrition contains only one ingredient: yellow pea protein. This allows them to offer some of the best possible macros with 27g of protein, 120 calories, and only 2g of carbs and 05g of fats.

Naked Nutrition uses a mechanical water-extraction that’s completely chemical-free, which results in a superior amino acid profile and a whopping 27 grams of protein per 2-scoop serving.

As you can imagine, this protein is not exactly the best tasting since that is not its goal but you can also get the “Half Naked” version in Vanilla or Chocolate flavors. They do have a little bit more carbs and fats but it all comes down to your priorities and choices.

Ultimately, you can use the naked Pea Protein to prepare a shake and add the ingredients you want while making sure you are getting the most protein for your money.

Naked Pea is made exclusively from raw yellow peas grown in the USA and Canada. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free.

What are customers saying?

I have used the Naked Pea Protein Unflavored – 5 pounds several times. The taste is not really something I can describe but it is not bad. It’s just kind of a bland powder taste and texture. I actually really like it because after a while the chocolate, etc. flavors get a bit old. I just use some water in a regular glass and a spoon to mix. If you mix it too thick it will clump but just add a little more water and it will be drinkable. All of it will also come out of the glass. Some powders will stick like glue to the sides. It also hits a few other notes with the sourcing, amino profile, and lack of fillers and junk. I really like this product and having been in the fitness industry for almost forty years I’ve tried a lot of different products.“

Vegan Protein Powder Weight Loss FAQ

Which vegan protein powder is best for weight loss?

As mentioned in the article, a protein powder’s function is not about weight loss. However, if you are looking to lose weight you can certainly choose a protein powder that better supports your goals.

We suggest choosing one with at least 20grams of protein and no more than 150 calories per serving.

All the protein powder on this list are ideal to support your weight loss goals so I’d encourage you to read its features and choose the one that better suits your need. My top three choices are Garden Of Life Fit High Protein For Weight Loss, Liv Body Lean Vegan Protein Powder, and Vedge Plant Protein Vegan Protein Powder.

Can vegan protein help you lose weight?

Yes, vegan protein powder can help with your weight loss goals since it help you stay fuller for longer, it burns more calories when digesting it versus carbs and fats and it help you preserve muscle mass which is essential for a healthy metabolism.

That being said, the most important factor for weight loss is to create a consistent caloric deficit. Additionally, if you want to maintain muscle mass and promote fat loss, an exercise routine that prioritizes resistance training is key.

Can I just drink protein shakes to lose weight?

Technically, yes since any diet with a caloric deficit will make you lose weight. But it is not any healthier than eating just brocolli or just potatoes. Beyond the calories, your body needs a variety of macro and micronutrients to support its functions and keep you in your best health.

If you are looking to cut down calories by replacing one meal or snack, you can do so with a vegan protein shake or a Vegan Meal Replacement Shake but make sure to eat a variety of plant-based whole foods for your other meals.

Do protein shakes make you fat?

Protein shakes will not make you fat on their own. On the contrary, they have many benefits that can support weight loss. However, if you eat more calories than what your body needs, you are likely to gain weight.

Top 3 Vegan Protein Powder For Weight Loss

Garden Of Life Fit High Protein

• 28 grams of protein.
• Added ingredients to support fat loss and fight cravings.
• Niche texture and flavor.

$43 AT AMAZON

Liv Body Lean Vegan Protein Powder

• 24g of Pea Protein
• Low in fats, carbs, and sugar
• Superfoods and Greens Blend
• 7 Great flavors to choose from

$49 AT LIVBODY

Vedge Vegan Protein Powder

• 25g protein
• Low in carbs and fats
• Mixes really well
• Customers love the taste

$59 AT VEDGE

Takeaway

A vegan protein powder can be a great ally in conquering your weight loss goals but remember that the most important aspect of achieving it is maintaining a caloric deficit through a balanced diet and exercise regime.

Choose a protein powder that supports your goals from the ones on these is a list or the others available in the market but make sure to check the labels to ensure they are 100% vegan and have the best macronutrient ratio for your needs.

Suggested Read:

• All You Need To Know About Losing Weight As A Vegan
• 10 High Protein Vegan Breakfast Ideas
• Best Vegan Protein Powder for Bodybuilding
• Vegan Bodybuilding Diet: Guide + Meal Plan for Bulking & Cutting

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