Top Vegan Protein Powders to Boost Your Plant-Based Muscle Gains

Thinking about switching to a vegan protein powder? Whether you're fully committed to a plant-based lifestyle or simply avoid dairy due to intolerance, it's now easier than ever to find high-quality, non-dairy protein options. There’s a common misconception that vegan protein powders can’t provide all the essential amino acids your body needs to repair and build muscle, but that’s far from true. Many plant-based powders offer comprehensive nutrition that supports muscle growth and recovery effectively.

It's important to remember, though, that protein powders aren’t absolutely necessary for a healthy diet. You can definitely get adequate protein from whole foods alone. However, if your goal is to build muscle or enhance recovery after workouts, a protein supplement can be a convenient way to ensure you consistently hit your daily protein targets without hassle.

So, are you curious to discover which vegan protein powders stand out? We've gathered expert insights and tested a wide range of products to bring you the best of the best. Here’s a quick look at our top picks for various needs and preferences.

Protein plays a vital role in your body, especially when it comes to muscle health. After exercising, protein helps rebuild muscle tissue, which is made up of over 40% protein, so it’s no surprise that it’s key to recovery and strength gains. Besides muscle repair, protein supports overall well-being by helping prevent chronic illnesses and maintaining mobility — practical for everyday tasks like carrying groceries or managing active days with kids.

As one of the three macronutrients alongside fats and carbs, getting enough protein daily is essential for your body’s functions. But how much should you be aiming for? Health guidelines suggest a baseline of 50 grams of protein daily for average adults in the UK, but if you're serious about muscle growth or intense workouts, your protein needs will likely be higher.

Experts recommend about 20 grams of protein per meal, which would translate to roughly 60 grams or more per day for active individuals. Some research suggests even this amount might be on the low side if you’re regularly exercising. Those who work out 150 minutes or more weekly may need between 1.2 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. So, for a woman weighing 65 kilograms who exercises frequently, that could mean 78 to 98 grams of protein every day.

With so many exciting flavors and brands on the market, it can be tricky to know which protein powders are truly vegan. Luckily, there’s a broad spectrum of plant-based protein sources to choose from. Common vegan protein powders include those made from pea, hemp, brown rice, soy, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, and chia seeds.

In contrast, traditional protein powders like whey and casein come from cow’s milk and are not vegan, and egg protein powders, naturally, aren’t plant-based either. Choosing the right powder depends on your dietary needs, preferences, and any sensitivities.

For example, if you’re lactose intolerant, plant-based protein powders usually offer a gentler alternative than dairy-based ones, such as whey. Keep in mind, however, not all vegan powders are created equal. Pea protein, for instance, can sometimes cause digestive discomfort for people with certain gut sensitivities, leading to bloating or cramps. So, it’s wise to test different types and listen to how your body responds.

To find the best vegan protein powders on the market, we collaborated with experienced sports nutritionists and conducted thorough testing focused on nutrition quality, ingredient transparency, taste, texture, and ease of preparation. Here’s a deeper dive into the top contenders and why they’re worth trying.

1. FORM NUTRITION PERFORMANCE PROTEIN: CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT offers an impressive 30 grams of clean protein per serving with a smooth, creamy texture and no artificial additives. It’s versatile enough to mix into beverages, bake into recipes, or stir into soups. Plus, its environmentally friendly packaging adds even more appeal.

2. HUEL READY-TO-DRINK: CHOCOLATE is perfect if you need quick, on-the-go nutrition. It not only contains a full amino acid profile but also provides all 26 essential vitamins and minerals, including those like vitamin B12 and iron, which can be challenging to obtain on a plant-based diet. The texture is silky smooth, with rich chocolate flavor and other exciting taste options.

3. FOODSPRING VEGAN PROTEIN: VANILLA combines multiple plant proteins — pea, sunflower, chickpea, and hemp — to deliver complete amino acids and fortified vitamins such as B12, biotin, and calcium. Its mild vanilla taste blends effortlessly into smoothies, oats, or liquids without clumping, making it a versatile choice.

4. PROTEIN WORKS VEGAN WONDER SHAKE: BANANA SMOOTH is designed to mimic the familiar creamy taste of dairy shakes, making it ideal for those new to plant-based powders. The Quadplant™ blend of pea, brown rice, pumpkin, and soy proteins helps support energy and recovery post-workout. It’s also available in lots of fun flavors if you want to switch it up.

5. 33FUEL PREMIUM PROTEIN: CHOCOLATE includes a blend of pea, rice, and sunflower proteins combined with natural ingredients like raw cacao and organic banana. It’s a clean, no-nonsense formula with a rich chocolate flavor. Its unique packaging is resealable and recyclable, with part of proceeds supporting good causes.

6. MAXINUTRITION MAXVEGAN: CHOCOLATE delights chocolate lovers with its smooth, malt-infused flavor. It supplies 22 grams of protein per serving from pea and almond sources and contains all nine essential amino acids. It’s free from common allergens and certified for athletes needing rigorous quality assurance.

7. INNERMOST THE FIT PROTEIN: STRAWBERRY packs a whopping 31 grams of protein per serving and includes recovery-focused ingredients like dried coconut water, magnesium, and pink Himalayan salt to replenish electrolytes. Added nootropics such as rhodiola root help manage stress and inflammation, and its allergen-free formula appeals to many.

8. PHD DIET PLANT POWDER: SALTED CARAMEL offers a tasty, dessert-like flavor with just 94 calories and 20 grams of protein per serving. Its fine powder mixes smoothly and supports recovery, though pairing it with nutritious additions like banana and plant milk can make for a more filling post-exercise snack.

9. MYVEGAN VEGAN PROTEIN BLEND: CHOCOLATE is an affordable yet effective option combining pea and fava bean proteins for complete amino acid intake, including 5 grams of BCAAs. Its light texture and mild vanilla taste work beautifully in recipes and smoothies, with varied additional flavors available to suit all palates.

10. MYVEGAN CLEAR VEGAN PROTEIN: LEMON & LIME stands out with its refreshing, light taste resembling fruit squash rather than traditional creamy shakes. With only 52 calories and 10 grams of protein per serving, it’s great for a quick protein boost and is packaged in environmentally conscious materials.