8 best vegan protein powders, tried and tested by fitness experts

What is protein?

Everyone is talking about protein these days, but what actually is it and why is it so important?

Well, protein is a macronutrient responsible for many key bodily functions, including tissue growth, healthy bones, brain development, hormone regulation, and more. Protein is made from a structure of amino acids, also referred to as ‘building blocks’, so you could say it’s pretty fundamental to our development. There are 22 amino acids, some of which we can produce naturally in our body, but there are nine ‘essential’ ones we can only get through diet. This is where the best protein supplements can come in.

Meat and dairy are key protein sources, which means those on a plant-based diet are often asked where they get their protein from. If you have a varied vegan diet that’s filled with legumes, grains, pulses, nuts and tofu, there’s no reason why you can’t hit your daily requirements. But a vegan protein powder can offer a quick and convenient way to top up your levels.

We've also tested the best plant-based protein bars. Our top picks are nutritious and delicious.

Why should I take a protein supplement?

According to the British Heart Foundation, adults need around 0.75g of protein per kilo of body weight per day. For the average woman, that’s around 45g of protein per day. If you’re exercising often and lifting weights, you may want to up this by 1-2g of protein per kilo of body weight.

Again, a protein supplement isn’t necessary if you’re following a diet packed with protein-rich foods, but it can help you meet your daily target in a quick and convenient way.

Why do you need a vegan protein powder specifically you ask? Well, whey and casein are two of the most common types of regular protein powder, but they’re dairy-based, which means they’re not suitable for those who are avoiding animal lactose-based products.

Some people also opt for plant-based protein powders because they find dairy protein can cause issues such as bloating and skin breakouts.

“Protein powders provide a concentrated source of protein, often with the added benefit of fibre, vitamins, and minerals,” Lond-Caulk explains. “Many people also find vegan protein powders easier to digest, as they lack lactose, a common irritant in whey-based options.”

Here are some more reasons to protein to your diet.

Maintaining bone health

Protein is particularly important for women, especially those going through menopause or who are post-menopausal. This is because bone density decreases as the levels of oestrogen in the body start to decrease during perimenopause. Protein helps to maintain bone health, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

Muscle growth

Taking a protein supplement can help tone up, increase your muscle mass and reduce fat when combined with a regular exercise routine. Though protein powders have, in the past, been associated with bodybuilders, rest assured you’re not going to look like Popeye.

Weight management

Alongside a balanced diet and regular exercise, protein shakes can help with managing weight. That’s because the high protein content can leave you feeling fuller for longer.

What are the different types of vegan protein?

Tina Lond-Caulk breaks down the most popular ingredients used in vegan protein powders below.

Soy

Soy protein is one of the most common types of vegan protein, and is considered a complete protein, which means it contains all nine essential amino acids that the body can’t produce by itself. This makes it a good choice for muscle repair and growth.

Pea

Pea protein is another popular option, particularly for its high content of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are critical for muscle recovery. It’s also hypoallergenic and easy to digest, making it suitable for a wide range of people.

Hemp

Hemp protein is derived from the seeds of the hemp plant and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fibre, offering additional nutritional benefits. However, its amino acid profile is slightly less optimal for muscle building compared to soy or pea.

Rice

Rice protein, while not a complete protein on its own, is an effective source of protein when combined with complementary sources like pea protein. It’s particularly digestible and a good choice for those with food sensitivities.

Is it harder to build muscle as a vegan?

“Building muscle on a vegan diet is not inherently more difficult, but it does require a more strategic approach to protein intake,” explains Lond-Caulk. “Many plant-based protein sources lack one or more essential amino acids, so combining different protein types is essential to ensure a complete amino acid profile,” she adds.

According to Lond-Caulk, it’s also worth noting that the bioavailability of proteins (the degree to which the body can absorb and use them) is generally lower than animal-based proteins. So, if you’re vegan, it’s a good idea to consume more protein overall to achieve the same muscle-building effects.

The verdict on the best vegan protein powders

With a score of 95/100, it’s hard to find fault with our winner, Form Nutrition Performance Protein. It made a tasty, protein-packed shake that impressed our testing panel.

If you don’t want to cart your protein pot and shaker to-and-fro, Huel’s Ready-to-Drink Plant-Based Protein bottles are a convenient pick for those on-the-go days. As well as a 20g of the good stuff, each bottle contains 26 different vitamins and a balance of carbohydrates, minerals and essential fats to keep you satisfied.

All-natural ingredient list, you say? Then look no further than 33Fuel’s Vegan Protein Powder, which doesn’t include any ultra-processed nasties. The packaging is fully recyclable, too.

Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute

From the best vacuum cleaners to the best rowing machines, we’ve been testing products for 100 years here at the Good Housekeeping Institute, and are committed to helping readers find the best products for them.

Kim Hawley is our lead health and wellness tester and oversees reviews for a range of fitness products. She has a level 4 personal training qualification, a nutrition qualification, and has been in the health and wellness industry for over 30 years. For this test, we also enlisted the help from a panel of nutritionists and sports experts to analyse the ingredients and help you make an informed decision.

Our lifestyle writer, Madeleine Evans, worked with our testing team and reviewed the feedback from our nutritionists to create the most helpful and thorough reviews possible. Plus, as an avid gym-goer, she’s tried lots of protein powders over the years, so she knows what to look for.