Think vegan protein powder tastes like dust? Vicky Hadley rounds up the best-tasting plant protein powders out there (many of them from, you guessed it, pea protein)
This article was last updated 10th September 2020
Protein supplements have predominantly come from dairy sources such as whey for years. But vegan alternatives have been gaining popularity, many of which have a base of pea protein.
Trouble is, pea protein on its own can taste a bit like dust. Thankfully, more recently, we’re seeing tastier blends hitting the shelves that include blended vegetable proteins derived from sources such as hemp, rice, pumpkin seed and even cranberry, along with pea. As a result, the taste just got a whole lot better.
With so many new brands now offering new and improved tastes, Healthista’s gym bunny, Vicky Hadley aka @vickyhadley_fit has tried a heap of them to bring you her top 7 best-tasting favourite vegan protein powders.
#1 Neat Nutrition, Vegan Protein
Neat Nutrition are a new protein company with an incredible tasting vegan protein powder range created from a blend of hemp and pea.
They have two smooth and creamy to flavours to choose from: vanilla and chocolate which are packed with amino acids including Lysein, (an essential amino acid that plays a key role in converting fatty acids into energy) that vegans are often deficient in.
How many grams of protein per recommended serving (28 grams)?25 grams of protein in the natural flavour and 20 grams in the berry flavour.
What’s the taste like?Neat is extremely sweet considering there is no added sugar and tastes more like a naughty dessert than a healthy drink, I was actually amazed at just how good vegan protein powders could taste.
Best flavour? Vanilla was my favourite, it is not often I would vote for a plainer flavoured protein powder but Neat didn’t even need any added plant sugar for taste.
Available to buy here.
#2 Sunwarrior, Raw Vegan Protein
Sunwarrior, Raw Vegan Protein Powder is an incredible blend of cranberry, hemp and pea proteins. With three flavours: vanilla, chocolate and natural there is something for everyone.
Sunwarrior use the natural plant based sweetener Stevia to give their protein shakes the delicious taste they own.
Sunwarrior’s protein powder is completely raw and plant-based protein, that is rich in amino acids and superfoods. Our favourite is Sunwarrior’s chocolate protein powder, try it blended with avocado and coconut milk to create a chocolate protein mousse.
How many grams of protein per recommended serving (25grams)? 20 grams
What’s the taste like? Sunwarrior is sweet and has the melt in your mouth texture that makes you sigh in happiness.
Thanks to the Stevia extract Sunwarrior protein powder needs no extra sweetener, simply toss in a few berries for a zingy burst and you’re good to go.
Best flavour? Vanilla and chocolate both top it for me, if you are going to choose a green smoothie mix in the vanilla protein powder – honestly, you can not try a nicer smoothie but if you want something to curb your dessert cravings chocolate is a must have.
Available to buy on Amazon in the US and UK.
#3 STRIPPD, Vegan Lean Protein
STRIPPD have been a favourite of Healthista for a while. Their vegan protein powders are derived from a blend of whole pea and hemp and infused with metabolism boosting yerba mate to help tone and develop lean muscle.
The pea and hemp blend contains all of the essential amino acids for building long, lean muscles.
How many grams of protein per recommended serving (35grams)? 20 grams
What’s the taste like? Another sublimely sweet tasting powder I love the fruity flavour of STRIPPD mixed with my morning porridge oats and water or almond milk.
Best flavour? Chocolate
#4 Reflex Nutrition, Plant-based Protein
Reflex Nutrition plant-based protein is an excellent option for vegan athletes and those who are on strict calorie or macronutrient dependent diets. It has only one gram of carbohydrate and 1.4 grams of fat per serving.
As well as being a great option for those avoiding soy. Reflex is derived from pea protein, natural flavourings and sweetener (Stevia) and Digezyme® Digestive Enzyme Complex (Amylase, Protease, Cellulase, Lactase, Lipase) to help with nutrient absorption.
How many grams of protein per 25 gram serving? 19grams
What’s the taste like?Reflex tastes incredible mixed with Alpro Soya yoghurt as it isn’t as sweet as the other Stevia based protein powders so is ideal for those who don’t like too sweet products but want a sweet fix.
Best flavour? Chocolate
Available to buy on Amazon.
#5 Nutriseed, Superfood Protein
Nutriseed like Pulsin are another unflavoured protein powder to be included in the round up.
Offering protein powders made from Pea and Superfood there is one for your desired taste. It is well known that pea protein powders have a grassy taste that isn’t too popular with the majority of vegans, so I wasn’t sure what to expect.
What is the protein content per reccommended serving (25 grams)? 20 grams
What’s the taste like? I was pleasantly surprised with this powder, it had a nutty taste that reminded me of a creamy nut butter. It mixes well with water and actually worked at satisfying my food cravings.
Available to buy here.
#6 NaturesPlus, Sunflower Protein
Another amazing and delicious protein from Natures Plus is the Sunflower Protein powder. Not only is it a complete protein but mixed with boiliing water and stirred it turns into a thick coffee tasting mousse.
I mixed mine with a sprinkle of Stevia and berries and was completely satisfied post-workout.
What’s the taste like? I love this protein powder as it tastes like a nutty coffee, it mixes well with boiling water and satisfies your cravings without having to worry about the caffeine overload.
How many grams of protein per recommended serving (37grams)? 16grams
Available to buy on Amazon.
#7 MRM, Veggie Protein with Superfoods
Made from a blend of pea protein, chia, hemp, flax, spinach, carrot powder, broccoli, cranberry powder, raspberry powder, MRM is a healthy and Non-GMO powder that is filled with natural and delicious ingredients (like chia) that keep you fuller for longer.
Healthista founder Anna Magee loves this so much she buys it from Amazon from the US as no health food stores carry it here.
What’s the taste like? Really sweet without being sickly and no ‘dusty’ or grainy aftertaste.
How many grams of protein per recommended serving (38 grams)? 22 grams
Best flavour? Vanilla
Available to buy on Amazon.
More Healthista Content:
Need a protein powder for weight loss? These are the ingredients to look for
5 protein-packed vegan recipes we’re loving from Gaz Oakley’s new cookbook
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