If you follow a vegan diet, check out our list of the best vegan protein powders for women to meet your daily protein intake. Proteins are the building blocks of the human body and an essential source of energy. However, it may not be easy to follow a vegan diet and get the same quantity of protein as non-vegetarians. Vegan protein powders can supplement the lack of protein in your diet and give you the energy you need without making you compromise on your beliefs.
Unlike whey or animal protein, the source of protein in vegan protein powders is chia, rice, soy, pea, flax, and other plant-based ingredients. These protein powders can help women gain more muscle strength, develop lean body mass, and boost energy levels. So, consider the tried-and-tested products listed below to find the best women’s protein powder that suits your needs.
Top Picks
15 Best Vegan Protein Powders For Women
1. Best Organic:Orgain Organic Plant Protein Powder
The USDA organic-certified plant-based protein powder from Orgain consists of 21g of protein, six grams of fiber, and four net carbohydrates per serving. It contains protein that comes from brown rice, pea, and chia seeds and has no added sugars, delivering just 150 calories in each serving. The organic cocoa powder gives it a creamy fudge flavor to make smoothies or bake muffins, brownies, or biscuits as a quick energy snack after a workout. This non-GMO protein powder does not contain soy, gluten, lactose, or artificial flavors and is rich in ultra-clean nutrients. Explore the reviewer’s experience in this video that will help you learn more about the women’s health supplement.
Pros
- Easily mixes with no clumps
- Contains stevia as a sweetening agent
- Allergen-free ingredients
- Provides daily dose of calcium
Cons
- Taste might be slightly chalky
- Consistency may be slightly thick
2. Best Chocolate-Flavored:Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal
The Organic Meal from Garden of Life is a blend of 44 ingredients, including fruits, vegetables, organic grass juice, and 21 types of vitamins and minerals. Each scoop provides 20g of plant protein made from 13 sprouted organic grains and six grams of fiber. The chocolate-flavored protein powder with less than one gram of sugar per serving does not contain soy, gluten, and dairy products.
It contains 1.5 billion CFU probiotics and enzymes to promote easy digestion. The powder is also rich in nutrients, making it an ideal product that serves your nutritional requirements. Additionally, this powder is ideal for meals on the go and after-workout milkshakes. It offers multiple health benefits and can also help you build muscle, relieve hunger, and control weight. Check out a detailed review of the vegan bodybuilding supplement in this video.
Pros
- Vegan-certified
- USDA-certified organic
- Boosts energy quickly
- Improves digestion
- Tastes delicious
- Available in different flavors
Cons
- Nutrients offered may not be balanced
- May be a bit low in fiber
3. Best Keto-Friendly: Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder
Vega Sport high-quality pumpkin seed protein powder contains 30g of plant protein sourced from peas, sunflower seeds, and alfalfa. Additionally, the women’s fitness supplement contains turmeric to fight inflammation, tart cherries for muscle recovery, and two billion CFU of probiotics for better digestion, making it one among the best vegan protein powders.
Each serving provides five grams of branched-chain amino acids to strengthen muscles. This NSF-certified powder does not contain gluten, soy, dairy products, sweeteners, and whey. You can mix three grams of carbohydrates with your favorite fruits and water to make a protein-rich, vanilla-flavored shake. Watch this video of the flavorful vegan nutrition supplement, showcasing the tester’s experience.
Pros
- Keto-friendly
- Non-GMO-verified
- Easy to mix
- Free of artificial preservatives and flavors
Cons
- May have a slightly intense ingredient smell
- May be slightly chalky
"Despite its slightly bland taste, I can't deny its health benefits. It's vegan and less chalky, helping me create a smooth, creamy shake every morning. Overall, it's worth the hype for its clean ingredients, and I'd recommend sweetening it."
Orgain Organic Plant Protein Powder Best Organic | Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal Best Chocolate-Flavored | Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder Best Keto-Friendly | |
---|---|---|---|
Dimensions | - | 6 x 6 x 8.53 inches | 5.16 x 5.16 x 9.13 inches |
Weight | - | 2.23 Pounds | 1.83 Pounds |
Rating | |||
Reviews | 49,166 | 32,170 | 10,604 |
Price | $38.99 | $45.49 | $39.99 |
4. Best For Digestion:KOS Organic Plant Protein Powder
Certified by the USDA, this plant-based protein powder contains Himalayan salts, Peruvian cocoa, coconut milk, monk fruit, and a small amount of stevia. The powder is a blend of flaxseed, quinoa, pumpkin seed, chia seeds, and peas, and each serving can provide you with 20g of proteins and two grams of fiber.
The presence of digestive enzymes can enhance the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and support digestion. This non-GMO formula has no soy, gluten, and dairy products and contains soluble fiber, giving you a feeling of fullness for a more extended period without affecting calories.
Pros
- Can be added to water, smoothies, and snacks
- Easy to digest
- Has a creamy texture
- Free of gluten, soy, and dairy
Cons
- Flavor might be slightly intense for some
- May have a slightly thick consistency
"Diary-free, gluten-free, and with added digestive benefits, it has everything I want in a protein supplement. The palate-pleasing vanilla flavor is a complete win for me. Plus, its easily blendable, making it perfect for all my favorite shakes and drinks."
5. Best For Muscle Strength:Vegansmart Plant-Based Nutritional Shake
Try this nutritional protein shake powder from Vegansmart that combines the strength of five non-GMO plant-based proteins to provide your body with essential amino acids and repair and strengthen muscles. Each serving provides 20g of protein and six grams of fiber, making you feel full. It also contains more than 200mg of Omega-3, which is essential for maintaining brain and heart health.
This protein powder is rich in nine varieties of fruits and vegetables, 22 types of vitamins and minerals, and prebiotics that can balance the intestinal flora, help digestion, and improve overall health. The tried-and-tested formula has a wild-berry flavor and does not contain gluten, MSG, soy, dairy products, yeast, sweeteners, and preservatives.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Clump-free
- Diabetic-friendly
- Delicious taste
Cons
- May have a slightly strong stevia taste
- Consistency may be slightly watery
"This stevia-based vegan protein tastes good when I blend it with my everyday smoothie with assorted fruits. What makes it extra special is that it's lactose-free. And though I'm not a fan of the flavors, I still consider it a reliable choice for daily use."
6. Best Gluten-Free:Purely Inspired Organic Nutritional Supplement
Bring home this organic nutritional shake from Purely Inspired that is made of high-quality vegan protein sources such as rice, peas, and hemp. Hemp contains all nine essential amino acids and is high in fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. This supplement provides 20g of protein and five grams of fiber and is a powerful blend of 27 fruits and vegetables.
This milkshake powder contains 17 vitamins and minerals along with one billion CFU of probiotics. The simple and convenient vegan meal replacement formula can meet most of your nutritional requirements.
Pros
- Certified USDA-organic
- Non-GMO and dairy- and gluten-free
- Allergen-friendly
- Has a balanced amount of vitamins and minerals
Cons
- May be slightly clumpy
- After-taste may not be great
"I've repeatedly bought this protein powder for its nutritional benefits. When used sparingly, it enhances my smoothies, and it tastes even better with bananas and a dollop of peanut butter."
7. Best Non-GMO:Ora Organic Vegan Protein Powder
Boost your metabolism with this dairy-free protein powder from Ora Organic. It contains pea and rice protein and digestive enzymes to eliminate bloating and promote the complete absorption of nutrients. Each serving provides 22g of protein and 1.8g of fiber to promote optimal muscle function.
It is packed with 20 organic foods, providing a complete amino acid profile after exercise. This powder is pregnancy-safe and suitable for nursing mothers. The flavor and smooth texture of chocolate allow you to effortlessly add this non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free powder to smoothies or other recipes.
Pros
- Supports muscular development
- Boosts energy
- Prevents imbalance of blood pressure
- Available in four different natural flavors
Cons
- May have a slightly chalky texture
- May have an aftertaste
"The standout feature of this protein powder is its clean, plant-based composition, which is easy on my stomach. Though it does have a chalky texture, adding fruits or different milk bases seems to mask that pretty well. The chocolate flavor is my favorite."
8. Best With Whole-Food Ingredients:Aloha Organic Protein Powder
Aloha’s USDA organic protein powder uses coconut sugar instead of stevia to provide 18g of plant-based protein from peas, hemp, brown rice, and pumpkin seeds. It also contains five grams of dietary fiber, iron, and a medium-chain triglyceride source to offer you a quick energy boost. It is free of gluten, soy, dairy products, and stevia and is a perfect addition to smoothies, baked goods, or morning oatmeal. The women’s workout supplement comprises 12 whole-food ingredients with complete amino acids, electrolytes, and probiotic ingredients.
Pros
- Does not leave any aftertaste
- Excellent source of MCT oil
- Helps in weight management
- Ideal post-workout supplement
Cons
- May be a tad grainy
- May be slightly thick
"The delicious vanilla flavor wins me every time I try it. Just a bit of finesse during blending, and it offers a smooth consistency, integrating well into my regular smoothies and recipes. Also, it's free of artificial sweeteners, which is a bonus for me."
9. Best Nutrient-Rich:Isopure Nature’s Best Plant-Based Protein Powder
Isopure’s keto-friendly and plant-based protein powder provides 20g of protein from brown rice and organic peas, providing your body with essential amino acids. Each serving contains only 1.5g of fat and zero sugar, cholesterol, artificial colors, sweeteners, and flavors. The rich chocolate flavor allows you to add this low-carbohydrate powder to water or plant-based milk to get the daily required nutrition.
Pros
- Blends well
- Free of gluten, soy, and dairy
- Doesn’t cause bloating or cramping
- Non-GMO
Cons
- Consistency may be slightly frothy
- Some may not like the taste of stevia
"With its smooth, chocolaty flavor, this plant-based option refreshingly satisfies my hunger. I use it as a breakfast drink and post-workout shake. It's a solid choice to keep up my daily protein intake."
10. Best For Post-Workout Recovery:Tone It Up Plant-Based Protein Powder
Who understands women’s needs better than women? Designed by women for women, this plant-based protein powder is made from pumpkin seeds and pea protein and has a non-GMO formula that provides 15g of protein per scoop to help you achieve your daily goals. The gluten- and dairy-free powder works as an energy booster before a workout and serves as a vegan muscle recovery supplement post-workout.
The minerals from pumpkin seeds can help promote the healthy functioning of the heart and kidneys. Mix it with water or nut milk to make a delicious smoothie or add it to bread and cakes.
Pros
- Mixes well
- Contains zero sugar
- Boosts metabolism
- Natural flavor
Cons
- May be slightly chalky
"The chocolate variant is delicious for a plant-based option. It blends well with various drinks and shakes, making them more exciting and healthy. I highly recommend it to maintain an energetic lifestyle."
11. Best Delicious:Nutiva Organic Plant Protein Superfood Smoothie
Nutiva organic plant protein powder combines the strength of hemp, pumpkin, sunflower, and peas. Each serving contains 21gm of protein, which can promote muscle recovery after exercise. This non-GMO blend uses ingredients procured from certified farmers, is a good source of vitamins from fruits and vegetables, and contains probiotics to promote good digestion. It is rich in nutrients and does not contain gluten, grains, soy, dairy products, and stevia. It has a smooth texture and can be mixed with water or fruits and vegetables to make a delicious smoothie.
12. Best For Skin Elasticity:Sunwarrior Vegan Collagen Building Protein Peptides
Sunwarrior’s vegan protein peptides contain various organic proteins, such as fermented pea protein, vitamin C, silica, green leafy vegetables, and sea buckthorn. The USDA-certified organic ingredients can promote natural collagen synthesis, skin elasticity, provide moisture retention, and fight free radicals.
The addition of hyaluronic acid and biotin enhances the body’s ability to absorb calcium, thereby strengthening hair, skin, bones, and nails. This nutrient-rich powder is fortified with organic spirulina rich in iron and amino acids, which can heal and repair muscles while maintaining tissue strength.
The zero-sugar anti-aging formula is ideal for those on plant-based diets as it provides 15 grams of protein, free of gluten, soy, dairy products, and genetic modification.
13. Best For Optimal Health:Vegansmart Organic All-In-One Nutritional Shake
Vegansmart USDA organic protein powder is a blend of organic peas, pumpkin seeds, quinoa seeds, and plant protein from rice to provide 20g of protein with each serving. This protein powder provides you aminoacids to promote the synthesis of healthy tissues and muscles and contains 22 types of minerals and vitamins.
Each serving provides six grams of fiber, and the probiotics and digestive enzymes in it help absorb nutrients and promote good digestion. Fortified with 200mg of Omega-3, it promotes the healthy functioning of the brain and heart. It also includes nine kinds of colorful vegetables and fruits, providing antioxidants to achieve optimal health.
Pros
- Non-GMO
- Yummy taste
- Diabetic-friendly
- Hypoallergenic
- Blends well with no clumps
Cons
- May be slightly sweet
- May have slightly thin consistency
"This protein powder, packed with essential nutrients, is a suitable choice for my dietary needs. The various flavor options allow me to choose my preferred one, and I like mixing it with my favorite smoothie blends."
14. Best USDA-Certified:SB Organics Vanilla Vegan Protein Powder
SB Organic’s nutrient-rich vanilla vegan protein powder is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, probiotics, and enzymes. The women’s dietary supplement provides 21g of protein from pumpkin seeds, peas, quinoa, chia seeds, and flaxseeds and is suitable for nourishing your muscles for quick recovery after workouts. The carefully crafted vanilla flavor blend has low carbohydrate content and can stimulate your activities and add energy to your day.
This USDA-certified organic and kosher blend contains no gluten, dairy, and soy products and can be used as a supplement to meals.
Pros
- Can be blended with shakes
- Improves digestion
- Blends well into a smooth mixture
- Repairs body tissue
Cons
- May have a slightly sweet taste
- May be slightly grainy
15. Best Immunity Booster:Micro Ingredients Organic Pea Protein Powder
This organic and natural protein powder from Micro Ingredients provides 30gm of pea protein and is rich in essential amino acids, which promote muscle strength and are easy to digest. The single-source formula is low in fat and carbohydrates, helps control weight, and has vitamins to boost immunity. Pea protein can also support heart and kidney health and is easy for the digestive system. This non-GMO protein powder has passed USDA organic certification and contains no artificial sweeteners, colors, preservatives, gluten, dairy, and fillers.
Pros
- Can be consumed during or between meals
- Blends well with smoothies or shakes
- Includes a scoop
- BCCA-rich
- Boosts immunity
Cons
- Color of the powder may change slightly
- May be slightly chalky
"Easy to mix and versatile, this pea protein powder elevates various meals and beverages with a subtle taste. It offers the nutritional boost I've always wanted and has become a staple in my plant-based diet."
How To Choose The Right Vegan Protein Powder For Women?
When choosing a vegan protein powder, there are some key things to consider.
- Protein content: Before consuming protein powders, it is crucial to understand the amount of protein you ingest from your daily diet. Check the amount of protein in each serving and see if it helps meet your daily requirement. Talk to a nutritionist to determine the right amount of protein you need to consume every day, based on your lifestyle.
- Protein source: Choose a powder with various plant protein sources or a single source. It is also essential to check whether the source is certified as organic and non-GMO.
- Sugars and sweeteners: You may want to consider powders containing natural sugars like stevia and monk fruits instead of artificial sweeteners that hinder your metabolism.
- Flavors: Look for natural or neutral flavors so that you can add fresh fruits, yogurt, peanut butter, and other ingredients to make it interesting and palatable for you.
- Complete protein powder: It should contain all nine essential amino acids that your body needs to form proteins that help muscle growth and recovery.
- Fillers: Some protein powders may contain fillers that can add extra calories and carbohydrates. Check the powder’s ingredients carefully to choose a tested formula.
- Fiber: Look for protein powders with high fiber content so that it is easy to digest and helps your body absorb the vitamins and minerals in it.
, Nutritionist, Sports Nutritionist, CPT, RTY200, Colorado-based fitness expert, says “The main thing to consider when choosing protein powder is the ingredients. Always choose those with recognizable ingredients. You do not want any artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are vegan protein powders effective?
Vegan powders are an alternative to whey protein powders. Unlike animal-based protein powder, they are dairy- and gluten-free. They also do not contain fat. However, it is recommended to cross check the label of the protein powder to eliminate the presence of sugar or artificial flavors.
2. What are the benefits of vegan protein powders?
Vegan protein supplements keep you full for a longer time, minimize the consumption of harmful bacteria, are gluten-free, strengthen the immune system, and aid in weight loss.
3. How often should I take vegan protein powders?
You can consume vegan protein powders every day. Athletes and heavy exercisers should consume the protein powder post-workout.
4. Do vegan protein powders expire?
Yes, they do. Nutrition and fitness experts recommend not to consume expired protein powders.
5. Is vegan protein powder better than animal protein powder?
Vegan protein powder is ideal for those with lactose intolerance. Whereas, animal protein powder is beneficial for lean muscle (1).
6. Is it better to get protein from food or protein powder?
Protein from food is the natural and healthy way. However, it is hard to get the required amount of protein from food alone, especially if you are a heavy exerciser. In such cases, protein powders act as an ideal protein supplement.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna is a writer who loves recommending quality products that improve her reader’s quality of life. She has compiled this list of the best vegan protein powder for women based on user reviews and data from reliable forums. Each product description includes relevant details, including the ingredients, sugar content, and allergen information. Vibha has also included a buying guide to help you choose the right vegan protein powder based on factors such as protein source, protein content, and fillers.
The Bottom Line
Keeping in shape can be challenging for those who stay away from dairy, but having the best vegan protein powders for women can be an excellent way to meet your protein requirements. They provide energy without including dairy or other harmful chemicals, so you can tone your muscles and develop body mass correctly. With 21g of protein and allergen-free, the Orgain Organic Plant Protein Powder is our best pick. Another effective option is the Garden of Life Raw Organic Meal, which offers a combination of 44 ingredients, including vitamins and minerals. Moreover, the Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder has anti-inflammatory turmeric and probiotics for individuals on a ketogenic diet. Before choosing, however, make sure you look for a powder recommended by a physician with an appropriate amount of protein content, fillers, flavors, and sweeteners.
References
- Animal Protein versus Plant Protein in Supporting Lean Mass and Muscle Strength: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7926405/ - Pea Protein.
https://wa.kaiserpermanente.org/kbase/topic.jhtml?docId=hn-10013795 - Eating Right Before and During Pregnancy
https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/eating-right-before-and-during-pregnancy
Read full bio of Jenni Hackworth
Read full bio of Wedetso Chirhah
Read full bio of Swati Patwal