The list consists of the best plant protein powders with NO added gums, sweeteners, or flavourings. I only want to focus on quality ingredients rather than taste. I like my protein unsweetened and unflavoured, as I use it as a functional supplement to my diet and can add it to sweet and savoury dishes.Â
Ideally, you want a “Complete” protein so you know you are getting the right amounts of each amino acid. Â
Here are the recommended amounts of each essential amino acid per 30 grams of protein, based on the WHO guidelines for adult requirements:
Essential Amino Acids Requirements per 30 Grams of Protein
- Histidine: 0.48 grams
- Isoleucine: 0.90 grams
- Leucine: 1.56 grams
- Lysine: 1.26 grams
- Methionine + Cysteine: 0.60 grams (Methionine alone should be around 0.30 grams)
- Phenylalanine + Tyrosine: 1.50 grams (Phenylalanine alone should be around 0.75 grams)
- Threonine: 0.78 grams
- Tryptophan: 0.24 grams
- Valine: 0.96 grams
If your main goal is to build muscle, choose a protein powder ( normally Pea protein) high in the three main branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) that help muscle growth and repair: Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine.Â
If you want to learn more about choosing the best vegan protein powder, read HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST PLANT-BASED PROTEIN POWDER.Â
With so many brands and different kinds of vegan protein to choose from, it took a lot of work to find the best protein powders with the cleanest ingredients. If you like to buy any of these plant-based protein powders through the links provided, I would appreciate the support 🫶. ​​
For more details, please check out my Affiliate Disclosure.
Let’s start with the most clean protein powders that only have one ingredient.
ONE INGREDIENT PLANT PROTEIN POWDERS
1. NOW Foods, Sports, Organic Pea Protein Powder, Pure Unflavored
Price: $33.70
Price per serving: $0.99
Protein per 30G:22.5
Rating: 4/5
USP: One ingredient, Isolate, Organic
Although all amino acids are not fully broken down, pea protein is normally high in the three main branched-chain amino acids (BCAA): Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine, which are very important for muscle growth and repair. Theoretically, it is not a complete protein as it might be low in methionine, so make sure to include Brazil Nuts, sesame, chia hemp and sunflower seeds, as well as soy products, in your diet for the full protein synthesis.Â
2. NAKED Pea – 100% premium pea protein with nothing to hide – Unflavored Vegan Pea Protein Isolate, 5LB
Price: $55.09
Price per serving: $0.72
Protein per 30G:27G
Rating: 4/5
USP: One ingredient, Isolate, high in protein content, the cheapest per serving, tested for heavy metalsÂ
It is great that all amino acids are listed, and as expected from pea protein, it is a bit low on Methionine to be classed as complete. This clean vegan protein does not have any other ingredients, so the texture and taste might not be for everyone. If you, like me, are more concerned about the clean ingredients than taste, it is a good choice. I wish the peas were organic, but they are non-GMO and have been tested for heavy metals.
3. Zammex Organic Hydro Pea Protein Powder
Price: $30.09
Price per serving: $0.88
Protein per 34G:27.2G
Rating: 5/5
USP: Organic Hydrolyzed Pea Protein
You might like Hydrolyzed pea protein for two reasons:Â
- The hydrolysis process increases the protein’s digestibility, making it easier to absorb and gentler on the stomach.Â
- Hydrolyzed pea protein can have a milder or less earthy taste compared to regular pea protein.Â
Like all pea proteins, it is great for muscle building even if it is slightly low in methionine.
PLANT-BASED BLEND PROTEIN POWDERS
4. Dr. Murray’s, Super Foods, 3 Seed Protein Powder, Unflavored
Price: $13.50
Price per serving: $0.90
Protein per 30G:19G
Rating: 3/5
USP: seed protein,Â
Vegan protein blend (pumpkin protein, flax protein, sunflower protein). Perfect for those who do not like the taste of Pea protein powders. Unfortunately, there is no full breakdown of amino acids, so we do not know if it is a complete plant-based protein.Â
5. Complement Organic Plant Based Protein Powder, Unflavored
Price: $32
Price per serving: $2.13
Protein per 22G:15G
Rating: 4/5
USP: Complete Organic protein, low sodiumÂ
This is a complete, organic, plant-based protein blend made from Almonds, Chia Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, and Yellow Peas. It contains only protein and no fillers or flavourings. It is a clean and simple protein powder with low sodium content.
6. Healthy Truth Organic GO PRO Powder – 22g Plant-Based Protein Unflavored 26 oz
Price: $49.99
Price per serving: $2.49
Protein per 37G:25G
Rating: 4/5
USP:Â Organic Vegan Protein blend with Adaptogens + Prebiotics
Ingredients:
Pea Protein Powder*, Brown Rice Protein Powder*, Sacha Inchi Protein Powder*, Maca Root Powder*, Ashwagandha Powder*, Inulin Powder* (*indicates organic ingredient). Complete amino acid profile.Â
VEGAN PROTEIN POWDERS WITH ADDED NUTRITION
7.Garden of Life – Organic Vegan Unflavored Protein Powder 22g Complete Plant-Based Raw Protein & BCAAs Plus Probiotics
Price: $32.58
Price per serving: $1.62
Protein per 28G:22G
Rating: 4/5
USP: added probioticsÂ
There are many great organic ingredients but also quite a few unnecessary ingredients. It is high in BCAAs but slightly short on some other essential amino acids, like Methionine, to be classed as Complete.
8. KOS Vegan Protein Powder, Unflavored & Unsweetened
Price: $48.55
Price per serving: $1.73
Protein per 28G:20G
Rating: 4/5
USP: A complete organic plant-based protein powderÂ
5 Protein Blend: pea, flax seed, quinoa, pumpkin seed, chia seed
with added vitamins, fruit and veg blend. I like to have more minimal ingredient protein powder and get most of my nutrition from “real food”, but if you are looking for a bit more nutrition, then you might like this KOS protein powder. I wish there was a full breakdown of essential amino acids, but we should trust the brand and ensure that the quantities are sufficient.
9. BIRDMAN Falcon Organic Vegan Protein Powder Vanilla
Price: $24.49
Price per serving: $1.22
Protein per 30G:24G
Rating: 4/5
USP: with added probiotics, sweetened with monk fruit and real vanilla
If you don’t like natural protein powder flavour but don’t want flavourings and stevia, this organic protein powder is sweetened with organic monk fruit and flavoured with real vanilla. A special blend of Optiziome digestive enzymes and LifeinU probiotics is also added to support digestion and optimal nutrient absorption.
I do not like the amount of sodium it has tho, so keep this in mind. There is no full breakdown of amino acids, but like with all pea proteins, it should be a bit low on Methionine
10. Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Vegan Organic Protein Powder Plant-based Unflavored
Price: $36.42
Price per serving: $1.21G
Protein per 25G:19G
Rating: 4/5
USP: Organic Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oilÂ
This blended protein powder falls short of being complete, but it does include Organic MCT oil in the ingredient list. MCT oil is a versatile and beneficial supplement that can support energy levels, weight management, and overall health.
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Here is my list of the 10 best plant-based protein powders I could find at the moment, but I am sure there are more good ones to try. Comment below what your favourite vegan protein powders are at the moment, and I will add them in.Â
Please Note: This post is for informational purposes only and is based on research. It’s not medical advice. It’s always best to consult a healthcare professional with health concerns.
Silvija Meilunaite PN1-NC, is a certified nutrition coach and a writer in the nutrition and self-improvement field with a passion for exploring science-based knowledge focusing on holistic health and plant-based nutrition.
Featured in the Wellness on Time magazine.
I eat a whole food plant-based, no oil, low salt and sugar diet. I am searching for a plant-based protein powder that is vanilla flavored and has NO probiotics.
Does such a thing exist?
Hey, I had a look for you, and probably your best bet would be this protein: pea protein with ingredients : Yellow Pea Protein, Organic Coconut Sugar, and Natural Vanilla. It will be hard to find vanila protein that is not sweetened. Hope this helps 🙂