*Updated 5/16/18
My search for the perfect vegan protein powder has been a complicated one, meaning, I have never been able to find one I truly like (until now).
Despite this, I kept hearing recommendations from friends and readers about their favorite brands so I knew there was more out there to explore.
So, I decided to do a formal, side-by-side review of some of the most popular vegan protein powders on the market to see which ones delivered and which ones weren’t worth the hype (so you don’t have to!).
I started with vanilla protein powders because it’s what I’ve been reaching for as of late and they seem to be the most versatile (and decent tasting) option for adding to most smoothies.
I’ve also now reviewed Vegan Chocolate Protein Powders and Vegan Flavored Protein Powders.
The Ground Rules //
- I tested 13 protein powders, and only ordered protein powders I could find on Amazon because a) they are most accessible to people, and b) and usually have the best prices.
- This review is not sponsored in any way and I was not given free product or compensated for any of my reviews. I had no contact with any of these brands.
- I had tried a handful of the powders before this review (in my own searching) and tried to remain as unbiased and objective as possible when reviewing.
- When testing the powders in almond milk, I used Califia unsweetened plain almond milk. I mixed 1/3 cup (80 ml) almond milk with 1 Tbsp protein powder in a mason jar with 2 ice cubes then shook vigorously for 30 seconds.
- When testing in a smoothie, I used my Ginger Colada Green Smoothie and omitted lime juice to control bitterness. I mixed 1/3 cup (80 ml) smoothie with 1 Tbsp protein powder in a mason jar then shook vigorously for 30 seconds.
- I graded the protein powders on a scale of 1-5 (1 being poor, 5 being excellent) on:
- Texture
- Sweetness
- Overall flavor
- How well it mixes with almond milk
- How well it mixes with a smoothie
- For consumer awareness, I also examined:
- Type of protein base (i.e. brown rice, pea, hemp)
- Quality of ingredients (i.e. organic, non-GMO etc.)
- Total # of ingredients
- Grams protein / serving
- Additional claims/perks (i.e. probiotics, greens, added fiber)
- If I would repurchase
The Review //
Aloha Protein
Texture: 1 – gritty + flecks (almost resembled flax seed)
Sweetness: 5 – perfectly sweet
Overall flavor: 3 – pretty decent – a little chalky
How well blended with almond milk: 2 – gritty + flecks, but mixed – didn’t stay mixed
How well blended with smoothie: 2 – little gritty
Protein base: Pea, Pumpkin Seed, Hemp
Quality of ingredients: Organic
Total # ingredients: 13
Protein / serving: 18g/packet (37g)
Other perks/claims: Promotes muscle formation + healthy metabolism, and boosts energy
Overall score: 13
Overall impressions: If the texture was less gritty I’d like this one more. The ingredients are high quality and the flavor and sweetness are actually pretty good. But it’s highly detectable in both almond milk and smoothies because of the texture.
Would I repurchase? No.
Bob’s Red Mill Vanilla Protein Powder
Texture: 4 – overall good, little gritty, chia seeds throughout
Sweetness: 4 – nice amount of sweetness, borderline too sweet
Overall flavor: 4 – nice vanilla flavor, overall pleasant, maybe a little overpowering on its own
How well blended with almond milk: 4 – mixed well, but chia seeds sank as to be expected
How well blended with smoothie: 5 – blends well even with chia seeds
Protein base: Pea
Quality of ingredients: Non-organic
Total # ingredients: 7
Protein / serving: 20g/ 1/3 cup (45g)
Other perks/claims: Chia, probiotics, high in iron, serving of Omega-3s, sweetened with monk fruit
Overall score: 21
Overall impressions: This was my favorite! The flavor is so pleasant, the sweetness and texture spot on, and it blends so well into both milk and smoothies. It makes smoothies taste better rather than worse – the only of its kind! Plus, I love the chia seeds – they’re a fun and healthy addition.
Would I repurchase? Yes.
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein
Texture: 3 – little chalky, not much grit
Sweetness: 4 – not too sweet
Overall flavor: 3.5 – Overall good, good amount of vanilla yet neutral, would pair well with most smoothies
How well blended with almond milk: 5 – mixed well, stayed mixed
How well blended with smoothie: 5 – blends completely
Protein base: Pea, Brown Rice, Amaranth Sprout, Buckwheat
Quality of ingredients: Organic
Total # ingredients: 34 (22 without probiotic & enzyme blend ingredients)
Protein / serving: 22 g/packet (31g)
Other perks/claims: Probiotics & Enzymes / Soy Free
Overall score: 20.5
Overall impressions: This is one of my favorites! The texture is spot on, the flavor is neutral, and the sweetness is perfectly balanced. I’ve had success mixing it with a lot of different types of smoothies.
Would I repurchase? Yes.
Genuine Health Fermented Vegan Proteins +
Texture: 3 – mostly smooth, little grit, little chalky
Sweetness: 3 – little too sweet
Overall flavor: 3.5 – tiny bit chemically/bitter, nice vanilla flavor
How well blended with almond milk: 4 – mixed well, stayed pretty mixed, little chalky
How well blended with smoothie: 3.5 – blends well, little gritty
Protein base: Pea, Brown Rice, Hemp, Quinoa, Alfalfa, Spirulina, Mung Bean Sprouts
Quality of ingredients: Non GMO
Total # ingredients: 11
Protein / serving: 15g/packet (22.1g)
Other perks/claims: Fermented, assists digestion
Overall score: 17
Overall impressions: Overall good, but the flavor was a little off-putting.
Would I repurchase? This one is a toss up, but probably not.
Manitoba Harvest Hemp Pro
Texture: 1 – chalky, gritty, unpleasant
Sweetness: 1 – not sweet at all
Overall flavor: 1 – unpleasant, not sweet, no vanilla
How well blended with almond milk: 1 – really bad – didn’t mix well
How well blended with smoothie: 1 – mixed poorly
Protein base: Hemp
Quality of ingredients: Organic
Total # ingredients: 3
Protein / serving: 9g/4 tbsp (30g)
Other perks/claims: N/A
Overall score: 5
Overall impressions: Despite having so few ingredients and the quality being high, I didn’t like the texture or flavor. This was my least favorite of the bunch.
Would I repurchase? No.
Naturade Vegan Smart
Texture: 4 – pretty smooth, not too chalky, no grit
Sweetness: 3 – little too sweet
Overall flavor: 3 – nice vanilla flavor, but too sweet and an odd taste to it
How well blended with almond milk: 4 – smooth, not too chalky
How well blended with smoothie: 5 – blends completely
Protein base: Pea, Hemp, Chia, Potato, Chlorella
Quality of ingredients: N/A
Total # ingredients: 32
Protein / serving: 20g/2 scoops (43g)
Other perks/claims: Added vitamins, minerals, fiber, omega blend, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, fruits + veggies
Overall score: 19
Overall impressions: Loved the perks this one offered. Although the flavor wasn’t perfect, the sweetness and texture were spot on.
Would I repurchase? Yes.
Nuzest Clean Lean Protein
Texture: 3 – a little chalky
Sweetness: 2 – not sweet at first, and then overly sweet
Overall flavor: 3 – heavy vanilla, a bit too sweet at the end
How well blended with almond milk: 3 – pretty well, stayed mixed, but chalky
How well blended with smoothie: 4 – blends well
Protein base: Pea
Quality of ingredients: Non GMO
Total # ingredients: 3
Protein / serving: 21g/2 scoops (25g)
Other perks/claims: N/A
Overall score: 15
Overall impressions: I liked how few ingredients there were, but the sweetness can be too strong.
Would I repurchase? Yes.
UPDATE:*Since writing this post I’ve tried Nuzest again because I love how simple the ingredients are. I also recognized my body does well with pea protein powder. It has since become one of my new go-tos and I would definitely recommend giving it a try.
Orgain Organic Meal
Texture: 2 – kinda chalky, kinda gritty
Sweetness: 4 – good on sweetness – not too much, not too little
Overall flavor: 1.5 – unpleasant, vanilla flavor OK, generally offputting, has an earthy flavor
How well blended with almond milk: 3 – pretty well, stayed mixed, little chalky
How well blended with smoothie: 3 – smooth with chunks
Protein base: Brown Rice, Pea, Chia
Quality of ingredients: Organic
Total # ingredients: 47
Protein / serving: 20g/2 scoops (57g)
Other perks/claims: Fiber, Fruit + Veg
Overall score: 13.5
Overall impressions: Impressive list of ingredients but the texture and flavor didn’t deliver.
Would I repurchase? No.
PlantFusion Complete Plant Protein
Texture: 2 – mostly smooth, but chalky and kind of “slimy”
Sweetness: 1 – way too sweet
Overall flavor: 2 – way too sweet, good vanilla flavor, but bitter and chemically
How well blended with almond milk: 3 – stayed mixed, but thick and chalky
How well blended with smoothie: 4 – blends well
Protein base: Pea, Artichoke, Amaranth, Sprouted Quinoa
Quality of ingredients: Non GMO
Total # ingredients: 12
Protein / serving: 21g/1 scoop (30g)
Other perks/claims: Enzyme blend
Overall score: 12
Overall impressions: Texture was blendable, but a little tacky. The flavor was really off.
Would I repurchase? No.
SunWarrior Warrior Blend
Texture: 3 – mostly smooth, little chalky
Sweetness: 3 – neutral, sweetness is about right
Overall flavor: 1 – not good, bitter, weird tasting, off-putting
How well blended with almond milk: 3 – pretty well, stayed mixed, little chalky
How well blended with smoothie: 4 – blends well
Protein base: Pea, Hemp, Goji Berry
Quality of ingredients: Organic
Total # ingredients: 8
Protein / serving: 18g/scoop (25g)
Other perks/claims: N/A
Overall score: 14
Overall impressions: Texture was OK, but the flavor was really off.
Would I repurchase? No.
Vega One All-in-One Nutritional Shake
Texture: 2.5 – little chalky, little gritty, not too smooth
Sweetness: 2 – too sweet, but not bitter
Overall flavor: 2 – unpleasant, bitter, strange, vanilla flavor is faint
How well blended with almond milk: 2 – didn’t stay mixed
How well blended with smoothie: 3 – kind of gritty
Protein base: Pea, Flaxseed, Hemp
Quality of ingredients: Non GMO
Total # ingredients: 35
Protein / serving: 20g/1 scoop (41g)
Other perks/claims: Added fruits & veggies
Overall score: 11.5
Overall impressions: Overall bad. Did not enjoy the flavor or texture.
Would I repurchase? No.
Vega Protein & Greens
Texture: 1 – little chalky, little grit, not smooth
Sweetness: 1 – way too sweet
Overall flavor: 2 – unpleasant, chemically, not a fan
How well blended with almond milk: 2 – had a hard time mixing thoroughly – some stuck to the bottom
How well blended with smoothie: 4 – blends well
Protein base: Pea, Hemp, Brown Rice
Quality of ingredients: Non GMO
Total # ingredients: 12
Protein / serving: 20g/1 scoop (30g)
Other perks/claims: 2 servings of greens
Overall score: 10
Overall impressions: Surprisingly unpleasant with poor texture, but high quality ingredients + perks.
Would I repurchase? No.
Vega Sport Performance
Texture: 3 – mostly smooth, little chalky, little grit
Sweetness: 1 – way too sweet
Overall flavor: 3 – nice vanilla flavor, too sweet + overpowering
How well blended with almond milk: 3 – pretty well, stayed mixed, little chalky
How well blended with smoothie: 4 – blends well, little grit
Protein base: Pea, Pumpkin Seed, Sunflower Seed, Alfalfa
Quality of ingredients: Non GMO
Total # ingredients: 14
Protein / serving: 15g/.5 scoop (21g)
Other perks/claims: Probiotics, Turmeric
Overall score: 14
Overall impressions: Overall good, but way too sweet and the texture wasn’t completely smooth.
Would I repurchase? No.
Results //
First place: Bob’s Red Mill Vanilla Protein Powder*
Second place: Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein
Third place: Naturade Vegan Smart
Fourth place: Genuine Health Fermented Greens
Fifth place: Nuzest Clean Lean Protein
Tied for Sixth place: SunWarrior Blend + Vega Sport Performance
Seventh place: Orgain Organic Meal
Eighth place: Aloha Protein
Ninth place: Plantfusion Complete Plant Protein
Tenth place: Vega One Nutritional Shake
Eleventh place: Vega Proteins + Greens
Twelfth place: Manitoba Harvest Hemp Pro
Conclusion //
I tried to be extremely honest in this review which is why it seems like a lot of the feedback was critical or negative. That’s because I honestly didn’t like many of them.
But the standouts are definitely the top 3, and my new go-to will definitely be Bob’s Red Mill Vanilla Protein – an unexpected favorite!
UPDATE:*Since writing this post I’ve tried Nuzest again because I love how simple the ingredients are. I also recognized my body does well with pea protein powder and few other add-ins. It has since become one of my new go-tos and I would definitely recommend giving it a try. I have also been enjoying Tropeaka, an Australia-based vegan protein powder with great ingredients and flavor.
*Despite having a working relationship with Bob’s Red Mill in the past on Minimalist Baker (which has since been discontinued), my relationship with them had nothing to do with this positive review. I didn’t even know they had a vanilla protein powder before I did this review and had no communication with them about it. I was genuinely and pleasantly surprised with the results. This post is entirely unsponsored.
*This post contains affiliate links. In the case that you would purchase something using our link, we receive a small commission from Amazon which helps support our work here.
Melissa says
I love how nerd-ily and objectively you analyzed everything. I’ve also had a similar response to the Vega flavors. I’ve had trouble finding a protein that is neutral enough without the unpleasant sweetness from stevia and chalky texture. Thanks for the hard work.
RK says
I have invested in a brand of vegan protein but it causes too much discomfort.
Did your top choice cause any stomach woes, or did you not consume it frequently enough?
i.e. gas, bloating or anything of that nature?
Hi RK! I have had similar issues. One tip I have is to not overdo it on protein powders. Don’t rely on them to be your everything. That was one of my problems – I was consuming too much of a good thing. With the top two brands I haven’t experienced any discomfort! But I also don’t consume them daily, only when I feel my protein intake is low. Hope that helps!
Michèle says
I learned that people have problems to digest the protein because they drink our shake to fast….They said if you had to eat a steak with 30g of protein, would you eat it in 5 minutes? So we have to take our time and relax :)
Jose says
I´m using Garden of Life almost daily, I´m athlete and need to reack 80-100 gr of protein a day. No issues comming from this one! gas? always :) but maybe comming from other sources!
RK says
I am an athlete too.
Which one specifically are you using daily? Flavor etc.
Jose says
Garden of life Vanilla
Heather Austin says
Thanks so much for reviewing these. I’m always scared to try a new powder because they are too expensive to “not like”. I’ve been a VegaOne proponent for years. I’ll give Bob’s a try but I really wish their ingredients were organic. Thanks again!
Stefani says
Thanks for this review. I’ve been hesitant to shell out the money for the Vega powders at the grocery store, and now I don’t have to. I hardly ever use protein powders so I don’t need a huge tub, and your review has given me a few good options to look into.
Kadee says
Hi there! I’m new to vegan cooking and really appreciate your review of these products. I’m wondering if you could comment a little on the when/why to use protein powder in the first place. I get that it’s a source of plant-based protein :) but I’m not exactly sure how much or how often I should be incorporating into my meals. Any thoughts much appreciated!
Haley says
Thank you for this! SO helpful!
Lisa @ Early Morning Run says
This is so great! Thanks for doing all this taste testing for us. It’s pretty incredible how many vegan protein powders are out there and my head just spins when I’m trying to decide what to buy. Especially since they are not cheap. I’m surprised by your reviews of the Vega powders. I haven’t tried the vanilla because I’m partial to chocolate (and I like their chocolate). I’ll definitely refer to this before I buy more protein powder!
Sue says
Interesting that Bob’s came in 1st! Will keep this on hand for when I shop for the kids. Fwiw, I love my PlantFusion, but only buy the unflavored.
Jeannette says
vega has so many other great things in it though . I love that there is tons of B12 and greens .
Hanusia says
Thanks for the informative review! I will definitely keep this in mind if I’m ever looking for a vanilla protein powder. Right now, I’m using the chocolate fudge flavor of Orgain, which I love! Admittedly, it is my first foray into protein powders in general so I don’t really have a basis of comparison. But it is really delicious blended with a frozen banana, frozen berries, and almond milk…yum…
jeremy c. says
Thanks so much for this! Would love to see how many grams of sugar per serving each of these powders contain. That’s almost always a factor in my buying process.
Judith Roberts says
I noticed a couple of other people mentioned Arbonn’s vegan, gluten-free protein powder. I am an Arbonne consultant and use both vanilla and chocolate regularly. Love them!
I went on a business trip last year and forgot my Arbonne powder at home. I went to a local health food store and purchased several small packages of protein powder, including Vega and Garden of Life, thinking “oh, I’m sure these will be fine, they have pretty much the same ingredients as Arbonne’s.”
Oh my goodness, was I mistaken. They were almost undrinkable!
I was so glad to get home to my delicious Arbonne shakes!
I wish you would try Arbonne’s, even though I understand your explanation that you wanted to purchase everything on Amazon.
I would be happy to send you or any of your readers a sample to try!
Just let me know.
Jennifer says
Hi!
I would love to try Arbonne’s flavored protein powder. I have been in search for a vegan protein powder for a while and can’t find one with good taste, mixability, and ‘bakeability.’ Please let me know if this is still possible :)
Melanie says
Jennifer, did you ever get to taste Arbonne’s shakes, and what were your thoughts? I love them.
Sarah says
Love this post! I didn’t realize Bob’s even had a protein powder!! I will be checking this one out!! THank yoU!
Susan says
I second your endorsement! Bob’s powder is the best and I also found the price to be MUCH less expensive in the grocery store than online. Thank you for posting this valuable information.
Melanie says
Oh man, what an expensive experiment!! Thank you for taking this on for the rest of us :) I bought the Bob’s powder after you posted on IG about it, and I love it. I don’t usually add protein powder to things, but when it’s in a snack recipe, I always feel bad leaving it out.
Priscilla says
Thank you so much for doing this. Much needed as all the ones I have tried so far were beyond poor in taste. Will give your favs a try!
Ida Friedman says
I wish you had reviewed something from Amazing Grass or Healthforce, two brands I love.
Cele McEvoy Walter says
Dana,
I was JUST talking about vegan protein powders… I had tried the Vega and was not impressed…just ordered the Bob’s and am excited to try and share with my vegan (and non-vegan) friends.
Thanks so much for taking the time to do this comparison!!!
Cele
Aleksandra says
I always go for the easiest pea protein around, but then again, I do mix it with my sauces rather than with milk :)
Emilye says
Thanks so much for doing this review!
Too bad it came out after I already purchased a few bottles on a recent trip to the States. Good for future reference though, thanks again :)
Look forward to reviews of flavoured ones.
Mncross says
There is a fairly new powder I am in love with called Iron Vegan you may want to try if you can get your hands on it! I
Think it’s only available in Canada.
JR says
This is excellent and on par with my past experiences. Ka’chava is quite good but costs twice as much as I’d like to pay. Bodylogix has given me great results while being quite palatable. I can easily find the BRM products but never thought to try the protein powder. I’ll cross my fingers!
Kris says
This is such a fabulous list and analysis! Like others have mentioned, I really don’t like the taste of stevia. I’ve used Garden of Life’s Raw unflavored protein because of that, and it’s just fine but I’d prefer their meal replacement formulas rather than just the protein, but they all contain stevia. I’d love it if you’d highlight what sort of sweeteners each of the proteins you tried use–it would be great to find a flavored protein powder without stevia–I was about to try Aloha because I read it uses coconut sugar (though I’d prefer no sugar, stevia, etc., at all), but after reading your review, maybe I’ll hold off!
Yara says
Try Nutiva plant protein! It’s all organic and non-GMO. And tastes great!
Sue Shaw says
Thank you for your reviews! I have wondered about most of these, but didn’t want to buy them to find out I didn’t like them. Thanks again!
Marissa says
Thank you for this post. I agree with one of the other commenters…Perfect Fit Protein from Tone it Up is truly a winner in all of the categories for me (taste, texture, ability to mix well, few ingredients, vegan, non gmo & more). It is definitely worth a try and all of the flavors are good. I am definitely interested in trying Bob’s Red Mill though now too. Who knew they made a protein powder? ;)
Lovely! I’ll have to try theirs, too!
Lincoln says
Biosteel Vegan Protein Powder is excellent.
Dorothy says
Thank you!! Helpful and insightful and a great time saver!!! I have a full container of Optimum Nutrition Whey protein which tastes great, when I’m finished I’ll try Bobs!
Jennifer DeLucia says
I was a daily Shakeology user, until I started having severe abdominal pain and discovered that I had developed an allergy to quinoa. I also discovered from my gastroenterologist that quinoa allergy is becoming much more common. I share this here just in case anyone else develops similar symptoms. I love Bob’s Red Mill and will definitely try the vanilla protein powder. Thanks Dana for your review!
Brooke says
Thanks for the in-depth review. Tons of useful information. I also had no idea that Bob’s Red Mill sells a protein powder.
I’m curious: what are your thoughts on protein isolates and extracts? Seems like most protein powders are this type, which I believe to be questionable in terms of being good for one’s health (in the same way that any extract or isolate of a food– for example, resveratrol extracted from grapes– is much less healthy and health-promoting than the entire food, which contains tons of synergistic phytonutrients and other health-promoting compounds).
I tend to steer clear of protein isolates and extracts as much as I do “wheat meats” that are packed full of gluten and other isolates.
Seems one would be better-served by sticking to real, whole foods– for protein and other nutritional needs. I just don’t know of any protein powders that use real, whole foods aside from maybe hemp powder, which tends to be gritty and taste bad.
Brooke says
Just noticed that Bob’s states, “Unlike other pea protein powders, which are processed with chemical solvents, ours is isolated from yellow peas using a low-heat, water based method. It is pure vegan energy, purely derived.”
I’ve read a lot about Bob himself and he seems to be a great guy who makes some great, trustworthy products. Thanks for the review. :)
Ellen says
Thanks so much for this thorough review! When I can spare the funds I will definitely buy Bob’s Mills Vanilla. I use the Yeast for Baking Bread and have always been satisfied with the results.
Have a great Holiday Season and thanks again!
Ellen
Jamie says
Thank you for this review! I add Garden of Life Protein and Greens to smoothies. I have wondered about the many other brands available, so glad you took the guess work out of it for us.
Danielle says
Hi Dana,
Any chance that you’ll be exploring making your own protein powder? The reason I ask is because this is what I am working on now since the packaged powders are so pricey for our family. We were going through a 2 lb tub in 5 days. At a min of 30 bucks each, this adds up quick! Juse wondering.
Thanks!
Danielle
Ha! That’s an interesting thought. Hadn’t considered it! For now, I’ll stick with Bob’s :D
Rosanna says
Thank you for testing these many protein powders!.. I can’t stand gritty/chalky taste.. I have tried a lot of them and my favorite of all is Amazing Grass – Protein Superfood (with green food blend, protein blend and fruit and vegetable blends) … so many combinations (vanilla, peanut butter/chocolate, original).. Sold at Amazon.com too!
Laura Taccona says
Thank you for doing this!
Mason says
What a great roundup, Dana! I don’t really use protein powders but if I ever decide to, this will save me a lot of headache!
Wendy says
Hey Dana,
This is a great post. I have almost a full bag of Bob’s Red Mill Vanilla protein at home… Could your next challenge be to create some amazing recipes, using vegan protein powders, beyond the smoothie? Thank you!
Lovely idea! I’ll consider that!
Pia says
Thanks so much for this thorough, helpful and simply AWESOME post, Dana! Now, should I ever jump aboard the protein powder wagon, I know which ones I’d better not waste my money on (even though I’m bound to have difficulties getting them where I live, unless I want to spend a fortune on delivery and tax….)
Ellie says
Great review! I currently already use the garden of life, and will look no further after reading this. It is certainly my favorite of what I’ve tried so far. Vega is terrible!! Really helpful article, previous commenters suggested a price per serving comparison as well, is that possible to add or do in the future? But great idea to focus on the readily available ones anyways (ie on amazon). I live in Canada so some of these are not available for me, for example the aloha brand (which after reading the review I am no longer sad about)! Looking forward to a chocolate review :) also, any comments on how these fare with baking? Sneaky protein is good sometimes haha. Thanks again!
I’ll consider adding the price comparison! As well as the chocolate/flavored review + baking recipes! Thanks for the feedback.
Kat says
Thank you so much for this review and all this work!! I have been wanting to try the SunWarrior but would opt for the Natural instead of the Vanilla. I’m sort of nervous about Stevia which is why I am trying to find a powder without it. It’s proving to be really hard!
I love your recipes and your site, thanks for all you do!
Eleanor says
Your are the best to “test” then give opinion on this..I have STRUGGLED with which protein powder to choose….great info!! Thx
Elsa says
Dana, thank you so much for taking the time to review protein powders. I’ve been struggling to find one I enjoy, and have been making pea-milk smoothies as my post-workout drink (I highly recommend Ripple Unsweetened – safe ingredients, 8g protein, 5g fat, 0g carbs, 0% sugar). I had given up on vegan protein powders, because I tried so many that I truly hated.
I received a sample of Bob’s Red Mill Chai-flavored protein powder and found the flavor overwhelming and perhaps a little too sweet. I’ll try the vanilla flavor though, since you’ve made such a compelling argument for it.
Beth says
Thanks for reviewing these! There sure are a lot of protein powders out there….I usually opt for unflavored powders, as I find that the flavored ones often contain sugar, which I like to avoid. It would be nice to know what these are sweetened with. I just finished a bag of Bob’s unflavored hemp protein powder; only one ingredient, hemp! (Turns all smoothies into “green” smoothies?).
vlado milanovic says
did you try the AOR vegan protein powder ?
Nope!
Meghan says
I really encourage you to try Blenditup’s protein powder. I first found it at Costco during a Vitamix demo. It’s available on Amazon, too, but more $. It lends a very very slight sweetness to a smoothie with great blendability.
Staci says
I haven’t looked at the other comments but, I personally use Gnarly Vegan Vicious Vanilla protein (I get mine on Luckyvitamin.com). It has been the best thing I have tried and actually pretty pleasant. I could say it’s pricey, but if I had to pay a couple extra bucks to not sacrifice on flavor, I’d say it’s worth it.
Marie says
Would be interested in hearing about how these might fare in baked goods.
Michèle says
thank you!!! But the Bob’s Redmill is really to high in carbohydrates, 19 g per serving. Too much!
Garden of life is better, 2g per serving, 10 serving per container. The Garden of life is 20 servings per container. So Garden of life is the most economic and organic.
Michèle says
If forgot, maybe for the same price and good ingredients, this one recommands by Dr. Axe, could be a good alternative.Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein – Vanilla
Brian says
Thank you for the review. When I finish my Sunwarrior I just may try some of the others you’ve suggested. Since I don’t reply on protein supplements & typically only use it in the occasional smoothie, baked goods, or my travel go to protein balls I look for quality over taste or quantity. I prefer organic & minimally processed ingredients & the fewer ingredients the better. I can always doctor it up as needed. Thanks again for your thoughtful review.
Channing says
I laughed when I saw the Vega Protein and Greens review. I tried it once and it was the most awful thing ever! I wondered how it would rank in your review. I’m excited to try the Bob’s Red Mill. I’ve been on the search for a good vanilla protein but like I said, was totally scarred by Vega so I’ve been afraid to try any. If you ever do a chocolate review, I’ve really loved Orgain chocolate fudge flavor mixed in almond or coconut milk. Anyway, awesome post! Thanks for your hard work, Dana!
Peggy says
I’ve tried some of these (and others) all with disappointing results. The BEST protein powder I’ve found is Perfect Fit. It blends nicely into smoothies and can be used in baking. The flavour is amazing!! Can’t get it off of Amazon and it can be a little pricey , $1 per portion, but it is totally worth it!
Christine says
Hi…My favourite so far has been the Garden of Life Natural meal replacement. I do not like the flavoured ones and this one has its own unique flavour with just the right amount of sweetness. It does not use Stevia which I dislike…most of the meal replacements, protein powders are sweetened with Stevia and way too sweet. Vega is the worst! If I want vanilla flavour, I just add some extract..their is vanilla, almond, peppermint, etc. If I want chocolate, I add natural cocoa powder. I also have added a ripe banana or some spinach. I do it myself that way I get the choice. I will definitely look for the Bob Mill’s brand, but not too sure if available in Canada.
Patti says
Great review! In my own personal quest, my results were about the same. Garden of Life is my current favorite, but I have not tried Bob’s Red Mill as yet.
Great for anyone just starting out!
Kathryn says
Wow, this review is so helpful! I’ve been wanting to try the Bob’s Red Mill protein powder, but protein powders can be so hit-or-miss that I wasn’t sure it was worth the money. Will have to give it a try!
ReaderRita says
Are any of these gluten free? That’s where my search always takes a turn for the worse…
(then when I add organic/non-GMO to my criteria, I usually completely tank.)
Peggy says
It’s a little expensive but Perfect Fit protein is AMAZING! GF/Organic/Non-GMO. Its delicious and blends perfectly in smoothies and baking!
ReaderRita says
OOOoooo, that sounds good! Thank you for the recommendation!!!
I didn’t look for that listed, but most of these are. Once you pick out your favorites you can also double check the listing I link to!
Julia Day says
I actually love the Amazing Grass Protein Superfood! That’s another good option for you to try, if you aren’t totally burned out from trying 13 others haha. I love their Chocolate peanut butter one, it’s so smooth you can just shake it with Almond milk and it’s great! Perfect fit is awesome too, and now i’m definitely going to try Bob’s red mill for sure.
Aarika says
Did you make any vegan gains with all that protein ?
You know it ;D
Crystal says
Thank you for doing all this leg (taste) work! I too, have been on the hunt, but vegan powders don’t come cheap, and it’s so disappointing to get one that’s yuck! Can’t wait to try your top 3!
And thanks for all of your great recipes and posts (and the Everyday Cooking cookbook)! They are truly appreciated
Heather McClees says
Great review! My favorite is actually Garden of Life’s Raw Meal Vanilla. It’s SO much better than their regular and is so easy to digest. It’s my go-to! :) Plus, it has extra goodies in it for less sodium, it’s higher in fiber, and in my opinion, it tastes much better too. I wish I could use BRM, but the inulin and other fillers in it just messes up my stomach. Anyway, great review!
Jessie Snyder says
I LOVED this Dana! And am right there with you on your thoughts on them all. Having tried so many, I stuck with Garden of Live Vanilla ages ago and use it daily, so in love with it. I’ve wanted to try others for fun but was so glad to read your reviews here to space me the icky-ness! xx
Rhonda says
Love this review, I’m sure it reflects what many of us are really thinking, which is, “Man, some of these protein powders really suck!” That being said, the protein powder created by Joe Cross, of Reboot/Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead fame is worth a review as well. It is my favorite because it is so undetectable in smoothies that even my kids don’t notice it. Thanks, love your recipes!!
Chelsea J says
wow! I loved this! The top 3 were very unexpected for me. I never would have guessed that garden of life would have tasted good. I was also surprised that aloha protein powder did not meet your expectations. Sun warrior – I have tried, but it made my nose feel weird and itchy so I was thinking my body was reacting to some ingredient in the powder. I agree with you – The taste was a bit odd too. I personally love MySmart Plant Shake by USANA. It is a delcious vegan protein powder made from potato and pea! It also has lots of healthy coconut fats in it which makes it more satisfying and no sweeteners! It is very smooth!
Kiersten says
This is awesome, thanks!
Off topic, but have you ever tried the Amazing Grass Protein Superfood in the Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor? It’s soooo yummy. Only protein powder I’ve ever used that also smells great!
Nope! But I’ll keep that in mind for future reviews.
Melanie says
Amazing Grass Vanilla is my favorite protein… Not sure if Amazon has it, but definitely Natural Grocers and Whole Foods! :)
Vanessa says
I highly recommend Vege-Pro 7 by North Coast Naturals. I’ve tried chocolate and vanilla and both are delicious! Very simple, high-quality ingredients. It’s also sweet. You can buy it at Bulk Barn. It’s a Canadian company, so I don’t know how widespread they are in stores, but you can definitely order it online.
Kevin says
Excellent list of proteins! I’m not a fan of the taste when it comes to protein powders, but I love the way my body feels after getting some clean protein in me. One that I think should be added to the list is Bright Earth Foods Vanilla Protein Powder! Their protein is the best tasting protein I have tried in a long time! Raw, Vegan, Non-GMO, and packed with Superfoods. It is the perfect addition to any of my smoothies. They also have a chocolate flavored one! Here is a link if anyone is interested: http://www.brightearthfoods.com/raw-vanilla-protein/
Annie B says
I loved this post! Super interesting! I have to disagree though- I love Vega Sport! I’ll have to give Bob’s Red Mill a try. :)
mai says
Thank you for this post. I have not had any luck finding a good tasting protein powder and am excited to try Bob’s Red Mill!
shoe gal says
this is awesome.. a little sad the #1 choice has chia, which I am severely allergic to. I will definitely be picking up #2 on your list… thanks again for going through all this time and effort for eeveryone
Marilyn says
What a great review! Perfect as I’m in the market for a new protein powder but other supplements is a huge bonus for me.
I used to love Vega when it was new and it provided the iron I needed (which is why I started, as did everyone I knew who was taking it) but when they changed the formula it no longer had the high iron and it also left me feeling heavy after.
I was surprised at Plant Fusion as I’ve liked that one but I think I use less then a serving so that may be why.
I also really liked the Wellco Vanilla Protein (not reviewed) but it’s pricey.
Bob’s Mill, here I come!
Sara @ Last Night's Feast says
Thanks for sharing this post!
Katherine says
My sister just started using bobs. I’m a little more aprahensive. I don’t like that it’s not organic or gmo free. Also that they have some questionable “natural” flavors and one of them being vanilla powder that uses sugar and cornstarch. That was a big disappointment to me. Thoughts?
Hmm, examining the ingredients myself I felt good about them. But if there are things you’re concerned about, definitely go for my #2 choice!
Penny Rowbottom says
wow, that was an extensive review. Thank you for taking the time and expense to do that. It’s pretty overwhelming with what’s available. I’ll definitely keep this on file and check out your top choices .
LJM says
It’s expensive for sure, but Shakeology vegan Chocolate and Strawberry flavors are my favorite, I have tried most of these and wasn’t a huge fan. Spirutein is also pretty good. I can’t wait to try the Bob’s Red Mill! I had no idea they even made one!
Andrea says
I agree the Shakeology vegan strawberry is great, though expensive at $4+ per serving.
Andrea says
This was a helpful post. Unfortunately I just bought a tub of the Orgain Vanilla mix. I haven’t tried it yet, but after your review it seems I need to add fruit and chug it.
christina says
I use Orgain all the time, but I love it! It’s actually my favorite and I’ve tried a few of the other ones on this list. I don’t notice an after taste or anything. It’s good with almond milk and blended into a smoothie.
Andrea says
I tried the Orgain vanilla with only water yesterday, and while the flavor was a bit different, it wasn’t bad. It isn’t a favorite, but It was good enough to keep. It mixed up pretty thick and kept me full for a long time.
Kimberly says
I love it!!
Eryn says
So helpful but I LOVE the Aloha protein, so agree to disagree! I have a morning protein shake with it every day and don’t have problems with grittiness or separation at all, though it is less finely milled than other powders. Best taste compared to others I’ve tried and it doesn’t taste artificially sweetened compared for Vega, for instance.
Kiersten says
I agree! I like that I can see it too! It seems less engineered that way!
Christina says
I’m surprised Perfect Fit Protein didn’t make your list. You should look into it, I LOVE it! Thanks for the in depth review of others though!
Katrina says
I’m so happy you took the time to do this for us! I’d love to see this sort of thing as a series…definitely useful! Also, I hate Vega protein powders! They all taste terrible. I haven’t tried Bob’s Red Mill. Thanks to you, I will now!
P. says
Wow, think you! This was Amazon: super thorough! I cannot buy mosto of these because i live in Europe but it was still super interesting! I would love to see A review of unflavoured proteins as I mostly use those, mixed info soups! I find them easy to take in that way.
Caitlin says
I was actually standing in the protein powder aisle this morning just staring at the options. I need to grab this Bob’s powder. I’m always shocked when people love Vega- I think it’s so awful! It’s like the trendy protein powder everyone wants.
helen says
thanks, dana!!! i am wondering if the ones you like have stevia in them. like some of the other commenters, i really dislike stevia and can taste it immediately, even if there are trace amounts.
michelle geil says
Thanks Helen. I’d like to know that too – it doesn’t matter how little stevia is in a powder, it tastes awful and makes me a little sick. I have to do my own follow up whenever I hear of a new protein mix. However, I can tolerate monkfruit, which the Bob’s has in it’s formula. I’ll look for it at my grocery store. Good luck! Also I just found a sweetener on Amazon called Allulose, which appears to be natural and slightly sweet, powdered, no aftertaste. It adds just a touch of sweetness, from what I can tell. Check it out (-:
Tracy | Pale Yellow says
Thanks for doing all the work! I’ve want to try protein powders for meals on the go, but it’s an overwhelming field. Most seem expensive to buy if you don’t know whether or not they are any good. I’m excited to try Bob’s Red Mill!
Sara @ Oats & Rows says
This was super interesting and helpful! Thank you for the variety of brands you used…most of them I had never heard of before!
Gissell says
I think this is my first comment in a blog, ever, but seeing the need for a nice protein powder and the fact I found it :) I have to say the Arbonne Protein Shake Vanilla. I am not an ARBONNE consultant, in fact this product is the only one I buy from them consistently. It is an amazing protein powder with nutritional value and an excellent taste, it is vegan and all sort of good things..check it out. I know you checked Amazon, easily accessible, affordable, etc, but if anyone is looking for something they do no dread to drink this is the one. I have to keep it hidden or else the kids will drink it as if it was one of “those” unhealthy shakes…and yes it is not the cheapest.
Thanks for your awesome blog.
Karen says
Co-sign! Arbonne’s protein powder is surprisingly delicious! I’ve tried the vanilla and chocolate. I think they have a plain version out now, but I haven’t tried it yet.
Sarah says
This is so perfect – just this morning I threw away my Sunwarrior protein mix because I found it so disgusting and couldn’t even give it away… I’m going to try your favourite now and see if I like it! Thanks for doing the research for us.
Laura says
Thank you! I have been wanting to add Vegan Protein Powder to my smoothies, but haven’t wanted to buy a dud. Thanks for figuring it out for me!
N says
I noticed you didn’t try the Arbonne protein shake, you’re missing out, it is my fave!
Jillian says
Agreed! I love both the vanilla and chocolate – seriously the best tasting protein mix out there.
Kim says
I was thinking the same! But just like Bob’s, who would know that Arbonne makes protein powder?
I used to have a favorite “Vegetein” (was sooo goood!) but the company Rezealiant (mail order company only, the shipping is awful) changed their recipe and now it’s not at all comparable and I no longer like it. I tried Arbonne as my friend is a rep and she really likes it… oh my gosh it was yum! It was very similar to the Vegetein that I can no longer get. Arbonne is just SOOO expensive… ugh and I thought Rezealiant was bad… I’m going to try Bob’s and then if not I’ll go to Arbonne.
Dana– awesome review list!! Many thanks.
Donna says
Expensive!
Shylo says
Totally agree – Dana did mention in the piece that she stuck with brands available on Amazon, but I agree – Arbonne’s is my favorite and delivered right to your door. Totally smooth, no grit at all, great flavor, complete protein, non-gmo, no soy, gluten free, 20g of protein and it’s true that most people do better on pea protein. :)
Brooke says
Thanks for this review! I really don’t like many vanilla protein powders either, only chocolate! Unless mixed in with a lot of fruit and almond milk. I like many of these brands in their chocolate counterparts, but definitely not in the vanilla. You should try another review with the chocolate ones :) I’ve never tried the Bob’s Red Mill one, maybe I will now, I also like the Garden of Life one.
Curllee says
The Bob’s Red Mill product is also one of the most expensive I have ever seen. Much more expensive than average at $3 per 20g of protein serving. The 1 lb pack you linked to at Amazon is $30, and contains only 10 servings. That is ridiculous, especially for a mere supplement. Sure, the others may not taste as well. But most of them generally cost only one-third as much at about $1 per 20g of protein serving. It is a shame that your review did not account for price per serving.
Caitlin says
Good point! It would have been nice to see a price comparison.
Stephanie says
I totally agree. The review is very comprehensive and gives some insight into all the categories you critiqued. However money is often the bottom line for me.
RunningPathES says
For what it’s worth, Bob’s Red Mill stuff is usually outrageously priced on Amazon and much cheaper in the grocery store.
Stephanie says
If you’e in the Portland area and like the Bob’s Red Mill protein powder, their store in Milwaukie has a buy one get one free on the Chinook Book app (30 day free trial as well – https://chinook.co/FPh)
carmen says
ohhh!!! what a good tip!
Beth says
I’ve been waiting for this since you talked about it on your insta story. Thank you! I’ve been wanting to incorporate vegan protein powder to supplement my protein intake and this post is very informative and helpful!
Ashley says
Thank you for doing this! I always buy chocolate because I mix it with water immediately after my gym workout. Vega Sport has been my go-to, but I’m thinking about trying the Bob’s vanilla now! I wonder if Bob’s has a chocolate option? I’m sure this took a lot of time and effort but uhhhh…. would you be doing a test for chocolate in the future?
Patricia Rowell says
Thank you SO much for this! My husband & I were just about to start comparing. This saves us a lot of time & money! We currently have the Vega Protein & Greens & agree completely with your assessment. Interestingly, I just purchased the Bob’s Red Mill Vanilla yesterday because I like their other products and had a $3.00 off coupon! We will be trying it today. :)
Keira says
Wow thank you so much! I didn’t realize Bobs had one either! If you ever want to try one not on Amazon, Perfect Fit protein from Tone It Up is amazing- and vegan. They have vanilla, chocolate, vanilla latte, and pumpkin spice flavors- great for baking and smoothies ?
Melissa says
Keira, I was thinking the same thing as I was reading the article! I LOVE Perfect Fit by Tone It Up, and I love even more at how well it bakes yummy treats! I’ve been looking for something I can get at the store when Perfect Fit isn’t on sale, so I’ll have to try the Bob’s!
Thanks for the tips ladies – Going to try tone it up next!
Illan says
Can I also recommend you try Sun Pyramid? It’s pretty good. Thank you so much for this review! Looking forward to trying Bob’s.
Courtney says
Did you ever give Tone it up a taste?
Kaylee says
I’m curious too! Have you tried Tone It Up brand yet? How did it compare to your list? I loooove the Tone It Up vanilla flavor and was thinking about trying some on your list, but was curious how it would compare.
fae says
Glad to read this, sun warrior is terrible since they reformulated, and I need a replacement!
Toni says
I wish I had this review a few weeks ago! I’ve been searching for the perfect vanilla plant protein base for my smoothies as well – my fav was Aloha (purely based on taste,the big flecks never bothered me) & I have recommended it to others, however I started wanting more benefits/nutrition other than just protein which led me to Vega. I just don’t like it at all. I had high hopes because it seems so popular but it makes everything I blend with it (even my stronger flavored smoothies like pumpkin pie & mango cardamom) taste only like the product itself – oddly fruity/chalky. Awful. Thinking about trying to return it & picking up Bobs! I didn’t even know they had one!
Rachel says
Super helpful! I’ve wondered about Aloha… now I don’t have to face the disappointment haha. Now for my 2 cents…
Vega One has a “natural” flavor that, to me, tastes sweet and vanilla but not to the overwhelming degree that the French vanilla flavor does. I like it in smoothies, but still cut it with citrus because I’m easily overwhelmed by stevia flavor.
And perhaps the best I’ve tasted in taste and texture: HPN ProZero in both vanilla and strawberry. It’s sweet, no lie, and I’m adding citrus with it in my smoothies, but the flavor it adds, and the texture it does not add, makes this my favorite. It’s on Amazon! And they use a vegan source of D3, I’ve asked!
Jill says
Hey Rachel, I would definitely skip the ALOHA protein. My nutritionist and trainer looked at the macros and advised me to throw it out. They both suggested Sun Warrior or Garden of Life – I’m going to ask about Bob’s – like everyone else, I doubt they knew about it! Time for some marketing!!
PS, Dana, this is incredible work – really appreciated!
Candice says
100% agree with Jill! Aloha protein actually had a recall a few months back and a lot of people got sick from it (myself included). The original version of it was sub-par to begin with, and after the new one came out, they never really seemed to get it right. Literally left a bad taste in my mouth.
I’ve never tried Bob’s but am excited about it now! I’ve also heard many RD/nutritionists say that Sun Warrior has the best flavor and amino acid profile among the plant-based proteins out there. Would definitely rather spend my money on quality ingredients rather than overpriced “pretty” packaging.
Krista Hoffman says
what did you find out/think about the Bob’s
Kelly says
Bob’s doesn’t have all essential amino acids. It’s not a complete protein so it’s kind of useless as a protein powder ?
Beena says
This is awesome!! Thank You Dana for taking the time for this review.
Sarah says
Thanks for this! Do you have any idea how the Garden of Life product you reviewed compares to the Raw Organic Meal product? We just bought it after “rave” reviews in our local store. It’s pretty disgusting. HA. I mean- it seems to blend all the way in cashew Malk. We will be trying it in our smoothie today. I hope it goes well. By itself- it tastes like fake sweetener and dirt.
Nikki says
We felt the same thing about the raw products. It tastes like dirt with sugar. So bad.
april says
Just wanted to say thank you for testing these out. I’ve tried a few and they were HORRIBLE, so I’m looking forward to testing out your top picks.
Jess @NourishedbyNutrition says
Wow! This is a awesome much needed post! If you’re up for trying another down the road, I recommend SunWarrior Classic Plus. I personally don’t like any of the protein powders so far that are flavored or sweetened, especially with stevia. They all taste slightly off to me. But I’ve found I really like the thickness and flavorless taste of the Classic Plus, especially in oats. I also like that the ingredients are a mixture of protein sources. Maybe give it a shot? Anyways, thanks again for the extensive research h and effort behind this post!
Becca says
This was so interesting! I’m a loyal vega protein + greens (although I prefer the chocolate, I didn’t love the vanilla) and was surprised it fared so low! Looking forward to your flavored review!
Lea says
I agree, the vanilla is GROSS, but the chocolate is so ????. I was glad to read this though, I just found I’m allergic to pineapple and mushrooms and I don’t eat soy, so it’s become way more challenging to find healthy protein with those parameters!
Grace says
Thanks for doing this review – I have tried all the flavors of the Vega Protein & Greens and the vanilla IS the absolute worst. If you do something like this again, I’d suggest doing another flavor like chocolate just to see if there is a difference.!
Kristi says
I was surprised the Vega Protein and Greens got such a low mark, too. I have also tried many protein powders, several from Vega, Orgain, and many others in the past and at this point the only one I’ve repurchased is the Vega Protein and Greens. I didn’t know Bob’s Red Mill had protein powder either, so I’ll certainly give that a try when mine runs out! Thanks for testing. Next testing round you should test Burt’s Bees new protein powder! I’m curious, but not curious enough to buy it yet…
Maestro says
I’ve been using the Burts Bees vanilla protein powder in smoothies. Pleasant vanilla flavor is a bit sweet but not overly so, no bitterness or odd taste noted when adding fruit, spinach, chia or flax, and nuts. It blends well with almond milk and stays blended, not to chalky. However, sodium is 210mg/scoop 30g. I’d love to see sodium content of the powders tested here. TY
Amber says
For years, I was a loyal Vega Sport fan, but they sold out & are now owned by a corporation. Recently, products contained in all Vega products have come back as being high in heavy minerals.
Vanilla didn’t used to taste overly sweet & I alternated between that flavor & chocolate. Mocha was way too sweet & I never tried berry.
To the coffee drinkers out there, make a protein coffee by scooping powder into a large mug then pour hot coffee over the top & stir. DELISH!
Donna says
I use the Vega vanilla and think it blends perfectly. The vanilla is quite strong and sweet so I am thinking of using less than a scoop in my next smoothie. Would try Bob’s when I run out of Vega.