Especially for vegans, protein powder is a great way to add protein into your diet, says EC Synkowski, a nutrition coach based in Boulder. “Plant foods are generally higher in carbs or in fat than in protein,” she says, “so when people eat only plant-foods, it’s hard to get a balanced macronutrient diet.” However, whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, or just don’t like whey, powders made from plants can be a great supplement, and below are seven great, Stevia-free options.
Personalized Protein Powder
Gainful
Serving Size: 72 grams (2 scoops)
Protein Per Serving: 44 grams
Before you order from Gainful, the company asks about your ideal weight, fitness goals, activity type and frequency, and potential dietary restrictions: gluten, soy, and whey allergies, lactose intolerance, veganism, vegetarianism, and keto. For me, a 5’9”, 175-pound vegan CrossFitter who exercises five times a week, my personalized powder is made mostly of pea, oat, and brown rice protein and has 44 grams of protein.
Clean Lean Protein, Vanilla
Nuzest
Serving Size: 25 grams (two scoops)
Protein Per Serving: 20 grams
If you’re looking for few carbs and little fat, Nuzest and its five delicious flavors are a great choice. With 20 grams of protein, it packs a good punch. However, it’s the stickiest of all the powders, so make sure you first add your water (or oat milk, or whichever liquid you prefer).
Health Warrior Superfood Protein + Probiotics
Vanilla Canister Superfood Protein
Health Warrior
Serving Size: 35 grams (one scoop)
Protein Per Serving: 20 grams
Health Warrior has a sizable amount of protein and little sugar, and it also delivers 1 billion CFU of probiotics and prebiotics. Its blend comes from hemp, pumpkin, chia, and flax seeds, which makes it both paleo-friendly and provides a complete amino acid profile.
ALOHA Powders Group
ALOHA
Serving Size: 36 grams (two scoops)
Protein Per Serving: 18 grams
Soy-free, gluten-free, and organic, ALOHA is another delicious powder that comes in four flavors, each with a different benefit. For example, the mixed berry comes with Omega-3s, iron, and magnesium, and the chocolate flavor, which is made from cacao, pairs well with your morning coffee.
Vega Small Tub Chocolate
Reinvent_Studio 2009
Serving Size: 26 grams (2 scoops)
Protein Per Serving: 15 grams
Made with four to eight ingredients (depending on which of the four flavors you choose), Vega is a great option if you don’t need dozens of grams of protein. Though it has five grams of added sugar, the flavor isn’t overly sweet or overpowering, even if you’re mixing it with just water.
Sakara Life Source Super Powder
Sakara Life Source Super Powder
Sakara
Serving Size: 20 grams (one packet)
Protein Per Serving: 12 grams
Primarily made of pea, hemp, sesame, and pumpkin seed protein, Sakara also has a digestive enzyme blend, which may improve your gut health, and a mix of grasses and algae, which they say energizes the body. As a result, its flavor is more earthy than you may expect from a protein powder, but it’s still enjoyable.
Your Super Skinny Protein
Amazon.com
Serving Size: 15 grams (two tablespoons)
Protein Per Serving: 9 grams
If you’re looking for only a small boost of protein, Your Skinny offers nine grams through a blend of just five ingredients: moringa, spirulina, alfalfa, pea protein, and hemp protein. Like Sakara, its taste is closer to green juice than to a chocolate cake.