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Protein is an essential nutrient. Consuming an adequate amount of it is important for maintaining gut, immune, and muscular health, according to James and Dahlia Marin, registered dietician nutritionists and co-founders of the practice Married to Health. "Although most of us can get enough protein from our diet, high-quality protein powders can be an excellent and convenient way to satisfy specific needs during those days we are having trouble getting enough protein through food," they said. Vegan protein powders are derived from plant-based sources like nuts and seeds, and they can be a great addition to smoothies and oatmeal. We rounded up the best ones you should buy with help from the Marins.
We're loving this peanut butter banana smoothie, blueberry smoothie, and keto smoothie—all great bases for any of these vegan protein powders. Get your blenders ready!
Pros
- Cold-pressed
- Source of essential fatty acids
Cons
- Pricey
Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Powder is a favorite of James and Dahlia Marin. It's derived from hemp seeds, which contains amino acids, 6 grams of fiber, Omega 3 and 6, and, of course, lots of protein. The cold-pressed extraction process creates clean protein without heat or chemicals.
Specifications
- 15 grams of protein per serving
- Organic, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free
Sprout Living Sprout Living Simple Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder
Pros
- Cold-pressed
- Contains essential fatty acids
Cons
Another go-to for the Marins is the Sprout Living Simple Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder. It's made from cold-pressed pumpkin seeds, which gives it a bit of a nutty flavor. It's also a great option if you're limiting carbohydrates because one serving has only 1 gram of net carbs.
Specifications
- 20 grams of protein per serving
- Organic, non-GMO, vegan, keto, paleo, kosher, grain and soy-free, hypoallergenic
Vega Hello Wellness You’ve Got Guts Blender Free Smoothie
Pros
- Inlcudes prebiotic fiber and probiotics
- No blender necessary
Cons
A favorite of Delish Director of Video Julia Smith is the Vega Hello Wellness You’ve Got Guts Blender Free Smoothie, which she loves in a banana smoothie. (It's also perfectly delicious mixed with a liquid of your choice). Each serving has 5 grams of prebiotic fiber and two billion CFUs of probiotics—all on top of 15 grams of protein extracted from pea and pumpkin seeds.
Specifications
- 15 grams of protein per serving
- Non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free
Pros
- Available in different flavors
Cons
- Pricey
The Marins also recommend Mikuna Chocho Superfood Protein Powder because it's easily digestible and minimally processed. It's derived from nutrient-dense chocho, an ancient crop native to the Andes. With 8 grams of fiber and 3 grams of net carbs, it's an ideal option for those limiting their carbohydrate intake.
Specifications
- 20 grams of protein per serving
- Vegan, paleo, keto, dairy free, gluten free, lectin free
Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder
Pros
- Available in several flavors
Cons
Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder is made from a blend of pea, brown rice, and chia seed protein. "It dissolves the most evenly without a blender and is minimal on the chalkiness," said June Xie, Delish's senior food producer. It's also available in a variety of flavors, from creamy chocolate fudge and vanilla to peppermint hot cocoa.
Specifications
- 21 grams of protein per serving
- Organic, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, soy-free, dairy-free
How We Picked These Products
When selecting the best vegan protein powders, we went to Delish staff and health experts James and Dahlia Marin of the nutrition practice Married to Health. We aimed to include a variety of vegan protein powders extracted from different plant-based items such as rice, peas, nuts, and seeds.
How Are Protein Powders Made?
"Protein powders are made by extracting the protein from animal or plant-based sources. This can range from cow’s milk and eggs to peas, rice, soy, nuts, or seeds," the Marins said. "Naturally occurring fats, minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, and fibers are removed during the process, while supplementary nutrients, herbs, and sweeteners may be added."
Since protein powder is considered a dietary supplement, it's not regulated the same way as food or medicine. "Look for companies who are organic with low heavy metals and excipients in their powders, and ask if they can provide a certificate of analysis from a third party who has tested batches for purity and that what they are claiming on the nutrition facts and label to be true," they said.
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