Raise your hand if you’re a vegan who’s sick of people asking you how you get enough protein. Same.
Even though there are *plenty* of ways to get protein on a plant-based diet, vegan protein powder can help you meet your needs in a pinch.
And, yes, dieticians say they’re legit. “Some misconceptions about vegan protein powders are that they don’t provide enough protein and that they won’t keep you full,” says Carolyn Brown, a dietitian.
What’s in vegan protein powders?
However, today’s vegan protein powders do both. First of all, many vegan powders contain 20 to 30 grams of protein per serving, which is totally on par with most popular whey protein powders, according to Brown. (Btw: If you’re wondering whether whey protein is vegan, the answer is a no. “Whey protein is one of the primary proteins found in dairy products,” says nutritionist Charlotte Martin.)
Many plant-based powders also provide some fibre, which helps them keep you fuller, longer — and boosts their nutritional value, adds dietician Priya Khorana.
Oh, and about that flavour issue. While vegan proteins long had a rep for tasting pretty revolting, times have changed. “Many newer proteins come in flavours like salted caramel, coconut, or even chai,” says dietician Andy Bellatti. These days, popular powders are made from hemp, brown rice, or pea protein. Not just soy.
When hunting for vegan protein powder, consider these three major factors: protein content, types of proteins used and sweeteners. First, Martin recommends looking for a powder that contains at least 15 to 20 grams of protein per serving.
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Getting the most from your vegan protein powders
Then, since most plant-based protein sources are “incomplete” (meaning they don’t contain all of — or enough of — all nine essential amino acids) on their own, opt for a protein powder made out of multiple sources, Martin says. Combining different proteins ensures your powder provides all of the aminos your body needs.
Finally, limit any added sugar to five grams per serving, max. “I steer clear of artificial sweeteners since some research suggests they may have negative effects on metabolism, gut bacteria and appetite,” says Martin. Instead, opt for natural, zero-calorie sweeteners (like stevia).
Whether you’re spiking your smoothies, iced coffee, or pancake mix, today’s vegan protein powders are better than ever — and totally worth your while, whether you’re a carnivore or not.
The Top Vegan Protein Powders
My Wellness Super Vegan Protein
This protein combines hemp and pea protein for a rich source of essential and non-essential amino acids. They’re also bioavailable and easily digestible, a big win. It also has high levels of L-isoleucine, L-valine, L-arginine and L-Leucine, which are beneficial after a strenuous workout.
Go Good Plant Protein Isolate
Here, you’ll find no allergens like soya or dairy. Just the good stuff. Based on peas blended with organic vanilla beans for flavour, you’ll find this nutrient-packed vegan protein powder works wonders. Protein also boosts your immunity, FYI. A winner.
Nutritech Vegan Pea Protein Isolate
Nutritech Vegan Pea Protein Isolate contains 25g of naturally sourced protein per serving to increase your protein intake and further enhance your diet and lifestyle. Not only is pea protein isolate gluten, dairy and lactose-free, but it also has excellent bioavailability properties.
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Wazoogles Protein Blend
This protein powder is delicious and stands up with its additions of essential vitamins and minerals. Loaded with the purest, most ethically sourced, nutrient-dense superfoods around, rich in plant-based protein, nutrients, living enzymes, vitamins and vital nutrients, without any fillers, artificial colours or flavourants to spoil it.
Soaring Free Superfoods Protein Superfood Mix
This vegan protein powder blend, with its short ingredient list, takes out fillers and additives, leaving you with the essential stuff. The entirely organic plant-sourced protein mix that contains natural sources of protein, antioxidants, fibre & omega 3. You can expect a chocolatey flavour from raw African Cacao powder.
NPL Go Green Vegan Protein
Get a full profile of amino acids and proteins from this blend. It tastes good, mixes easily and helps you hit those protein goals in one easy sip.
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Biogen Plant-Based Protein
Rice and pea protein is free from gluten, dairy, and lactose making it easily digestible, especially with the added bamboo fibre, an excellent ingredient for fibre enrichment. Try it in smoothies, making vegan, gluten-free treats like protein date balls and more.
Phyto Pro Thrive Protein Shake
Great taste? Check. Easy to digest? Check! Clean protein? Check! This concentrated pea protein isolate is a 100% plant-based protein powder with the addition of raw vanilla bean powder and sweetened with xylitol and stevia for a protein shake so tasty it doesn’t need anything else.
Harvest Table Vegan Protein Powder
Made from a blend of organic pea and brown rice proteins, this blend includes a proprietary blend from Harvest Table of CollaV, a natural, plant-based mix. CollaV is also a source of bamboo silica, which helps your bod make collagen. And, the Harvest Table’s vegan protein blend is 81% protein and every serving contains the same quantity of glycine and proline (the amino acids that make collagen so powerful) as an animal-based collagen.
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Noa & Co Replenishing Protein Powder
This is a plant-based supplement that contains a potent probiotic along with other extras. It is carefully blended with brown rice, pea and hemp which are three plant superstars that contain more optimal amino acids.
WILD Natural Beauty Vegan Protein
Made with low heat to maximise the bioavailability of the pea protein, this mix is GMO-free, easy to digest and delicious, per devotees. Get 25g of protein per serving. It’s also supercharged with an exceptional amino acid profile of 4g IBCAAs per single serving.
USN BlueLab 100% Plant Protein
Get a high-protein formula that works with USN’s vegan protein powder. This formula is free from sugar, dairy, gluten, soy, and artificial flavourants and colourants.
Source: https://www.womenshealthsa.co.za/food-and-nutrition/feed/
