Protein is essential for a healthy mind and body, yet animal-based proteins, like whey, aren’t the only options for your post-workout shake. If you are following a more plant-based diet, a vegan protein powder might give you the extra boost you need after a heavy weight lifting, running, or cycling session. How much protein you need on a daily basis depends on many factors, including your age and health. Regardless of diet and fitness preferences, The Institute of Medicine advises that adults consume 0.8 grams (g) of protein per kilogram of body weight. To achieve the right protein intake, the USDA advises that you eat seafood at least twice a week as a main protein dish, which could be challenging if you aren’t adding any meat, fish, or dairy to your meals. If this is the case, a vegan protein powder could help you get the protein you need for lean muscle mass, without sacrificing alternative nutrition choices. Most vegan protein powders contain plant- based proteins, like organic sprouted brown rice protein, hemp protein, and organic flax seed sprout that give your body the protein you need without consuming animal-based food products. “I would recommend vegan protein powder for those who don’t want to use whey, those who have an allergy, vegans/vegetarians, or individuals who need to add more plants to their diet,” says Amy Shapiro, RD, who is in private practice in New York City. Shapiro recommends avoiding artificial sweeteners and soy proteins and instead opting for a vegan protein powder with natural sweeteners, superfoods, vitamins, and antioxidants. In addition, she advises choosing a protein powder that contains about 110 calories, 20 g of protein per serving, and less than 6 g of carbohydrates per serving. As a disclaimer, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate protein powders. While a vegan protein powder could nourish you post-workout, it’s always important to read nutritional labels to make sure there aren’t any unexpected ingredients that may not align with your dietary restrictions or interfere with any medication you may be taking. And when in doubt, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before adding a supplement to your diet. That’s especially true when it comes to adding any sort of protein powder to your eating plan, as consuming too much of the nutrient can strain the kidneys and lead to bloating, among other unwanted health effects. Plus, you’re likely getting enough in your diet already. “Most Americans eat more protein than they need,” says Shapiro. “So unless you are trying to build muscle like a professional weightlifter, you are likely getting enough to maintain your muscle mass, which is important to overall health.” But if you and your doctor do determine you need to up your intake, we took the guesswork out of finding the right vegan protein powders. Here are our top picks.
Garden of Life Raw Organic Vanilla Protein Powder
Available from Thrive Market starting at $33 (20 ounces)
Vega Essentials Nutritional Shake Powder
Available from Target starting at $37 (21.6 ounces)
Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder
Available from Walmart starting at $35 (2 pounds)
Legion Thrive Vegan Protein
Available from Legion Athletics starting at $40 (2.18 pounds)
Ora Organic Protein Powder
Available from Ora starting at $50 (21.2 ounces)
OWYN Strawberry & Banana Protein Powder
Moon Juice Blue Beauty Adaptogenic Protein
title: “Best Vegan Protein Powders” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-29” author: “Sarah Chapman”
Protein is essential for a healthy mind and body, yet animal-based proteins, like whey, aren’t the only options for your post-workout shake. If you are following a more plant-based diet, a vegan protein powder might give you the extra boost you need after a heavy weight lifting, running, or cycling session. How much protein you need on a daily basis depends on many factors, including your age and health. Regardless of diet and fitness preferences, The Institute of Medicine advises that adults consume 0.8 grams (g) of protein per kilogram of body weight. To achieve the right protein intake, the USDA advises that you eat seafood at least twice a week as a main protein dish, which could be challenging if you aren’t adding any meat, fish, or dairy to your meals. If this is the case, a vegan protein powder could help you get the protein you need for lean muscle mass, without sacrificing alternative nutrition choices. Most vegan protein powders contain plant- based proteins, like organic sprouted brown rice protein, hemp protein, and organic flax seed sprout that give your body the protein you need without consuming animal-based food products. “I would recommend vegan protein powder for those who don’t want to use whey, those who have an allergy, vegans/vegetarians, or individuals who need to add more plants to their diet,” says Amy Shapiro, RD, who is in private practice in New York City. Shapiro recommends avoiding artificial sweeteners and soy proteins and instead opting for a vegan protein powder with natural sweeteners, superfoods, vitamins, and antioxidants. In addition, she advises choosing a protein powder that contains about 110 calories, 20 g of protein per serving, and less than 6 g of carbohydrates per serving. As a disclaimer, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate protein powders. While a vegan protein powder could nourish you post-workout, it’s always important to read nutritional labels to make sure there aren’t any unexpected ingredients that may not align with your dietary restrictions or interfere with any medication you may be taking. And when in doubt, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before adding a supplement to your diet. That’s especially true when it comes to adding any sort of protein powder to your eating plan, as consuming too much of the nutrient can strain the kidneys and lead to bloating, among other unwanted health effects. Plus, you’re likely getting enough in your diet already. “Most Americans eat more protein than they need,” says Shapiro. “So unless you are trying to build muscle like a professional weightlifter, you are likely getting enough to maintain your muscle mass, which is important to overall health.” But if you and your doctor do determine you need to up your intake, we took the guesswork out of finding the right vegan protein powders. Here are our top picks.
Garden of Life Raw Organic Vanilla Protein Powder
Available from Thrive Market starting at $33 (20 ounces)
Vega Essentials Nutritional Shake Powder
Available from Target starting at $37 (21.6 ounces)
Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder
Available from Walmart starting at $35 (2 pounds)
Legion Thrive Vegan Protein
Available from Legion Athletics starting at $40 (2.18 pounds)
Ora Organic Protein Powder
Available from Ora starting at $50 (21.2 ounces)
