Why we love it: Mikuna is the first vegan protein powder I’ve found that checks all my boxes: unflavored, unsweetened, and completely pea-protein free (which is key because pea protein makes me bloated and gassy). It’s made with chocho, a legume that’s a complete protein and naturally lectin-free, so it’s much easier on my stomach.
What I love most, though, is that it’s high in fiber—8 grams per serving (29% of your daily value!)—without any added ingredients. I struggle to get enough fiber some days, so having a protein powder that does double duty in my morning smoothie is a game changer. Chocho’s slightly nutty flavor also plays really well in smoothies, especially my go-to peanut butter and strawberry combo, and I love how easily it blends. No gritty texture or chalky finish, and it doesn’t use any thickening agents like guar gum or xanthan gum that you find in other protein powders. Just clean, simple, plant-based protein.
What we’d leave: Honestly, there’s not much to dislike about this protein powder. It solved my digestive issues I’ve experienced with other vegan protein powders, it has an impressive amount of fiber and 20 grams of protein per serving, and the nutty flavor adds to recipes rather than muddling them. If I had to pick, I’d say the only negative is that it’s not the best as a straight up water and protein powder shake—but I never drink it like that.
The most balanced vegan protein powder: Aloha Organic Plant Based Protein Powder
- Protein: 18 g
- Calories: 130
- Carbs: 10 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 5 g
Organic Protein Blend (Organic Pea Protein, Organic Brown Rice Protein, Organic Hemp Seed Protein, Organic Pumpkin Seed Protein), Organic Acacia Fiber, Organic Coconut Sugar, Natural Vanilla Flavor, Xanthan Gum, Organic Monk Fruit Extract, Organic Cinnamon, Organic Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) From Coconut Oil, Organic Ground Vanilla Beans
Tester: Kelsey Jane Youngman
Why we love it: Aloha’s vanilla protein powder provides 18g of complete protein per 2 scoop serving from a blend of pea, brown rice, pumpkin seed, and hemp seed protein. It notably contains agave inulin, giving each serving 5g of fiber. It’s really finely milled, and blends easily into smoothies and oatmeal without leaving a gritty or grainy texture behind. Plus it’s got a natural, real-tasting vanilla flavor from ground vanilla beans. I really enjoyed the mix of protein sources here, which helps round out the amino acid profile, but also provides significant sources of other micronutrients (e.g. pumpkin seed and pea proteins are high in iron, so you’ll get about 35% of the daily value per serving). The inclusion of MCT oil and a touch of added sugar also makes it a good option for consuming post-workout.
It does mix into nut milk on its own pretty well (though I’d drink it within 20-30 minutes or it tends to thicken and need a vigorous stir or shake to redistribute) but I prefer it in smoothies or oats. It tasted great in my standard blueberry and greens smoothie—though my drink was noticeably sweeter than usual.
I’d recommend this for someone seeking a stevia- and sugar alcohol-free protein powder who still wants a flavored and lightly sweetened option.
What we’d leave: It’s a matter of personal taste, but I find the powder a bit too sweet.
Despite several listed certifications (B Corp, Climate Neutral, Fair Trade, Non-GMO, USDA Organic, Vegan, etc.) there is no apparent third-party verification of Aloha protein powder’s nutritional content.
The most affordable vegan protein powder: Orgain Organic Protein
- Protein: 21 g
- Calories: 150
- Carbs: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: less than 1 g
Orgain organic protein blend (organic pea protein, organic brown rice protein, organic mung bean protein, organic chia seed), organic natural flavors, Orgain creamer base (organic acacia, organic high oleic sunflower oil, organic rice dextrin, sunflower lecithin, organic rosemary extract), organic agave inulin fiber, organic reb A (stevia extract), sea salt, organic acacia, organic guar gum, xanthan gum
Tester: Amanda Shapiro, contributor
Why we love it: Orgain is one of the more affordable vegan proteins on the market. It is made from a protein blend of pea, brown rice, and chia and has 21 grams of protein per each 150 calorie serving. It’s got more calories and carbs than most other protein powders, making it a suitable pick for active people in need of some fuel post-workout. It also has a surprisingly great flavor, even with water alone. It mixes up silky smooth and just thick enough, like a glass of vanilla soy milk, with no weird vegetal aftertaste. This one is the budget pick for sure.
What we’d leave: This powder is sweetened with erythritol, a sugar alcohol that might upset some people’s stomachs.
The best vegan protein powder with greens: OWYN Plant-Based Protein Powder
- Protein: 20 g
- Calories: 140
- Carbs: 7 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 4 g
Owyn protein blend (pea protein concentrate, pumpkin protein, chia) providing BCAA (leucine 1.85 g, isoleucine 970 mg, valine 980 mg), organic cane sugar, natural flavors, silica, monk fruit extract, superfoods & greens blend (kale, spinach, broccoli), mineralized seaweed, Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 (1 mg) (10 million CFUs per serving), flaxseed, salt
Tester: Amanda Shapiro
Why we love it: OWYN, which, like many of the other options on this list, is gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, stands for Only What You Need. If what you need is a delicious egg cream–like beverage that happens to have 140 calories and 20 grams of pea, pumpkin, and chia protein, you’ll agree. The main thing that sets this powder apart is the “Superfood & Greens” blend of broccoli, kale, and spinach. As for taste, the flavor was rich and creamy—a decadent addition to any smoothie.
The brand also makes premade shakes, which commerce writer Alaina Chou can vouch for as a tasty way to get your protein in on the go.
What we’d leave: This powder was slightly chalky when mixed with almond milk alone, so we’d recommend using it in smoothies instead.
The best flavored vegan protein powder: Be Amazing Vegan Protein
Nutrition (Brown Sugar Oatmeal flavor)
- Protein: 20 g
- Calories: 110
- Carbs: 4 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 0 g
Ingredients (Brown Sugar Oatmeal flavor)
PURIS® Pea Protein, Pumpkin Seed Protein (as Smooth Protein™), Natural Flavors, Organic Cinnamon Bark Powder, Himalayan Pink Salt, Cocoa Butter Powder (as goCOCOA™) (Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Tapioca Starch and Fiber), Trace minerals from Mineralized Red Algae (Lithothamnium sp.) (as Aquamin™), Apple Fiber, Blueberry Fiber, Sucralose
Tester: Alaina Chou
Why we love it: If flavors like Brown Sugar Oatmeal and Double Blueberry Pancakes sound enticing to you, the vegan proteins from Be Amazing should be right up your alley. Each flavor features a mix of pea and pumpkin seed protein, plus a couple grams of added apple and blueberry fiber. The Brown Sugar Oatmeal is my personal favorite—it tastes like an oatmeal cookie in the best way, and reminds me of the packets of instant oatmeal I ate as a kid. Feeling a bit less adventurous? The brand also makes chocolate and vanilla. One thing to note: the powders are sweetened with either sucralose or monk fruit depending on the flavor, so be sure to check if you’re sensitive to one of the two.
What we’d leave: These powders are on the sweeter side, so they’re best reserved for true dessert fiends.
The cleanest flavored plant-based protein powder: Truvani
- Protein: 20g
- Calories: 100
- Carbs: Less than 1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
Ingredients (unsweetened)
Organic pea protein, organic pumpkin seed, organic chia seed protein
Tester: Kate Kassin
Why we love it: Truvani makes one of my go-to options for a snack bar that relies on protein from organic nuts like almonds and cashews rather than just dumping in a load of protein powder. That being said, the brand makes one of my favorite vegan protein powders (or collagen peptides, if you’re into that too). It’s made with only three ingredients—organic pea protein, organic pumpkin seed, and organic chia seed protein—and boasts 20 grams of protein per scoop. I like to opt for the unflavored and unsweetened variety, but if you prefer one with flavor, the brand does use high-quality ingredients like organic vanilla powder and organic alkalized cocoa rather than mysterious, undisclosed natural flavors.