For many vegan bodybuilders and strength training athletes, choosing a high quality protein supplement can be difficult. While the vegan protein market has improved in recent years, it can still be difficult to find a high quality product that will help you reach your fitness goals. Therefore, if you are looking for the best vegan protein powder for bodybuilding, this list will help you select a vegan protein powder to add to your daily muscle building routine.
Our Top Bodybuilding Vegan Protein Powder Recommendations
If you are a vegan bodybuilder or a gym enthusiast, vegan protein powder can help you fulfill your fitness goals. After all, it is essential to get the proper nutrients for optimal muscle growth and recovery, which a great vegan protein shake will provide.
Since there are a lot of brands and alternatives on the market, we’ve compiled a list of the best, and most effective ones. Each is different. This way, you can select the one that most fits your needs and goals.
Whether you’re an experienced bodybuilder or just starting your fitness journey, these vegan friendly powders will deliver the necessary protein to achieve your goals. All of this while avoiding banned substances, gluten, dairy, and low quality ingredients.
Best Vegan Protein Powder Bodybuilding
Our Top Bodybuilding Vegan Protein Powder Recommendations
Best Bodybuilding Vegan Protein Powder Overall: Garden of Life
Regarding the most balanced protein powder, Garden of Life is our top pick. This powder tastes great, blends pretty well, and is entirely organic, which makes it the most complete of all powders on this list. It is a valuable supplement for bodybuilders who need a vegan alternative.
Like other vegan powders in this list, Garden of Life is certified clean, which means that it doesn’t contain any banned substances that could harm your body. On top of that, it doesn’t contain any trace of non-vegan products, as it is entirely dairy-free.
Also, unlike other protein powders listed here, Garden of Life contains coffee, which can give you a slight energy boost when exercising. However, this is not for everyone. After all, if you are sensitive to stimulants such as caffeine, you might experience a minor crash after drinking this protein shake. So if you require a stim free, vegan protein powder, then you may want to look at something like KOS Vegan Powder.
This product also contains probiotics, which can improve the well-being of your gut biome. When you consider the ingredient quality and flavor, Garden of Life is hard to beat.
Pros
- Easy to mix, preventing unpleasant clump formations
- Tastes better than the average protein shake
- Only contains clean ingredients; no banned substances
- Certified USDA organic, making it officially ecologically friendly
Cons
- Contains coffee, which can affect sensitive people (but a pro for those looking for an energy boost with their protein)
- While it tastes good, it might not look or smell appetizing
Tastiest Vegan Protein Powder for Bodybuilding: KOS Vegan Powder
One of the most common complaints about vegan protein supplements is the flavor. Many athletes, bodybuilders, and gym enthusiasts claim that the average vegan protein shake just plain tastes bad. While this doesn’t necessarily mean the shake isn’t giving you the protein you need, if you find it difficult to drink because of the flavor, then it will be difficult to incorporate into your daily nutritional regiment.
The KOS Vegan Powder prevents this problem as it is one of the best-tasting protein shakes in the vegan market. Unlike others on this list, the KOS powder is infused with Peruvian cacao and monk fruit, making it taste better that products like Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein.
Also, this product comes in different flavors beyond just chocolate and vanilla; you can choose chocolate peanut butter or mint chocolate chip flavors. This is something that other vegan protein powders don’t offer.
However, one of the biggest downsides to this product is that it is difficult to mix. While other protein powders dissolve quickly (like our top pick Garden of Life), this one takes a little longer to mix together. Because of this, you may find some clumps on the surface, which gives an unpleasant texture. You may find mixing in a blender the best method when mixing this protein powder.
Pros
- Infused with Peruvian cacao and other ingredients, it tastes way better than other vegan shakes
- Has different flavors that go beyond chocolate and vanilla (chocolate peanut butter and mint chocolate chip)
- Low in calories and high in protein, which makes it suitable for bodybuilder on a cut
Cons
- The powder takes longer than usual to dissolve, making it hard to mix
- It might cause bloating in some people
Best Vegan Protein Powder for Cutting Weight: Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein
A very important part of bodybuilding is cutting, which is losing the weight you gain while bulking. Unless you are training for strongman, you will likely want to cut to show off those gains at some point. To do this, you might need to change the protein shake you drink to one that helps you reach your weight loss goals.
Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein is one of the best options to help you reach a caloric deficit while maintaining your daily protein needs. After all, unlike some other powders in this list, it contains a high amount of proteins while keeping calories low. This way you can build lean muscle mass while ingesting as few calories as possible.
On top of that, just like all the powders listed here, this product is a hundred percent clean and free from any banned substances. The protein in this product comes from peas, beans, and rice, therefore, it provides a lot of nutrition while being completely natural.
However, this protein is far from being the best tasting option, which can be a dealbreaker for some athletes. Though this highly depends on your taste, after all, every person is different. If you need a low calorie vegan protein that doesn’t compromise on flavor, then KOS Vegan Protein may be a better choice for you.
Pros
- High protein count and low amounts of calories, making it convenient for bodybuilder on a cut
- It improves recovery and reduces muscle soreness by facilitating recovery
- It contains micronutrients and omega 3’s, which improves heart and brain health
Cons
- Generally one of the least flavorful vegan protein powders, which can lead to an unpleasant experience for some
- It doesn’t mix very well; it tends to accumulate at the bottom when using a shaker bottle
The Best Vegan Protein Powder for Women: Orgain Vegan Powder
Any of our top picks can be used by men or women strength athletes, but a few protein powders on the market take the specific needs of women into account. These contain ingredients that help them train more efficiently. However, this doesn’t mean women cannot drink other protein powders. If you are looking for the top option for female athletes, then you can’t go wrong with Orgain Organic Vegan Powder.
The Orgain Organic Vegan Powder is one of the best choices. After all, unlike other powders in this list, it contains a higher amount of iron, which can help reduce fatigue in women. This is because some women have higher iron needs, and low iron can lead to fatigue.
On top of that, similar to Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein, this product contains a decent amount of protein with very low amounts of calories. This makes it very convenient for women who want to lose weight while they gain lean muscle mass.
However, it does produce a gritty texture (even when using a blender), which might be unpleasant for some athletes. It’s also very sweet, which may not be for everyone.
Pros
- Contains more iron than regular protein shakes, preventing fatigue in women
- Made of almonds, peanuts, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and golden peas, making it completely natural
- Contains a decent amount of protein per serving while keeping the calories low, making it great for cutting weight
- It has a good taste (but a bit on the sweeter side)
Cons
- It has a gritty texture, which can be unpleasant for some people
- It may be very sweet for some people
Best Vegan Protein Powder for Bulking: Naked Mass Vegan Powder
So we’ve already discussed what to take when cutting, but what vegan protein powder is best when bulking? If you want to really pack on muscle mass, then you will also need a protein supplement that helps you accumulate more mass. And a high quality protein powder is invaluable when on a clean bulk.
The Naked Vegan Mass Protein Powder is our preferred choice, as it contains over 1200 calories and 50 grams of protein per serving, which no other protein shake in this list comes close to surpassing.
Unlike other vegan powders, this product only contains five ingredients: pea protein powder, rice protein powder, organic maltodextrin, coconut sugar, and cacao. This makes it a clear, clean, natural supplement that is ideal for bodybuilders and strength training athletes on a bulk.
One of the main downsides is the texture. Like a lot of vegan proteins, this one has a gritty texture that some will find hard to swallow. You can reduce the grittiness by upping the liquid content and mixing in a blender. But be warned, this protein will never be completely smooth.
Pros
- Contains over 1200 calories, 10 grams of essential amino acids, and 50 grams of protein per serving, making it ideal for bulking
- Contains five natural ingredients, which makes it one hundred percent organic and vegan
- The chocolate flavor offer a good flavor
Cons
- Its lid might be really hard to open the first time
- I found the vanilla flavor to be lacking and can’t recommend it
Features to Consider for Buying Vegan Protein Powder for Bodybuilding
Many vegan protein powders are available, each with its own set of benefits; therefore, knowing what to look for before purchasing is critical. Here are a few things to keep in mind, and what I look at when selecting a protein supplement:
| Product | Protein Per Serving | Calories Per Serving | Caffeine Free? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden of Life Organic Vegan Powder | 30 grams | 160 | No |
| KOS Vegan Powder | 20 grams | 160 | Yes |
| Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Plant-Based Protein Powder | 24 grams | 150 | Yes |
| Orgain Organic Simple Vegan Powder | 20 grams | 150 | Yes |
| Naked Mass Chocolate Vegan Weight Gainer | 50 grams | 1280 | Yes |
Protein Quantity
Protein quantity is a very important factor when trying to build lean muscle mass. After all, protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, and bodybuilders require more protein than the average person to achieve their muscle-building goals, and even more, if they want to bulk.
When looking for a vegan powder for bodybuilding, it is essential to look for one with a high protein content. Although most vegan powders contain 20 grams of protein per serving, some contain 10 or even 20 grams more, which can make a huge difference for those with a high daily protein intake requirement.
A good example is the Naked Mass Vegan Weight Gainer, which contains 50 grams of protein per serving.
Source of Protein
When getting a vegan powder for bodybuilding, it is vital to consider which source is the best for your needs and goals. After all, each has its own set of nutritional advantages and disadvantages.
For instance, pea protein is a popular vegan ingredient because it is easily digestible, has high protein content, and is high in BCAAs, which are necessary for muscle growth and repair.
For example, the Optimum Nutrition Plant-Based Protein Powder is made from peas, beans, and rice. The source of this protein powder makes it very nutritious and healthy.
Clean Ingredients
When it comes to selecting a vegan powder, clean ingredients are essential. Look for powders made from natural, organic, and minimally processed ingredients. Those will be free of potentially harmful additives, artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, fillers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Choosing a powder with clean ingredients can help you avoid banned substances while supporting your bodybuilding goals and a healthy lifestyle.
The Naked Mass Vegan Weight Gainer is an excellent example, containing only five clean ingredients.
Taste
Although it might seem like a small problem, taste is essential. It quickly becomes a chore taking a protein supplement that doesn’t taste good. Therefore, you should consider whether you prefer mild or intense flavors. Likewise, you should look for a powder that contains natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit to avoid harmful additives.
On top of that, think about fruits and other ingredients to brighten up your protein shakes. It is also important to remember that taste is subjective; what tastes good to one person may not taste the same to another.
The KOS Vegan Powder is the best example of good flavor, as it is the tastiest protein powder in this list in my opinion.
Ability to Mix
When selecting a bodybuilding powder, the ability to mix well is an essential factor to consider. Powders that don’t mix well can be annoying because they clump or settle at the bottom of your shake making it difficult to swallow.
This can also give it a weird, gritty texture, which affects the overall experience. Therefore, you should consider how soluble the powder is and its texture when mixed. You should experiment with different powders, liquids, and mixing methods to determine which works best for you.
For instance, the Garden of Life Organic Vegan Powder mixes well, preventing clump formations.
Sensitivities and Allergens
When selecting a vegan powder for bodybuilding, it is crucial to consider sensitivities and allergies. Certain ingredients in these powders may cause allergic reactions in some people, resulting in digestive issues, skin reactions, and other adverse effects.
For instance, nuts are one of the most common allergens found in vegan powders. If you are allergic to nuts, you must choose a protein powder that does not contain them or any trace of them.
Also, some people are sensitive to caffeine and certain sweeteners or flavorings. Therefore, it is important to carefully read the ingredient list and select a powder free of any ingredients you know you’re sensitive to.
A good example is the Naked Mass Vegan Weight Gainer, which only contains five ingredients, making it easy to know if you can ingest it or not.
Purpose
When getting a vegan protein shake, knowing what you want to gain from it is essential. After all, some powders can help you cut weight, while others can help you increase a lot of weight when bulking. On the same page, some can help you have more energy for an intense workout when stims like caffeine are included.
Therefore, you must know the protein powder’s purpose before you get it. This way, you will get your desired benefits as soon as possible.
For instance, if you choose the Naked Mass Vegan Weight Gainer, you can gain a lot of weight, while if you choose the Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein Powder, you can lose some weight.
Calorie Content
Calories are essential when selecting a vegan protein powder, as they can affect your overall calorie intake and weight goals. You need to be aware of this, as the calorie content of protein powders can vary a lot depending on the type and amount of ingredients used.
If you want to gain weight, you will be better served with a powder high in calories. On the other hand, if you are cutting weight so you can show off your gains, you’re going to want a vegan-friendly protein powder that doesn’t have a high-calorie count per serving.
An excellent example is the Optimum Nutrition Plant Protein Powder, which contains low calories.
Related Questions
Here are some related questions about vegan protein powders for bodybuilding.
Is Vegan Protein Better Than Whey for Building Muscle?
No, whey protein is more effective than vegan protein when it comes to building muscle. This is because it contains more protein, branched amino acids, and nutrients. However, building muscle with vegan protein is possible, just slower.
What Plant Has the Most Protein?
The plant that has the most protein is quinoa. This pseudo-grain contains over eight grams of protein for every cup served. Also, it is a complete protein as it contains all nine amino acids our body needs.
Can You Drink Plant Protein Powder Every Day?
Yes, although supplements are meant to complement your daily diet. You should not substitute whole food for plant protein shakes alone. While it is healthier than other powders, it is possible to overdo it, causing health problems in the long run.
Conclusion
When it comes to bodybuilding, protein powder is a really good asset to help you achieve your athletic goals way faster. This is why it is important to choose one that fits your needs and lifestyle the most.
