5 Best Vegan Protein Powders For Women, According To Registered Dietitians
Experts recommend formulas from Sunwarrior and Vega.
Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us?
Even with more vegan protein sources available, some women still struggle to hit their daily protein goals when on a plant-based diet. What if we told you there's finally a light at the end of the tunnel? Vegan protein powder is the answer. Whether you want to build muscle, are an athlete, or are on a weight loss journey, protein powder is a quick way to hit your macros.
Plant-based protein doesn’t digest or absorb as well as animal protein due to fiber, so getting more in is key to reap the same benefits. You may be shocked, but many vegan protein powders can offer up to at least 30 grams of protein per serving; you just need to pick the right one. Many are made with clean ingredients, are low in carbs, and are fortified with extra vitamins. It can also turn a smoothie into an easy-to-sip meal when you’re in a time crunch, or if you're starving after a lifting session.
Best Vegan Protein Powders
What To Consider
When scouting out vegan protein powder, it’s essential to determine how much and what kind of protein source you want. Looking out for any allergens is also crucial given soy is often a main ingredient.
Protein source
Many vegan protein powers use soy, brown rice, peas, and hemp as plant-based protein sources. Finding a product combining these ingredients will create an ideal amino acid profile. What is that? In simplest terms, amino acids are the building blocks of protein to get a complete protein. Many plant-based ingredients lack nine essential amino acids the body can’t produce on its own, says registered dietitian Mary Milstead, RD, director of Scientific Content at GNC. An easier way to achieve a complete amino acid profile is by seeking out more than one plant protein source in the ingredient list.
Protein per serving
How much protein is needed for muscle growth and health will vary for everyone. Athletes will naturally need more protein compared to people with a sedentary lifestyle for efficient recovery and restoration. “I typically recommend that my vegan athletes eat 10 to 15 percent more protein than my omnivore athletes, and one easy way to do this is by using vegan protein powder,” says sports dietitian Amanda Wagner, RDN. Milstead also says each serving of vegan protein powder should have at least 15 grams, similar to other plant-protein sources.
Sweeteners
Vegan protein powders are typically low in added sugars, but may have added artificial sweeteners. While sugar alcohols may increase the flavor profile, Wagner advises avoiding or limiting intake given it can cause gas and bloating in excess. Ingredients to look out for are erythritol, maltitol, xylitol, sorbitol, stevia, monk fruit, and allulose. It all depends on preference and what your body can tolerate.
How We Chose
We consulted with registered dietitians who work with plant-based athletes to find the best vegan protein powders for women. Specifically, protein source, sweeteners added, protein amount, and other health benefits were all considered when deciding which ones were the best.
Kelsey Kunik, RDN, is a registered dietician and health writer who covers all-things nutrition for Men's Health and Women's Health.
![katie ledecky katie ledecky](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/wh-index-celeb-katie-ledecky-1634586249.jpg?crop=0.5xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:*)
What Olympian Katie Ledecky Eats For Every Meal
![Best Probiotic Yogurts 2024 best probiotic yogurts 2024](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/yogurt-66be6ef01dc2c.jpg?crop=0.668xw:1.00xh;0.332xw,0&resize=360:*)
The 9 Best Probiotic Yogurts, According To RDs
![Sprinly Meal Service 2024 sprinly meal service 2024](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/meal-prep-66ba2a36bc33f.jpg?crop=0.502xw:1.00xh;0.498xw,0&resize=360:*)
Sprinly Meal Review 2024
![protein powder protein powder](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/whm100123feaprotein-029-66b6431e8801e.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.669xh;0,0.182xh&resize=360:*)
Which Type of Protein Powder Is Best for Baking?