Vegan protein powders: tried, tAsted and reviewed!
A friend of mine has been experimenting with a range of protein powders recently. When we met, he was so excited about the companies and flavours that he’s discovered and tried, I asked him to write an article about it.
I’m very grateful to him for describing these vegan protein powders for the readers of Plant Shift who might be interested but unsure about where to look. Below, you’ll hear what he’s discovered, tried, tasted and reviewed.
Why should vegans supplement protein?
Protein is one of the three macronutrients that our bodies need along with Carbohydrates and Fats. What we call ‘Protein’ is actually a group of 20 amino acids of which 9 are considered ‘essential amino acids’ as they must be obtained through our diet as the body cannot make them.
While protein is usually associated with ‘muscle building’ and ‘post-workout recovery’ the reality is that these 20 amino acids are essential for a vast number of biological processes in the body. For instance:
Tryptophan: This amino acid is a precursor to Serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of well-being and good mental health
Phenylalanine: is a precursor for the neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine all of which play extremely crucial roles in alertness, attention, pleasure, planning etc.
Methionine: Methionine plays an important role in metabolism and detoxification.
While a well-balanced plant-based diet can certainly provide sufficient protein in terms of the daily recommended values, unless one consumes a highly varied diet on a regular basis it can be difficult to get all these amino acids in the right quantities.
Supplementing with vegan protein is a great way to balance a plant-based diet with all the essential amino acids. The best brands of plant-based proteins do not rely on a single source, but instead, use a combination of protein sources so as to achieve the correct balance of amino acids. And the good news is that there’s a large variety of such plant-based proteins on the market which are scientifically developed, taste great and they don’t harm the animals or drain the planet either!
How much protein does one need on a daily basis?
When it comes to protein there’s more misleading information than accurate facts out there!
The Department of Health UK advised around 55.5g for men and 45g for women. This is based on the average requirement of 0.6g of protein per kilogram of body weight.
Those trying to build muscles or participating in any form of physical training should certainly consume more protein so as to gain muscle mass and hasten recovery. However, studies have shown that over-consumption of protein can cause inflammation as also kidney damage and the Department of Health recommends not exceeding 111g per day for men and 90g for women.
So here’s the ideal balance in terms of protein supplementation -
Try and include varied sources of plant-based protein in your diet. Get an estimate of how much protein you’re consuming through diet
Depending on that number, figure out the ideal supplementation schedule (the most common protein supplements provide 15-20 grams of protein per serving)
On days of working out or other physical activity, supplementing protein is definitely a must
Finally for those looking to lose weight or practising calorie restriction – Protein shakes can be a great low-calorie snack as protein is known to make you feel fuller for longer as they suppress the hunger hormone ghrelin
So what are the criteria for selecting Plant-Based proteins?
Complete Amino Acid profile including the BCAAs (Branched-chain amino acids which are crucial for muscle building and alleviating soreness)
No artificial flavourings, toxic sweeteners, additives, or other junk! Gluten-free, GMO-free
Organic products. Additional superfoods, vitamins, minerals and other such goodies!
Sustainable production with low or no use of plastic in packaging
Great tasting flavours
And finally which are the best plant-based proteins out there?
Form Nutrition
Form is a fully plant-based local UK brand (Camden, London based) that produces delicious vegan protein powders. Their product contains a full amino acid profile and they achieve this by combining organic pea protein with brown rice and hemp protein.
Their powder blends really well even with just a shaker and they come in a variety of flavours including Tiramisu, Banoffee and Chocolate Peanut!
Additionally, they have three varieties of protein-based powders with other nutritional supplements mixed in. These are: Pureblend (30g protein), Performance (30g protein) and Superblend (20g protein). The Superblend contains maca, flaxseed and a unique blend of greens and fruit powders making it a great source of fibre and prebiotics too.
Their packaging is non-plastic and compostable and all their ingredients are non-GMO.
Sunwarrior
Sunwarrior is another great plant-based brand with a strong focus on the quality of ingredients. All their protein shakes are made from organic ingredients and their packaging is recyclable. Their Warrior Blend protein provides 16g of protein per serving and 4g of BCAAs. The protein is made from Yellow Peas, Cranberry Seeds (cold-pressed extraction) & Hemp Seeds. It also contains MCTs (or medium-chain-triglycerides) from coconuts which offer a variety of health benefits and are great for those on a keto diet.
Besides this, Sunwarrior also has Vegan Protein bars, Vegan Collagen Protein and a great Vegan meal-replacement shake which contains all the essential vitamins, minerals, probiotics and phytonutrients!
VivoLife
Vivolife is a Bristol, (UK based), passionate vegan brand that offers bio-fermented protein for optimal digestion and assimilation. All their ingredients are not only 100% vegan certified, but also tested for heavy metals, herbicides and pesticides.
Their protein comes in a delicious range of flavours and is derived from Bio-fermented Yellow Pea & Cold-pressed Hemp with additional plant-based BCAAs. It also contains loads of other superfoods such as Reishi mushroom, Maca powder, Acai berry etc. Each serving offers around 25g of protein and they even offer a 30-day money-back guarantee!
Use this link to place an order before 9th December 2021 and you’ll get 10% off your first order.
Third Wave Nutrition
Third Wave Nutrition is another great Vegan protein brand – their PlantForce Synergy protein provides 16g of protein per serving derived from Pea, Organic Brown Rice and Organic Hemp. They provide the full amino acid profile, high amounts of BCAAs and have no artificial sweeteners. Simple, clean and great-tasting!
Garden of Life
Although not a fully Vegan brand, Garden of life does have a great range of plant-based proteins and meal-replacement shakes. Their raw organic protein is USDA organic certified and Non-GMO verified too and it provides 22g (4g BCAA) of a full balanced amino acid profile derived from a combination of Organic Pea Protein, organic sprouted brown rice protein and a combination of organic sprouted Amaranth, Buckwheat, Mullet, Chlorella, Quinoa, Chia seed, Pumpkin seed, Lentil, Adzuki bean, Flax Seed, Sunflower seed etc. Their protein also contains probiotics & enzymes for efficient digestion as also some essential vitamins and minerals making it a very well-balanced product.
Comparing protein powders
I find it helpful to compare items after making them like for like. Some of the companies shown below, provide the nutritional information for 31g of the protein powder. I’ve converted them all to show the nutritional value per 20g, so that it’s easier to compare.
Looking forward to hearing from you
If you’ve tried any of these, or any other, protein powders, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment in the comment box below or get in touch with me using this contact form.
Related content
Are you one of many who believes in the myth about protein? Here's what you need to know!
The protein panic: where will vegans get their protein from?
“This is a message to all those out there who think that you need animal products to be fit and strong. Almost two years after becoming vegan I am stronger than ever before and I am still improving day by day. Don’t listen to those self proclaimed nutrition gurus and the supplement industry trying to tell you that you need meat, eggs and dairy to get enough protein. There are plenty of plant-based protein sources and your body is going to thank you for stopping feeding it with dead-food. Go vegan and feel the power!”