Whether you’re on a muscle-building mission or you just want to make sure you’re giving your body the right nutrients after exercise, protein powder is a simple and easy protein-boosting option.
Plant-based protein is rapidly becoming a popular choice amongst athletes and everyday gym-goers alike, thanks to it being high in immune-supporting antioxidants, which are said to have beneficial effects on gut flora and help promote the growth of good gut bacteria. In the past whey protein was the most popular option, which derives from milk. Today, many people are finding alternatives to suit their allergies or fit within their dietary restrictions if they are vegan or vegetarian.
Not all plant-based proteins are made equally. Pea protein is one of the best options as it’s considered a complete protein, which means it contains adequate amounts of all 9 essential amino acids.
If you’re keen to add protein shakes to your diet, or you want to switch from whey to an alternative option here are some of the best natural proteins out there.
1. Best Complete Protein Powder: Buy Hi Protein Powder, starting at $59.99
Buy hi cricket protein powder is the best overall protein powder on this list, being better for the planet and our bodies than whey powder by using organic cricket protein powder. That’s right, cricket powder. Sounds crazy, but it’s not. In fact, 2 billion people around the world eat microproteins such as cricket powder in their diet as their main source of protein. It just so happens that they’re the ones behind on the trend. It’s a complete protein, offering all the essential amino acids and boasting a high bioavailability – so it absorbs better in your body than other protein powders. It’s also a great natural source of vitamin B12, which is difficult to come across if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.
If you want to do your bit for the environment, you’ll be happy to know that the buy hi protein powder requires 93% less land to produce the same amount of protein as livestock need for whey powder, and 30% less water than livestock. Plus, buy hi protein powder uses virtually no plastic, using recyclable packets instead of tubs and scoops.
You can get buy hi protein powder in two flavors: vanilla and chocolate. Being high in fiber, this protein powder offers 21 grams of protein per sachet, filling you up without giving you the typical whey protein bloat.
Buy hi protein uses better ingredients, with no gums or fillers – it’s derived from whole foods that are good for you. There’s also no added sugar, just a touch of natural sweeteners. If, for whatever reason, you find you don’t like it, buy hi will give you a 100% refund, no questions asked.
If you’re skeptical about trying cricket protein powder you’ll be surprised to learn that according to research, cricket protein is comparable to the protein of skinless chicken breast, making the powder a valuable ingredient in the kitchen and as a workout snack. And if you’re worried about the taste, don’t be. People tend to describe plain cricket flour as mildly nutty in flavor and more pleasant than expected, but it won’t be plain in the Buy Hi Protein powder, which consists of 13 ingredients like organic pumpkin protein powder, cocoa powder, organic brown rice protein powder, monk fruit extract and more to create a great tasting shake.
Pros:
- Comes in 2 flavor options
- Virtually plastic-free packaging
- No added sugars
- 100% refund offered if not to tastes
- Great source of vitamin B12
- Better for the environment
Cons:
- One-time purchase is expensive – though you can subscribe to save
2. Best Combination Pea and Brown Rice Powder: Orgain Organic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powder, from $27.53
If you fancy combining pea protein with other beneficial plant-based protein sources, the Orgain Organic protein powder is a great option for you. Each serving boasts 21 grams of protein, as well as 5 grams of fiber – and there are only 5 net carbs per serving, so you can be sure you’re loading up on only the right ingredients.
The Orgain Organic protein is derived from peas, as well as chia and brown rice. There are approximately 150 calories per serving, and this powder doesn’t contain any unnecessary added sugars. Choose between vanilla, chocolate and unflavored, depending on whether you want to make your own flavorful smoothies or simply add a protein kick to your sweet or savory dishes without affecting taste.
Pros:
- Combines pea protein with other proteins
- No added sugar
- 21 grams of protein per serving
Cons:
- Some customers didn’t like the taste
- Uses plastic packaging
3. Best Superfood Mix For Weight Loss: Your Super Skinny Protein Mix, $39.90
A single serving of the Your Super Skinny protein mix has a lot going for it. It combines both pea and hemp protein for the best of both worlds. Plus, it contains other popular green superfoods, including moringa, spirulina, and alfalfa, so you get a bigger nutritional bang for your buck.
You get 9 grams of protein from 2 tablespoons of this powder, so it’s not quite as high as others. But this protein is designed to speed up your metabolism and control your hunger, so it’s a great option if you’re following a diet and exercise regimen for weight loss.
Pros:
- Ideal for weight loss support
- Only comes in one flavor
- Smooth & mixes easily
Cons:
- Not as high in protein as others on this list
- Doesn’t have a good smell
4. Best Hemp Protein Powder: 100% Hemp Protein Powder, $69.08
Made of whole raw hemp seeds the 100% Hemp Protein is packed with 15g of protein and is completely free of soy and dairy. Customers love mixing it in smoothies and recommend adding 1 scoop to 150 – 250 ml of liquid 30 minutes before or after your workout.
Pros:
- Great source of protein for vegans
- Lactose and gluten free
- 15g of protein per serving
Cons:
- More expensive
- Customers state it doesn’t dissolve that well in liquid
5. Best Brown Rice Protein Powder: Nutribiotic Rice Protein, $35.24
If you want to make sure you’re only getting the good stuff from a brown rice powder, you can’t go wrong with the Nutribiotic Rice Protein Powder. It offers about 12g of protein per 15g serving. Although the rice protein content in this powder is lower it does come with advantages. Compared to other brown rice powders this offers a mere 2g of carbs and 60 calories per serving compared to other products that have at least 100 calories per serving.
As well as being suitable for vegans, it is also diet-friendly and contains basic ingredients perfect for those who want to eat clean. It has a mild neutral flavor, so if you’re looking for something with a stronger vanilla flavor this product may not be for you.
Pros:
- Easy to digest
- 100% vegan
- Lower carbs and calories per serving
- Has a complete amino acid profile
Cons:
- The flavor only has a slight hint of vanilla flavor
6. Best Soy Protein Powder: 365 Everyday Value Soy Protein Powder, $13.99
Most soy proteins are unflavored and only a small amount are sweetened, but very few are naturally flavored without containing sweeteners. The 365 Everyday Value Soy Protein Powder contains nothing but soy protein isolate with natural vanilla flavor, so it tastes a lot better than other competitors.
Pros:
- 24g of protein per one gram of fat and under a gram of carbs
- Naturally sweetened with vanilla flavor without the use of sweeteners
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Made in a facility that processes milk, eggs, shellfish, and fish so it may not meet some people’s standards for a vegan product
- Contains no sweeteners so some may find the taste to be too plain
7. Best Fermented Pea Protein Powder: Nutrasumma Fermented Pea Protein, $38.36
Being made from fermented pea protein isolate, the Nutrasumma Fermented Pea Protein isn’t one of your typical vegan protein options. The fermentation process makes this protein powder even easier to digest, so if you’re prone to bloating, you’ll feel nicely full, not horribly stuffed, when using this powder in shakes and meals.
As with all pea proteins on this list, the Nutrasumma protein is vegan. It’s also non-GMO and suitable for people following a gluten-free diet. It doesn’t come in any flavors, which means it’s free of the artificial stuff – what you see is what you get. There certainly aren’t any sugars or sweeteners in this powder, so feel free to add your own healthy flavors from fruits or natural syrups.
Pros:
- Fermentation makes it easier to digest
- Contains no added flavorings
Cons:
- On the pricier side
- Has quite a gritty texture
8. Best Egg White Protein Powder: Naked Egg, $64.99
Naked Egg Protein Powder is made up of egg white protein powder that comes from Non-GMO chicken eggs. If you’re wondering how, the fresh eggs are processed into a powder in less than one day to retain a complete amino acid profile to support lean muscle growth.
It contains no additives or artificial sweeteners and 2 scoops (a serving size) of the egg powder contain 25g of protein, only 2g of carbs and 110 calories. It comes in a variety of flavors such as unflavored, chocolate or vanilla.
Pros:
- Dairy-free
- Clean ingredients
- Mixes well
Cons:
- The container it comes in is massive and isn’t filled to the top, which upsets customers
9. Best Unflavored Plant Protein Powder For A Healthy Gut: Nuzest Clean Lean Protein, $44.95
A healthy gut is key for a healthy body, and if you like the idea of looking after your gut with a plant protein powder, the Nuzest is a good option to consider. One of its ingredients is L-glutamine, which has been found to protect against leaky gut. Also included in this protein powder is a probiotic strain known as Bacillus coagulans, which can help to soothe common digestive issues like IBS.
As an added bonus, the Nuzest protein powder is gluten-free and non-GMO – and, of course, being made from European golden peas grown in France, it’s entirely vegan. With no chalky or gritty after-taste, this powder mixes smoothly with liquids. It doesn’t contain any sugar or stevia, either, and has 21 grams of protein per 25-gram serving.
Pros:
- Natural and flavorless
- Contains L-glutamine and Bacillus coagulans
Cons:
- Expensive
- Unpleasant flavor
10. Best Uniquely Flavored Plant Protein Powder: Coffee Mushroom Epic Protein Organic Plant Protein, $31.46
Flavored protein powder gets a bad rap for being “artificial” or having “added sugars”, but the Coffee Mushroom Epic Protein contains only the good stuff. Plus, it has the completely unique flavor of coffee, so if you’re bored of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, you’ll love the mild, creamy coffee hint that comes through in this product.
A two-scoop serving of this protein powder offers 20 grams of protein, with no added sugar – there’s just stevia in here. It combines yellow pea protein with pumpkin seed protein, sunflower seed protein, cranberry seed protein, and a blend of healthful mushroom extracts for something a little different. You get all your essential amino acids from this protein powder.
Pros:
- Unique coffee flavor
- Delivers all the essential amino acids
Cons:
- Expensive
- Some customers think it tastes bitter
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