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Plant-powered and protein-packed: our favourite vegan protein powders
Written byH&B editorial team
Reviewed byEmily Foster
There’s a whole universe of vegan protein powders outside of milky whey. Pea, hemp, sunflower and more – so we’ve weighed up our faves with help from a nutritionist
Our top picks
Best value for money
Precision Engineered
Plant Protein Chocolate 840g
€22.00
With oat blend
USN
USN 100% Plant Protein Vanilla 900g
€41.49
With green tea extract
PhD
PhD Diet Plant Protein Powder Strawberries & Cream 500g
€24.00
Whether you’ve waved goodbye to meat and dairy or you just don’t get on with traditional protein powders, there's a whole range of vegan protein powders on the market.
We speak to H&B nutritionist Emily Foster, who’ll take us through how you can pick the right kind for you. “Protein’s really important for vegetarians and vegans – they still have the same protein goals as those who eat animal-based foods,” she explains.
But which to choose? From pea and hemp to brown rice (and blends), each offers a unique skillset.
We’ve narrowed it down to our top 10, each chosen to suit a different goal...
Everyone’s talking about whey protein... but it’s made from milk. Choose protein powder that still makes an impact with Myprotein's Myvegan alternative, loaded with 22g protein per serving.
It’s made from a blend of pea and fava bean protein isolate but keeps the creamy texture you’re used to. So, you’re in for a silky-smooth shake – or a tasty addition to overnight oats, protein pancakes or coffee.
“Pea protein is great for muscle building,” says Emily – so, gym lovers, this one could be for you...1
Enjoy one strawberry-flavoured scoop 30 minutes before and/or after exercise to level up your protein game and provide plant-based muscle support.
Like things simple? Check the label and you’ll only see one ingredient: 100% hemp protein.
“Hemp’s a complete protein source that also provides beneficial fibre and omega fatty acids,” says Emily.2 It’s unique in its omega fatty acid content, providing 340mg omega-3.
This isn’t one for the protein shake fans, but it works great in smoothies, bakes and homemade protein bars. Each serving adds 10g protein to your daily intake, as well as bone-supporting manganese and zinc.3,4 Zinc also helps metabolise carbohydrates and other macronutrients. And all this at 72 calories per serving...
Vegan protein isn’t all about soy. Who knew that your pre-gym shake could come from sunflowers?
Our Precision Engineered blend provides 21g protein from pea, rice and sunflower sources. Their protein content contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass – perfect for fuelling your next workout.
Despite its rich chocolate flavour (protein iced mocha, anyone?) it’s low in sugar, containing less than 0.5g per serving, and contributes to your daily fibre intake.
And, at 60p per serving, it’s friendly to your budget.
This loveable flavour combo, packing 19g protein, isn’t just for tennis.
It’s got the creaminess and easy mixing of whey protein, but it's vegan (woohoo). Instead, soy and pea are the plant-based protein sources behind it.
That’s not all – there’s flaxseed and green tea, plus it’s low in sugar. And with 93 calories per serving, it’s one to watch if you’re keeping an eye on your intake.
Want carbs alongside your protein? This one’s for you. USN’s triple blend (providing 25g pea, rice and pumpkin seed protein) also contains a mix of oats, quinoa, buckwheat and more.
Protein gets the airtime, but carbs are an important source of energy and are needed for providing glucose.5
Plus, the blend is rich in iron and has added B12. Both play a crucial part in reducing fatigue and supporting the immune system.6-9
We’ve picked vanilla for its versatility, but you’ll also find this in chocolate flavour. Tempted?
What can’t vanilla flavour do? Shakes or cakes, it’s a super delicate and versatile addition to your daily menu without any extra bells and whistles.
Pulsin’s vegan powder provides 20g protein from faba beans (also called fava beans or broad beans).
This gives it an 80% protein content per serving, about the same as whey concentrate.10
So, if you’re not a fan of fava beans in your stews or risottos, get your fava protein from this instead. And great news: it's vegan.
A mix of pea, brown rice and pumpkin seed offers a simple way to get the ‘building blocks’ your body needs to make protein.11
You’ll get 30g protein per serving, including 5g BCAAs, alongside enzyme complex DigeZyme® and turmeric extract.
Sweet treat lovers will be pleased to know this also comes in Chocolate Peanut flavour.
Oh, and if you’re slowly drowning in leftover plastic scoops, you’ll be pleased to know this pack doesn’t include one. It’s all about re-using!
Oops – you've snoozed your alarm again. But you still want to get that gym session in...
With 26 essential vitamins and minerals, NU26 is expertly balanced to provide a third of your daily dose of them all. It’s high in fibre, plus there’s 10 billion live friendly bacteria.
And of course, there’s plenty of protein (35g) and 404 calories per serving to keep you fuelled through rushed mornings or back-to-back meetings.
The final say
Found the one for you? Say hello to plant-based muscle support and quick nutrition.
Why not browse our top products for joints, bones and muscles or use your new protein powder in these no-bake brownie protein balls?
FAQs
“Different plant proteins have slightly different amino acid profiles, so some may be lower in certain essential amino acids,” Emily explains. “However, if you eat a varied and balanced diet, your body can combine amino acids from different foods across the day. So, most people don’t need to worry about getting it all from a single source.”12
Consider why you’re using it in the first place. If it’s to try and eat less throughout the day, you’ll likely want to have your protein shake in between meals.13
Or if you’re taking it to build muscle mass, have it any time up to two hours after your workout session.14 If you’re taking it for endurance training and muscle recovery, it’s likely worth consuming it during your session.15
The healthiest vegan protein usually contains the following:
- a good amount of all essential amino acids
- low sugar
- low carbohydrates
- all organic ingredients
The ideal amount of protein varies from person to person, but the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) says the average person needs 0.75g protein per kilogram of their body weight.16
For instance, if you weigh 65kg, your estimated daily protein intake would be around 49g of protein per day.
Yes. You don’t have to be a vegan to enjoy vegan protein powders, but you can be confident that they don’t contain any animal-derived products, so they’re suitable for vegetarians too.
Some people may experience some potential side effects after consuming protein powders. These can include stomach upset like bloating and cramps, or even allergic reactions.17
Vegan protein powders must be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet and shouldn’t be relied on as this can lead to further issues like deficiencies in certain nutrients.18
You should always check with a doctor before taking any supplement and protein powders are no different. Your doctor can advise whether adding protein powder to your diet is safe for you and guide you on how much you should take.
No, not always. Some of the most popular protein powders contain whey, which is a protein derived from cow’s milk – a no-go for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant.
This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. Babaut N et al. Pea proteins oral supplementation promotes muscle thickness gains during resistance training: a double-blind, randomized, Placebo-controlled clinical trial vs. Whey protein. J Int Soc Sports Nutr [Internet]. 2015 Jan 21 [cited 2025 Sep 3]; 12: 3. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4307635/
2. Callaway JC. Hempseed as a nutritional resource: An overview. Euphytica [Internet]. 2004 Jan [cited 2025 Sep 3]; 140: 65-72. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10681-004-4811-6
3. European Commission. Characteristics [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2025 Sep 3]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6539
4. European Commission. Characteristics [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2025 Sep 3]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6412
5. The Association of UK Dietitians (BDA). Carbohydrates [Internet]. BDA [reviewed 2021 Sep; cited 2025 Sep 3]. Available from: https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/carbohydrates.html
6. European Commission. Characteristics [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2025 Sep 3]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6488
7. European Commission. Characteristics [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2025 Sep 3]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6487
8. European Commission. Characteristics [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2025 Sep 3]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6395
9. European Commission. Characteristics [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2025 Sep 3]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6394
10. Luck PJ et al. Comparison of functional properties of 34% and 80% whey protein and milk serum protein concentrates. Journal of Dairy Science [Internet]. 2013 Sep [cited 2024 Dec 3]; 96(9): 5522–31. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030213005134
11. Lopez MJ, Mohiuddin SS. Biochemistry, Essential Amino Acids. StatPearls [Internet]. 2024 Apr 30 [cited 2025 Sep 3]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557845/
12. Hoffman JR, Falvo MJ. Protein – Which is Best? J Sports Sci Med [Internet]. 2004 Sep 1 [cited 2025 Sep 3]; 3(3): 118-130. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3905294/
13. Ortinau LC, Hoertel HA, Douglas SM, Leidy HJ. Effects of high-protein vs. high- fat snacks on appetite control, satiety, and eating initiation in healthy women. Nutr J [Internet]. 2014 Sep 29 [cited 2025 Sep 3]; 13:97. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4190484/
14. Lemon PWR, Berardi JM, Noreen EE. The role of protein and amino acid supplements in the athlete's diet: does type or timing of ingestion matter? Curr Sports Med Rep [Internet]. 2002 Aug [cited 2025 Sep 3]; 1(4): 214-21. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12831698/
15. Pesta DH, Samuel VT. A high-protein diet for reducing body fat: mechanisms and possible caveats. Nutr Metab (Lond) [Internet]. 2014 Nov 19 [cited 2025 Sep 3]; 11:53. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4258944/
16. British Nutrition Foundation (BNF). Protein [Internet]. BNF [reviewed 2023 Oct; cited 2025 Sep 3]. Available from: https://www.nutrition.org.uk/nutritional-information/protein/
17. Silanikove N, Leitner G, Merin U. The Interrelationships between Lactose Intolerance and the Modern Dairy Industry: Global Perspectives in Evolutional and Historical Backgrounds. Nutrients [Internet]. 2015 Aug 31 [cited 2025 Sep 3]; 7(9): 7312-31. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4586535/
18. Stark M, Lukaszuk J, Prawitz A, Salacinski A. Protein timing and its effects on muscular hypertrophy and strength in individuals engaged in weight-training. J Int Soc Sports Nutr [Internet]. 2012 Dec 14 [cited 2025 Sep 3]; 9:54. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3529694/
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