Best Vegan Protein Powder
Being a vegetarian does not mean you miss out on protein intake that is required for building and repairing muscles in the body. Plant-based protein powders are an ideal choice for quick refueling after intense workout sessions. They assist in maintaining optimal blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Vegan protein powders come in wide varieties including pea protein, hemp protein, soy protein, brown rice protein, etc. They come with lots of health benefits. This article provides insight into reviews of Top 12 vegan protein powders, buyer’s guide, and FAQs for picking the best vegan protein powder.
Top 12 vegan protein powders in India
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Buyers Guide
Flavor
Protein powders are rich in protein. However they may not satisfy your taste buds. Thus, many brands offer various flavored versions.
Some popular flavors include chocolate, strawberry, mocha, etc. You can prepare numerous combinations of protein powder by mixing it with different beverages, vegetables, and fruits.
You may also opt for a plain protein powder without any flavors. Mix it with honey or fruit shakes for making it palatable for your intake. Check the packaging label for finding the flavor and choose the one that is best tailored for you.
Type of protein
The plant protein in protein powders is obtained from grains, legumes, and seeds.
The commonly available vegan protein powders include peas, soy, brown rice, and hemp.
Moreover, seed protein powders are also gaining popularity such as pumpkin, sunflower, chia, and sacha inchi.
Most of the plant proteins except soy and quinoa lack in one or more essential amino acids. Therefore you must choose a protein powder that comprises a healthy blend of complementary proteins.
Ingredients
Vegan protein powder comprises a healthy mix of natural and organic ingredients. Read the label carefully to ascertain the ingredients that are included in the powder such as carbohydrates or any other health supplements.
Ensure that your vegan protein powder is free from artificial color, preservatives, sugar, gluten, or GMOs. It should include only natural ingredients for taste, flavor, and other reasons.
Ideally, your protein powder should be a blend of essential amino acids and other health supplements including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Most of the brands of vegan protein powders provide extra supplements along with the protein powder. Choose the vegan protein powder that contains the best ingredients that support your diet goals optimally.
Protein Content
You must check the protein content in your vegan protein powder. It is measured in terms of grams per serving. Choose a vegan protein powder that offers higher protein content per serving.
Ideally, your protein powder should provide a protein content of 24-30 g per serving.
Digestibility
To yield effective results, your protein powder should get optimally digested inside your body. For ensuring proper digestion, the protein powder comes with digestive enzymes like Papain and Bromelain.
These digestive enzymes prevent bloated stomach or other issues related to indigestion. Take your protein powder regularly after intense work-out sessions so that it gets properly digested and provides quick refueling.
Fiber
Your protein powder should have a healthy proportion of fibers. The presence of fibers ensures smooth bowel movement and maintains a healthy digestive system.
Good-quality vegan protein powder contains 2-4 g of fiber. Check the label to see the fiber content in your protein powder and choose the brand that has higher fiber content.
Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)
The branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) refer to the essential amino acids such as leucine, isoleucine, and valine which together constitute up to 35% of the body’s muscle protein.
When you exercise, BCCAs break down inside your body. If you take supplemental BCCAs, your body consumes less of its amino acid stocks. Thus, BCCAs serve to protect lean muscles. They delay fatigue after a long fitness session. They boost the immune system and promote muscle protein synthesis.
Ensure that your vegan protein powder provides a high quantity of BCCAs per serving.
Glutamine
Glutamine is an essential amino acid that is naturally produced by the body and found in many food products. It acts as the building block for protein synthesis, plays a vital role in the immune system, and maintains good intestinal health.
It also reduces muscle soreness after prolonged workout sessions. Ensure that your vegan protein powder contains a good quantity of glutamine per serving.
Ways of consumption
The vegan protein powder comes in powder form and it can be consumed in various ways by mixing it with water, milk, smoothies, or oatmeal. Ideally, protein powder mixes well to form a smooth consistency without any lumps. You can also mix it with dough and consume it in the form of chapattis or mix it with salads.
Ensure your protein powder has good mixability so that it can be easily consumed in various ways as per one’s preference.
Brand
Choose a reputed brand so that you can get a high-quality and reliable product. Some well-known brands of protein powder include Oziva, Olena Evolve, Healthkart, Optimum Nutrition, MuscleXP, etc.
Top 12 vegan protein powders in India
1. OZiva Organic Plant Protein –
The organic plant protein by Oziva is a completely natural protein blend that is suitable for those vegans who lack the proper protein intake in their daily diet.
- A powerful protein blend of organic pea protein isolate, organic brown rice protein, and organic quinoa
- Contains 30g complete plant protein with 5.2 gms BCAA
- An organic product that is free from soy, gluten, trans-fat, artificial sweeteners, GMO, and preservatives
- Sugar-free, lactose-free, and cholesterol-free product
- Can be mixed with dough for protein-rich chapatis, added to smoothies or other beverages, or sprinkled on a salad for easy protein intake
- Easy to digest protein powder that results in better metabolism
- Boosts immunity and fuels quick muscle recovery
- Premium quality ingredients with a well-balanced formulation
- Easily make an essential part of everyday protein intake and daily fitness
- Zero sugar content
- Leaves bitter taste in the mouth
2. Healthkart 100% Plant Protein –
Healthkart 100% plant-based protein is designed for meeting your daily protein requirement. It offers up to 50% protein per serving that is extracted from organic and all plant-based ingredients without any added sugar.
- A potent blend of premium plant-based proteins obtained from pea, rice, and wheat that comprise essential amino acids.
- Provides 2.03 grams of essential amino acid, 1.89g of SEAA(s), and 1.00g of BCAA(s) supply in each serving
- A complete vegan protein supplement that is soy-free, gluten-free, GMO-free, and lactose-free
- A protein powder that comes packed with healthy supplements including 27 essential vitamins and minerals
- Rich source of antioxidants and other phytonutrients
- Completely vegan and natural protein powder devoid of any dairy or animal produce
- Comes in delicious cardamom flavor with rich taste and pleasing aroma
- Suitable for lactose-intolerants and vegans as it is lactose-free
- Zero added sugar
- Rich amino acid profile that promotes the protein absorption and replenishes the muscle cells for quick refueling
- Easily digestible protein per serving
- Vital nutrient supplements that boost the immunity and improves body functionsa
- No negative points observed so far
3. Bigmuscles Nutrition Vegan Protein –
Bigmuscles Nutrition Vegan Protein powder is a unique blend of superfood and vegan protein sourced from 4 different protein sources.
- Unique scientifically researched blend
- Contains more than 15 daily greens, fruits and vegetables
- Consists of 5.5g BCAA, 5g glutamine and 26g of clean protein
- Great source of non-GMO prebiotic fibre
- Non-dairy, lactose free, gluten free, soy free that does not contain added sugar or sugar alcohols
- Helps in muscle building, sustaining energy and supports active lifestyle
- Aides muscle growth and recovery post exhausting workouts
- The flavour is balanced and is not too sweet or artificial to taste
- Offers health benefits and regulates appetite
- It is a keto-friendly and vegan friendly product
- It is a little bitter in taste
4. bGREEN by MuscleBlaze Plant Protein Powder –
bGreen by MuscleBlaze is a 100% plant based protein powder made with a blend of pea and brown rice that enables rapid protein absorption and better digestion.
- 100% vegan product that contains plant-based papain and bromelain enzymes
- Curated with handpicked natural ingredients to give complete amino acids profile
- It offers 25g plant protein, 4.6g BCAAs, and 9.8g EAAs per serving
- Enriched with antioxidants to form a repair blend
- Supports muscle recovery and prevents cell damage
- It does not contain added sugar, artificial sweeteners, soy and is dairy-free
- Fast absorption formula is suitable for anyone leading an active lifestyle
- Stays granular if not mixed correctly
5. Olena Evolve Vegan Performance Plant Protein –
Olena Evolve vegan performance plant protein is a combination of 9 essential amino acids, digestive enzymes, and recovery antioxidants that offer superb recovery after intensive workouts. It is specially designed for post-workout recovery.
- A lactose-free vegan protein supplement that provides 76% isolate protein per 33 gms of serving
- Premium multi-sourced proteins extracted from yellow peas and sprouted brown rice
- Supplies 4.7 grams BCAAs per serving with complete 9 essential amino acids
- Features silky smooth texture in appearance with zero grittiness and offers 25 gms of protein per serving
- Supplies co-nutrients such as Vitamin B12, Acai Berry Extract, Turmeric Extract, digestive enzymes, and recovery antioxidants that maximizes the post-workout recovery
- A dairy-free protein powder that provides for optimal protein absorption
- Available in various natural flavors including rich chocolate, Café Mocha, Mixed berry and Vanilla for suiting the varying tastes of consumers
- Protein powder dissolves seamlessly in water without any lumps
- Easily digestible protein that does not cause any bloating issues
- Zero added sugar
- Sustain muscle repair and growth that strengthens the muscles and provides fast recovery
- The chocolate flavor tastes too sweet
6. Urban Platter Pure Pea Protein Powder –
Urban Platter protein powder is a pure pea protein powder that provides adequate protein for maintaining a healthy body, strengthening vital tissues, and building muscle mass.
- Completely plant-based protein that is prepared from 100% natural pure pea protein concentrate
- Provides 85% protein content per serving
- Gluten-free protein powder
- A versatile protein powder that can be taken with smoothies, oatmeal, and everyday foods
- No additives or sweeteners
- Easily mixes with water
- Easily digestible protein without any bloating issues
- No negative points observed so far
7. Plix STRENGTH Plant Protein –
Plix Strength plant protein is a plant-based nutritious powder that builds lean muscle naturally. It is prepared from 7 plant-based superfoods such as peas, brown rice, papain, bromelain, lycopene, grape seed extracts, and cocoa.
- A superb blend of pea protein isolate and brown rice protein that offers a complete amino acid profile with all 9 essential amino acids in each serving
- Supplies 5 grams of BCAAs, 4 grams glutamine, and 25 grams of complete plant protein with each serving
- Contains antioxidants superfoods like Lycopene and grape seed extracts that assists in fastens muscle recovery
- Organic source of micronutrients and phytonutrients
- Features digestive enzymes derived from papaya and pineapples
- Sugar-free, gluten-free, lactose-free protein powder
- Does not contain artificial colors and preservatives
- Manufactured in globally certified and FSSAI licensed facilities
- Naturally flavored with rich cocoa powder
- A protein powder that provides strength, builds lean muscles, and nourishment
- Provides effective digestion and improved absorption with digestive enzymes
- Smooth textured powder that is tasty, healthy and delicious
- Suitable for individuals who are lactose-intolerants
- Lab-tested for heavy metals and does not contain banned substances
- Allergens-free powder that is free from peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish, etc
- The powder does not mix readily
8. Myfitfuel Plant Pea Protein –
Myfitfuel protein powder is a 100% vegetarian plant-based protein derived from peas. It provides negligible carbohydrates and ultra-low fats in each serving. It does not contain any filler such as taurine, glycine, or other cheap amino acids.
- Unflavored protein powder that supplies 30.3 grams proteins (dry basis), 28 grams protein(as is basis), 5 grams BCAAs, 4.7-gram glutamine, and 10.8 grams of essential amino acids in every scoop
- Lactose-free, soy-free, and gluten-free protein powder
- High source of naturally occurring Arginine
- Lab-tested pea protein isolate that is ideally suited for lean muscle growth
- Does not contain dairy whiteners, skim milk powder and artificial sweetener
- No added artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- A protein powder that provides strength, builds lean muscles mass, and nourishment
- Offers more protein in every serving as it is pure isolated
- BCCAs increase the muscle tissue for better recovery and glutamine helps in reducing muscle soreness and fatigue after a workout session
- Easy to digest and mix
- Zero added sugar
- Suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals
- The powder might cause bloating to some people
9. MuscleXP Plant Protein – Natural Protein Powder –
MuscleXP plant protein is a natural protein powder that comes packed with pea protein, herbal, and vegetable blend. It is ideally suited for post-workout energy refueling, on-the-go meals, smoothie energizers, meal replacement, etc.
- Contains protein blend of pea protein, brown rice and flaxseed powder that provide vital plant and herbal nutrients that are missing in daily diets
- Features herbal blend of barley seed powder, amla powder, ashwagandha powder, grape seed extract, and green tea 60% extract
- Packed with a vegetable blend of tomato powder, carrot powder, beetroot powder, blueberry powder, and spinach powder
- Offers naturally derived amino acids and digestive enzymes including papain and bromelain
- Naturally sweetened protein powder with Stevia.
- A chocolate-flavored protein powder that supplies 20 grams proteins, 1.2 gm fats, and 107.2 kcal in every scoop
- Vegan powder with no added artificial colors and soy
- Dairy-free and no added sugar protein powder
- Potent natural plant daily nourishment blend that promotes health and active lifestyle. Optimizes wellness and health regimen in the body
- Provides the goodness and nutritional benefits of the unique herbal blend
- Full of antioxidants, nutrients, and natural ingredients derived from green leafy vegetables
- Serve as a rich source of fiber from rice bran extract
- Boosts immunity and maintain high energy levels
- The powder does not taste good
10. Kapiva Vegan Protein –
Kapiva vegan plant protein is a healthy powder that contains a potent blend of rice and yellow peas for providing high and holistic nutritional value to the body. It derives its protein from natural sources and is primarily designed for post-workout recovery.
- 100% plant-based nutrition powder that provides a complete amino acid profile
- Herbal protein powder without any heavy metals, artificial flavors, and added sugar
- A protein blend of rice and pea protein
- Each serving supplies 27 grams proteins, 5 gm BCCAs, 4.54 gm glutamic acid, and 26 vitamins and minerals
- Contain chicory roots that provide the natural digestive fiber that assists in the removal of toxic wastes by improving bowel movements
- Provides minerals boost through manganese and phosphorus for the strengthening of bones and teeth
- Features gourmet cocoa powder for delicious taste; available in two flavors cookies & cream and chocolate
- Soy-free, gluten-free and transfat-free vegan protein powder
- Manufactured in a GMP certified facility
- Enriched with essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and proteins for a stronger and healthy body
- Maintains high energy levels and keep you active across the day and balances the blood sugar levels
- Nutritious powder that helps in building core muscles, regulates appetite, provides natural digestion support and aids gut health
- Improves the metabolism and boosts immunity
- Controls and maintain normal blood pressure
- No negative points observed so far
11. Asitis Nutrition Pea Protein Isolate –
Asitis vegan plant protein powder comes packed with the goodness of nutritious pea protein isolate and it is designed for dietary supplementation. It provides clean and pure supplements as it is from the source.
- A nutritious protein powder that provides 28g protein, 128 Calories, and 4.9g of BCAAs per serving
- Contains pure pea protein isolate
- Easily digestible protein powder
- Free from any doping ingredients that comply with the NADA/WADA
- Unflavored and 100% plant-based protein powder
- Rich in phytonutrients powder that is cholesterol and fat-free
- Soy-free, dairy-free, lactose-free and gluten-free
- Does not contain any preservatives, flavors or additives
- Manufactured in a GMP certified facility
- An ideal protein supplement that is suitable for both pre and post-workout meals
- Suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals
- High fiber and protein content regulate blood sugar levels
- Hypoallergenic powder that is ideal for muscle rebuilding and recovery
- Perfect for sportsperson as it has doping-free ingredients
- Can be readily added to the dough, idli batter, pancake, dosa batter, muffins, etc
- Does not taste good
12. HealthyHey Organic Raw Pea & Brown Rice Protein Isolate –
HealthyHey organic protein powder contains a blend of raw yellow split pea protein and brown rice protein, that is vegan-friendly and easily digestible.
- Nutritious protein blend that provides complete amino acid profile with 9 essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids
- Rice protein boosts metabolism and leads to quick fat loss
- Packed with rich antioxidants that revitalize the body
- Provides 80% protein in every 10 gms serving
- A natural protein powder that does not contain pesticides, herbicides, GMOs, and synthetic chemicals
- Soy-free and gluten-free powder
- Provides authentic taste without any added sugar, colors, flavors, preservatives, and sweeteners
- Organic certified powder
- Serve as an excellent source of biologically available nutrients
- Makes one feel fuller for a longer duration
- One protein powder that is suitable for the whole family
- Can be added to dough, smoothie, beverages or even water
- Taste that can be improved
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the healthiest vegan protein powder?
There are different types of vegan protein powders that provide protein content along with other health supplements. Each of them differs from others in their health benefits.
Let’s briefly discuss some common healthiest vegan protein powders and their nutritional benefits.
Pea protein powder: It is enriched with BCAAs that promotes muscle building. In terms of muscle gain and recovery, it is as effective as whey protein.
Hemp protein powder: It provides reasonable levels of protein content and contains low levels of amino acid lysine.
Pumpkin Seed Protein: It is a highly nutritious protein powder that is rich in the high content of several minerals. It exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Brown Rice Protein: It is enriched with BCAAs. In terms of supporting muscle growth, it is as effective as whey protein.
Soy Protein: It acts as a comprehensive protein source that contains a high content of BCAAs that support muscle building. It assists in lowering cholesterol levels.
Sunflower Seed Protein: It is rich in BCAAs that support muscle building and repair. It has low levels of essential amino acid lysine.
Sacha Inchi Protein: It provides a rich supply of all essential amino acids except lysine. It provides arginine and ALA omega-3 fats that maintain a healthy heart.
Chia Protein: It is a nutritious protein powder that is low essential amino acid lysine.
Plant Protein Blends: As the name suggests these powders blend different and complementary plant proteins for ensuring the adequate supply of all essential amino acids.
2. Can you build muscle with vegan protein powder?
The vegan protein powder is the ideal protein supplement that contains an adequate amount of protein per serving. It contains essential amino acids that help in muscle protein synthesis leading to lean muscle building.
It also fuels muscle recovery through the actions of enzymes and natural antioxidants. Thus, it offers comprehensive nutritional benefits for muscle growth and recovery.
3. Is vegan or whey protein better?
Whey protein powder contains all the nine essential amino acids and hence serves as a complete and effective protein supplement. They provide fast-paced muscle growth and recovery.
The vegan protein powder usually lacks one or other essential amino acids. To overcome this, you may blend it with another protein powder to provide complete protein content including all the essential amino acids.
The vegan protein powder comprises natural and organic ingredients so they are healthier and tastes better than whey protein. It is better than whey protein for lactose-intolerant people. Moreover, it is also easier to digest than whey powder.
4. What is the best plant-based protein powder?
The top 5 best plant-based protein powder brands in India are as follows:
- Oziva Organic Plant Protein
- Healthkart 100% Plant Protein
- Olena Evolve Vegan Performance Plant Protein
- Urban Platter Pure Pea Protein Powder
- Plix Strength Plant Protein
Conclusion
The protein-rich powders are prepared by eradicating the fats and carbohydrates from plant products like grains, legumes, and seeds, thereby leaving them rich in proteins.
They are the ideal protein supplement for your daily diet. Vegan protein powders provide essential amino acids for protein synthesis which plays a vital role in muscle growth and repairs in the body.
Read our explanatory reviews and buyer’s guide for making an informed purchase of the best vegan protein powder.
