Photo: Huel
One of the main questions a vegan fitness buff often gets is this: “How do you get your protein?”
While there are plenty of plant-based protein options to include in your meals (tofu, seitan and tempeh for starters), those on a regular fitness routine to build muscle or lose fat know that protein supplementation is key. After all, it isn’t always feasible nor appetising to consume as many high protein food sources as possible.
Thankfully, advancements in food technology have led to a profusion of delicious plant-based protein powders. Some are made from a blend of sources while others focus on a specific plant protein, for example peas, soy or even rice – handy if you have allergens you need to avoid.
Here’s a list of plant-based protein powders our members love.
Falcon Proteína Vegetal sabor Chocolate
Photo: @lunapimental
Californian brand Birdman’s range of Falcon Protein is not just made with your nutrition in mind, but also the wellbeing of the environment. According to its official site: “We foster the bidirectional relationship between human health and the health of the planet.” Each serving of Falcon protein packs 22-23g of protein and 4.5g of Branched Chain Amino Acids. All of the flavours are soy and gluten-free and those who may sometimes have trouble digesting protein will be heartened to know that it’s also loaded with probiotics and enzymes.
“This protein is great,” reviews @silvanalavegana. “It is not sweet and it leaves you satiated for many hours.”
Weider Vegan Protein
Photo: @marialaurait
Pea protein is one of the best plant-based protein sources thanks to its amino acid composition to build or maintain your muscle mass. It offers a nutritional value comparable to whey, for those looking to make the switch. Weider’s Vegan Protein powder contains a formidable 23 grams of protein per serving as well as plant polyphenols which act as powerful antioxidants. It’s also fortified with B12 for those on a vegan diet.
“The best vegan protein nutritionally as it has practically no fat or carbohydrates,” says @paulamayool who reviewed the vanilla flavoured version. “The taste is very similar to vanilla flavoured milk.”
Nutritionally Complete Shake by Huel
Photo: @vicious-herbivore
Unlike other protein powders, a serving of Huel contains all the proteins, carbohydrates, fat, fiber and 27 vitamins and minerals you would otherwise need from a meal. Its blend is made from plant-based sources like oats, peas, rice, flaxseed, coconut, and sunflower. It’s ideal whether you’re on a muscle-building program for which you need additional calories or if you’re on a fat loss diet and need to reduce your caloric consumption. Since the brand’s inception in June 2015, when it only had powdered products, it now includes protein bars, ready-to-drink bottles, as well as hot and savoury meals which only need hot water.
The brand’s vanilla flavoured protein powder is a hit with the community. “So tasty! It goes sooo well with peanut butter,” says @sunmoony. “Also really good when mixed with chocolate flavour or with bananas added.”
Vegan Protein Isolate Sabor By Protein Project
Photo: @nutricionvegana
If you’re avoiding soy, Protein Project’s range of plant-based protein isolates is a great solution. The brand’s protein powders are made from 77 percent pea protein isolate and 20 percent rice protein isolate. This is the ideal product if you’re looking for a pure source to supplement your diet without the additional calories from other nutrients like carbohydrates or fats. @cotigau reviews: “Very good product to nutritionally expand your meals, the flavor may be a bit strong but you get used to it.”
Superfood Protein Blend By Wazoogles Superfood
Photo: @annikam
