Whey-based protein powders are no longer the go-to when it comes to building muscle mass. On the market, you’ll find options made from a plethora of greens, beans, rice and more. And just one scoop can do more than you think. In addition to increasing your daily protein needs, many brands offer products fortified with vitamins, energy boosters and fat burners.
Find out why I love the following protein powders so much and how they will cover all of your nutritional needs:
1. Vega One All-In-One Plant Based Protein Powder
Made with real whole-food ingredients, this low-cal protein powder is blended with six servings of greens, which is great if you’re not consuming enough in your diet.
- 20g protein
- 170 calories
- Non-GMO, vegan & gluten-free
- Provides 50 percent daily intake of vitamins and minerals
- Flavors: chocolate, vanilla, vanilla chai, French vanilla, berry, mocha, coconut almond and natural
2. Garden of Life RAW Organic Fit™ High Protein for Weight Loss
This plant protein not only builds lean muscle, but it also enhances fat burning with Organic Svetol® Green Coffee Bean Extract. Another bonus is the added organic ashwagandha (one of the top three herbs for women) and 9 g organic fiber to help curb cravings and satisfy hunger.
- 28 g protein
- 160 calories
- Less than 1 g sugar
- Non-GMO, organic, vegan, gluten-free & soy-free
- Flavors: vanilla, chocolate, coffee & original
4. Orgain Organic Protein™ Plant Based Powder
In pursuit of making a healthy, nutritious drink with high-quality, organic ingredients, Dr. Andrew Abraham developed this tasty vegan-friendly alternative to whey-based powders. Enjoy this combo of pea, rice and hemp protein (and chia seeds!).
- 21 g protein
- 150 calories
- 5 g organic fiber
- amino acids
- Free of added sugar
- Free of dairy, soy, gluten, lactose & GMOs
- Flavors: sweet vanilla bean, creamy chocolate fudge, peanut butter & natural unsweetened
4. Nature's Plus Spiru-Tein® High Protein Energy Meal
The star ingredient in this blend is spirulina. It’s a blue-green algae known for providing a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals and amino acids along with being a natural energy booster.
- 14 g protein
- 110 calories
- Free of fat, gluten & GMOs
- Kosher
- Flavors: vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, banana, cookies & cream, cherry, chocolate peanut butter, blueberry, piña colada, peaches & cream, cappuccino, raspberry, chai latte & more
5. Vitacost ROOT² Certified Organic Hemp Protein Drink Mix
Made with 100 percent organic hemp seeds—a nutrient-packed food source—this protein powder provides plenty of fiber and essential fatty acids and is low in sugar (less than 1 g per serving!), sodium and calories. Simply blend into dairy-free milk or your favorite smoothie recipe for a nutritious boost.
- 11 g protein
- 120 calories
- 14 g fiber
- Easily digested
- Supports building & maintenance of muscle tissue†
6. Natural Factors VegiDay™ Raw Organic Plant-Based Protein
This organic, raw and plant-based protein powder is as good for the environment as it is for you! The company uses renewable solar energy to power up the manufacturing process. Extra points for sustainability! I personally love the Berrylicious flavor.
- 20 g protein from peas, pumpkin, sacha inchi, chia, quinoa, spirulina & chlorella
- 110 Calories
- 1 g fat
- Free of gluten, soy & GMOs
- No artificial flavors, additives, or sweeteners
- Flavors: berrylicious & French vanilla
7. Bob's Red Mill Protein & Fiber Nutritional Booster
Simply made with only a handful of wholesome ingredients, this bagged option is definitely a winner. Featuring probiotics from chicory root and fiber from psyllium, this unflavored protein powder can be used in smoothies, baking mixes, pancake batters, breads, soups and more.
- 20 g protein
- 160 calories
- 240 mg omega-3
- Rich in iron
- Vegan, kosher & gluten-free
- No artificial colors or flavors
8. Lifetime Life's Basics® Plant Protein Mix
Hands down, the best flavor in Lifetime’s plant protein lineup is the 5-Fruit Blend. This premium-quality protein is combined with five unique fruits, including pomegranate, mangosteen, goji, noni and acai. These antioxidant-rich fruits may have a positive effect on nearly all the body's systems from energy production, stamina, vitality and the promotion of a healthy immune system.
- 22 g protein from pea, hemp, rice and chia seeds
- Rich source of EFA's, amino acids and fiber
- 132 calories
- 1 g fat
- Rich in omega 3-6-9
- Vegan
- Flavors: 5-fruit blend, natural vanilla, natural chocolate, greens & kale and unsweetened
9. PlantFusion Complete Plant Protein Powder Vanilla Bean
If you’re still semi-hooked on whey protein, this one is for you. This complete source of protein has everything you need to build and repair muscles, including sufficient amino acid density and balance. I like the vanilla bean flavor, but you can choose from several naturally crafted gourmet flavors.
- 21 g protein
- 120 calories
- 4500 mg BCAAs
- 3350 mg glutamine
- Enzyme blend
- Free of gluten, dairy, soy & GMOs
- Flavors: vanilla bean, chocolate natural cookies ‘n’ crème & chocolate raspberry
