Making weight loss a health goal? A big part of reaching and maintaining a healthy weight hinges on what you eat. That’s why many people include plant-based protein powder in their diet.
A protein shake can be a convenient and healthy way to get your daily dose of protein. But it’s not just bodybuilders who can benefit from this drink — anyone can see improvements in their weight by consuming protein powder. Here’s the scoop on plant-based protein powder and our top 14 picks for weight loss.
What Is Plant-Based Protein?
A protein powder is a type of supplement that is made from protein. It is often used by people who are trying to build muscle, as protein is essential for muscle growth. There are many different types of protein powders available, but plant-based protein powders are becoming increasingly popular — especially for weight loss.
Plant-based protein powders are made from non-meat proteins, such as hemp, peas, and rice. They are a great option for people who want to avoid dairy or animal products, as well as those who have allergies or sensitivities to certain types of protein. Plant-based protein powders are also a good choice for people who are trying to eat more healthfully or follow a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Most plant-based protein powders have a mild flavor and can be mixed with water or other beverages.
Why Plant-Based Protein for Weight Loss?
When it comes to weight loss, there are a few things you can do to help speed up the process. Eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, and using a weight loss supplement are all great ways to boost your results. If you’re looking for a weight loss supplement that is plant-based, then protein powder may be a good choice for you.
Protein powder supports weight loss because it helps to keep you feeling full after eating. This way, you’re not mindlessly craving calories or making food choices that could derail your weight loss goals.
Protein powder also helps to boost your metabolism and increase energy levels by maintaining muscle mass. When the body has less muscle, it burns fewer calories, which can lead to weight gain. By building more muscle, your body can burn more calories doing the same activities.
Additionally, protein powder is a source of fiber, which is beneficial for digestion. A sluggish digestive system can lead to bloating and water retention, both of which make you carry extra pounds. Good digestion can also give you energy, which may make you feel more inclined to exercise.
How We Chose the Best Plant-Based Protein Powders
When it comes to plant-based protein powders, there are a lot of options on the market. How do you choose the right one for you?
We selected our 14 best plant-based protein powder options based on a few factors:
- Little to no added sugar (sugar isn’t beneficial for weight loss)
- Quality of ingredients
- Flavor and overall taste
- Third-party reviews and recommendations
- Price compared to quality and quantity
We’re picky about proteins, which is why we took our time to choose only the best. Here’s what we recommend for weight loss (hint: we saved the best for last!).
14. Ascent Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder
Designed as a post-workout recovery, Ascent Organic Plant-Based Protein Powder is chock full of amino acids to help with muscle building. It’s a great complement to anyone working out and trying to lose weight because it helps with muscle repair, helping you keep your workouts on track.
We love this powder because it contains zero artificial ingredients and no added sugars. Take your choice between chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, and vanilla — you can’t go wrong!
13. TB12 Plant Based Protein Powder by Tom Brady
Endorsed by the GOAT himself, TB12 Plant-Based Protein Powder checks every box: paleo, vegan, low carb, gluten-free, keto-friendly, sugar-free, and most importantly, delicious. This pea-based plant protein powder sustains those feelings of fullness, allowing you to think less about food and hunger as you work toward your weight loss goals.
This powder is a great option for anyone trying to build muscle without bulking up. The amino acid profile supports healthy muscle growth and repair. Its price is also something to rave about, with each serving clocking in at under $2. You can choose between classic flavors like chocolate or vanilla. Or, for a more indulgent experience, try the cookies and cream.
12. GHOST Vegan Protein Powder, Banana Pancake Batter (2 lb, 20g of Protein)
For the more discerning protein shake enthusiast, GHOST Vegan Protein Powder ensures that no protein shake is ever bland. GHOST goes beyond your basic protein flavors, with fun varieties like banana pancake batter and peanut butter cereal milk.
Every scoop contains 20 grams of vegan protein. On a 2,000-calorie diet, where 10% to 35% of your calories should come from protein, one shake will get you almost halfway to your goal.
The GHOST brand has built itself on transparency, especially when it comes to ingredients. Know exactly what you’re getting in every shake, right down to the amount of each ingredient (no proprietary blend nonsense here), so you can plan your nutritional needs accordingly.
11. LADDER Sport Plant-Based Protein Powder (21g of Vegan Protein)
LADDER Sport Plant-Based Protein Powder brings a full list of healthy credentials to its name: NSF Certified for Sport, 21 grams of protein per serving, and a hefty dose of branched-chain amino acids. It’s comprised of a unique combination of pea and pumpkin proteins, plus it’s enriched with probiotics to support a healthy gut. The brand maintains high standards for quality and doesn’t include any artificial flavors or ingredients in its products.
LADDER’s mid-tier price is still affordable for many budgets, especially when comparing the cost per serving. Take your pick of vanilla or chocolate, both of which have everything you need for lean muscle growth, recovery, and digestion.
10. MTN OPS Ammo Protein Meal Replacement Powder
Convenient and tasty, MTN OPS Ammo Protein offers a full meal replacement without sacrificing nutrition. It’s easy to trade a fast-food meal or sandwich for a healthy shake, and save money in the process. It allows you to reduce your caloric intake while still getting all the vitamins, minerals, and protein your body needs to keep you going. Every shake contains 4-5 servings of fruits and vegetables, along with 19 grams of protein, fiber, and good-for-you fats.
It’s also one of the few plant-based protein powders that contains flaxseed. Flaxseed is high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which have been shown to promote weight loss. Fiber helps keep you feeling full after eating, and omega-3 fatty acids help regulate appetite and prevent cravings for unhealthy foods. Additionally, flaxseed contains lignans, which are plant compounds that have been associated with a number of health benefits, including weight loss.
9. Fast Bar Nuts & Cacao Chips Gluten-Free Plant-Based Protein Bar for Weight Management
A slight deviation from plant-based protein powders, these protein bars are another great way to support your weight loss goals. True to the Fast Bar name, you can easily swap a snack or meal with one of these bars without sacrifice. Its name is also a direct nod to the practice of intermittent fasting, another effective weight loss approach that helps you reset your metabolism while feeling fuller for longer.
Fast Bar comes in five delicious flavors: nuts and cacao chips, nuts & honey, nuts & dark cacao, lemon berry, and blueberry acai. Each flavor is vegetarian and gluten-free, loaded with good fats and fiber, dairy-free, soy-free, and keto-friendly.
8. Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder, Berry, Vegan, 30g Plant Based Protein
We selected the Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder for a few attractive reasons: flavor, ingredients, and price. At less than $40, it’s a cost-effective option for those looking to try a protein powder without spending too much upfront.
Nutrient-wise, this powder packs some of the most protein per serving — as much as 30 grams! It also includes 5 grams of BCAAs and glutamic acid. Glutamic acid is a non-essential amino that supports the body’s ability to burn fat. Glutamic acid also helps to regulate blood sugar levels, which can prevent cravings for unhealthy foods. Additionally, glutamic acid helps the body to detoxify, which can promote weight loss.
Additional ingredients include tart cherry, probiotics, and turmeric extract, all of which support your post-workout recovery and muscle growth.
Vega Sport is also extremely versatile. Add it to water or your choice of plant-based milk, put a scoop in your post workout recovery, or blend with fruit and ice for a tasty smoothie.
7. UCAN Energy + Plant Protein Powder (Vegan Plant-Based Protein 20g Pea Protein)
UCAN Energy + Plant Protein Powder packs a one-two punch for your health goals. Its unique profile of pea protein and SuperStarch (a one-of-a-kind healthy carb) helps you feel full while also giving you energy for your workouts and throughout your daily activities. It follows a slow-release absorption approach to offer sustained energy instead of quick pick-me-ups like energy drinks. It’s also easy to digest, allowing you to skip the bloat and other GI stress.
In terms of taste and quality, UCAN comes in chocolate or vanilla and pairs well with fruits and other popular mix-ins, such as flaxseed. It’s a common choice among athletes of all levels and sports, and includes only real ingredients you can identify and nothing artificial.
6. Sprout Living Organic Pea Protein Powder
It doesn’t get any simpler than Sprout Living Organic Pea Protein Powder. This USA-made, USDA organic protein powder is creamy and delicious, and makes for a great alternative to whey protein. It’s one of the purest protein powders on the market, with no artificial colors, ingredients, sweeteners, or additives.
Pea protein has become a popular weight-loss supplement because it is low in calories and high in fiber. In addition, pea protein has been shown to curb appetite and promote feelings of fullness. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to lose weight and preserve muscle mass while dieting.
5. Elite Protein Organic Plant Based Protein Powder
Elite Protein Organic contains a blend of pea and hemp proteins, both of which support better workout recovery. We love this protein powder because of its dense nutrients and smooth taste. Unlike some other protein powders, this one mixes with liquids easily, doesn’t clump, and doesn’t have a powdery taste to it. In true vegan protein form, Elite Protein organic is completely dairy-free, GMO-free, and soy-free, plus it doesn’t contain gluten or wheat. It’s an allergy-friendly and food sensitivity-friendly option that’s made in the USA to strict quality standards.
Hemp protein is low in calories and fat, but high in fiber and protein. This makes it a good choice for people who are trying to lose weight. Hemp protein also contains important vitamins and minerals, including iron and magnesium. These nutrients can help to boost metabolism and promote weight loss.
4. True Nutrition Unflavored Vegan Protein Powder (Non-GMO Plant-Based Protein)
Worried about choosing a flavor? This no-frills protein powder from True Nutrition gives you straight nutrition without the flavor “analysis paralysis.” Its neutral taste and profile combine with a completely vegan formula. Get 23 grams of protein in every serving, helping you to reach your daily protein faster than many other protein powders.
What’s unique about True Nutrition is that you can customize your protein powder with additional protein enhancements. You can include electrolytes, amino acids, and even flavors if you choose to do so. This ensures you’re getting all the nutrition and support you need for weight loss and daily workouts.
Another selling point of True Nutrition is its third-party testing regimen. All products are tested by external parties to ensure the highest quality of ingredients and performance.
3. PlantFusion Complete Organic Plant-Based Pea Protein Powder
PlantFusion Complete Organic Plant-Based Pea Protein Powder gets an A for package design (we can’t resist those rich colors!). But it’s also earned a top-3 spot for its taste, value, and nutrition profile.
With 20 grams of protein in every serving, PlantFusion is one of the most allergy-friendly powders on the market. It’s perfect for anyone who is avoiding dairy, gluten, wheat, soy, eggs, nuts, tree nuts, shellfish, or fish. Each serving includes 2,000 mg of fermented foods to support a healthy gut and aid in digestion, plus they help the body absorb the protein and get more with every serving.
PlantFusion comes in four varieties: Chocolate, Complete Organic, Vanilla, and Vanilla Chai.
2. Vega Essentials Plant-Based Protein Powder
Vega Essentials Plant-Based Protein Powder meets our high standards for excellence. It gives you so much more than 20 grams of protein per serving — you’ll also get 25% of 12 daily vitamins and minerals as well as a hearty dose of fiber. It also includes protein from hemp and flaxseed for a more complete amino acid profile.
If you’re going the keto route, this protein will support your goals with only 2 net carbs per shake. Vega also includes several vegetables, such as kale, carrot juice, broccoli, and spirulina to make its shake even more nutrient dense. This blend is a great source of Vitamins A, C, and D, all of which contribute to a healthier immune system and other health benefits.
Enjoy this smooth powder with just water and ice or blend it with your favorite plant-based milk. You can also use this powder in baked goods — just substitute up to a quarter of a cup of flour for the protein powder to add an extra helping of nutrition.
1. Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder, Creamy Chocolate Fudge
As promised, we saved the best for last! Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder wins the top spot for a lot of reasons. Let’s start with 21 grams of protein and just 150 calories per serving. Lots of fiber, low carbs, and no added sugars are a great way to stay on track to your weight loss goals while feeling full and sated. It’s also quite tasty, with chocolate and vanilla options available.
You can mix it with water, plant-based milks, or even use it in your baking. Plus, you can add other ingredients to it, such as powdered probiotics, fruits, veggies, or seeds.
Kids and adults love this protein powder because it gives them tons of nutrition in a delicious snack. It’s a great option when you’re on the go or are hungry but don’t want the hassle of meal-planning and portioning.
Last but not least, this is by far the most affordable plant-based protein powder. At just $23 for a full 30-day supply, it’s budget-friendly and cost-effective for daily use. Combined with the other benefits, this one is a no-brainer.
In Closing
With the rise in popularity of plant-based diets, many people are looking for plant-based protein sources. But not all plant-based proteins are created equal. Some are more complete than others, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs to perform optimally. Use the above list to find your perfect protein!
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