Protein powder can be a great way to recover after a workout or supplement the nutritional value of a meal. It may also help with building muscle after a workout, potentially aiding in weight loss, and acting as a meal supplement/replacement from time to time.
For those of us who might be lactose intolerant or follow vegan eating habits, dairy-free protein powders are a breath of fresh air when it comes to dietary supplements.
We put together a list of five tasty vegan protein powders that not only check all the right boxes but taste great too. Check it out below.
Pea Protein
Everyone loves peas, right? The delicious little vegetables make a great side dish and can taste great depending on how they’re prepared. But did you know they also make a fantastic protein supplement?
Produced from yellow peas, pea proteins contain plenty of protein and iron. Pea protein powder has all nine amino acids that your body can only get from certain foods. It’s pretty easy to digest and it’s ideal for people on special diets or with restricted dietary needs.
When using it as a protein powder supplement, you can get it in different flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and peanut butter with the added benefit of keeping you fuller for longer periods and reduced carbs.
Hemp Protein
Hemp—a part of the marijuana plant that does not contain THC—has been used as a food source for centuries. They’re a significant source of protein and fiber, with many additional health benefits.
Hemp seeds are shelled and ground into a powder that can be used as a supplement. Hemp can reduce cholesterol, boost your metabolism, and supply necessary muscle-building amino acids making it an excellent option for post-workout recovery. Hemp protein powders usually come in different flavors (vanilla is a popular one) and hemp seeds are also available for snacking if you’re so inclined.
Hemp will not get you high, as it contains zero THC (the psychoactive compound in marijuana), but it will help with fiber intake and digestion due to its high fiber and protein content. It tastes pretty good, too.
Flax or Chia Seed
Flax and chia seeds are flexible, delicious, and versatile ingredients that can be beneficial as a mix-in for various dishes or in protein powder form. Chia seeds are the edible seeds of a mint plant and contain plenty of fiber, protein, and vitamins. They’re considered a superfood due to their ability to help lower cholesterol and improve gut health.
Flax seeds improve digestion and relieve constipation, in addition to lowering cholesterol levels. As a protein powder, it doesn’t have any additives – it’s just a protein powder with the power of flax! Flax tends to have a nutty flavor on its own and a nice texture when mixed with other foods. Consider adding one of these powders to your rotation for an extra fiber boost and some fantastic additional healthy benefits.
Plant-based Mix
If peas or hemp aren’t your thing (or you need something a bit more comprehensive), then you might want to go with a plant-based mix. An array of dairy-free protein powder usually contains a mix of several different plant proteins. They might have a blend of pea proteins and rice, or mix hemp, soy, and pea.
There should not be any whey or other dairy products in these powders. As a vegan alternative to whey protein, they not only do a laudable job of repairing muscle after a workout, they offer some remarkable side benefits. Vegan protein can result in healthier skin, better digestion, and an extra dose of healthy antioxidants on top of a healthy diet.
Many options are also gluten free (but be sure to check the bottle just to be sure). Like most protein powders, vegan blends also come in the standard chocolate and vanilla flavors with several other options available. It’s best enjoyed as a shake post-workout or mixed into cold water.
Rice Protein
Rice is typically pretty good for us. Both brown and white rice have plenty of carbohydrates that help our bodies stay energized and run well. Given its status as a grain, you wouldn’t think it has substantial protein content, but it does. Unfortunately, rice protein isn’t a complete protein.
Although it contains all nine essential amino acids, it doesn’t have quite enough lysine to hit the mark. That’s why it works best when paired with a lean protein source to create a tasty, energy-producing meal. Rice protein powder is a delicious alternative that your body can absorb quite quickly.
It also has plenty of fiber and B vitamins, and is ideal for preventing blood sugar spikes. It may not be the first thing you think about when selecting a protein powder, but it’s definitely worth looking into for its myriad health benefits.
As always, you’ll want to consult with a doctor or nutritionist prior to taking a supplement or altering your diet in any significant way.