Protein is vital for good health, but unfortunately, vegans often struggle to get enough. Most people know protein is essential for muscle mass growth, repair, and maintenance. However, it’s also vital for maintaining healthy body tissue, making hormones and enzymes, and providing brain power.
Therefore, proteins provide resources for building, repairing, and energizing the body.
Protein shakes are perfect for a quick protein boost when on the go. When trying to build muscle, they are perfect for after a workout.
If you are on a plant-based diet, protein shakes can help increase your protein intake. Whether you prefer to create your vegan protein shake with vegan protein powder or like the convenience of buying it ready-made, it doesn’t matter. What’s vital is to ensure you are meeting your protein needs, which is often difficult to do with food alone.
If you prefer making your shakes at home, you need one scoop of protein powder and one cup of non-dairy milk. Add one cup of fruit (berries, mango, or banana), a handful of spinach, 1T nut butter, half T chia or flax seeds, and blend with ice. One serving contains 27g of protein.
On the other hand, choosing the best-tasting vegan protein shake may seem challenging because of the wide variety available. Read more about vegan protein shakes and the qualities to look for from The Minimalist Vegan.
Whichever you prefer, knowing that you are getting the right amount of protein and its source is essential. You should also consider the other ingredients in the powder or shake. Here’s how to elevate your plant nutrition with a delicious vegan protein shake.
Top Vegan Protein Shakes
Ready-made vegan protein shakes contain vegan-sourced proteins. Companies making the top vegan protein shakes aim to help nourish you as you meet your fitness goals. Besides looking for the best-tasting vegan protein shake, you will also want to ensure it meets your protein goals.
OWYN Vegan Protein Shake
With omega-3 fats (from flex oil), potassium, calcium, and a 30% Daily Value of the required iron intake, OWYN is a vegan-friendly protein shake containing no major allergens, including soy and nuts.
The protein shake contains 20 grams of seed protein per serving from peas and pumpkin and 5 grams of fiber. OWYN’s protein shakes have all nine essential amino acids, even those required for muscle recovery.
The allergen-free formula packed with protein, omega-3, amino acids, and nutrients comes in several flavors, making it easy to find one that matches your taste. Try the Coffee, Dark Chocolate, Strawberry, or Banana.
Note:
Owyn Vegan Protein Shake contains monk fruit as a sugar- and calorie-free sweetener. Since the protein shake only contains 10 grams of carbohydrates, if you need to recover from a workout, eat a banana or carbohydrate-rich food to replenish your energy stores.
Orgain Vegan Protein Shake
Another top vegan protein shake comes from Orgain, a well-known supplement brand. Orgain Vegan Protein Shake contains 20 grams of protein from peas in its 11-ounce bottle. The gluten- and sugar-free protein shake contains 21 vitamins and minerals and no significant allergens. Besides the Sweet Vanilla Bean and Smooth Chocolate-flavored offerings from Orgain, look out for the Organic Fruit and Vegetable Blend, packed with extra antioxidants and nutrients.
Tasty Plant-Based Protein Drinks
If you don’t have the time to create a great-tasting plant-based protein drink at home, you’ll be happy to know several ready ones are delicious.
Aloha Plant-Based Protein Drinks
The best-tasting vegan protein shake is the creamier option from Aloha, thanks to its coconut base. Aloha contains pea and brown rice protein, providing between 18 and 20 grams per bottle. Each bottle also contains 40% of the Daily Value of iron required. The shake contains 11 grams of carbohydrates per serving, including 3 grams derived from dietary fiber. You may need to supplement carbohydrates from another food source for more energy.
Aloha vegan protein shakes are not suitable for those with nut allergies, but they are non-GMO, gluten, soy, and artificial flavor-free. There are four delicious flavors: Chocolate Sea Salt, Iced Coffee, Vanilla, and Coconut.
USDA Organic and Fair Trade Certified make these vegan protein shakes ideal for anyone who wants to impact the environment and labor practices positively.
Forager Project Organic Protein Shakes
The organic plant-based creamery Forager Project has a range of creamy plant-based delights, including yogurt, shakes, and smoothies. Its two tasty protein shake flavors are Nuts & Vanilla and Nuts & Cocoa, both containing cashew milk.
Forager Project’s protein shakes are artificial sweetener and stevia-free. They get their sweetness from dates. Expect 12 grams of plant-based protein and 24 grams of carbohydrates from a 12 oz. bottle.
Best Vegan Protein Shakes
To maximize the effects of a protein shake, the best time to take them is 15 minutes to an hour after a workout. The best vegan protein shakes will provide the added nutrients required for muscle growth and repair when paired with nutrients from whole food sources.
Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shake
Evolve Plant-Based Protein Shake contains 20 grams of pea protein per serving and provides 20% Daily Value of zinc, calcium, iron, and 15% of B12. Its high fiber content of 10% can help stabilize blood sugar. The combination of protein and fiber may keep you full longer if you’re trying to lose weight.
Like whey and casein, pea protein is a complete protein, meaning it encompasses all of the essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids needed for recovery after exercise. Evolve protein shakes also have 15 grams of carbohydrates, with 10% coming from soluble corn fiber.
The protein shakes from Evolve are non-GMO and vegan-certified. However, they may contain soy. Some cane sugar and stevia leaf extract are Evolve’s sweeteners for these protein shakes. Flavors available include Café Mocha, Chocolate Caramel, Double Chocolate, and Creamy Vanilla.
Remedy Organics Beverage
Remedy Organics makes plant-based protein shakes and immunity “shots.” Their protein drinks range from 8 to 16 grams, but they contain organic superfoods, prebiotics, botanical herbs, and ayurvedics, chosen for their unique benefits. Holistic Nutritionist Cindy Kasindorf crafts these protein drinks that are non-GMO, soy-free, and gluten-free. Faklvors to try include Berry Immunity, Blue Essentials with almond milk and spirulina, Cacao, Matcha, Golden Mind with almond milk and turmeric, Super Chai Fuel with hemp seeds and almond milk, and Vanilla Essentials. These are available at retailers and online from Amazon.
Delicious Plant-Based Protein Options
It has become effortless for vegans to ensure an excellent daily protein intake. Besides including plant-based proteins in their meals, protein shakes and protein powders make it easier for them to carry beverages and snacks for a nutritious boost during work or after the gym. Here are two delicious plant-based options:
Ripple Vegan Protein Shake
With 20 grams of protein per 12 oz bottle, Ripple Vegan Protein Shake also provides 30% of the Daily Value for iron. Ripple’s protein shakes contain 100% pea protein, making them ideal for vegans with soy allergies.
These shakes have added sugars, containing 9 grams of cane sugar per serving. Ripple’s protein shakes get high ratings for their delicious Chocolate, Vanilla, and Coffee flavors.
Koia Protein Drinks and Shakes
Koia’s luscious protein drinks and shakes are low in sugar and made with plant-based protein. The seven flavors are all gluten-free and contain 18 grams of protein. They also have 7 grams of prebiotic fiber. You get all the nutrients required with one bottle but never sacrifice taste.
Try all the delicious flavors from Koia – Vanilla Bean, Cacao Bean, Cold Brew Coffee, Chocolate Banana, Cinnamon Horchata, Coconut Almond, and Chocolate Peanut Butter. You can order online, but Koia is available in stores and supermarkets.
Ultimate Guide to Vegan Protein Shakes
Vegan protein shakes help you to increase your protein intake when eating only plant-based foods. However, you will want to choose the best-tasting vegan protein shake and one with the most nutritional benefits, so keep the following in mind when choosing a vegan protein shake:
Protein content – The protein content is a critical consideration for any protein shake. Drinks are often marketed as “nutrition drinks” or smoothies but don’t always contain a significant amount of protein. A good protein shake should contain about 20 grams per serving.
Added sugars – Most ready-to-drink vegan protein shakes contain at least some added sugar to enhance flavor. Some use artificial sweeteners, while others use cane sugar or dates. The less sugar, the better because its consumption has been linked to obesity, diabetes, dental issues, and other health problems. Ideally, 5 grams or less is the amount a protein shake should have.
Flavors – Flavor always matters. Some protein shakes have a nice variety of flavors. However, the vanilla flavor is neutral enough to modify the protein shake with fruit; it’s available from most protein shake makers.
Ingredients – Ready-to-drink protein shakes are highly processed, which isn’t ideal for regular consumption. But some feature healthier ingredients. It’s best to avoid the daily intake of shakes containing additives like artificial flavors and sweeteners.
Certifications – Some shakes have specific certifications that ensure they’re vegan, contain non-GMO products, are organic, or are for use by people in competitive sports. Therefore, if these are important for you, certifications to look for include Certified Gluten Free, USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Vegan, Informed-Sport Certified, or NSF Certified for Sport. These certificates ensure that the protein shake meets your standards.
Top Picks for Tasty Plant-Based Protein Shakes
Some plant-based protein shakes stand out, making them achieve a better place on the list of the best-tasting vegan protein shakes.
Kate Farms Organic Plant-Based Nutrition Shake
Kate Farms makes an organic, non-GMO, and dairy-free protein shake packed with phytonutrients from organic products like green tea, turmeric, kale, and cinnamon. The shakes are also free of artificial flavors and contain none of the most common allergens like wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, and soybeans.
The pea protein serving is slightly lower than most at 16 grams. Still, they have a higher carbohydrate content at 38 grams and 12 grams of fat, making them more filling and ideal for replenishing energy after exercise. Additionally, you get 5 grams of dietary fiber thanks to the addition of inulin and lots of vitamins and minerals. Expect one shake to meet 35% of the Daul value of vitamin D, 30% of iron, and 90% of vitamin B12.
Available in vanilla, chocolate, and coffee.
Rebbl Protein Herb Elixir
Rebbl’s plant-powered protein shakes are unique and come in several exciting flavors. Their products are organic and ethically sourced, thanks to their idea to empower the planet and those vulnerable people who cultivate the products they source.
The flavors of Rebbl’s vega protein shakes are well-balanced thanks to the pea, pumpkin, and sunflower seed protein blend used. The delicious shakes are also gluten, GMO, and soy-free. Their products also contain no sugar, agave, carrageenan, or thickeners.
The choice of flavors makes for a real treat, ensuring you can have a different one every day of the week – Vanilla, Dark Chocolate, Hazelnut Chocolate, and Salted Caramel. Coconut Macaroon, Oatmeal Cookie, Strawberries & Cream, and Chocolate Pweanut-Butter Banana. Try them all!
Explore the Best Vegan Shake Flavors
Exploring the best vegan shake flavors is quite easy, with so many manufacturers trying to outdo each other. Finding the best-tasting vegan protein shake need not take long since most stores stock them. You can also order most brands online.
Huel
Huel makes plant-based products free of GMOs, palm oil, and gluten. Their products include instant meals, protein powder, and super blends that meet your vegan dietary needs. Expect a 20 -22 gram protein boost per bottle. These protein shakes are infused with soluble and insoluble fiber, packed with phytonutrients, slow-release carbs, omega 3 and 5, and 27 essential minerals and vitamins.
Their flavors include Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Berry, Banana, Salted Caramel, Iced Coffee Caramel, and Cinnamon Roll. You can also order a variety box online.
Soylent High Protein Shake
Soylent makes a super creamy protein that’s plant-based. These ready-to-go protein beverages contain 30 grams of protein, no sweeteners, no artificial flavors, and have 28 vitamins and minerals. They are also gluten-free and contain nine essential amino acids. Soylent also has a range of meal replacement shakes and energy shakes.
The soy-based protein shake might only come in vanilla and Chocolate flavors, but its creamy texture ensures them a spot among the best-tasting vegan protein shakes.
Discover the Most Delicious Plant-Based Protein Drinks
You can make the best-tasting vegan protein shake at home using a vanilla-flavored protein powder with add-is and natural flavors. Read the World of Vegan article for ideas on making a nutritious protein shake at home.
However, if you are very busy and can’t manage to make a protein shake most days, don’t stress. There’s a nice variety of tasty protein shakes to try from several companies. The best way to discover the most delicious plant-based drinks mentioned above is with a quick online browse. You can find most of them at retailers, online stores, or directly from their manufacturers to get your protein from plant-based goodness.
