by Maria Masters

<p>Getting enough protein can be tough enough for non-vegan lifters, which is why people guzzle shakes and supplements to up their intake. Vegans have a hard time with that, too and it all comes down to what's in those shaker bottles. </p>

<p>When it comes to protein powder, whey is considered the gold standard for guys who want to <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/nutrition/a19537503/best-whey-protein-shakes-for-men-workout/" id="714bad32-162a-3f69-aaba-7d9e1b2ea960">  build muscle fast </a> . Whey which is made from the watery part of milk that separates from curds during the cheesemaking processis a complete protein, meaning it packs all the amino acids you need for muscle growth and repair. Whey is also high in leucine, the most important amino acid in the muscle-building process.</p>

<p>Thing is, whey doesnt work for everyone. Some athletes simply cant stomach whey (and stinking up the weight room definitely breaks all kinds of <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a19540308/gym-etiquette-10-simple-rules/" id="68049c66-c92b-33ee-a4e5-d676b06adf63">  gym etiquette </a> rules). Others are lactose intolerant. And of course vegans need plant-based protein alternatives.</p>

<p>But can you really build muscle with vegan protein powder? Turns out, the answer is yesyou just have to buy the right kind.</p>

<p>For muscle protein synthesis the technical term for the process of muscle repair and growth to occur, you need to consume all nine essential amino acids in each meal, according to <a href="http://www.mariespano.com/" id="8a66fb08-922d-3632-a22c-0b72d8491e4b">  Marie Spano </a> , R.D., C.S.C.S., a sports nutritionist for the Atlanta Hawks. Whey, a complete protein, makes it easy to do that, which is part of the reason its so popular. Most plant proteins, on the other hand, are missing at least one amino acid, and some are low in leucine (you should aim for 2.5 to 3 grams of leucine per meal for muscle repair and growth.)</p>

<p>Thats why you should opt for a vegetarian protein powder that mixes different types of plant proteins, explained <a href="http://activeeatingadvice.com/about/" id="014ff2d8-1165-371d-a7b0-d53989a1efea">  Leslie Bonci </a> , R.D., a nutrition consultant for the Pittsburgh Pirates. This ensures youre consuming all the essential amino acids and a wider range of nutrients. You could also consume a single-ingredient plant protein powder post-workout, and then make up for the missing amino acids through food later in the day, she says, since protein synthesis takes place over a 24-hour period. But lets face itthat makes things complicated.</p>

<p>Note: Most plant-based protein powders come with a few grams of added sugar, and thats by necessity, according to Spano. Without it, theyd taste like dirt and would be about as hard to mix.</p>

<p>She recommended blending protein powder with a few ounces of orange juice. The citrus will boost the vitamin and nutrient content and offset the earthy taste. After all, youll never reap the benefits of plant-based protein powders if you cant force yourself to drink them.</p>

<p>Here are our picks for the best vegan protein powders you can buy.</p>

<h1> Best All Around: Vega Sport Protein Powder, Chocolate </h1>

Best All Around: Vega Sport Protein Powder, Chocolate

<p>Made from a mix of peas, pumpkin, organic sunflower seeds, and alfalfa, one 22-gram scoop of this protein powder contains 15 grams of protein and only 80 calories. Plus, it also contains a whopping 2.9 grams of leucinemore than youd find in many whey protein powders.</p>

<h1> Best for Smoothies and Shakes: Nutiva Organic Plant Protein Superfood Smoothie </h1>

<p>Add this mix of pea, pumpkin, hemp, and sunflower with added probiotics and vitamins to your next smoothie and you'll be pleased with the extra protein bump. Choose between vanilla or chocolate.</p>

<h1> Best Pea + Rice Combo: NOW Foods Plant Protein Complex </h1>

Best Pea + Rice Combo: NOW Foods Plant Protein Complex

<p>A blend of pea, brown rice, and quinoa, each 38-gram scoop packs an impressive 22 grams of protein and 1.8 grams of leucine.</p>

<h1> Best Fan Base: PlantFusion Complete Protein Powder, Vanilla Bean </h1>

Best Fan Base: PlantFusion Complete Protein Powder, Vanilla Bean

<p>Nearly 3,600 Amazon reviewers have given this blend of pea, artichoke, amaranth, and quinoa protein a 4 out of 5 ratinga true feat for a plant-based protein. One 30-gram scoop contains 21 grams of protein and 120 calories.</p>

<h1> Best Ingredients: Garden of Life Meal Replacement, Chocolate </h1>

Best Ingredients: Garden of Life Meal Replacement, Chocolate

<p>One look at the ingredients list, and youll wonder which plants arent in this container. Made with proteins from peas, brown rice, amaranth, buckwheat, chia seeds, and more, one 36-gram scoop packs 20 grams of protein, plus a 7-gram dose of fiber.</p>

<h1> Best Unique Mix: Sunwarrior, Warrior Blend, Vanilla </h1>

Best Unique Mix: Sunwarrior, Warrior Blend, Vanilla

<p>Made from a blend of Goji berries and pea and hemp protein, each 25-gram scoop contains 18 grams of protein and about 2.6 grams of muscle-building leucine.</p>

<h1> Best Soy: NOW Sports Soy Protein Isolate, Natural Chocolate </h1>

Best Soy: NOW Sports Soy Protein Isolate, Natural Chocolate

<p>This soy protein isolate contains 20 grams of protein per 24 gram serving and just 90 calories.</p>

<h1> Best Do-Everything Mix: Vega One All-In-One Plant Based Protein Powder, French Vanilla </h1>

Best Do-Everything Mix: Vega One All-In-One Plant Based Protein Powder, French Vanilla

<p>A combination of pea protein, flaxseed, hemp protein, and more, one hefty 41-gram scoop contain 20 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, and 1.5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids.</p>

<h1> Best Quinoa-Powered: Bodylogix Vegan Protein Powder, Decadent Chocolate </h1>

<p>This jug carries the all-important "NSF Certified for Sport" seal, which ensures that what the label says is inside the product actually is. And what's inside this muscle-builder is largely chia and quinoa, a high-protein grain. There's Stevia too. Just saying in case you're not into that.</p>

<h1> Best Coconut-Powered: KOS Organic Plant Based Protein Powder </h1>

<p>There's a veritable cornucopia of ingredients in this powdered proteinpea protein, quinoa, pumpkin seed protein, chia, flaxbut there's also coconut milk and sugar, which are nice touches to help round out the flavor.</p>

<h1> Best Pea-Hemp Combo: Elite Protein Plant-Based Formula </h1>

<p>One serving clocks in at 25 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber (bonus!), and 150 calories.</p>

<h1> Best Enhanced Powder: Organifi Complete Protein  </h1>

<p>What this product lacks in protein (one scoop has 20 grams; you want more than 25 grams for muscle-building) it makes up for in fiber (3 grams) and a host of other nutrients. You can always enjoy 1 1/2 scoops to hit your protein goals.</p>

<h1> Best Gym Bag Option: Garden of Life Organic Protein Powder </h1>

<p>Because you can't throw a tub into your bag. Well, unless you have one of those giant bodybags. But if you're taking a giant bodybag to the gym bag, you might have other problems we don't want to get involved with.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Garden-Life-Organic-Protein-Powder/dp/B00R06N59K/ref=sr_1_8?crid=2234J3N5WH0Z3&amp;keywords=vegan%2Bprotein%2Bpowder%2Bnsf&amp;qid=1564146598&amp;s=hpc&amp;sprefix=vegan%2B%2Chpc%2C131&amp;sr=1-8&amp;th=1" id="002b48d4-3b7d-3c35-a303-eeaa11aea93b">  Buy Now </a> Best Chocolate Peanut Butter: Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Powder, Chocolate Peanut Butter</p>

<p>Chocolate and vanilla are fine. Fine. When you need a flavor mix-maker, turn to this well-balanced vegan protein powder. Enjoy and you're welcome.</p>

<p>Best Low-Calorie: Thorne Research, VegaLite, Vegan Friendly Performance Protein Powder, Vanilla Flavor </p>

<p>Fancy-looking container, right? A 20-grams-of-protein-per-scoop powder has only 110 calories.</p>

Vegans take strict care to eschew all animal byproducts in their diet, which is an admirable level of discipline most weightlifters can appreciate. Unfortunately, if you're a vegan and looking to build muscle, consuming enough protein, the macronutrient fuel that's necessary for muscular growth, is going to be a challenge.

The 15 Best Vegan Protein Powders

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Pulse Kenya is the most followed news and entertainment platform in Kenya. It informs and engages young Kenyans around the clock and provides updates by the hour.

by Maria Masters

Articles written by the author

The 15 Best Vegan Protein Powders